Abstract: The present technology is generally directed to vent stack lids and associated systems and methods. In particular, several embodiments are directed to vent stack lids having improved sealing properties in a coke processing system. In a particular embodiment, a vent stack lid comprises a first lid portion proximate to and at least partially spaced apart from a second lid portion. The vent stack lid further comprises a first sealing portion coupled to the first lid portion and a second sealing portion coupled to the second lid portion. In several embodiments, the second sealing portion at least partially overlaps the first sealing portion over the space between the first and second lid portions. In further embodiments, at least one of the first or second sealing portions includes layers of tadpole seals, spring seals, rigid refractory material, and/or flexible refractory blanket.

Abstract: An automatic tritium extraction device for environmental monitoring comprises a distillation chamber, a temperature control unit, a condensation unit and an auxiliary condensation unit. The distillation chamber is connected to a first pump, a second pump and a third pump. A delivery pipe comprises a first vertical pipe, a second vertical pipe and an oblique pipe which inclines upwards from the distillation chamber to the condensation unit. An automatic tritium extraction method for environmental monitoring comprises the following steps: 1) cleaning of a distillation chamber; 2) distillation rising; 3) distillation; 4) condensation; 5) discharging samples out of the distillation chamber.

Abstract: Provided herein is a continuous production line for a dressed proteinaceous patties with a solid food grade particulate using a coordinated volumetric toothed dispensing cylinder and variable speed conveyor for precisely controlled introduction of the particulate to a stream of proteinaceous material which is then formed into a patty.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of reducing emissions of byproduct gas when charging oven chambers of a battery of coking ovens, on the proviso that the oven chamber (1) to be charged is opened on the machine side (MS) of the battery of coking ovens, and a block of compressed coal (10) is introduced into the opened oven chamber (1). Byproduct gases released during introduction of the block of compressed coal (10) into the hot oven chamber (1), are discharged through a byproduct-gas manifold (11) attached to the oven chamber (1) and are then preferably freed of dust and incinerated. Crude gases formed in the closed oven chambers during coking are discharged through a crude-gas manifold (3) attached to the oven chambers (1) and are passed on for treatment by at least one gas scrubber.

Abstract: A coke oven includes an oven chamber, an uptake duct in fluid communication with the oven chamber, the uptake duct being configured to receive exhaust gases from the oven chamber, an uptake damper in fluid communication with the uptake duct, the uptake damper being positioned at any one of multiple positions, the uptake damper configured to control an oven draft, an actuator configured to alter the position of the uptake damper between the positions in response to a position instruction, a sensor configured to detect an operating condition of the coke oven, wherein the sensor includes one of a draft sensor, a temperature sensor configured to detect an uptake duct temperature or a sole flue temperature, and an oxygen sensor, and a controller being configured to provide the position instruction to the actuator in response to the operating condition detected by the sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pipe (13) for conveying a condensable gas or a gas comprising condensable components, comprising at least one portion (15) inclined relative to horizontal. A ring (17) is accommodated in the portion (15) inclined relative to horizontal, which ring is joined to the pipe (13) by a first end face (21) in a liquid-tight manner over its entire circumference and whose diameter decreases towards a second end face (25) opposite the first end face (21), such that a space (27) is formed between the ring (17) and the internal wall of the pipe (13), the ring (17) is positioned in such a way in the pipe (13) that liquid condensing on the pipe wall flows into the space (27) between ring (17) and internal wall of the pipe (13), and an outlet (19), through which the liquid may flow out, opens into the space (27) through the wall of the pipe (13). The invention further relates to a device for carrying out mass transfer processes and to use of the device.

Abstract: A mobile mechanical vapor recompression evaporator system including a horizontal vapor separator and a horizontal forced circulation heat exchanger. The horizontal vapor separator can include a generally cylindrical housing configured in a generally horizontal orientation. The housing can include at least one product chamber having at least one product passage configured to receive at least one product. The housing further includes at least one vapor chamber having at least one vapor passage and at least one vapor window located between the at least one product chamber and the at least one vapor chamber, wherein a portion of the at least one product evaporates in the product chamber to produce a vapor that passes through the at least one vapor window into the at least one vapor chamber, and is discharged through the at least one vapor passage.

Abstract: A center feed system for use within a delayed coking system, or any other similar system is described. The center feed system features an inlet sleeve which slidably engages a retractable nozzle, with inlet and outlet, in fluid connection with a feed source of residual byproduct, allowing residual byproduct to flow from the feed source into the interior of a vessel, thus effectuating or inducing even thermal distribution throughout the vessel.

Abstract: A coke oven offtake piping system includes a pipe assembly for conveying coke oven gases from a coke oven to a collecting main, at least one spraying nozzle in the pipe assembly, and a discharge section with a discharge pipe having a discharge orifice. A gate member cooperates with the discharge orifice and is movable along the discharge orifice in order to present a closing surface to the extremity thereof, whereby the opening area of said discharge orifice can be varied for controlling the flow rate to the collecting main. The gate member is a spherical cap with a concave closing surface. The gate member is configured to pivot around a pivoting axis to expose the discharge orifice and to cover the discharge orifice, respectively.

Abstract: Provided is a pyrolytic energy recovery system for pyrolyzing wastes to obtain oil, the system including: a recovery furnace; a heat plate for dividing an inner space of the recovery furnace; a heating chamber disposed under the heat plate; a pyrolysis chamber disposed over the heat plate; a heating pipe line installed inside the front and rear surfaces of the recovery furnace; a rotary means constituted by a plurality of rotaries installed in the pyrolysis chamber to evenly distribute recyclable materials introduced through the recyclable material inlet port; a residual discharge means having primary residual conveyance screws longitudinally installed along the valley of the heat plate, a residual hopper installed at a separate space in the heating chamber such that the residual conveyed to a center part of the heat plate through the primary conveyance screws is lowered to be gathered, and a secondary residual conveyance screw installed from the residual hopper to the exterior of the recovery furnace and dis

Abstract: A vent scraping apparatus (10) includes a mount (20) fixably attached a carbonizing machine (14) at an opening (18) in the carbonizing machine. A duct (28) is fixably attached within the mount (20). The duct (28) conducts gas vented from the carbonizing machine. A scraper (24) is movably attached between the mount (20) and the duct (28). The scraper (24) slides between an inner surface (22) of the mount (20) and an outer surface (30) of the duct (28). The scraper (24) includes a leading edge (36) for scraping an inner surface (44) of the carbonizing machine opening (18) as the scraper is extended.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a photolytic cell, and to a photolytic artificial lung incorporating such a cell. The photolytic artificial lung converts water to oxygen for blood absorption, regulates pH, the removes carbon dioxide, and co-produces electrical power. The photolytic artificial lung includes a photolytic cell where all of the chemical reactions occur. Additionally, the present invention relates to photolytically sensitive materials for oxygen generation. These materials are useful for gas-free artificial lung and/or pulmonary capillary fabrication. The photolytic cell disclosed herein can also be used to direct chemical reactions in organs other than the lung.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a photolytic artificial lung. The photolytic artificial lung converts water to oxygen for blood absorption, regulates pH, the removes carbon dioxide, and co-produces electrical power is disclosed. The photolytic artificial lung includes a photolytic cell where all of the chemical reactions occur. The photolytic cell disclosed herein can also be used to direct chemical reactions in organs other than the lung. Also disclosed herein is a gas sorption device for removing carbon dioxide from the system by chemical sorption.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for photolytic oxygenation of whole blood.

Abstract: The present invention features a flange to flange dynamic seal and sealing system, particularly suited for use within high temperature, high pressure environments, such as a delayed coking process. The dynamic flange seal and sealing system comprises two primary elements or seals, each of which are capable of independently forming a flange seal between two flanged components or combining to create a flange seal. Specifically, these primary seals are an iconel bellows seal and a bi-material gasket, each of which surround a flange opening along a sealing surface. The flange seal created by the dynamic flange seal and sealing system is capable of being maintained in light of, or rather the sealing system adapts to, any structural or environmental changes within the connected flanges. As such, the flange seal may be a dynamic flange seal or a static flange seal or both.

Abstract: An apparatus including a coke drum for coking hydrocarbon substances, a valve disposed near the bottom of the coke drum, and a discharge conduit for removing coke from the coke drum, wherein the discharge conduit is connected to the valve such that when the valve is open, the coke may be removed via the discharge conduit.

Abstract: In a dividing wall column comprising as segments a) an upper column region (6), b) an inflow section (7), c) an offtake section (8) and d) a lower column region (9), the inflow section b) (7) and the offtake section c) (8) are separated from one another laterally by a dividing wall (10) fixed in the column and the dividing wall (10) is located between the upper column region a) (6) and the lower column region d) (9). The present invention provides for the dividing wall (10) to be constructed at least partly of an elastic material, the dividing wall (10) to have a slightly overdimensional width and the dividing wall (10) to be fixed in the column by the dividing wall exercising an elastic recovery force on the interior wall of the column. The dividing wall can easily be installed in, in particular, relatively small columns.

Abstract: An insulated transition spool apparatus for mounting unheading devices to pressure vessels, such as coker vessels, and enabling repetitive operation thereof is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an outer housing, an inner housing that encloses an insulating space between the inner and outer housing, a side feed entry aperture in each housing and a spool adapter flange to facilitate attachment of the spool to the vessel.

Abstract: An insulated transition spool apparatus for mounting unheading devices to pressure vessels, such as coker vessels, and enabling repetitive operation thereof is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an outer housing, an inner housing that encloses an insulating space between the inner and outer housing, a side feed entry aperture in each housing and a spool adapter flange to facilitate attachment of the spool to the vessel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for controlling the gas pressure in a coke oven chamber comprising an immersion cup, which supplies water, and an immersion pipe, which is connected to the gas space of the coke oven chamber and terminates in the immersion cup. The immersion cup comprises an overflow and a closeable drain. The invention provides that, in order to control the level of the liquid, a drain pipe for water is provided whose inlet side end projects into the immersion pipe and whose lateral surface side is provided with inflow openings for admitting water. A slide, which is open on both faces, is placed inside the drain pipe, closes the inflow openings of the drain pipe according to its position in the longitudinal direction and forms a vertically adjustable overflow for the water flowing into the drain tube. The inflow side end of the drain pipe is surrounded by a siphon pipe, which closes the drain pipe at the top and forms an annular channel.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for decreasing gas flow rates in a sole flue gas system for a coke oven during at least an initial coking operation after charging a coking oven with coal. The method includes providing a duct system between a first coke oven having a first coking chamber and a second coke oven having a second coking chamber to direct at least a portion of gas from a gas space in first coking chamber to the second coke oven thereby reducing a gas flow rate in the first sole flue gas system of the first coke oven. Reduction in sole flue gas flow rates has a beneficial effect on product throughput, the life of the coke oven and environmental control of volatile emissions from coke ovens.

Abstract: An improved delayed coking unit with at least one coke drum wherein said coke drum comprises a substantially closed interior, a top portion having an aperture, an overhead vapor outlet nozzle removably connected to the aperture, and a deflector for deflecting solids and heavy hydrocarbon liquids from exiting said interior of said coke drum through said aperture.

Abstract: A heating furnace for home and industrial use, having the ability to catalyze fuel oil to produce fuel gas for external applications. The heat produced can be radiated, or can be circulated by a heated air or heated water system.

Abstract: A discharge system for a destructive distillation apparatus wherein the discharge solids act as plug to avoid the unwanted flow of product gas or ambient air therethrough while effectively discharging finely divided, disperse solids material from a continuously operating distillation apparatus. The use of a positive displacement two-stage auger having close clearance between the auger and auger cylinder wall, combined with an open section within the auger cylinder where a sealing material plug forms, results in improved sealing of the inventive system from unwanted transfer of gases. The hot, disperse, and finely divided solids exiting a distillation apparatus, such as carbon black formed from the distillation of automobile tire chips, is effective in the formation of a seal plug.

Abstract: Extractor (21) has extraction vessel (24) to which reflux line (26) is molded in one piece. Valve (1) which can be opened to allow the extract to flow back from extraction vessel (24) into distillation vessel (22) is sealed into reflux line (26). Valve (1) can be triggered depending on the height of the solvent level in extraction vessel (24).

Abstract: A combination liquid seal and spiral auger conveyor feeding system which provides both a liquid seal, effective under normal operating conditions, with a sealed spiral auger conveyor, which is effective to seal against the surge flow of distillation gases back through the feeding system. This is attained while providing for a reliable, continuous flow of solid bulk material such as rubber tire chips to a reactor or distillation unit. A bulk feeding system having a partially submerged inclined spiral auger conveyor is provided, communicating at its base with a liquid reservoir so as to form a liquid seal within the combined apparatus. Solid bulk material is introduced to the upper end of the liquid reservoir above the liquid level where it descends by the action of gravity into the liquid and sinks to the bottom of the reservoir to by picked up by the partially submerged rotating auger conveyor and elevated thereby.

Abstract: A vapor condensor connected to a glycol reboiler to prevent emissions of aromatic compounds from glycol dehydration from escaping into the atmosphere. Steam and vaporized hydrocarbons are directed into the vapor condenser where they are sprayed with 80 degree or below Fahrenheit water. The water spray cools the steam and vaporized hydrocarbons so that a substantial portion of the vapors are changed to a liquid phase which is collected in an accumulator located below the vapor condenser. A water jacket surrounding a central cylinder of the vapor condenser tends to keep the condensed vapors in the liquid phase. The remaining vaporized hydrocarbons which are not condensed are drawn out of the accumulator and burned in a burner connected to the glycol reboiler. The steam and vaporized hydrocarbons in the glycol reboiler have an initial temperature in range of 350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Abstract: Apparatus for thermally decomposing municipal waste to produce condensable gases, char, and non-condensable gases has a vertically extending reaction chamber receiving the waste particles at the upper end, discharging char at the lower end, and receiving a hot gas at the lower end for upward flow through descending waste particles in the chamber. A dual function cone suspended at the upper end of the chamber receives the waste particles therearound, receives the gases therein and funnels the gases to a combined inlet-outlet having an inlet portion receiving a propelling air stream, an intermediate section communicating with the top of the cone and an outlet portion discharging the air and gases from the cone.

Abstract: A distillation apparatus includes a heating device, an inlet for medium to be distilled, a vapor outlet, a distillation space between the distillation medium inlet and the vapor outlet and a drain for the separate components of the solvent, arranged in the bottom part of the distilling space and extending from same. In a heating vessel, which is able to be filled with a heating medium to be heated by the heating device, there is a downwardly extending down tube joined with the inlet and an up tube extending upwards to the vapor inlet. During operation the two tubes are surrounded by heating medium and form the distillation space. The drain is arranged under the junction between the up and down tubes and is provided with a U-trap.

Abstract: In a gas dehydration system utilizing glycol a condensate skimming reflux column separates and skims natural gas condensate off glycol by a settling tank-type reservoir having a syphon-type glycol outlet to a reflux section spaced a predetermined distance below a condensate outlet pipe.

Abstract: A potable water dispenser includes a first reservoir for storing raw water, a second reservoir for storing boiled hot water, and a third reservoir for storing boiled warm water. The second reservoir is surrounded by the raw water in the first reservoir so as to effect a heat exchange therebetween. A condenser is disposed on the top end of the second reservoir. A heating device is interposed between the first and second reservoirs so as to vaporize the raw water from the first reservoir. Then, the vapor flows into the condenser so as to form boiled hot water which falls into the second reservoir. The boiled hot water will flow from the second reserovir into the third reservoir through a water duct so as to form boiled warm water. Two water tap units are respectively communicated with the second and third reservoirs so as to supply hot and warm water.

Abstract: A liquid product (4) leaving a furnace (2) is introduced into a series of cyclone separators (5, 6, 7). The liquid product to be vaporized is introduced tangentially into the top portion (5a, 6a, 7a) of each cyclone to place the product into contact with a side wall (5b, 6b, 7b) of the cyclone. A gaseous phase (11, 12, 13) formed in each cyclone is collected in the central zone (8, 9, 10) of the cyclone and is then introduced into a vacuum distillation column (3). The liquid phase obtained in each cyclone is collected at the bottom (5c, 6c, 7c) of the cyclone and then is introduced tangentially into the top (6a, 7a) of the following cyclone or, in the case of the last cyclone, is introduced directly into the vacuum distillation column (3). The side wall (5b, 6b, 7b) of each cyclone (5, 6, 7) is heated to a temperature near the maximum temperature allowable for avoiding all thermal deterioration of the product.

Abstract: A highly efficient distillation unit is provided for heating water and condensing the generated steam to remove the contaminants from the water. Efficiency is enhanced by providing a compact air cooled fin-and-tube heat exchanger which removes heat from the steam, with a powered blower passing air by the fins. A removable bowl which houses the evaporating water is suspended from a rod biased toward its upper position. Mechanical linkage interconnects the rod and a valve which controls incoming water flow to the bowl. The valve closure member is incrementally moved from an opened position to a closed position as a function of the weight of the water in the heating bowl. A low density electrical heating element is powered with from 40 to 55 watts per square inch of submerged heating element exterior surface. The bowl is configured to have a large surface area of heated water to heater input power, thereby further maximizing efficiency.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting a long tube vertical evaporator to a falling film evaporator in a manner which permits salvaging most of the long tube vertical evaporator structure. The bottom chamber of the existing evaporator is extended to define a flash chamber intermediate the existing heat exchanger chamber and the bottom chamber. A vapor riser conduit is provided for directing vapor from the flash chamber to the vapor separation chamber positioned above the heat exchanger chamber. A recirculation conduit is provided for directing liquid from the bottom chamber therethrough into a distribution chamber which is provided above and in communication with the upper ends of the heat exchange tubes positioned in the heat exchanger chamber. The distribution chamber is preferably provided with a plurality of spray nozzles which communicate with the recirculation conduit to evenly distribute a film of liquid downwardly through the heat exchange tubes.

Abstract: A closure is provided for the top opening of a circular or oval cross section gas offtake pipe provided on the roof for a coke oven chamber to conduct gasses from the chamber to a gas main. The closure includes a domed top cover and an inner cover. The peripheral edge of the top cover dips into a water seal provided on the top edge of the gas offtake pipe when the cover is in a closed position. The edge of the inner cover engages a peripheral top sealing edge of an annular wall which is disposed at a distance from the water seal inwardly thereof. The top seal edge of the annular wall is disposed above a base of the water seal.

Abstract: An ascension pipe for coke oven installations wherein the inner periphery of the pipe is lined with refractory brick and wherein a tube of heat-resistant steel covers the inner periphery of the brick lining. Only minor deposits form on this tube during operation of the coke oven. These deposits can be removed easily by vertically-guided scrapers without damaging the refractory, in contrast to prior art ascension pipes wherein the deposits must be removed from the refractory bricks themselves.

Abstract: An improvement in a process for the pyrolytic conversion of rubber and plastic waste to hydrocarbon products which results in reduced levels of nitrogen and sulfur impurities in these products. The improvement comprises pyrolyzing the waste in the presence of at least about 1 weight percent of salts, based on the weight of the waste, preferably chloride or carbonate salts, of zinc or copper (I).This invention was made under contract with or subcontract thereunder of the Department of Energy Contract #DE-AC02-78-ER10049.

Abstract: A body is provided with at least two cylindrical swirl chambers used to form a liquid spray cone for injecting charge gases resulting from charging coal to the coke oven, and a liquid spray cone for cleaning coke-oven gas passing through the coke oven ascension pipe. The swirl chambers are made of different diameters and each has a separate tangentially oriented inlet and a separate axially directed spray nozzle. The chambers communicate with one another through a by-pass passage to provide flow of liquid from one swirl chamber to another one.

Abstract: An apparatus for pyrolyzing shredded tires including an oven having a discharge opening and a tote having a discharge snout corresponding to the opening, the tote being placed in the oven with the snout inserted into the opening, radiant heating tubes are provided in the oven in close proximity to the top and bottom of the tote to heat the shredded tires, the tote having an inclined top for directing gaseous vapors produced on heating the tires toward the snout, the gaseous vapors are drawn through a discharge duct assembly and condenser by a fan located at the exhaust from the condenser.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for recovering the material components of rubber tires, the process including the steps of shredding the rubber tires to a size capable of being transported, heating the shredded rubber pieces in an inert atmosphere to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the heat recoverable components of the tires, condensing the vaporizable components to liquify the oil and ammonia present, collecting the uncondensed gas, and recovering the carbon residue and metal remaining after cooling. The apparatus including a hot air oven having a plurality of hot air conduits defining a primary heating zone and a top wall configuration defining a gas collection zone and a tote bin formed by a closed container having an opening at one end and a top wall configuration conforming to the top wall of the oven.

Abstract: A gas-transfer tube assembly is used to extract charging gases through an orifice in the roof of one coke oven chamber and discharge the gases into an adjacent second coke oven chamber through an orifice in the roof thereof. Each orifice has a riser with an annular water seal normally closed by a removable cover. The gas-transfer tube assembly includes downwardly-extending tubular end portions with elbow parts that are selectively connected together by a straight mid-section used to change the spacing between the downwardly-extending end portions. The gas-transfer tube assembly is supported for vertical movement on a car that runs along a monorail supported by buckstays. The car is stabilized by rollers at the top of the car to engage a rail.

Abstract: A seal for the offtake piping of a coke oven. The piping includes two communicating parts, such as an ascension pipe and a gooseneck, which move relatively to one another. A seal between these parts prevents escape of gases. The seal includes a trough fixed to one of the parts and receiving the other. The trough contains a body of a non-coking non-flammable liquid, preferably silicone, into which the other part extends. Optionally the trough may also contain a gasket of a closed cell sponge elastomer or a layer of granular material.

Abstract: A self-replenishing seal for the gas offtake piping of a coke oven and sealing method. The collector main with which the piping communicates has a trough containing a body of liquid. The end of the piping extends into the liquid to provide a seal which permits relative movement. The trough is located under a nozzle which supplies flushing liquor to the main. Flushing liquor from the nozzle automatically replenishes liquid lost from the trough.

Abstract: An improved coke oven battery and an improved method for production of coke and byproducts are provided. The filling gas escaping during the filling of the oven chambers with coal is initially rendered inert by admixing flue gas. Then the resulting gas mixture of filling gas and flue gas is withdrawn via a conduit fed with flushing liquor from the coke oven gas off-take main and is added to the raw coke oven gas after the coke oven gas off-take main. The tar and coal containing flushing liquor coming from the filling gas conduit is fed back to the coke oven gas off-take main after removal of the tar.

Abstract: A method of cooling and dedusting degasification gases which escape from coal degasification chambers particularly gases which are obtained in high temperature or low temperature carbonization of bituminous and subbituminous coals and which pass from degasification chambers through risers and bends into collection mains and in the bends or in the collecting mains themselves which comprises directing crude tar having a temperature in excess of 50.degree. C. and lower than 170.degree. C. into the bends and collecting mains either alone or with water added which has a temperature and is of a quantity such that it completely evaporates in the collecting main.

Abstract: A jumper pipe forms a passageway between the free spaces above coal charges in adjacent coking chambers for the natural flow of relatively cooler coke oven gas from the free space above the coal charge in the most recently charged one of the coking chambers into the free space above the coal charge in the other of the coking chambers to reduce the relatively higher temperature therein. An inert atmosphere is maintained along at least part of the passageway to prevent the flow of coke oven gas essentially during decarburization and the pushing of coke from either of the two adjacent coking chambers. Valve members at opposite end portions of the jumper pipe are moved to at least partially-closed positions to facilitate the maintenance of an inert atmosphere therein. A supply or steam or gaseous nitrogen is used to maintain the inert atmosphere in the jumper pipe. The inert gas prevents the entrance of coke oven gas into a coking chamber while undergoing decarburization.

Abstract: After replacement of the walls of one chamber of a coking battery this one chamber is heated up by withdrawing relatively hot air from another still-hot chamber of the coking battery and injecting it into the cold chamber. This is done by means of a conduit extending between the two chambers and provided with an internal nozzle that conducts the hot gas from the hot chamber to the cool chamber by jet-pump action. This hot gas is mixed with relatively cool air so as slowly to heat the cool chamber up.

Abstract: Equipment for receiving and transporting red-hot coke, pushed out of the oven chambers of a chamber coke-oven with vertical flue, and for extracting and purifying the dust-containing gases rising from the coke. The equipment includes duct means and associated suction means for initially extracting the dust-containing gases from an extractor hood and subsequently from the container collecting the hot coke.

Abstract: An elbow cover for a coke oven ascension pipe characterized in that the opening which is covered is oval in shape and is formed at the junction of the ascension pipe and a downwardly-extending supply pipe leading to a gas-collecting main. The oval-shaped cover is provided with an immersion cup seal and a spaced sealing plate. Because of the oval shape of the opening, cleaning tools can be readily inserted into the opening to clean both the ascension pipe as well as the supply pipe.

Abstract: A highly efficient distillation unit is provided for heating water and condensing the generated steam to remove the contaminants from the water. Efficiency is enhanced by providing a compact air cooled fin-and-tube heat exchanger which removes heat from the steam, with a powered blower passing air by the fins. A removable bowl which houses the evaporating water is suspended from a rod biased toward its upper position. Mechanical linkage interconnects the rod and a valve which controls incoming water flow to the bowl. The valve closure member is incrementally moved from an opened position to a closed position as a function of the weight of the water in the heating bowl. A low density electrical heating element is powered with from 40 to 55 watts per square inch of submerged heating element exterior surface. The bowl is configured to have a large surface area of heated water to heater input power, thereby further maximizing efficiency.