Abstract: A system for performing a gas-liquid mass transfer includes a container bounding a compartment and having a top wall, a bottom wall, and an encircling sidewall extending therebetween. A tube has a first end and an opposing second end, the first end of the tube being disposed within the compartment of the container. A nozzle is disposed within the compartment of the container and has at least one outlet, the nozzle being coupled with the tube so that a gas can be passed through the tube and out the at least one outlet of the nozzle. The nozzle is sufficiently buoyant so that when a fluid is disposed within the compartment of the container, the nozzle floats on the fluid.

Abstract: Apparatus for evaporating waste water having dissolved solids therein comprising a holding tank having an inlet for receiving waste water, a submerged combustion chamber with burner suspended within the holding tank, the submerged combustion chamber having a plurality of vertical slots defined therein near a bottom thereof which span a substantial portion of a height of the submerged combustion chamber, a blower connected to provide air under positive pressure to the burner, and, a vent stack coupled to an upper portion of the holding tank for allowing water vapor to exit the holding tank.

Abstract: Apparatus for evaporating waste water having chemicals therein which cause foaming comprises a holding tank having an inlet for receiving waste water, one or more submerged combustion chambers with burners suspended within the holding tank, and, one or more foam skimming weirs located in an upper portion of the holding tank, the one or more foam skimming weirs defining one or more foam collection zones.

Abstract: A system for dehydrating lubricating and hydraulic fluids includes a heating circuit and circuitry for creating a vacuum. The heating circuitry introduces a stream of heated fluid into a vacuum chamber in which a partial vacuum is drawn by the vacuum circuit. Aqueous components of the fluid stream are flashed in the vacuum chamber by virtue of the elevated temperature and reduced pressure. Dehydrated fluid is then collected and evacuated from the vacuum chamber. Vapor from the vacuum chamber, including the aqueous components of the fluid stream are collected, condensed and separately evacuated. The heating circuit limits surface temperature of a heating element in a closed-loop manner to avoid degradation of the fluid. The fluid stream is introduced into the vacuum chamber or is recirculated through the heating circuit to maintain a desired level of fluid temperature in a closed-loop manner.

Abstract: A column of solvent containing foaming contaminants is provided. Gas is injected into the solvent in the column so as to generate foam in the column. Foam generation continues so as to push the foam up in the column, wherein much of the solvent that is in the foam is allowed to drain back down into the column. The drier foam is pushed out of the column and into a container. The foam is broken up into gas and the liquid foaming contaminants. The gas is vented and recirculated for injection into the column for foaming purposes. A portion of the liquid in the container is recirculated as a spray, which spray breaks up the foam. Another portion of the liquid in the container is recirculated into the column as reflux. Another portion of the liquid in the container is removed from the system in order to remove foaming contaminants therefrom.

Abstract: An improved single shell boiler is provided. The single shell boiler includes a closed vessel for containing a liquid heat transfer medium, with the liquid heat transfer medium having a surface. A first bundle of heat source tubes is located in the closed vessel and is adapted to be submerged within the liquid heat transfer medium for heating and vaporizing the liquid heat transfer medium. A second bundle of tubes is located in the closed vessel in a position which is adapted to be above the level of the liquid heat transfer medium within the vessel to receive heat by condensation of vaporized heat transfer medium on the second bundle of tubes. A condensate distribution plate is positioned between the first and second bundles of tubes. The condensate distribution plate is adapted to approximately evenly distribute condensate droplets released by the second bundle of tubes to break-up froth on the surface of the liquid heat transfer medium to enhance vapor release from the liquid heat transfer medium.

Abstract: A method and a system is disclosed for the suppression of foams during the processing of streams containing waste materials. An additive is introduced into a waste stream and the waste stream is processed for a period of time at an elevated temperature and substantially atmospheric pressure. The tendency toward foam formation is suppressed by particles from the additive becoming suspended in the waste stream. The waste materials containing a substantial reduction of foam are removed from the processing system without the usual spattering and formation of sticky residue which causes fowling and frequent shutdowns of the processing system.

Abstract: A water purification apparatus positionable on an existing dispenser has a valve control member positionable in the water plenum of the dispenser to control release of purified water from the apparatus to the dispenser. A feedwater tank receives supply water which is fed to a water level control tank to maintain the water level in the boiler of the apparatus above the heating element. The control tank includes a partition separating a main reservoir from a de-foamer control chamber within which anti-foaming agent may be added. A condenser is coiled into a number of convolutions about a central opening and has external heat exchanger fins. An end cap assembly closes the central opening except for a small portion through which air is blown by a fan so that substantially all of the air flows over the fins. The boiler is a cylindrical container having a peripheral lip about an open end on which a lid having a steam outlet tube is positioned.

Abstract: A splash shield for the boiler of a distillation type water purification apparatus includes at least two grades of porous media which cooperatively inhibit bubble formation and splashing, thereby preventing transfer of contaminants from the boiler water to the upper, interior surfaces of the boiler and into the distilled, contaminant free water. A first porous media is open cell reticulated foam having relatively large cells. Typically, at least a portion of the open cell foam is disposed above the operating liquid level of the boiler. The second porous media is fabric or screen having pores preferably smaller than about one thousand microns. The screen is disposed above the liquid level of the boiler. The open cell foam inhibits bubble production and breaks down bubbles and the screen intercepts drops and droplets that might otherwise travel to, contact and contaminate the upper boiler chamber surfaces and output to a condenser.

Abstract: A process for producing a foamed isocyanate-based polymer based on an amount of water and an amount of catalyst, the process comprising the steps of: providing a first stream comprising a particulate, non-cellular filler material surrounded by a mixture comprising less than 100% by weight of the amount of water and less than 100% by weight of the amount catalyst; providing a second stream comprising an active hydrogen-containing compound and the remainder of the amount of water and the amount of catalyst; providing a thin stream comprising an isocyanate; feeding each of the first stream, the second stream and the third stream-independently of one another to a mixing device; mixing the first stream, the second stream and the third stream in the mixing device to produce a reaction mixture; and allowing the reaction mixture to expand to produce the foamed isocyanate-based polymer. A system for alternating between production of filled or untilled isocyanate-base foam is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for defoaming aerobic fermentation cultures is provided, where the amount of liquid culture medium used is greater than that in conventional aerobic cultures (70% or more of the total capacity of the culture tank) without lowering the productivity of the intended, desired product. In the present apparatus and method, a device for separating vapor from liquid of a foam is in fluid communication with the fermentation tank, a device for condensing residual liquid of the vapor received from the separating device is in fluid communication with the separating device, and a sensor for detecting foams is provided in a location along the fluid communication pathway. In the defoaming apparatus, an optional defoaming device is provided, which may be based on either a rotary body rotating at a high speed by use of an electric motor which beats the foams, or on a centrifugal atomizer. The defoaming device may be provided between the vapor-liquid separating device and the condensing device.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for decreasing the pressure drop in a column used for contacting at least one gaseous stream and at least one liquid stream, wherein a portion of the pressure drop across the column is caused by foam. The method comprises injecting a non-foamable liquid into the gaseous stream at a location, in an amount, and at a temperature which are sufficient to decrease the total pressure drop across the column.

Abstract: A coolant recycling apparatus has a boiler and condenser for distilling a glycol and water from a used coolant. The glycol and water are recombined in a mixing tank to form a mixture having a desired ratio of water to glycol, and an inhibitor is added to the mixture to obtain a fresh coolant mixture ready for use in an engine cooling system. Contaminants in the used coolant are concentrated to form a sludge.

Abstract: A vertical tube evaporation process for the concentration of saline water and other liquids, including the addition of an anionic mono-molecular dispersant thereto which interacts with materials precipitated during concentration and inhibits the formation of scale or fouling depositions on evaporator surfaces, and wherein the additive is incorporated into the precipitated materials and improves their removal during the descaling or defouling of evaporator surfaces by rendering such precipitates redispersable in fresh water or in a non-saturated liquid used for descaling or defouling of evaporator surfaces.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of removing organic solvent from a solution containing an emulsifier capable of foaming. The pressure in a chamber, in which the solution is disposed, is reduced. The foaming condition of the solution in the chamber is detected. Thereafter, the reduced pressure is regulated in accordance with the foaming condition of the solution.

Abstract: An electronic control and dosing system for desalinators (10) has a baffle, disposed between the evaporation and condensation chambers, fitted with probes (70, 71) which detect the presence of liquid created by entrained bubbles, that pass through the holes in the baffle. A control circuit (72), connected to the probes (70,71), closes a solenoid valve (62) to shut off the supply of feed water to the desalinator (10) until the threat of entrainment has passed. A foaming and/or scale inhibiting polymer, contained in a tank (64), is periodically introduced to the feed water inlet line (63) by a solenoid valve (65) controlled by a timer circuit (66).

Abstract: A vapor-and-liquid contact structure for distillation, fractionation, rectification, absorption, and the refining, in a column, of various liquid materials such as petroleum, chemical, and alcohol solutions wherein provision is made for the inclusion of vertically-spaced bubble plate chambers, having respective liquid and vapor contact devices, to accommodate contact of counter-current flows of reflux liquid and vapors. A downcomer, including slanted ramps, is disposed outside of the vapor conduit-defining interior, and defines an elongate downcomer structure for liquid flow. Accordingly, descending reflux liquid flow is kept outside of primary vapor flow, with secondary vapor evolving from descending reflux being conducted circuitously back into the primary vapor flow for ascent to the next-above contact device. Plate efficiency is enhanced through maximum plate-area effective use and unidirectional liquid-flow over such plates.

Abstract: A rotary evaporator for laboratory scale solvent evaporative procedures is described. A magnetically driven fluorocarbon coated rotor, operating within a container for solvents, creates a thin film for rapid solvent evaporation without the usual requirement for rotating the entire solvent container assembly. Rotary seals are eliminated, increased control over bubbling and foaming at higher vacuum is obtained, and continuous solvent addition is simplified.

Abstract: Distilling equipment comprising evaporation apparatus (2) including a boiling chamber (6) and equipment and conduits (46-59, 62, 63, 65-71) for supplying raw liquid to the boiling chamber at a predetermined level (43), a plurality of serial condensation stages (10, 20, 30), the first stage (10) connected to the top (7) of the boiling chamber (6) to receive gas therefrom and condense the gas by contact with cold recycled distillate from the final condensation stage (30), each stage having vertical vacuum producing bubble tubes (15, 25, 35) through which distillate and gas bubble (17) pass downward to a collection vessel (16, 26), gas carrier tubes (19, 29) which carry gas from each collection vessel (16, 26) to the condensation chamber (21, 31) of the following stage, and pump (41, 42) in cooperating conduits (18, 22, 28, 32) for pumping distillate free of gas from each collection chamber (16, 26) to the condensation chamber (21, 31) of the following stage.

Abstract: Vapor and liquid contact structure for distillation, fractionation, rectification, absorption, and the refining, in a column, of various liquid materials such as petroleum, chemical, and alcohol solutions. Provision is made for the inclusion of vertically-spaced bubble plate chambers, having respective liquid/vapor contact devices, to accommodate contact of counter-current flows of reflux liquid and vapors. Downcomer means including slanted ramps, disposed outside of the vapor conduit-defining interior, define elongate downcomer structure for liquid flow and thereby, i.e., by such slanted construction, reduce froth or foam passing to a next lower contact device, eliminating unwanted counter-current gas entrainment between contact devices. Liquid flow rates over exit weirs beyond 30 gpm/inch are obtained. Downcomer reflux reservoir depth can be adjusted by an adjustable gate proximate the slot opening to a given contact device.

Abstract: Water degasification and distillation apparatus having a container for water to be degasified and distilled, a relatively small boiler adjoining said container and having a first conduit extending into the container so that a selected water level in the container will fill said boiler to a selected height, a condenser within the container and immersed in the water contained therein, a second conduit extending from the space above the water in said boiler to the inlet of the condenser, an outlet on the condenser extending through a container wall for discharging degasified and distilled water and heating means in said boiler for heating the water therein.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a stripping tower adapted to remove unreacted vinyl chloride from a suspension or emulsion of a vinyl chloride resin after its polymerization reaction. The tower is a packed tower filled with a packing such as Tellerette packing. A condenser is provided in direct attachment to a top portion of the packed tower so that steam, which is discharged together with stripped monomeric vinyl chloride gas, is condensed in the condenser, separated from the monomeric vinyl chloride gas and then recirculated to the packed tower. Use of a packed tower as a stripping tower and steam as a stripping medium enjoys good removal efficiency of monomeric vinyl chloride but is accompanied by occurrence of a large volume of foams of a polyvinyl chloride slurry in the tower. Foams of the slurry eventually overflow from the top of the tower and do not permit any further continuation of the operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for chemical froth suppression in a fermenter comprises a vessel containing a chemical froth suppressor and communicating via a pressure pipe with the fermenter. The pressure pipe has arranged at a preselected level with respect to the froth height a nozzle intended to form a jet of froth suppressor which enters a chamber through an inlet port thereof. This chamber is accommodated inside the fermenter substantially above the level of froth therein. The jet of froth suppressor is reflected from the concave wall of the chamber to be conveyed along the discharge pipe by a pneumatic or suction pump into the vessel containing the froth suppressor. The discharge pipe is provided at tne end thereof inside the vessel with a nozzle intended to form a jet of the chemical froth suppressor flowing along this discharge pipe into the vessel.

Abstract: Free oil, often an objectionable impurity in synthetic organic detergents, such as sodium lauryl sulfate, is removed from aqueous solutions by extraction thereof with hexane in the presence of lower alkanol, with the proportion of the alkanol present being in a relatively narrow range with respect to the sodium lauryl sulfate, in which range it helps to promote efficient extraction of the free oil by the hexane without solubilizing the hexane in the aqueous medium to such an extent as to result in an extracted detergent containing an unacceptably high proportion of hexane. Separation of the free oil from the aqueous detergent solution is effected in an extractor, to which the hexane is added, in mixture with a minor proportion of lower alkanol, normally isopropanol, and extraction of the free oil takes place after a preliminary mixing of isopropanol with detergent acid or neutralized base in a neutralization vessel and/or in a mixer upstream of the extractor.

Abstract: A vapor liquid contacting apparatus having improved column throughput and mass transfer efficiency featuring, in one aspect, an overlay for dissipating vapor hole momentum and reducing vertical oscillations in the liquid vapor dispersion on the tray, and, in another aspect, an improved inlet weir.

Abstract: A vapor compression distiller has a vertically oriented cylindrical tank and a heat exchanger having a plurality of groups of heat exchange tubes disposed one above the other. Internal baffling channels vapor through the groups of heat exchange tubes in a serial relation commencing with the vertically lowest group. Feed liquid is distributed from the upper end of the vessel downwardly over the surfaces of the tubes. This causes the evaporation of a first portion of the feed liquid and a condensation of the vapor. The evaporated and unevaporated portions of the feed liquid pass downwardly past the heat exchange tubes with the unevaporated portion collecting in a liquor well at the lower end of the vessel and the vapor passes upwardly along the sides of the vessel heat exchanger and outwardly to a compressor, the outlet of which is connected to the vapor inlet of the system.

Abstract: A vapor compression type distillation unit is provided for distilling brackish water or seawater wherein high heat transfer rates are achieved in a vertical shell and tube type vaporizer while avoiding carry-over normally resulting from excessive foaming and its entrainment of liquid droplets in the vapor. A pool of liquid is maintained at the lower end of the vaporizer to be fed into the tubes with the level of the liquid being relatively low so that most of the length of the tube is filled with a frothy mixture conducive to high heat transfer rates. The mixture of vapor and liquid discharged from the upper ends of the tubes is caused to flow laterally and then downwardly through a downtake passage communicating with the lower end of the vaporizer. A vapor outlet is provided intermediate the ends of the downtake passage in such a manner that the vapor must change its direction of flow, preferably substantially 180.degree.

Abstract: An antifoam composition is introduced as an aerosol into the main gas stream entering a gas-liquid separation tower. The main gas stream carries the small aerosol particles up the tower through the sieve-like separation trays and the water moving over the plurality of trays. The movement of the antifoam carried in the gas stream to the top of the tower is many times more rapid than the transit of liquid down the tower in countercurrent movement thereto. For antifoam particle sizes in the preferred range, movement of the antifoam continues unabated through a long series of trays in the tower to effectively inhibit foam formation therein.