Abstract: A liquid distiller. The distiller includes a main body having a main housing inside which water is heated to generate steam. The steam is passed through a condenser. A fan is positioned inside the distiller to supply cool air to the condenser. A water output is defined in the main body. Air inlets are defined in a outer periphery of the main housing. An upper lid is mounted on top of the main body and includes an air outlet in an upper side thereof so as to guide air which has passed around the condenser to dissipate out of the main body. An air guide is securely mounted between the upper lid and the main body. The air guides includes a disc with a central opening, an upper tubular member projecting upwardly from an upper side of the disc and having a first through hole communicating with the central opening of the disc, and a lower tubular member projecting downwardly from an underside of the disc and having a second through hole communicating with the central opening of the disc.

Abstract: A water purification and/or desalination plant for producing drinking water from a polluted water source or sea water with the aid of sunlight, which plant includes an evaporator (1) having a roof part (2) made of a light-penetrable material, and an underlying basin part (3) containing the water that is to be purified, which basin part (3) includes channels (17) for collecting water vapor that has been condensed on the inside of the roof part (2), and a reservoir (10) for purified water. The plant also includes a device for removing moist air or vapor from the evaporator and a device for condensation of the moist air or vapor outside the evaporator.

Abstract: An array of sonic hydraulic nozzles for injecting a mixture of water with dissolved or suspended particulate into a chamber to form a continuous spray of spherical droplets. Low pressure areas form in the wakes of the droplets which promotes a phase change and evaporation upon being submerged in heat vortices created along the edges of the sonic shock waves. All dissolved and/or suspended solid particles in the mixture precipitate from the spray upon the vaporization of the water. Shortly thereafter, the particle-free vapor re-condenses into a dense water mist of substantially pure water, while releasing the excess heat captured in the evaporation vortices. The water mist then is absorbed by nucleating screens located above the nozzles. The screens concentrate the dense mist into water streams through a channel running out of the apparatus.

Abstract: The system for the recovery of water from urine aboard spacecraft includes a urine intake and pretreatment unit, a unit for water reclamation from urine and a condensate purification unit. The unit for water reclamation from urine is made on the basis of a rotary multistage vacuum distiller, each stage of which is formed by at least one heat-transfer plate and comprises an evaporation zone and a condensation zone. The stages of the distiller are separated from each other by separation plates, a chamber for collecting condensate and noncondensable gases being disposed downstream of the last stage and communicated with all the condensation zones of all the stages through water seals of condensate overflow and openings for the removal of noncondensable gases in disks mounted in the condensation zones.

Abstract: A method of remediating water contaminated by dissolved gases and liquids and suspended particles wherein the contaminated water is collected into a closed container without filling the container and heated to a temperature below the boiling point of water. Negative pressure is then drawn on the closed container without causing the water in the container to boil, whereby the dissolved gases and liquids in the contaminated water, having a boiling point lower than water, will evaporate out of the water into the head space above the water in the container. Finally, atmospheric air and/or oxygen are allowed into the container to push the vapors out of the head space of the container.

Abstract: An apparatus for purifying waste streams having water, dissolved noxious substances and volatile organic compounds, comprising a distillation unit having distillate and bottoms products, a freeze-concentration unit and a processing unit. The distillate product is processed in the processing unit and the bottoms product is processed in the freeze-concentration unit, where purified water is extracted.

Abstract: A water distillation apparatus includes a degasification chamber having a top and a bottom. A liquid inlet is positioned adjacent to the bottom. A gas outlet is positioned adjacent to the top. A liquid outlet is positioned intermediate the top and the bottom. A float/valve assembly is provided for controlling the level of liquid within the chamber. A boiling chamber is provided having a top and a bottom. A liquid inlet is positioned intermediate the top and the bottom connected by a first transfer conduit to the liquid outlet of the degasification chamber. A steam outlet is positioned adjacent the top. A heating element is disposed within the boiling chamber whereby liquids within the boiling chamber are heated to the boiling point with the resulting steam passing out through the steam outlet. A condensation chamber is provided having a steam inlet and a liquid outlet. The steam inlet is connected by a second transfer conduit to the steam outlet of the boiling chamber.

Abstract: A movable water distiller capable of use in conjunction with a water heater includes a frame having a top which supports the water heater. The distiller components are supported on a tray having a guide assembly engaging a track assembly horizontally positioned in the bottom region of the frame. The guide assembly allows the distiller components to be inserted within, and extracted from, the frame interior while the track assembly maintains alignment of the tray. Alternatively, the guide assembly may be attached to the top surfaces of the track assembly. Paneling surrounds the sides and back of the frame, while a front cover is attached to the front of the tray. The front cover and the paneling enclose the interior of the frame and prevent access to the distiller components.

Abstract: A process for minimizing evaporator scaling during the recovery of liquids and solids from the aqueous effluent discharged during a partial oxidation gasification, wherein the aqueous effluent contains ammonium chloride (NH.sub.4 Cl). The aqueous effluent is evaporated to produce a distillate water and a brine having an NH.sub.4 Cl concentration of about 10 to 60 weight percent. The brine can be further concentrated and ammonium chloride crystals are recovered. The distillate water is recycled to the gasification reaction. No effluent discharges to the environment.

Abstract: A distillator has an outer casing, a boiling device disposed in the outer casing, a hot water box disposed in the outer casing, a cold water box disposed in the outer casing, a first faucet disposed on the hot water box, a second faucet disposed on the cold water box, a first vapor pipe connected to the boiling device and the hot water box, a second vapor pipe connected to the hot water box and the cold water box, a water pipe connected to the boiling device and the cold water box and passing through the hot water box, the water pipe inserted in the first vapor pipe and the second vapor pipe, a heating device disposed on the boiling device, and a heater disposed on the hot water box. A connection is disposed on an end of the water pipe and passes through the cold water box.

Abstract: A new baffle device for a distiller has a tubular body and a baffle member fixed with respect to such body. The baffle member has a plurality of apertures for stripping dissolved solids from steam passing through the member. The distiller raw water vessel has a steam discharge nozzle and the baffle device extends part way into and is in telescoped engagement with the nozzle. The device is held in place by a retention ring and both the ring and the device are quickly removable from the raw water vessel for easy cleaning of the device and the vessel. The distiller has a condensing platform with a steam receiving port built into it. When the raw water vessel is on the platform in the water-boiling position, the baffle device extends between the nozzle and the port and forms a conduit for steam to flow to the condensing coil.

Abstract: A method of distillation having the steps of drawing a volume of untreated water containing impurities into a container, applying a vacuum to the container, applying an oscillating electric charge to the untreated water thereby producing water vapor from the untreated water, capturing the water vapor in a vapor pipe, and condensing the water vapor back into a liquid form in a collecting chamber. An oscillating frequency of 2.6 gigahertz, either by sonic or electric charge, displaces the hydrogen bonding between water molecules. This displacement permits distillation at a low temperature without the infusion of large amounts of energy common in previously known methods.

Abstract: A distiller control circuit includes a power bus with first and second lines and a fan circuit connected across the lines and having a fan motor and a fan thermostat in series. There is also a heater circuit connected across the lines and having a heater and a heater thermostat in series. The fan thermostat is normally open, closes at an elevated temperature and automatically re-opens when the temperature subsides. The heater thermostat is normally closed, opens at an elevated temperature and must be manually reset to the closed position.The raw water vessel has a reset mechanism with a pivot-mounted bar and a contact surface on the bar. When the contact surface is depressed, the bar is urged to the second position for resetting the heater thermostat. The heater circuit terminates in a two-stud male connector and the platform has a two-slot female connector. The studs slide into electrically-conductive engagement with the slots when the raw water vessel is inserted into the condensing platform.

Abstract: A process for extracting salt from brine contained in at least one open evaporation basin. At least part of the brine is heated in a heating unit located outside the evaporation basis and returned to the evaporation basin. The heating unit is driven by waste heat from a recooling industrial plant. According to this process, climatic values and the degree of recooling are measured and evaluated in a control unit. At least part of the heated brine and some non-heated brine are sprayed by a spraying device of the evaporation basin. The amount of sprayed brine is regulated by the control unit depending on the measured data.

Abstract: A solar heating and evaporation plant is described which can be used to either produce distilled potable water from salty water or to heat water for industrial or domestic purposes.

Abstract: An installation for cleaning oil-polluted water, in particular at oil and gas production plants, is provided with a distillation column having a polluted water feed and at least one contact packing above which the outlet of the polluted water feed is located, a vapor discharge, a clean water outlet and a measuring device for the analysis of the water from the clean water outlet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming an array of multiple parallel flow orifices, for example by holes drilled through a plate in a selected pattern and spacing and of selected sizes or flow diameters, and whereby these orifices are used to provide an approximately equal and adequate distribution of liquid flowing through them as parallel streams of liquid and into an evaporation zone or a parallel array of evaporation channels, and wherein the orifices can be adjusted in flow diameter to control the flowrate of liquid in generally parallel streams with an array of orifice adjusting apparatus, for example an adjacent sliding orifice plate which provides for orifice flow rate adjustment with orifices through this second plate corresponding in position to those of the first orifice plate, and the use of such dual orifice plates for supporting a pool of liquid there-above and for controlling the flowrate of liquid through the first array of orifices by reducing or enlarging their orifice flow diameters to control

Abstract: A portable distiller convertible between an operating mode and a storage mode which permits easy transport includes a boiler vessel, a condenser, and a collection container. The condenser is mounted on a two-way lid which engages the top of the boiler in an operating mode to support the condenser over the boiler. The lid is insulated to prevent the transfer of heat from the boiler to the condenser. The lid is reversible to allow the condenser to be inserted into the boiler vessel for storage. The container may also be stored in the boiler, and preferably receives the condenser for storage.

Abstract: A water distiller incorporates a removable vessel for containing water, a heat source disposed below the removable vessel for heating the water to produce steam, a condenser for condensing the steam into distilled water, and an outlet from the condenser for directing distilled water into a collection container.

Abstract: In a method for the desalination of seawater, there is evaporated and condensed the seawater, within a primary system, and a secondary medium, preferentially untreated water, within a compressor-containing, self-contained secondary system spatially separated from the primary system. The seawater is evaporated by heating in the presence of the secondary medium previously heated in the compressor at excess pressure, the latter medium is evaporated in the secondary system through condensation of the seawater vapour and the seawater vapour is led through a cyclone separator.

Abstract: For production of mineralized drinking water, water is distilled and then passed through a layer of soil which is taken from an area adjoining the source of natural mineral water.

Abstract: A combined evaporator and condenser for desalination of seawater which can be used on a ship for fresh water production, has plate type falling film heat exchange elements within a housing wherein a liquid heating medium such as hot engine jacket water circulates within lower internal spaces of the heat exchange elements for boiling seawater falling as a film down external surfaces of the elements and vapor boiled off from the seawater is conducted to upper internal spaces within the heat exchange elements for condensation therein to produce a stream of fresh water. The seawater film flows down the entire length of the external surfaces of the plate heat exchange elements, which have a transverse internal partition separating their lower and upper internal spaces and vertical partitions within the lower internal spaces for lengthening the flow path of the liquid heat exchange medium therethrough.

Abstract: The water distiller 10 includes a plurality of housings 12, 14, 16 each mounted below a support plate 32. A voltage regulator 144 maintains a desired voltage potential between heating probes 34 and 36 within a heating bowl 46. An operator selector 142 automatically regulates the flow of water through inlet valve 70 to control the incoming water flow rate to the heating bowl. Area contact between water in the heating bowl and a substantially horizontal plate 42 at the lower end of each heating probe determines the electrical power used by the distiller, and maintains water in the heating bowl at substantially a constant level. An improved particle trap 80 and vent valve 100 provide reliable and safe operation of the distiller. Heating bowl 46 and a water inlet line 76 may be easily removed for cleaning the distiller.

Abstract: An improved drinking water apparatus is provided which utilizes a microcomputer to detect water level to automatically control water intake and heating. The apparatus includes a heating tank having a heater at the bottom side, a first cooling pipe at the top of the heating tank, a distilled water tank, and a second cooling pipe located at the top of the distilled water tank and connected to the first cooling pipe. The cooling pipes are each provided with a cooling fan for cooking the steam generated by boiling water into distilled water. The temperature of the distilled water is lowered to a degree suitable for drinking purposes.

Abstract: A water purifier which purifies water by superheated steam. The water purifier includes a raw water reservoir for contaminated water; a heater at least partially disposed within the raw water reservoir and including a heat source, an inlet for steam and an outlet for superheated steam; an inlet conduit in fluid communication with the inlet of the heater for transporting steam produced by boiling said raw water; and a condenser in fluid communication with the outlet of the heater. The heater both boils the raw water to produce a substantially saturated steam and superheats the substantially saturated steam. The water purifier can further include a purified water reservoir in fluid communication with the condenser.

Abstract: A process wastewater treatment plant, and a process relating thereto, which converts process wastewater generated in battery manufacturing and the like into clean process water and sodium sulfate salt by treating the process wastewater to remove impurities and contaminants, including debris, oil/grease, heavy metal oxides, lead and other heavy metals, suspended solids, bacteria, organic compounds, and/or gases, from the wastewater to produce a clean neutral sodium sulfate brine, subjecting the brine to heat to obtain distilled water and sodium sulfate salt, and purifying the distilled water by reverse osmosis for reuse as clear process water.

Abstract: Water distillation apparatus for convenient domestic use including a housing containing a condenser coil and having a vapor inlet and a distillate outlet. A fan cools and condenses vapor. A boiler is releasably connected to the housing by a vapor discharge outlet in the form of an inwardly-directed cylinder and the vapor inlet has a cooperating spigot termination so that the boiler may be moved away from the vapor inlet and filled with water for batch distillation. The distilland water is heated with an electric heating element and the distillate is discharged through a carbon filter into a discrete glass pitcher adjacent to the boiler. The arrangement permits easy removal of the boiler from the housing for filling with distilland or cleaning, as well as the convenient replacement of the boiler in the housing afterwards.

Abstract: A simple, portable and efficient water desalination device uses deep ocean water, solar energy and the dynamics of generated secondary vortices. The device includes a tower, a heat exchanger positioned inside the tower near the top of the tower, a cold water source, a cold water receiving tank, a condensate catchment grille, a freshwater collecting tank, a rotor extending upward between the side walls of the tower from a lower portion of the tower, a power source for driving the rotor, a warm salt water pan positioned in the bottom of the tower and a warm salt water source. The cold water source is cold deep ocean water that is siphoned to the top of the tower through rollable, transportable fabric pipes. The warm salt water source is solar heated ocean water. In the tower, a hurricane is simulated by a rotating column that induces a circulation of air which approximates that of a hurricane.

Abstract: A waste water treatment system includes a preliminary first stage separator for separating an aqueous phase from other materials. A pressure vessel sedimentation follows for removing most of the remaining solids from the waste material. The liquid and a minor fraction of the solids then pass on to an evaporation vessel where the water vapor is removed, compressed and passed through a condenser inside the evaporator vessel to recycle heat in the evaporator. The condenser is a stacked plate heat exchanger of unique design with the plates separated by steam gaskets and water gaskets to provide a very high heat transfer surface area to volume ratio. The condensate from the condenser passes through a second heat exchanger that heats the liquid flowing into the evaporator. The effluent water is purified by the evaporation. The residual solids may be heat treated to evaporate residual moisture and to sterilize the solids using a steam-jacketed auger. The resultant solids may be used as fertilizer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for desalinizing salt water which includes pumping refrigerant vapor from a first reservoir to a second reservoir wherein pressure is maintained to condense refrigerant vapor pumped into said second reservoir to condense. Salt water admitted into a third reservoir in thermal contact with the second reservoir such that seawater in said third reservoir is evaporated and passes through a vapor trap into a fourth reservoir. The fourth reservoir is in thermal contact with the first reservoir such that heat generated by water vapor condensing in the fourth reservoir is absorbed by liquid refrigerant in the first reservoir such as to aid in evaporation of refrigerant to complete the refrigerant cycle.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the production of a beverage distills aqueous influent into a forerun overhead fraction that is the first result of a distillation operation, a distillate, and a bottom products fraction that is left over from the aqueous influent without being distilled. The forerun overhead fraction is removed, the distillate is sterilized and remineralized into the beverage, and the bottom products fraction is removed so the process can begin again with more aqueous influent.

Abstract: A water distilling apparatus includes a preheat tank having an inlet and an outlet for storing water from a water source via the inlet, a boiling tank formed of a conductive casing connected to a ground potential and having an inlet in connection with the outlet of the preheat tank, a heater located within the boiling tank to boil water thereby generating steam, and an outlet flue extending from the boiling tank through the preheat tank as to condense the steam and preheat the water within the preheat tank, a heat dissipation coil connected with the outlet flue out of the preheat tank, a fan blowing air against the heat dissipation coil, a cool water tank connected with the heat dissipation coil for storing condensed water therefrom, an electrode vertically extending into the boiling tank, electrically isolated from the case of the boiling tank and connected to a positive voltage source, a control circuit electrically connected to each of the electrode, the fan, and the heater for disconnecting the fan and th

Abstract: A method for processing waste liquids, having high solids content. The process includes the steps of spraying and evaporating the waste liquid together with a dry gas in a counterflow of dry gas within a spray tower, collecting the solids of the waste water in a lower section of the spray tower, discharging the moist gas from an upper section of the spray tower, and bringing the moist gas in heat exchange with an evaporator of a refrigerating means to condensed the liquid from the evaporator. The cooled dry gas is directed in heat exchange with the condenser of said refrigerating means and heated to be returned in a closed loop to repeat the cycle of operation.

Abstract: The disclosure involves a countertop distiller for home use. Such distiller is of the type including a condensing coil and an electrically-powered water heater. A method for controlling power flow to the heater includes the steps of activating a timer circuit to energize the heater, increasing the temperature of the coil and bypassing the timer circuit when the coil temperature increases to a predetermined value. The heater is de-energized when the water in the raw water container is substantially depleted and the heater temperature increases to a predetermined value because of such depletion. A new electrical circuit for a countertop distiller is also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for treating waste water containing volatile and corrosive substances by steam-stripping to remove the volatile and corrosive substances from the waste water. The apparatus has a liquid pooling zone installed at a part over the waste water supplying part of a stripper tower and liquid distributor at the top of the tower, and pipe arrangement is prepared to recycle liquid drawn from the liquid pooling zone to the liquid distributor. In the pipe arrangement, a cooler for the recycling liquid is installed. Serious corrosion can be avoided utilizing this apparatus.

Abstract: A distilling apparatus which includes a water chamber to receive cold water from an external water supply source, a heating chamber having an electric heater controlled to heat water to the boiling point, a guide pipe connected between the bottom side of the water chamber and the bottom end of the heat chamber to guide water from the water chamber to the heating chamber, a radiating coil pipe connected to a distilled water drain pipe outside the apparatus, and a steam pipe connected between the steam chamber and the radiating coil pipe and passing through the water chamber to guide steam from the heating chamber to the radiating coil pipe, permitting steam to be condensed into distilled water and heat to be absorbed by water in the water chamber.

Abstract: A radial-inflow large volume-rate low pressure-differential, single-stage compressor comprising 2 periphiral concentric sets of axial blades spaced circumferentially between two supporting rings and further strengthened against bending by intermediate rings if necessary. The outer set of blades rotates to impart energy to the working fluid and the inner set is stationary to recover kinetic energy. Stationary guide surfaces concentric with the blades direct the radially inward flow to axial. A diverging duct recovers further the kinetic energy. The compressor fills the pressure-ratio gap between blowers and turbo-compressors. Its use in desalination instead of the currently used centrifugal compressors, can scale-up the vapor-compression unit-size to more than three fold.

Abstract: A method for preparing a stable colloid in water in which water is enriched with respect to para water by condensing water vapor on a surface which does not decompose water into H and OH, dispersing a water insoluble material in colloidal form therein, whereby excess parawater acts as a stabilizer for the colloid, and storing the colloid in a vessel having a wall which does not decompose water into H and OH. The stability of the colloidal can be later broken by contacting it with a surface that decomposes water into H and OH.

Abstract: A solar seawater desalination system is designed to operate in a self-sustaining manner without the need for any moving parts. Seawater is converted to steam in a solar heat collector panel and the steam is led in a steam pipe through a series of primary cooling chambers where it is condensed by incoming seawater in tanks jacketing the steam tube. The tanks are connected in series between an inlet air-lock regulator and the solar collector panel so that the seawater is caused to flow successively through the tanks from the inlet to the collector panel as make-up water, solely by pressure differentials created in the system by the steam generation. Excessively saline seawater which collects in the collector panel is dumped from the system in a similar manner through an outlet air-lock regulator. Secondary cooling chambers may be provided to condense steam generated from the seawater in the primary cooling chambers by heat received from the steam pipe.

Abstract: A new process and apparatus efficiently dewater aqueous solids residual after fermentation and distillation, such as corn stillage. The feed stream of aqueous solids slurry is fractionated into two or more sub-streams in such a way that one of the sub-streams contains predominately heavy particulate solids and has substantially improved free-draining characteristics. A second sub-stream contains lighter particles, entrained fines of the heavy particles, and a major portion of the liquid from the feed stream. The free-draining sub-stream is dewatered using a device such as a screen centrifuge or a screw press, both of which produce a cake of relatively high solids content. The remaining liquid from the feed stream is concentrated in an evaporator, before being mixed with the dewatered solids which may be dried to produce an animal feed.

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 distilling device has an undistilled water tank to contain undistilled water, a cover covering the tank, a water heating area communicating with the tank, a high-frequency oscillator disposed under the water heating area, a heater disposed above the water heating area, a cooling area beside the heater, and a water collecting can disposed under the cooling area. The cooling area and the water heating area are separated by a separating plate.

Abstract: The sea water to be desalted is fine-sprayed through nozzles (3) against an underside (1b) of a plate-shaped element (1). The element (1) may, for example, be an aluminum plate forming a heat transfer medium and is exposed to solar radiation through glass cover plates (15). The water sprayed on the underside (1b) is distributed over the surface of the element (1) and is evaporated by the heat stored in this element. The water vapor passes through an outlet (27) to a condenser (10) in which it is condensed and finally through an outlet (12) in the form of fresh water which then is available, for example, for irrigating green spaces. The sea water to be desalted is preferably sprayed against the underside of the element (1) for only a few seconds at predetermined intervals. To clean the element (1), sea-water may be sprayed every hour for, for example, 1 to 1.5 minutes against the underside of the element (1) in order thus to rinse away deposited salt and impurities.

Abstract: An improved vapor compression distillation process and apparatus are provided having a container with a substantially horizontal longitudinal center axis, two opposing end plates closing each end of the container, a first and second passage area defined within and on opposing ends of the container, each adjacent one of the end plates, a collecting chamber defined within the container between the first and second passage areas, a plurality of generally horizontal tubes spacedly exposed within the collecting chamber generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the container, each of the tubes having two opposing ends which open into the first and second passage areas respectively, two opposing plates positioned on opposite ends of the horizontal tubes, each plate engaging similar ends of the horizontal tubes, a vapor compressor attached to the container such that the vapor compressor communicates with an upper area of the collecting chamber and communicates with the first passage area, at least one passage fo

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 portable solar still, controlled by a sun actuated mechanical valve, including a thermally insulated evaporation chamber structure within which distillation takes place, is assembled from sidewall panels and floor panels of foam plastic thermal insulation, these panels being strengthened and made into rigid structural units by metal tubes or rods incorporated internally into the foam plastic panels,a transparent cover sealing the sloping top of the evaporation chamber including a transparent, flexible, plastic film which is stretched across, and has its four boundary edges attached to, the four members of a closed rectangular frame of slender metal tubes,wick matting, disposed on the floor of the evaporation chamber including a layered mat of fine, randomly oriented,.

Abstract: A method for recovering carboxylic acids from a dilute aqueous solution thereof having a concentration below about ten percent (10%) by weight, which includes passing the dilute acid solution through a reverse osmosis separator, thereby producing a permeate substantially free of acid and a retentate having an acid concentration above about ten percent (10%) by weight. The retentate is contacted with a liquid extractant for acids to produce an acid-rich extractate and an acid-free raffinate. The acid is then recovered from the acid-rich extractate.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for desalinating seawater or brine and purifying water which contains minerals, salts, and other dissolved solids while simultaneously generating power. The salinous water is heated in a boiler to form steam and a concentrated brine. The concentrated brine is removed from the boiler, the steam produced in the boiler is washed with fresh water to remove trace salts and inorganic materials, and water bearing trace salts and inorganic materials are returned to the boiler. The washed steam is expanded across a turbine to generate electrical or mechanical power which is utilized as a product. The steam exhausted from the turbine is collected and condensed, and one portion of the condensed water is utilized as a fresh water product and another portion of the condensed water is used as the wash water to wash the steam produced in the boiler. Energy efficiency is improved by heat exchanging the hot concentrated brine against the salinous feed water or by flashing the brine to produce steam.

Abstract: An apparatus for converting seawater or other contaminated water into pure water for reuse including: a source of the contaminated water; a first horizontal housing connected to the source of contaminated water and having a heat exchanger therein for vaporizing the contaminated water therein; a vertical housing connected to the distal end of the first horizontal housing for fluid communication therebetween; a second horizontal housing connected at its proximate end to the vertical housing for fluid communication therebetween, the second horizontal housing having a heat exchanger therein for condensing vapor therein; a weir vertically mounted in the first housing for retaining a portion of the contaminated water in the first housing and allowing the other portion of the contaminated water to pass through the heat exchange evaporator from the proximate to distal end of the first housing.

Abstract: System and method for treating toxic washwater from ink, paint, pesticides and the like. The wash water is heated to a temperature on the order of 100.degree. F. in a sump positioned beneath a bed of horse manure media containing aerobic fungi and bacteria. Washwater is foam lifted from the sump to a level above the media and allowed to filter down through the media. Hot dry air is blown into the media from the side to maintain the media at a temperature on the order of 100.degree. F. and thereby promote microbiological activity and evaporation of the water in the media. Warm moist air from the media is cooled to condense the moisture, and the condensed moisture is collected as distilled water. A prefilter removes excessive amounts of solids from the washwater before it is introduced into the sump, and a Carnot cycle system provides the necessary heating and cooling for the water, media and air.