Abstract: The invention pertains to a device for the condensation of water from an aqueous liquid by using a temperature gradient, which device includes: (a) a vapor chamber that can be brought in contact with a condensation compartment wherein at least part of the water vapor from the aqueous liquid condenses, and wherein inside of said vapor chamber is located (b) an evaporation compartment having a least a wall with an outer surface and which includes a closed, hollow and water permeable membrane wherein the vapor chamber has an outer surface that includes a substantially water-impermeable insulation skirt with an inner and an outer surface, such that there is a gap between the inner surface of the insulation skirt and the outer surface of the evaporation compartment, and wherein the vapor chamber has a lower surface of an active width (w) which is at least 10% of the effective diameter (d) of the evaporation compartment.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a process for the preparation of anhydrous or substantially anhydrous formic acid. This apparatus is constructed partly or entirely of substantially zirconium-free materials. The extractant employed is a liquid of the general formula I where the radicals R1 and R2 are alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl or aralkyl groups, or R1 and R2 jointly, together with the N atom, form a heterocyclic 5- or 6-membered ring, and only one of the radicals is an aryl group, and where R3 is hydrogen or a C1–C4-alkyl group. The apparatus has a synthesis reactor (6), a hydrolysis reactor (1), three distillation devices (2,4,5) and an extraction device (3).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved solar powered distillation system and method. The solar powered still may have a membrane that is extruded, molded, or sprayed-on. The membrane may be installed in a lightweight basin as a liner resulting in improved ease of still manufacturing and assembly as well as improved sealing. Further, the membrane may have a plurality of fluid reservoirs. In a preferred embodiment, the membrane material may be an opaque water grade non-toxic odorless, tasteless silicon, Uniprene, or Sarlink. In one variation, the solar still basin casing may be molded and made of ABS, polycarbonates, or polybutylene. The solar still may further include legs made of PVC or similar pipe materials and may include a strengthening member formed integrally in the bottom surface of the basin casing. The still may include a metal and rubber seal stripping to couple a sheet of glass to the still basing.

Abstract: A solar distillation loop apparatus includes a first pipe section disposed on a ground surface, the first pipe section including a substantially straight portion and elevated portions on each end of the substantially straight portion, an impure water inflow coupling at one end of the straight portion and an impure water outflow coupling at the other end of the straight portion; solar powered fans disposed in each of the elevated portions of the first pipe section; a second pipe section disposed under the ground surface beneath the first pipe section; and two substantially vertical pipe sections that connect respective ends of the second pipe section to respective ends of the first pipe section.

Abstract: The object of this invention to provide an improved arrangement that enables to prevent adhesion of polymer on or around the inner wall of a purification apparatus directly equipped on the outer wall thereof with an attachment such as a support by suppressing local temperature lowering inside the apparatus due to the existence of the attachment. The present invention provides a purification apparatus comprising an attachment directly mounted on an outer wall of the apparatus; and a covering material made of a low heat conductive material which partly or entirely covers the outer wall of the apparatus, and which partly or entirely covers the attachment.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for producing (meth)acrylic acid and a process for producing (meth)acrylic acid with this apparatus wherein the apparatus enables the production of (meth)acrylic acid stably for a long period of time by effectively inhibiting the polymerization of (meth)acrylic acid in its production process (for example, in a reboiler). At least a part of the apparatus is made of a nickel-chromium-iron alloy with a molybdenum content of 3 to 20 mass %, but not including 3 mass %, or with a molybdenum content of 1 to 4 mass % and a copper content of 0.5 to 7 mass %.

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: A coke oven door comprises a generally rectangular outer frame, a generally rectangular inner frame positioned within the outer frame and a seal operably mounted to the inner frame and adapted for effecting sealing against a jamb of a coke oven. The outer frame is adapted for moving the seal toward the jamb and the outer and inner frames are pivotally connected so as to be able to pivot relative to one another about a longitudinal pivot axis.

Abstract: This invention relates to a simple, convenient, portable mini-distillation apparatus for the production of essential oils and hydrosols, said apparatus is useful to distill essential oils and hydrosols such as rose water, ajowain water from fresh and dried plant material like leaves, flowers, roots and rhizomes by water distillation, water and steam distillations and as an optional, steam distillation can also be perform at atmospheric pressure as well as slightly higher and lower than atmospheric pressure, said apparatus can be heated on brick-clay furnace with small agro-waste, LPG cooking gas, electrically heated stove or kerosene/diesel burner etc. and requires minimum attention during handling; since the apparatus is made of stainless steel and glass, the essential oil distilled is of better quality.

Abstract: A compact, self-contained apparatus for treating wastewater containing as impurities and pollutants various non-volatile (at water boiling points) fluids such as greases, oils and soaps, a vessel for collecting the wastewater, a heating chamber including electric heating elements and a heat transfer liquid such as mineral oil to heat the wastewater admixture to boil off the water and to reduce the volume of liquid for disposal, and a wastewater supply tank positioned under the apparatus. The apparatus may further include a disposable liner to isolate the wastewater from the vessel itself and facilitate rapid and clean removal and disposal of waste material after evaporation of the water, and thermally-activated sensors to maintain a desired temperature differential between the heating elements and the heat transfer liquid contained in the apparatus.

Abstract: To improve the columns used so far for producing phthalic anhydride, and to make them less expensive and easier to install, it is proposed that in the column for concentrating phthalic anhydride two distillation stages are arranged, wherein the removal of the low-boiling components of the crude phthalic anhydride by distillation is effected in the first distillation stage (2) and the separation of the high-boiling components from the pure phthalic anhydride is effected in the second distillation stage (3), both distillation stages being arranged side by side and being separated from each other by a vertical wall (4), and that the bottom (7) of the first distillation stage (2) is connected with the bottom (10) of the second distillation stage (3).

Abstract: A solar of still of the tilted tray type having a black absorber member forming a plurality of cells. A glass window is positioned closely adjacent the cell distortion of the absorber, and a reflector beneath the absorber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for a distiller adapted to distil solvents for recovery of pure solvent from impure solvent, the solvent (2) being used for washing away residues of paint from spray guns. The distiller (1) includes an outer container (5) with a boiling chamber (8) which at the top has an opening (9) which can be tightly closed by a cover (10) and a flexible inner container (13) is provided in the boiling chamber (8), the flexible inner container (13) containing impure solvent to be distilled. A pipe means (20) is placed beside the flexible inner container (13) in order to allow solvent steam (7a), which is generated by boiling solvent in a lower space (19) beneath the flexible inner container (13), to pass from the lower space (19) into an upper space (16) having an outlet (17) and located above the flexible inner container (13) for preventing the solvent steam (7a) from lifting the flexible inner container (13) in the boiling chamber (8).

Abstract: A coke oven and a method of operating the same, capable not only of achieving a uniform combustion temperature heightwise within a combustion chamber when a rich gas or a lean gas is burnt, but also of reducing NOx content in the waste gas, while eliminating localized high-temperature combustion. The combustion chamber of the coke oven comprises a rich-gas port 2 located near an oven wall 6 bordering a carbonization chamber in the bottom 5 of combustion chamber, and the midpoint P3, connecting the center P2 of a lean-gas port 7 and the center P of an air port 3, is on the side opposite to the rich-gas port 2 relative to the center line CL of the combustion chamber. (See FIG.

Abstract: A solar distilling apparatus employs anthracite coal as a heat-absorbing medium. Greenhouse roof elements rest over a gutter that is isolated from the water-holding container to prevent deposit formation and algae growth from reaching the gutter. Bacterial growth is inhibited by ventilation and the use of titanium-laden magnetite mixed with the anthracite particles. The gutter is also isolated from the exterior of the unit, which prevents contamination from outside sources. The exterior side of the roof elements resting on the gutter are fitted with a metal skirt that provides a heat sink preventing the re-evaporation of condensation flowing toward the gutter.

Abstract: The invention concerns an evaporator, especially for the sugar industry, with at least two heat exchangers, into the top of which the medium to be concentrated is loaded and which are heated with steam with different compositions and/or different pressures in a cross stream, wherein the concentrated medium and the exhaust steam generated, after they come out of the heat exchanger, are carried off separately. To produce an evaporator that is simple and inexpensive in design, the invention proposes that the medium to be concentrated be loaded by a medium distribution common to all heat exchangers and the medium leaving the first heat exchanger go directly into the next heat exchanger. Only after the medium comes out of the second heat exchanger are the exhaust steam and the medium separated. The steam spaces in the heat exchanger separated from the exhaust steam space are separated from one another by a common dividing wall.

Abstract: A system for distributed utilities including electrical power and water. A generation device is provided for converting an available resource to a desired utility; the resource may be water, in which case the generator is a purifier for purifying untreated water, or, alternatively, the generator may convert a fuel to electrical power. In either case, an input sensor is provided for measuring input to the generation device, while an output sensor is provided for measuring consumption of output from the generation device. The monitoring system has a controller for concatenating measured input and consumption of output on the basis of the input and output sensors. Measured parameters are telemetered to a remote site where utility generation and use are monitored and may also be controlled.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved solar powered distillation system and method. The solar powered still may have a waterproof membrane that is extruded, molded, or sprayed-on. The membrane may be installed in a lightweight basin as a liner resulting in improved ease of still manufacturing and assembly as well as improved sealing. Further, the membrane may include silicone. In a preferred embodiment, the membrane material may be an opaque food grade non-toxic odorless, tasteless silicon, for example, Dow Corning 40. In one variation, the solar still basin may be formed from an aluminum sided insulation material. In another variation the solar still may include a carbon filter attached to either the input or output of the solar still for filtering out VOCs. The solar still may further include adjustable legs that facilitate leveling the still to ensure the most efficient operation possible. The still may be provided to users in a kit and assembled on site to improve shipping.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a solar powered distillation system and method. The solar powered still may have an impermeable nonporous membrane that may be extruded, molded, vacuum formed or sprayed-on. The membrane may be installed in a lightweight basin as a liner. Further, the membrane may have a plurality of fluid reservoirs and an overflow trough. In a preferred embodiment, the membrane material may be an opaque water grade non-toxic odorless, tasteless silicone, TPE, TPR, TPO, or EPDM. In one variation, the solar still basin casing may be molded or vacuum formed and made of ABS, polycarbonates, fiberglass and/or polybutylene. The solar still may further include legs made of PVC or similar pipe materials that are coupled to the still basin with a coupling. The still may include a gasket or seal compressed by a metal and rubber seal stripping to couple a sheet of glass to the still basin.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system for distilling liquor. The system is multilayer and has devices including a top layer, a middle layer, a bottom layer and an outer cooling assembly and four units correspondingly arranged in those devices. The layers all have inner walls made of thermal-conductive and anti-corrosive material. The four units are a heating unit, a cracking unit, a purifying distilling unit and a cooling unit. The heating unit boils water to generate heating steam. The heating steam is introduced into the cracking unit to heat alcoholic paste to generate liquor steam.

Abstract: A coke oven buckstay moving device and method which can be used to quickly, reliably, and smoothly repair buckstays compared to conventional methods and devices. The coke oven buckstay moving means includes a main car, a subcar, a frame, and securing means. The main car is used when repairing pillered buckstays that support oven walls of the coke oven, and moves on a coke side platform or a machine side platform. The subcar is placed on the main car, and can freely move forward and backward in a direction of a lengthwise direction of the coke oven. The frame is provided in a standing manner on the subcar. The securing members are mounted to the frame and are used to grasp and secure the buckstays. According to the method, a damaged portion of the buckstay is secured to the subcar, cut, and then removed. Reversing the steps, a replacement buckstay is secured to the subcar, moved into position, and welded into place. The subcar is detached, and the oven repaired.

Abstract: A method and device for enhancing distillation in an evaporator. The evaporator includes phase change chambers, such as vertically-oriented cylindrical evaporation tubes. Each chamber has an evaporation region that can be heated externally. Each chamber has an inlet for introducing liquid to the chamber and an outlet opening for allowing vapor to exit from the chamber. Packing is inserted into one or more chambers to enhance distillation. The packing may include a rod with bristles emanating from the rod. Other chamber packing may include multiple rods or a mesh.

Abstract: The device for evaporation and condensation in a closed environment includes an evaporation receptacle, a heating unit for the evaporation receptacle and a condensation receptacle connected in a substantially sealed manner to the evaporation receptacle. The evaporation and condensation receptacles are connected to each other, at their openings, extending on either side of a common separation plane in such a way that the arrangement of the receptacles forms substantially an inverted “V” with a sharp point and in that substantially the entire surface area of the wall forming the evaporation receptacle is brought, by the heating unit, to the same temperature T1 higher than the highest temperature T2 of the wall forming the condensation receptacle.

Abstract: A process is provided herein for the high yield production of high purity glacial methacrylic acid (“HPMAA”) that is substantially pure, specifically 99% pure or greater with a water content of 0.05% or less.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a process for the preparation of anhydrous or substantially anhydrous formic acid. This apparatus is constructed partly or entirely of substantially zirconium-free materials.

Abstract: A refined dihydroxyaryl compound, for example, catechol, having a high degree of purity and a very low metal content is produced by evaporating a starting dihydroxyaryl compound in a distillation column, condensing the vapor fraction in a condenser connected to a top outlet of the distillation column, and collecting the condensed fraction from the condenser into a storage tank through a conduit, wherein the condenser and optionally the conduit and/or the storage tank have inside surfaces thereof formed from a metal material containing at least 25% by weight of nickel, and the condensed dihydroxyaryl compound fraction is brought into contact with the specific nickel (25% or more)-containing metal inside surface.

Abstract: The present invention, a SOLAR DESALINATION PLANT is a water desalinating plant utilizing solar energy. It comprises of an airtight housing chamber covered with a transparent dome at its top and a transparent wall constructed over a source of saline or murky water. The chamber stands in the water and the water covers entire bottom portion inside the chamber. The surface of the water inside the chamber is covered with black floats. There is an horizontal channel in the form of an open duct above the surface of the water all around fixed to the wall inside the chamber. The channel slightly slopes down into an outlet pipe and a transparent U-tube connecting to a transparent collecting tank. A suction pump is connected between the collecting tank and a storage tank through a valve. The storage tank is also connected to the collecting tank through another valve. The transparent dome allows the sun's rays to pass through into the chamber to heat the black floats.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved solar powered distillation system and method. The solar powered still may have a waterproof membrane that is extruded, molded, or sprayed-on. The membrane may be installed in a lightweight basin as a liner resulting in improved ease of still manufacturing and assembly as well as improved sealing. Further, the membrane may include silicone. In a preferred embodiment, the membrane material may be an opaque food grade non-toxic odorless, tasteless silicon, for example, Dow Corning 40. In one variation, the solar still basin may be formed from an aluminum sided insulation material. In another variation the solar still may include a carbon filter attached to either the input or output of the solar still for filtering out VOCs. The solar still may further include adjustable legs that facilitate leveling the still to ensure the most efficient operation possible. The still may be provided to users in a kit and assembled on site to improve shipping.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved solar powered distillation system and method. The solar powered still may have a membrane that is extruded, molded, or sprayed-on. The membrane may be installed in a lightweight basin as a liner resulting in improved ease of still manufacturing and assembly as well as improved sealing. Further, the membrane may have a plurality of fluid reservoirs. In a preferred embodiment, the membrane material may be an opaque water grade non-toxic odorless, tasteless silicon, Uniprene, or Sarlink. In one variation, the solar still basin casing may be molded and made of ABS, polycarbonates, or polybutylene. The solar still may further include legs made of PVC or similar pipe materials and may include a strengthening member formed integrally in the bottom surface of the basin casing. The still may include a metal and rubber seal stripping to couple a sheet of glass to the still basing.

Abstract: Device for evaporation and condensation in a closed environment The present invention relates to a device (1) for evaporation and condensation in a closed environment consisting essentially of an evaporation receptacle (2), a heating means (7) for said evaporation receptacle (2) and a condensation receptacle (3) connected in a substantially sealed manner to said evaporation receptacle (2), characterised in that said evaporation (2) and condensation (3) receptacles are connected to each other, at their openings (2′, 3′), extending on either side of a common separation plane (4) in such a way that the arrangement of said receptacles (2, 3) forms substantially an inverted “V” with a sharp point and in that substantially the entire surface area of the wall (6) forming the evaporation receptacle (2) is brought, by said heating means (7), to the same temperature T1 higher than the highest temperature T2 of the wall (5) forming the condensation receptacle (3).

Abstract: There is disclosed a solar still having a hollow, porous absorber body (8), body positioning means (9) to expose the absorber body to solar radiation, feed means (13) to introduce feed liquid into the absorber body, condenser means (14) composed of non-porous material that is substantially transparent to solar radiation, the condenser (14) substantially enveloping the absorber body (8), flow control means (19) to regulate the rate of flow of feed liquid into the absorber body (8), and harvesting means (23) for the removal of distillate from the condenser means (14).

Abstract: A solar still for producing fresh water including a device, adapted to absorb solar radiation and to contain water to be distilled; a condensation surface on which vapor, produced by heating up of water of the device can condense; a fresh water collector that trickles down the condensation surface in which said device includes an impermeable membrane that is flexible, kept stretched, of a dark color, exposed to the sun, and arranged in a shade, a hydrophilic fleece forming a covering for said membrane, supplied with water by capillary action and gravity; a device for recovering formed brine arranged at the bottom of said fleece; wherein said impermeable membrane and its hydrophilic fleece constitute the wall of an evaporation chamber that is elongated, a transparent sheltering element installed underneath; wherein said transparent sheltering element is a closed space and an inner face of a wall thereof constitutes said condensation surface; and a blower which is associated with an apparatus for producing a fl

Abstract: Although water covers three-fourths of the earth's surface, it is unevenly distributed throughout. In some places, the demand for water exceeds the supply. There are several hundred desalination plants in the world, but it is very costly to produce fresh water. The Modular Clear Roof and Dark Basin Solar Still is a low-cost way to produce fresh water. The multiple modular roofs made of glass and/or clear plastic acts like a greenhouse. The sun shines through the roof creating heat. The salt water evaporates and condenses to make fresh water. This fresh water is collected in the half-pipes. Through a gravity flow, this water is collected in a water tank. This is feasible and effective in areas where the demand for water is high, especially in the equatorial or desert area.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a solvent distillation apparatus capable of preparing a highly pure anoxic, dehydrated solvent. A distilling flask is connected to a vacuum double-barrel fractionating column by a glass flange. The upper end of the fractionating column is connected to a middle portion of a reflux condenser. The upper end of the reflux condenser is provided with an outlet for a purge gas, and the lower end thereof is connected to a condensate reservoir. The base of the condensate reservoir is connected to the fractionating column near a lower end thereof via a Young cock, and also connected to a collecting flask via a Young cock and a glass flange. An immersion tube is used to blow an inactive gas into a base portion of the condensate reservoir. The fractionating column, the reflux condenser and the condensate reservoir are integrated as one body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device at distillers adapted to distil solvents for recovery of pure solvent from impure solvent, said solvent (2) being used e.g. for washing away residues of paint from spray guns. The distiller (1) comprises an outer container (5) with a boiling chamber (8) which at the top has an opening (9) which can be tightly closed by means of a cover (10) and a flexible inner container (13) is provided in the boiling chamber (8), said flexible inner container (13) containing impure solvent (2) to be distilled. A pipe means (20) is placed beside the flexible inner container (13) in order to allow solvent steam (7a), which is generated by boiling solvent in a lower space (19) beneath the flexible inner container (13), to pass from said lower space (19) into an upper space (16) having an outlet (17) and located above the flexible inner container (13) for preventing said solvent steam (7a) from lifting the flexible inner container (13) in the boiling chamber (8).

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a solvent distillation apparatus capable of preparing a highly pure anoxic, dehydrated solvent. A distilling flask is connected to a vacuum double-barrel fractionating column by a glass flange. The upper end of the fractionating column is connected to a middle portion of a reflux condenser. The upper end of the reflux condenser is provided with an outlet for a purge gas, and the lower end thereof is connected to a condensate reservoir. The base of the condensate reservoir is connected to the fractionating column near a lower end thereof via a Young cock, and also connected to a collecting flask via a Young cock and a glass flange. An immersion tube is used to blow an inactive gas into a base portion of the condensate reservoir. The fractionating column, the reflux condenser and the condensate reservoir are integrated as one body.

Abstract: A high output solar fluid distillation system is described that is practical to manufacture and efficient to operate, and can distill a variety of fluids such as water or ethyl alcohol. The distillation system uses a fluid feed system that collects source fluid and adds surfactant to improve wetting properties of the source fluid, and uniformly feeds the fluid to the evaporator. Uniquely designed multiple effect chambers expose the source fluid to multiple solar flux effects to condense a portion of the source fluid into distilled fluid. A fluid drain system separates the distilled fluid from the source fluid, while a front cooling mechanism removes external energy from the distillation by a combination of evaporation, convection and radiation. The resulting distillation system overcomes the high cost and complexity of present high performance solar distillation devices and produces more fluid per cost than low-tech versions.

Abstract: A distillation device including an enclosed tube of elliptical or circular cross section and having a top of an inverted shape so that the inverted portion points downward. The upper section of the outer tube should be of a material that permits the heating of the tube by solar radiation and allows solar radiation to enter the tube and heat the liquid inside. The lower portion could include materials that reflect radiation upward toward the liquid and may include absorptive materials. The apparatus includes a device for forming a vacuum and an element for focusing sunlight that enters the top of the tube upon the liquid inside the tube.

Abstract: In a dividing wall column comprising as segments

Abstract: Inhibition of the formation of unsaturated carbon compounds during the heating of 141b involving the addition of various inhibitors such as butylene oxide and/or the use of a vessel made of a nickel alloy.