Abstract: A still comprises a housing, a hollow rotor rotatably mounted in the housing and having one or more outlets for liquid at the periphery thereof, means for rotating the rotor about its axis, a plurality of concentric lamellar bodies of thermally conductive material mounted in the hollow interior of said rotor so as to provide a labyrinthine path within the rotor for liquid moving radially outwardly under centrifugal force and for vapor moving radially inwardly with respect to the rotor, vaporizing means for vaporizing liquid to be distilled, liquid inlet means for introducing liquid to a radially inner part of the hollow interior of said rotor, vapor outlet means communicating with a radially inner part of the hollow interior of said rotor, and liquid outlet means for removal of liquid from the housing, whereby in use vapor is constrained to move radially inwardly and liquid to move radially outwardly under centrifugal force within said rotor, fractionation occurring at least in part by condensation of vapor o

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a process for making alkali metal phosphates, especially alkali metal polyphosphates, from alkali metal phosphate solutions or suspensions. To this end the solutions or suspensions are forced to flow through a plurality of single opening nozzle structures under a pressure of 6 to 66 bars and sprayed inside a tower through a flame zone produced by a plurality of burners arranged in annular fashion. The disclosure also relates to a device for carrying out the process, wherein a cylindrical spray tower (1) having a tapered lower end and being closed by means of a cover (2) has a solvent feed pipe (5) terminating in a spray means (6) centrally passed through the cover, and wherein a plurality of burners is passed through the cover (2), concentrically around the solvent feed pipe (5). The spray means (6) is comprised of a feed pipe (15) and at least one spray head (12), which has a plurality of single opening nozzle structures (17) disposed in its terminal surface area (13).

Abstract: In a thermally driven multi-effect distillation process and apparatus liquid is introduced into a plurality of evaporating and condensing stages or chambers while heat energy is passed through the stages or chambers in a direction countercurrent to the direction of flow of the liquid which undergoes evaporation to form condensate and distilland in each stage or chamber while transferring the heat of condensation to the next downstream stage or chamber and maintaining a minimum temperature differential between stages or chambers, and separately removing condensate and distilland from each stage or chamber while rotating the stages or chambers about an axis passing through the points of introduction thereto of the liquid and heat energy. The apparatus includes a plurality of adjacent evaporation and condensation chambers and devices for introducing liquid and heat energy thereto in countercurrent directions. The walls of the chambers, formed of spaced heat conductive sheets, act to transfer heat.

Abstract: A distillation apparatus utilizing a flexible heat exchange medium with a nonwettable condensation face and an opposing readily wettable wicked evaporation face arranged in envelope configurations which provide large heat transfer areas within relatively small volumes.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for the thin layer evaporation of liquid in which the thin layer to be evaporated is formed by centrifugation.It is characterized in that the pointed part of the said cone is immersed in a reserve of liquid to be evaporated and a communication is established between the external face of the said pointed part of the cone and the internal face of this cone, so that the thin layer subjected to evaporation is formed on the internal face and on the external face of the cone.It concerns a device and installation for the distillation by evaporation in thin layers, particularly for hydrocarbons, and process for operating this device.

Abstract: A vapor distillation system sprays a mixture of liquids to be distilled into an evacuated vaporizer chamber. The low boiling point components of the mixture will be vaporized while the remainder of the mixture will collect at the bottom of the vaporizer chamber. The collected liquid is recirculated and heated. The recirculating liquid is discharged, and fresh mixture is introduced, as a function of the sensed temperature of the recirculating liquid. The vapor is transferred to a condenser chamber having a water spray head so that the chilled spray condenses the vapor. Both the condenser chamber and the vaporizer chamber have fluid level control systems.

Abstract: A vapor generating and recovering apparatus for vaporizing a liquid and condensing a vapor, the apparatus including a container having a liquid therein with heating and cooling systems in heat transfer relation with the liquid and vapor in the container. The heating and cooling systems include means to vaporize the liquid and means to condense the vaporized liquid disposed within the container. Temperature or pressure sensing means in the cooling system is utilized to shut down the heating system when a preselected vapor level is exceeded.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for recovering a solvent from a mixture containing the solvent is disclosed. In certain aspects, a portion of the recovered liquid is recycled and used in the evaporative process, such as for the seal liquid in a liquid ring vacuum pump. In another aspect, the initial separation is achieved in a thin film evaporator operating under partial vacuum from the liquid ring vacuum pump.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing detergent powder containing heat-sensitive components is disclosed. The process involves preparation of two separate crutcher slurries, one containing the relatively heat-stable components which is sprayed in a conventional manner and a second containing heat-sensitive components which is sprayed into the spray-drying tower at a level lower than the level at which the drying air is injected. Desirably the second slurry is sprayed in a direction which includes an upward component, so as to lengthen the pathway of the sprayed droplets.

Abstract: A film evaporator is made up of a central shaft with conical surface elements fixed on it, each of which has a conically convex side and a conically concave side, said conical surface elements walling off an evaporation space. There is a means for running a product feed to limits of inner openings in the rotating conical surface elements so that same may be spread out from said limits in the form of a film and after heating by said heat vehicle may be run off out of the evaporator as a concentrate. The outer faces of the surface elements are heated by a heat vehicle. To make certain that the film of product is kept unbroken on its way through the apparatus there are tubelets with a small diameter running out radially from the outer limits of the surface elements. At their inner limits the tubelets each have an inner diameter such that the sum of the inner circumferences of all the tubelets on a given surface element is equal to the circumference of the surface element in question at its outer limit.

Abstract: A closed cycle recovery system and apparatus for continuously recovering residual products which have been washed or flushed from tank trucks, tank cars, and other transportation or storage containers while simultaneously separating and recovering the water, solvent or other fluids which are used to wash or flush such tanks and containers in which a mixture of the water, solvent, and other fluids, and the residual product is separated by evaporation of the water, solvent, or other fluids by passing the mixture through a distillation chamber having a series of tube and flat plate heat exchange surfaces so that the individual fluids and product may be purified and separately stored for further use.

Abstract: A solvent reclaiming unit has a still for distillation of contaminated solvents to recover clean solvent from the solvent vapor. The still has a tapered or conical bottom heat exchange surface surrounded by a heat source. The still has scrapers which wipe the heat exchange surface to prevent scaling of the heat exchange surface. The scrapers are driven during the distillation process by an external motor and reducer. The contact of the scrapers with the heat exchange surface is adjustable from outside of the still to maintain wiping contact. The wiping portion or blades of the scrapers may be formed of brass or other soft material attached to a harder material, such as a spring stainless steel. A safety stop is provided in the interior of the vessel so that the blades may not be adjusted to the point that the harder steel comes in contact with the heat exchange surface.

Abstract: Novel rotary processors which involve a devolatilizing stage including a rotatable element carrying a plurality of annular channels and a stationary element providing a coaxial closure surface operationally arranged with the channels to provide enclosed processing passages. Each passage of the devolatilizing stage includes inlet means, outlet means and a channel blocking member all associated with the stationary element and arranged and adapted so that material fed to the inlet can be carried forward by the rotatable channel walls to the blocking member for discharge from the passage. The passages are interconnected by material transfer grooves formed in the closure surface.The rotary processors of this invention include a novel vacuum system to evacuate the devolatilizing stage.

Abstract: An apparatus for concentrating a dilute solution comprising a heat receiving thin plate which has a good thermal conductivity and is provided on its rear surface not facing a heat source with a liquid absorbing layer for absorbing a solution supplied thereto for concentration, and at least one condensation thin plate which has a good thermal conductivity and is provided with a liquid absorbing layer on at least one surface thereof, the heat receiving plate and the condensation plate or plates being arranged in parallel spaced relationship with each other and each of them being partly formed with at least one groove for supplying the solution to be concentrated to the liquid absorbing layers. A dilute solution supplied to and impregnated in the liquid absorbing layers through the grooves is concentrated by the heat supplied to the heat receiving plate or the latent heat of condensation released to the condensation plate.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for short-path, high-vacuum distillation from a liquid on plate-like evaporating surfaces from which distillable fractions evaporate and precipitate onto condensation surfaces a short distance away, the liquid is placed upon the evaporating surfaces at a temperature such that the energy required for its evaporation is taken, at least in part, from the still-unevaporated fraction of the liquid.

Abstract: In an apparatus for the desalination of sea water using a multi-effect evrator process, a sea water preheater and a falling film evaporator are both formed of similar stamped heat exchanger plates. The heat exchanger plates have a uniform arrangement of projections-depressions disposed in a grid-like manner with rows of the projections-depressions extending perpendicularly to one another. The plates are assembled in facing contact so that one pair of plates form tubular ducts and adjacent plates on each side of the pair combine with the plates forming the tubular ducts and provide slot-like ducts separated from and extending perpendicularly to the tubular ducts. Adjacent plates are welded together. The plates in the preheater form a continuous unit divided into stages. The plates in the falling film evaporator are arranged in individual units with each unit forming a separate stage.

Abstract: A novel fractional distillation process and applications thereof to the production of thermal or mechanical energy from two low level heat sources wherein a mixture of two highly non-ideal reactive solutions such, for example, as of the water/ammonia type, is separated into its water and ammonia components in an apparatus comprising a cascade of condensers and evaporators operating respectively at the temperature of the cold source and at the temperature of the hot source and at staggered pressures. The residue and distillate formed are remixed in a mixing apparatus when it is desired to recover the thermal energy of dilution of the solutions.The invention is applicable, in particular, to the heating of buildings from low level thermal energy and from the thermal energy of "cold wind".

Abstract: Block short-way evaporator with wiped-off film for vacuum and molecular distillation which is suitable for large-scale production. The evaporator is composed of one or more vacuum chambers in which parallel vertical double-sided flat evaporators with wipers for wiping evaporating areas and double-sided flat condensers are alternately located so that they form a continuous block. On the bottom of each chamber distillate collecting troughs with distillate tubes are formed alternately below double-sided flat condensers using separating partitions, and below double-sided flat evaporators residue collecting troughs with residue outlet tubes are formed, feed tubes being led through the bottom and the double-sided flat evaporators into separating troughs in the upper part of the double-sided flat evaporators.

Abstract: Elastic scraper for high-capacity continuous molecular evaporation and reactors with a wiped-off film, the scraper being in the form of a plurality of wiping segments mounted upon a wiping device having a plurality of circumferentially spaced parallel supporting rods which rotate with respect to the surface of the apparatus from which the film is to be wiped. The wiping segments are held from above by an elastic spring which connected them to their respective supporting rods. The supporting rods may be floatingly mounted, as by connecting segments which are mutually joined whereby to provide the supporting rods and the wiping segments supported thereby with limited concumferential movement with respect to the surface to be wiped.

Abstract: The upwardly converging dome enclosing an evaporation chamber above a body of liquid is provided with an attachment for removal of vapor to enhance evaporation and condensation within the dome. Cooling conduits of the attachment conduct gas and vapor from the upper apex of the dome through passages having vented enlargements from which regulated escape of gas and vapor occurs.

Abstract: A system for treating waste effluent and recovering solids and solvent material including a reservoir mounted on a stand connected by means to a solvent migrator including an adjustable trough for receiving new solution, a secondary reservoir with a cloth or absorbent material designed to contact the fluid in the secondary reservoir, while parallel to the sun's rays, an automatic leveling means and apparatus for recirculation of waste effluent including a leveling ball, and suction tubing for the recirculation of fluid, a solar unit comprised of glass panels to form a collecting dome with collecting troughs and a bonnet to shade the top of the pyramid formed by the dome panels and mirrors for the reflection of sunlight, all of which is connected to a chemical trap and subsequently a collecting means for the pure product.

Abstract: A capillary tube is shrunk around a wire heating element, fashioned into the desired configuration, and situated between the exterior surface of a cylindrical inner glass tube and the interior surface of a cylindrical outer glass tube, to form an assembly. The space between the adjacent tube surfaces is evacuated as a heat source is moved along the axis of the assembly to heat each longitudinal section of the assembly, in sequence. The element is thermally expanded as the outer tube surface collapses toward the inner tube surface, resulting in the fusion of the adjacent glass surfaces around the expanded element. In this manner, a channel is formed through the fused glass body which has the configuration and dimensions of the expanded element. During cooling, the element returns to its unexpanded condition. This results in a space between the channel walls and the element, permitting the element to expand, when electrically energized, without breaking the glass body.

Abstract: An apparatus for the distillation of a fluid containing at least two constituent components is disclosed. The apparatus includes a microwave energy source and a solar energy collector, both of which may be used to heat a subject fluid to a greater temperature for the purpose of distillation of same. Further, the disclosed invention combines a vacuum within the apparatus to facilitate operation and enhance the overall energy efficiency of the apparatus.

Abstract: A continuous process of spreading a film of a solids/liquid admixture over walls of a chamber, maintaining a saturated vapor atmosphere within the chamber, vaporizing liquid of the film to provide the saturated vapor and solids, discharging the saturated vapor and solids from the chamber and condensing the discharged vapor is effected in a hollow module having two spaced-apart chambers, one within the other, and means to move saturated vapor from the inner chamber to the outer chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for distilling water in which a heat receiving plate member and a plurality of cooling plate members have a means for holding water to be treated on each reverse side thereof and are arranged in parallel spaced relationship with each other, and the water vapor produced by heating the heat receiving surface of the heat receiving plate member is condensed on the condensing surface of the adjacent cooling plate member, while giving the latent heat of the condensation to the cooling plate member and heating a water held on its back to produce the water vapor which is condensed on the condensing surface of the next cooling plate member, such evaporation by the latent heat and condensation being conducted according the number of rooms partitioned by adjacent two cooling plate members. There are apparatuses of two types, i.e.

Abstract: An atomization/distillation unit for separating a component from a mixture containing that component having a chamber, a container incorporated within the bottom of the chamber for receiving the mixture, a heater for heating the mixture to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the component but insufficient to vaporize the entire mixture, an atomizer located within the container for spraying said mixture upward in the chamber thereby aiding in further vaporization of the component, and agitator plates operating in conjunction with the atomizer for propelling the vapor upward in the chamber. Cooling coils are located in the top portion of the chamber in order to condense the vaporized component. Once condensed, the distillate is easily removed from the chamber. The atomization/distillation system is effective in combining atomization and distillation in order to maximize recovery of the desired component in a highly energy efficient manner.

Abstract: A solar fermentation process and distillation system for the manufacture of ethanol product suitable for blending with motor gasoline or as a substitute fuel for gasoline. Fermentation of starches or sugars is carried out in situ in solar collector tubes. The raw beer product emanating from the solar tubes is purified into a high quality ethanol fuel product by passing the beer product through a series of distillation columns whose internal reboil vapor is generated in whole or in substantial part through direct application of solar heat energy. The use of solar energy as heating source in the fermentation and distillation steps markedly reduces the need for external utilities such as steam and fuel to run the plant thereby greatly reducing the operating costs of the plant.

Abstract: A thermally driven multi-effect distillation process and apparatus are disclosed in which liquid is introduced into a plurality of evaporating and condensing stages or chambers while heat energy is passed through the stages or chambers in a direction countercurrent to the direction of flow of the liquid which undergoes evaporation to form condensate and distilland in each stage or chamber while transferring the heat of condensation to the next downstream stage or chamber and maintaining a minimum temperature differential between stages or chambers, and separately removing condensate and distilland from each stage or chamber while rotating the stages or chambers about an axis passing through the points of introduction thereto of the liquid and heat energy.Generally the apparatus comprises a plurality of adjacent evaporation and condensation chambers and means for introducing liquid and heat energy thereto in countercurrent directions.

Abstract: Distillation apparatus in which a group of pairs of heat-transfer tubes are each driven to wobble about a vertical axis which passes through a wobbling center. A stream of fluid is directed to flow down inside each tube. The fluid stream tends to cling to the inner surface of the tube away from the wobbling center while it revolves with respect to the tube in response to the wobbling motion. The revolving flow stream wipes the inside surface of the tube to form a thin film which offers low heat resistance to facilitate the evaporation, carries away the residue by its lateral motion and carries the reflux downward with little restriction.

Abstract: A continuous trickle-down distillation unit for producing hydrated alcohol having a compact, elongated distillation tube through which a fluid mixture including alcohol as one of its constituents passes. Within the distillation tube only the alcohol-predominant portion of the fluid mixture is vaporized while the remaining constituents of the fluid mixture are removed. The vaporized alcohol-predominant portion is condensed within a chamber which communicates with the distillation tube and is removed therefrom by a collection plate which extends partially into the chamber.

Abstract: Crude tall oil and water undergo a mass transfer at predetermined temperature and pressure values so as to remove salts from the oil. The flow of the crude oil through a collector disposed beneath an evaporator is maintained at a speed 8 to 80 times less than the trickling speed of the crude oil flowing through the evaporator. Salts are also precipitated from the crude oil by a cooling process.

Abstract: An energy efficient falling film evaporator having a plurality of substantially vertical and equidistant heat exchange elements made of a synthetic polymeric material. Each evaporating surface is in contact with a liquid spreading means, and each heat exchange element is heated by steam having a condensation temperature slightly higher than the boiling point of the aqueous solution from which water is being evaporated. Steam formed by evaporation of water either is recompressed and reintroduced as heating steam in a single-stage process or is used as heating steam for another stage, operating at a lower temperature and pressure, in a multistage process. Heating steam condenses to fresh water, which is recovered. This process is operated at a lower temperature and pressure, in a multistage apparatus. Heating steam condenses to fresh water, which is recovered.

Abstract: A mechanical energy conversion method and system for the restoration of dissipated heat energy, contained in natural or artificial water bodies at or near ambient temperatures, to industrial process heat, mainly in the form of steam up to 200.degree.-400.degree. C. The sensible heat contained in a water body is concentrated as latent heat in low pressure water vapor which is thermo-compressed by steam ejection to an intermediate pressure level, wherefrom mechanical compression takes over, generating highly superheated output steam. The ejecting steam is not generated in a boiler, but is continuously regenerated by the compressor and routed back for repeated ejection. The compressor is driven by a heat engine whose reject heat is collected and upgraded as well. The output of heat energy is essentially equal to the sun of the heating value of the fuel consumed and the intake of latent heat and amounts thus to substantially more than the heating value of the fuel alone.

Abstract: In a process for separating mixtures of matter in the liquid phase and a device suitable therefor, liquid (12) absorbs heat during its passage through a first cavity (3), said heat having been generated during the condensation yielding the condensate (13) at the upper wall portion (5) of the first cavity. The thus preheated liquid is passed to a third cavity (9), the upper wall portion (10) of which is liquid-tight and gas-tight and absorbs the thermal radiation (11). Part of the liquid further heated by said process evaporates and penetrates in vapor form through the liquid-tight, steam-permeable upper wall portion (8) of the third cavity (9) into a second cavity (6), the upper wall portion (8) of which is one and the same as the lower wall portion (9) of the third cavity. This steam condenses under the cooling action of the first cavity (3). The condensate (13) so formed is withdrawn from the second cavity.

Abstract: A multiple effect diffusion distillation system includes a plurality of parallel plates for continuous recovery of heat having opposed evaporation and condensation faces for alternately evaporating and condensing phases of a liquid fed on to the upper end of the plates in a thin film for gravity flow along the evaporator face of the plates with vapor condensing on the condensation faces and with means for collecting and recovering the condensed product from the system. Alternate embodiments including a solar heat input system and others include multiple modular systems.

Abstract: An arrangement for permitting a first liquid to flow close to a second liquid, but without being intermixed therewith, includes a first plurality of plates (12) and a second plurality of plates (12), which are located between plates in the first plurality of plates but spaced therefrom by means of separating pieces. Each separating piece includes a frame formed about plate-shaped plane-parallel partial pieces, viz. an outer porous and hydrophobic plastic disphragm, an intermediate distance network of plastic and an outer thin plastic foil. The frame includes infeed holes for air and outfeed holes for water.The voids of the plastic diaphragm have a radius within the range of 2 to 5 .mu.m. The distance network has a thickness of 1 to 2 mm and consists of intersecting strips. The plastic foil has a thickness of about 0.1 mm.The plates include a frame with four through holes, of which two holes have connection to a recess in the plate, while the other two holes have no such connection.

Abstract: Concentrated alcohol and distillery slop are produced from fermented beer with a reduced amount of energy by employing a vapor recompression distillery slop evaporator in which evaporator vapors are used to strip alcohol from the fermented liquor before they are returned as the heat source for evaporation. Vents in the evaporator permit passage of uncondensed vapors used to drive the evaporator to a rectifier, in which they constitute the principal heat and alcohol source. Condensed vapors from the evaporator and the bottom stream from the rectifier are stripped of their remaining alcohol content in a condensate stripper, which is also driven by the recompressed vapors from the evaporator. This prevents dilution of the slops and the additional energy cost that would be necessary if the water content of these streams had to be removed in the slop evaporator.

Abstract: An apparatus unit for the fractional distillation and rectification of liquid mixtures includes a plurality of horizontal superimposed tubular main sections interconnected in series by a plurality of tubular connecting sections, e.g. U-shaped, to define an elongated space along which liquids and vapors flow. Intimate contact between liquids and vapors and efficient heat and mass transfer are provided by a stirrer rotating within the main section about horizontal axes and magnetically driven from the outside. Suitable inlet and outlet ports and heating and cooling devices are provided. An arrangement for joining the adjacent sections without the use of flanges or threaded portions is provided. A number of such units are preferably associated to form a modular apparatus, the individual units being operatively connected as desired to provide series, parallel or mixed flow of the fluids.

Abstract: A solar energy desalination process utilizing solar radiation directly for the evaporation of salt water is described. Ambient air takes on water vapor as the air passes through an evaporative medium. It is then directed between a saline water-covered, solar absorbing surface and a solar collecting housing. The resulting heated and moisture-saturated air is cooled in a heat exchange means where condensation of fresh water occurs. Simultaneously, cool salt water is utilized as the cooling water in the heat exchange means, and takes on the heat of condensation given up by the condensing vapor. The heated salt water from the heat exchange means is partially directed over the solar absorbing surface, and at least a portion of it is also directed to wet the evaporative medium. Several optional sub-processes are described for operation of the system during periods of reduced insolation, and an alternative process is described for operation of the process on a floating platform.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing contaminants from water having solid contaminants dissolved therein. Contaminated water flows across a grid and into a storage tank. The grid utilizes solar energy to heat that water to a predetermined temperature. A heat transfer structure which is dome-shaped and receives water from the storage tank and a preheater means utilizing solar energy heats the water to a further predetermined temperature. An evaporator means receives the heated water and exposes it to a vacuum condition so that the temperature of the water is above the saturation temperature. The water is thus vaporized, and solid contaminants dissolved therein are separated therefrom. The solids are deposited on a plurality of moving belts and are then moved into a solids removal system. The solids removal system comprises a plurality of trap door pairs upon which the solids are deposited and which are sequentially opened so that the vacuum conditions existing in the evaporator are not disturbed.

Abstract: A method for the recovery of heat and easily evaporable components from hot gases in which a liquid flowing downwards along heat exchanger surfaces is simultaneously heated indirectly, the hot gases are fed into the lower section of a gas space, blast gas containing evaporable components is removed at the upper section of the gas space, and a condensate derived from the hot gases is removed at the bottom of the gas space, comprising further bringing the blast gases into one or several indirect heat exchange contacts with the liquid, in successive additional gas spaces, recovering condensate accumulated at the bottoms of these additional spaces, and withdrawing the blast gases from the last additional gas space.

Abstract: In a vessel (1), several mutually parallel evaporator tubes (2) are arranged which, on their outside, are surrounded by heating steam introduced into the interior (1a) of the vessel. A coaxial displacement body (3) is arranged in the interior of the evaporator tubes (2). A gap (5) is formed between the displacement body (103) and the surrounding evaporator tube (2). The displacement bodies (3) are fixed to a bottom (6) which is demountably joined to the vessel (1). The displacement bodies (3) can be removed by removing the bottom (6). The pre-evaporated product, introduced from below and leaving the evaporator tubes (2) at the top, is passed to a vapor-release vessel (11) in which a separation of vapors and concentrate takes place. Each displacement body (3) is formed by a rifled tube which has been provided by deformation with at least one spirally running recess (4). The product flows through both the gap (5) and this recess (4).

Abstract: An externally cooled, absorption engine apparatus and method, the apparatus including a closed cycle system having a first fluid and a second fluid, the first fluid constituting a working fluid and having a relatively lower boiling point while the second fluid constitutes a solvent for the first fluid and has a relatively higher boiling point and a relatively high degree of absorptivity for the first fluid. The apparatus further includes a distillation column, a superheater, a mechanical expansion engine, an externally cooled absorption column, and heat exchange apparatus. The distillation column separates the first fluid or working fluid from the solvent with heat energy supplied by an external combustion source and the superheater increases the thermal energy thereof prior to passing the working fluid through the mechanical expansion engine. The mechanical expansion engine converts thermal engine in the working fluid vapor to mechanical energy.

Abstract: This invention relates to a distillation column for removing vinyl chloride monomer or other volatile material from an emulsion, suspension or dispersion containing such material. The apparatus comprises a column in which a series of inverted cones are mounted. The dispersion or emulsion is pulled downwardly over the cones and steam is fed into the column through sparges and flows upwardly against the descending stream of material. The low boiling materials are distilled out and recovered for reuse. The strips emulsion or dispersion are collected at the bottom of the column.

Abstract: A regenative absorption engine apparatus and method, the apparatus including a closed cycle system having a first fluid and a second fluid, the first fluid having a relatively lower boiling point, the second fluid having a relatively higher boiling point and also a relatively high degree of absorptivity for the first fluid. The apparatus further includes a distillation column, a superheater, a mechanical expansion engine, an absorption column, and heat exchange apparatus. The distillation column is used to separate the first fluid from the second fluid with heat while the superheater increases the thermal energy of the first fluid prior to passing the first fluid through the mechanical expansion engine. The mechanical expansion engine converts thermal energy in the first fluid to mechanical energy. The backpressure in the first fluid on the downstream side of the mechanical expansion engine is lowered by absorbing the first fluid with the second fluid in the absorption column.

Abstract: The rectifier having inserts for evaporation and condensation is constructed on the basis of modules (19). Each module has a distributor channel (5) for the liquid. The distributor channel (5) is positioned above the upper rim of an evaporater (1) inclined in the direction of the module axis. The evaporator (1) ends above a guide element (13) for the liquid. The guide element (13) is inclined in the direction of the module wall (14) and ends above the distributor channel (5) of the next module. The module is furthermore provided with a guide element (2) for the vapor and a condenser (10). The condenser (10) has drain elements (11, 15) for the condensate.

Abstract: Salinated or other contaminated water is fed to a chamber and sprayed into an evaporation chamber that is maintained at a relatively low pressure by means of a vacuum pump or the like. This evaporates the water so that desalinated water vapor is drawn out through the pump and discharged into a collection chamber at a higher pressure whereupon it condenses and may be discharged into a storage area The solids removed by the evaporation of the water collect at the base of the evaporation chamber and can be removed periodically through an air lock.

Abstract: An apparatus for concentrating a liquid solution comprises a plurality of spaced-apart plates arranged for rotation about a substantially horizontal axis; means for supplying solution to the surfaces of said plates, said surfaces being arranged to be exposed to heat and/or flowing gas for vaporizing a readily vaporizable constituent from the solution passed to the surfaces of said plates; and means for collecting concentrated products. The plates are provided with an outer layer of open-pore porous material having the ability to absorb solution; and the radially inner regions of said outer layers extend into a storage space for solution to be concentrated, said storage space being shielded from the outer-layer parts exposed to said heat and/or said gas by means of shielding means.

Abstract: Internally of an insert arranged within a container there is disposed a pre-evaporator, which at its lower end has an inlet for the starting material and at its upper end opens into a treatment compartment or chamber. The pre-evaporator is surrounded by a heating jacket whose outer surface serves as a heated treatment wall. For forming a thin layer there coact, with such treatment wall, up and down movable wiper elements. Arranged coaxially with respect to the insert or insert member, within the container, is a surface condenser. The starting material or product which is to be processed, is pre-evaporated within the pre-evaporator and subjected, along the treatment wall, to a final evaporation. The lighter volatile constituents condense at the surface condenser, and the condensate can be separately outfed from the concentrate which is formed during the final evaporation.

Abstract: A distillation system for sea water is provided with a fan to force air under pressure through a heating chamber having a heat exchanger to heat the air, a passageway from the heating chamber for directing the heated and pressurized air to an evaporator in which a reservoir of sea water is maintained at a predetermined level and in which cylindrical horizontally disposed brushes are partially submerged in the sea water and rotated as the heated air from the heating chamber passes over the rotating brushes with the brushes rotated at a sufficiently high speed to keep the brushes wet thereby preventing the formation of scale on the brushes. The moisture laden heated air then flows through a condenser which includes a heat exchanger utilizing sea water as the cooling medium and includes an outlet valve which permits the condensed water to be withdrawn for use.