Utilizing Recovered Heat For Heating Feed Patents (Class 203/22)
  • Patent number: 5645694
    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
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Vacom II, L.P.
    Inventors: James M. Stewart, Bobby D. Morris
  • Patent number: 5587055
    Abstract: A water distillation apparatus and method include an improved control system for operation and maintenance, condensers with plastic to metal seals between a plastic condenser manifold and metallic cooling tubes, and a filter with steam bypass to allow for easy sterilization of the filter and remaining distillation system. The control system includes a three pronged probe assembly for monitoring conditions within an evaporation chamber. One of the three probes monitors steam conductivity and provides a steam fault signal to indicate an upper level of contaminants in the steam. A purge pump is responsive to fault signals, including the steam fault signal, to pump water from the evaporation chamber. Improved techniques are also provided for periodically dumping a portion or all of the water in the heating pan to reduce contamination of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Assignee: Michael O. Hartman
    Inventors: Michael O. Hartman, Dale J. Kinder, Randy E. Rainey, Arthur R. Helmich, Daniel E. Willis
  • Patent number: 5582690
    Abstract: Desalination of sea water is achieved using a solar pond that includes a halocline interposed between a convective upper wind mixed layer exposed to the ambient atmosphere, and a lower heat storage layer of hot, concentrated brine, Hot brine from the heat storage layer is flashed into steam which is condensed into desalted water using an indirect heat exchanger cooled by saline water. The latent heat of condensation of the steam warms the saline water and effects evaporation of water therefrom in the form of vapor. The last mentioned water vapor is condensed into desalted water using a two-stage condenser, the first stage of which is an indirect heat exchanger cooled by saline feed water which is heated as a result producing warmed saline feed water that constitutes the saline water used for condensing the steam produced by flashing the brine from the heat storage layer of the pond.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: Ormat Turbines (1965) Ltd.
    Inventors: Joseph Weinberger, Uriyel Fisher, Gad Assaf, Benjamin Doron
  • Patent number: 5565065
    Abstract: A distilled water supply device including a stand, a condensing unit mounted on the stand and separated by a partition wall into an upper chamber, which receives water from an external water source, and a bottom chamber, which condenses steam into distilled water, a heating unit detachably mounted inside the stand below the condensing unit and controlled to heat water from the upper chamber into steam, permitting steam to be guided into the bottom chamber for condensing, a vertical guide pipe for guiding water from the upper chamber to the heating unit, a vertical steam pipe for guiding steam from the heating unit to the bottom chamber for condensing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Inventor: Chin-Tu Wang
  • Patent number: 5534118
    Abstract: A controlled bubble of cavitation is formed within the distilland by opposed centrifugal and centripetal forces in the plane of an afferent mesial passage. Thus a distilland surface forms around the axis of rotation, and saturated vapor is continuously stripped from this distilland surface by the work of a vapor pump, which also creates the centripetal force. The vapor vortex within this cavitation region ejects by centrifugal force whatever in it is denser than pure vapor, including any particles or droplets which may somehow become entrained in the vapor. Bubbling at the distilland surface, which might produce mist, is suppressed by centrifugal force. Vapor is compelled to follow an afferent flow path, and is scrubbed by cyclones in the afferent mesial passage. Scrubbed vapor is then withdrawn from within the distilland along the axis of rotation. No container is necessary for the distilland and no heat is added to produce evaporation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Inventor: Wilmot H. McCutchen
  • Patent number: 5487814
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for ensuring the sterility of distillate in a multi-stage distilling machine. All feed water of the multi-stage distilling machine flows through a first column operating at the highest temperature so that the temperature of the feed water is equal to or greater than about 121.degree. C., about 131.degree. C., and about 141.degree. C., respectively, and the delay time after the feed water is removed from the first column and before its entry into the first column is at least about 8 minutes, about 0.8 minutes, 0.08 minutes, respectively. The delay produces the result that the distillate of every column of the multi-stage distilling machine is sterile, including that of the last column operating at the lowest temperature. The feed water flows through a first flow line from a second column to the first column, from the first column through a second flow line to a heat exchanger and returns from the heat exchanger through a third flow line to the first column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Assignee: Finn-Aqua Santasalo-Sohlberg Oy
    Inventor: Lauri Santasalo
  • Patent number: 5484510
    Abstract: A water distillation apparatus and method include an improved control system for operation and maintenance, condensers with plastic to metal seals between a plastic condenser manifold and metallic cooling tubes, and a filter with steam bypass to allow for easy sterilization of the filter and remaining distillation system. The control system includes a three pronged probe assembly for monitoring conditions within an evaporation chamber. One of the three probes monitors steam conductivity and provides a steam fault signal to indicate an upper level of contaminants in the steam. A purge pump is responsive to fault signals, including the steam fault signal, to pump water from the evaporation chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: Dew Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Micheal O. Hartman, Dale J. Kinder, Randy E. Rainey, Arthur R. Helmich, Daniel E. Willis
  • Patent number: 5451300
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for stripping a volatile component from a liquid. The volatile component is destroyed by exothermic reaction with an active component in the gas phase, typically over a catalyst. Heat generated by the reaction of the volatile and active components is transferred to a fluid contact zone in which the organic component is stripped from the liquid stream by a stripping gas. Transfer of heat to the fluid contact zone increases the equilibrium partial pressure of the volatile component in the gas phase and thus increases the driving force for mass transfer in the stripping operation. Preferably, the volatile component is reacted with the active component in a regenerative heat transfer reaction system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Assignee: Monsanto Company
    Inventors: Yurii S. Matros, David E. McCombs
  • Patent number: 5445714
    Abstract: A concentrator for reducing the volume of a mixture containing a solvent and various dissolved and/or undissolved solids includes a chamber adapted to receive the mixture and a heater coupled to the chamber for applying heat to the mixture within the chamber, the heat being provided at a temperature sufficient to vaporize the solvent. A condensing tower receives the vapors from the chamber and including a first stage and at least one second stage. A plurality of walls included in each of the first stage and the second stage of the tower direct the vapors along a torturous path including at least one reversal of direction in each of the stages. A coolant is provided to cool the second stage of the tower but not the first stage in order to facilitate condensation of the vapors in the second stage but not in the first stage of the tower. The coolant may include water in order to facilitate the processing of aqueous solutions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Assignee: Eco Stills, Inc.
    Inventor: Henry S. Myers
  • Patent number: 5389208
    Abstract: Process for reclaiming or concentrating waste aqueous solutions of gas treating chemicals, such as alkanolamines, used for removing acid components or water vapor from natural gas. The process involves heating the waste solution under a high vacuum to form a vapor and a liquid residue. The temperature and vacuum can be varied to form a vapor consisting mainly of water vapor or a vapor containing both water vapor and vaporized gas treating chemical. The vapor is subsequently condensed or passed through a wash column to produce a concentrated solution. The liquid residue is heated by passing it through a single-pass, generally co-current heater at a rate which avoids localized overheating of a liquid to a temperature above the decomposition temperature of the gas treating chemical. The heated liquid residue is then used to heat the feed waste solution by being thoroughly mixed with it, thus avoiding overheating of the feed solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Assignee: Canadian Chemical Reclaiming Ltd.
    Inventors: Todd Beasley, Dwight A. Merritt
  • Patent number: 5348623
    Abstract: An automatic water heating and distilling apparatus is provided having a hot water reservoir, an evaporator tank, a condenser, a distilled water reservoir and a control mechanism. Water is boiled within the evaporator tank generating steam which is condensed in the condenser to form distilled water. The heat rejected during condensation is transferred into the hot water reservoir. The distilled water reservoir has an input coupled to the condenser, an output for distilled water, and an overflow so that excess distilled water is returned to the evaporator tank. The control mechanism automatically regulates the operation of a heater within the evaporator to maintain the water in the hot water reservoir within a selected operating range. Various alternative embodiments are also described including a hot water heating apparatus utilizing an enclosed heat transfer device partially filled with liquid having a boiling point above the selected temperature for the water to be heated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Assignee: Terrill Designs, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael E. Salmon
  • Patent number: 5348588
    Abstract: The aqueous effluent from the wash cycle of a process for cleaning electronic circuit assemblies of rosin flux and other organic residues with an aqueous alkaline cleaning solution comprises evaporating the effluent to cause separation of an aqueous vapor phase and a solid phase comprising residues of the rosin flux and residues of the cleaning solution including alkaline salts such as alkali metal carbonates and bicarbonates and organic adjuvants such as surfactants which do not vaporize.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Assignee: Church & Dwight Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony E. Winston
  • Patent number: 5348622
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to an improved solar water purification system and process wherein the evaporating, condensing and distillate collecting chambers are located underground to assist in the evaporation and condensation process. The system includes three computer controlled preheaters which are constantly monitored to determine the temperature of the load therein. The cycling and recycling of the load relative to the load tank and the three preheaters is controlled by the computer for optimum system efficiency. One of the three preheaters is located underground, while a second preheater is located externally as a solar preheater and the third preheater is an outside gas, oil or waste heat fired preheater. In addition to producing pure water through the evaporation process, there is disclosed a system and process whereby various contaminants may be captured for further processing, storage and exploitation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Inventors: David Deutsch, Thomas C. Flores
  • Patent number: 5340443
    Abstract: The invention relates to a distillation apparatus including a housing (1) a blower (2), preheat exchangers (7) and (8) and an evaporative condenser (25) comprising pairs (13) of membranes. One pair (13) of membranes at a time can be detached from the evaporative condenser (25) for replacement. The pairs (13) of membranes are preferably made of plastic or similar material and they hang down loosely in the evaporative condenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: Aquamax Oy
    Inventors: Tapio M. Heinio, Mauri Kontu
  • Patent number: 5316626
    Abstract: In a method for producing fresh water using solar energy, the method involving the use of an installation comprising a structure oriented toward the sun and permeable to solar radiation, forming a greenhouse including a preheating and reheating chamber and an evaporation chamber into which water containing impurities is introduced to be evaporated by the indirect influence of the solar radiation in the air trapped under the structure, the air being conveyed to a temperature exchanger such that the vapors carried thereby will be condensed and collected, the improvement comprising evaporation of the water containing impurities on mounds of capillary material scattered and distributed over the entire span of the evaporation chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Inventor: Blondel Guy
  • Patent number: 5314586
    Abstract: A distilled water fountain which is capable of supplying the users with purified icy, warm and hot drinking water and composed of a pre-heating exchanger, a condensing-and-heating exchanger, a distilled water tank, a steam generator, and an electronic chilling device. Running water flows into the pre-heating exchanger through water intake pipe, and further flows through the condensing-and-heating exchange into a steam generator wherein the water is vaporized and then condensed into distilled water for storage in the distilled water tank. The distilled water may be made available directly in warm water condition, or may be cooled into icy water through electronic chilling device, or heated into hot water through steam generator for drinking by users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Inventor: Chan-Ming Chen
  • Patent number: 5300197
    Abstract: A distillation apparatus includes a distillation unit for distilling feed water. The distillation unit includes an evaporation part, a condensation part and a hydrophobic porous membrane interposed between the evaporation part and the condensation part, which are integrated with one another. A heating unit for heating the feed water and a cooling portion for cooling distillate produced by distillation of the feed water are provided apart from the distillation unit. One or both of the heating unit and the cooling unit are provided with a heat pump. With this construction, an additional heater does not need to be provided, and the distillation unit and both of the heating unit and the cooling unit can be changed in size and performance independently of each other, so that the overall size of the distillation apparatus can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Mitani, Akira Ashida, Katsuya Ebara, Hideaki Kurokawa
  • Patent number: 5290403
    Abstract: A liquid evaporating apparatus includes a liquid inlet 1 to which an evaporator 2 is connected which incorporates a gas inlet 28 and gas flow channels defined by vapor-permeable hydrophobic walls 23, 24, 25, 26. The apparatus may be used to moisturize air in a room, in which case it is configured to circulate room air through the evaporator and to discharge vaporized liquid through the output side 22 of the evaporator and into the room. Alternatively, the apparatus may be used to cleanse liquid, in which case it includes a condensing chamber 3 connected to the output side of the evaporator. The apparatus will also include a closed gas loop 4 which is located between the output side and the input side 21 of the evaporator and which incorporates a fan 5 for transporting a vapor-gas mixture continuously to the condensing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Inventor: Aapo Saask
  • Patent number: 5286351
    Abstract: A water distiller is provided which is used in conjunction with a hot water heater where normally wasted energy is used to preheat the hot water heater inlet. The distiller includes a heat storage tank, an evaporator tank having a water inlet, a heater and a steam outlet, and a first and second heat exchanger located within the heat storage tank. Steam generated in the evaporator tank passes through the first heat exchanger and condenses, forming distilled water. The heat rejected during condensation is absorbed within the heat storage tank. The second heat exchanger is used to preheat the water flowing to the hot water heater inlet by passing the water through the second heat exchanger on an as needed basis where it absorbs heat from the heat storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Assignee: Terrill Designs, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael E. Salmon
  • Patent number: 5275701
    Abstract: A process for the purification and concentration of sulfuric acid contained with nitric acid by-products and organic components pursuant to the mixed acid nitration of aromatics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Mazzafro, Stephen I. Clarke, Philip N. Taylor
  • Patent number: 5232557
    Abstract: In a plate heat exchanger for evaporation of a liquid by means of a heat emitting vapor every second plate interspace forms an evaporation passage (28) and the rest of the plate interspaces form condensation passages (30). Aligned openings (16) in the plates form an inlet channel through the plate heat exchanger for introduction of evaporation liquid into the evaporation passages (28). For enabling use of a large inlet area of each condensation passage (30) and a large outlet area of each evaporation passage (28) the plate heat exchanger is arranged in a container (1), the interior of which is divided in two chambers (6, 7) by the plate heat exchanger itself and a partition (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Assignee: Alfa-Laval Desalt A/S
    Inventors: Mauri Kontu, Mogens Heine, Niels-Erik Clausen, Ralf Blomgren
  • Patent number: 5232085
    Abstract: A distillation system has a degassing tank, a distiller for generating vapor of raw water taken from the degassing tank, a heater for heating the vapor from the distiller to convert the vapor into a high temperature and pressure vapor, a hydrophobic porous membrane through which the vapor from the heater flows, and a heat transfer unit provided in the distiller for effecting heat exchange between the vapor from the membrane member and the raw water from the degassing tank. The structural elements such as the heat exchange unit, piping, etc., with which the vapor from the membrane or the condensate thereof is brought into contact are made of titanium or titanium alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuatsu Hayashi, Susumu Horiuchi, Hiroaki Yoda
  • Patent number: 5215629
    Abstract: A process for separating an aromatic from a mixture containing also nonaroma includes distilling off the nonaromatics from the top of the extractive distillation column as a top product, drawing the aromatic and selective solvent from the extractive distillation column and subsequently separating the selective solvent from the aromatic in a separator column. The extractive distillation column is provided with a separate top product distillation column for recovery of a selective solvent residue from the separated nonaromatics. The entry hydrocarbon mixture is heated prior to admission to the extractive distillation column by an indirect heat exchange with selective solvent drawn from the separator column and heated to a temperature of from 130.degree. to 150.degree. C.The heated entry hydrocarbon mixture is depressurized to form a liquid phase and a vapor phase and these phases are separately fed into the extractive distillation column, the vapor phase entry point being below the liquid phase entry point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1993
    Assignee: Krupp Koppers GmbH
    Inventors: Luzian Skatulla, Hans-Christoph Schneider, Hans-Jurgen Vollmer
  • Patent number: 5203970
    Abstract: A method for water degasification and distillation in an apparatus having a container for a reservoir of water to be degasified and distilled, a relatively small boiler adjoining the container and having a feed water conduit connecting the container and boiler so that a selected water level in the container will fill the boiler to the same level, a coiled tube condenser within the container immersed in the water therein, the condenser coil having a vertically disposed longitudinal axis, a second conduit in the boiler connecting the space above the water level therein to the inlet of the condenser so that steam flows from the boiler to the condenser, an outlet on the condenser extending through a container wall for discharging the condensed steam as degasified distilled water, a heater in the boiler for heating the water therein, and a motor driven stirrer axially of the coiled tube condenser for generating a swirling movement of the reservoir water with formation of steam bubbles therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Inventor: John C. Ellis, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5174865
    Abstract: Aqueous hydrochloric acid of very high purity can be obtained in a process for purifying crude aqueous 5 to 20 wt. % hydrochloric acid. In the purification, process water or a water/HCl mixture is evaporated from the crude aqueous hydrochloric acid at a pressure of from 0.01 to 1.0 bar and a temperature of from 10.degree. to 100.degree. C. until a crude, azeotropic mixture of water and HCl is obtained. The crude, azeotropic mixture of water and HCl is distilled in a distillation apparatus at a pressure of from 0.1 to 1.5 bar and a temperature of from 50.degree. to 110.degree. C. A purified gaseous, azeotropic mixture of water and HCl is recovered from the head of the distillation apparatus and a liquid mixture is left at the bottom of the distillation apparatus. The liquid mixture which is left at the bottom of the distillation apparatus is distilled at a pressure of from 0.5 to 2.5 bar and a temperature of from 80.degree. to 130.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1992
    Assignees: Dow Deutschland Inc., The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: Jeff H. Stultz, Heinz Rorup, Siegfried Unger, Edmund R. Nettersheim, Bernd Wottawa
  • Patent number: 5158649
    Abstract: When regenerating gas treating chemicals such as diethanolamine solution, the usual practice is to subject the chemicals to steam stripping. Ultimately such action is ineffective, and it is necessary to discard the chemicals. The waste chemical can be reclaimed by preheating the chemical in a countercurrent heat exchanger, in which heat is recovered from an already processed product; using a still to separate the preheated, partially vaporized chemical from the remainder of the chemicals; i.e. impurities or still bottoms; heating the still bottoms and recycling such bottoms for mixing with partially vaporized chemical immediately upstream of the still; returning the separated vapor product from the still to the heat exchanger for heating feed chemical; and separating the thus partially condensed product in a separator to yield reclaimed gas treating chemical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1992
    Inventors: Todd Beasley, Dwight A. Merritt
  • Patent number: 5156706
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Inventor: Hugo H. Sephton
  • Patent number: 5152887
    Abstract: When regenerating gas treating chemicals such as diethanolamine solution, the usual practice is to subject the chemicals to steam stripping. Ultimately such action is ineffective, and it is necessary to discard the chemicals. The waste chemical can be reclaimed by preheating the chemical in a countercurrent heat exchanger, in which heat is recovered from an already processed product; using a still to separate the preheated, partially vaporized chemical from the remainder of the chemicals; i.e. impurities or still bottoms; heating the still bottoms and recycling such bottoms for mixing with the partially vaporized chemical immediately upstream of the still; returning the separated vapor product from the still to the heat exchanger for heating feed chemical; and separating the thus partially condensed product in a separator to yield reclaimed gas treating chemical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1992
    Inventors: Todd Beasley, Dwight A. Merritt
  • Patent number: 5139620
    Abstract: Evaporation of saline water in a desalinization process, or evaporation of other types of liquid such as black liquor from paper pulp processing, is accomplished utilizing a multiple effect evaporator. Each effect includes one or more (e.g. first and second) sets of horizontally elongated dimpled plate evaporator elements. Horizontally flowing heating fluid, such as steam, is introduced to the internal passage of at least the second set in all the effects, and a head of circulation liquid is provided to cause liquid being evaporated to flow downwardly from the head over the external surfaces of the sets of dimpled plates in a thin film. The vapor evaporated is drawn through a demistor and is used as the heating fluid for the next effect. Recirculating liquid that has not evaporated and liquid separated by the demisting process are recirculated to the head associated with each effect. Clean condensate--such as distilled water--is withdrawn from the last effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1992
    Assignee: Kamyr, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl E. Elmore, Kyle Infante
  • Patent number: 5129993
    Abstract: A method for treating manure including the drying of manure by displacing water out of the manure by a carrier liquid, extracting the carrier liquid by evaporation and purifying the carrier liquid vapor for re-use, wherein fats originally present in the manure are released as manure fat, by burning the manure fat in a controlled manner and at least partially using energy thereby released in the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1992
    Assignee: MeMon B.V.
    Inventor: Erik D. J. Bleeker
  • Patent number: 5116485
    Abstract: An apparatus and process for recovering a diesel-quality fuel from produced crude oil is described. The diesel-quality fuel is produced by flashing the crude feedstock at high temperatures and recovering the diesel quality fuel as a liquid from a refluxing exchanger. Process efficiency is enhanced by heat integration. The process is particularly applicable to remote locations, both onshore and offshore, where conventional fuel supplies are inadequate or not available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1992
    Inventor: Thomas E. Krisa
  • Patent number: 5096543
    Abstract: The waste heat from a steam turbine is condensed and used to desalinate sea water at the same time. The waste steam from a turbine is fed to a condenser through which cold sea water passes. As the cold sea water condenses the waste steam, it is warmed. It is then introduced into a first chamber which includes a number of spray heads disposed over fill (packing) that acts as an evaporator. Any water not evaporated is collected in a sump at the bottom of the first chamber, and the evaporated vapor is passed upwardly under the influence of a fan and ultimately to a second chamber. The second chamber may either be stacked above the first chamber, or in side-by-side relationship with it. A condenser, such as a number of dimpled metal plates, or plastic membranes defining a closed loop, or another set of spray heads and fill, are provided in the second chamber. Air typically recirculates from the bottom of the second chamber back into the first chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1992
    Assignee: Kamyr, Inc.
    Inventor: Carl L. Elmore
  • Patent number: 5094721
    Abstract: An evaporation system and process including an enclosed housing containing a plurality of shallow trays stacked vertically, one above another above a bottom-most heated reservoir with each tray serving as an evaporator and with the bottom of each tray serving as a condenser for the next lower tray and with the bottom of each tray sloping from the center outward to an outer collection trough and having a controlled supply of heat and feed liquid providing a substantially continuous supply of a regulated amount of feed liquid, with water being the primary example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1992
    Inventor: John P. Petrek
  • Patent number: 5076895
    Abstract: Process and apparatus for recovering clean water and solids from aqueous solids are disclosed. Aqueous solids are mixed with a low viscosity, relatively volatile, water-immiscible light fluidizing oil to obtain a mixture which will remain fluid and pumpable after removal of essentially its entire water content. The mixture of solids, water and fluidizing oil is subjected to a dehydration step by means of a plurality of mechanical vapor recompression evaporators operating in staged array whereby substantially all of the water and at least part of the light oil are evaporated and subsequently recovered. The light fluidizing oil is then largely separated from the solids. Residual fluidizing oil may be removed from the solids by direct contact with a hot blowing gas such as blowing steam. The invention is characterized by the conservation of energy through the use of heat exchangers whereby condensate gives up its heat to the feed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1991
    Assignee: Hanover Research Corporation
    Inventors: Charles Greenfield, deceased, Robert E. Casparian
  • Patent number: 5045155
    Abstract: The disclosed invention is an apparatus and process for the distillation of liquids. The apparatus is comprised of a plurality of vertically stacked parallel disks which are rotated in a horizontal plane. The liquid to be distilled is introduced into the center of the disk stack and migrates by centrifugal force as a thin film across the top surface of each disk. During migration, the more volatile portion evaporates from the top surface and condenses on the bottom surface of a top, neighboring disk. The apparatus is multiple-effect in that the heat evolved from condensation is transferred through the thin, heat-conducting disks to provide the heat necessary for vaporization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
    Inventor: Arnold Ramsland
  • Patent number: 4995460
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for disposing of water at gas wells. Water from the gas-water separator is circulated through an evaporator kept partially filled with water. Hot exhaust from the gas compressor is circulated through the evaporator in heat exchange relation with the water under conditions which permit the water to vaporize. The steam is vented to the environment. Venting of the steam from the evaporator is facilitated by feeding a stream of hot exhaust from the muffler into the evaporator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 26, 1991
    Inventor: Ronald L. Strahan
  • Patent number: 4966276
    Abstract: An integrated continuous processes for concentrating "weak" nitric acid and concurrently reconcentrating the spent dehydrating agent used to break the nitric acid azeotrope to obtain "strong" nitric acid, the processes involving direct coupling of the nitric acid concentration with the reconcentration of the spent dehydrating agent so that less energy input is required. The major proportion of the feed "weak" nitric acid is vaporized before being fed countercurrently into a column to contact a large volume of the dehydrating agent, this vaporization being one of the two major sources of energy input, the second being through the reboiler at the bottom of the column. Energy input is balanced by energy rejection through condensation of strong nitric acid vapor and water vapor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1990
    Inventor: Alfred A. Guenkel
  • Patent number: 4963231
    Abstract: Process for the evaporative concentration of liquids. Vaporization is carried out by indirect heat exchange with a heating fluid in an evaporator. The vapor produced in the evaporator is thereafter condensed in a condenser by indirect heat exchange with a cooling liquid which is mainly composed of the liquid to be concentrated or the liquid which has already been concentrated in the evaporator. The vapor pressure over the cooling liquid in the condenser may be lowered by causing gas to flow in contact with the cooling liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1990
    Assignee: Ahlstromforetagen Svenska AB
    Inventor: Rolf Ryham
  • Patent number: 4946558
    Abstract: A water distiller is provided which is used in conjunction with a hot water heater where normally wasted energy is used to preheat the hot water heater inlet. The distiller includes a heat storage tank, an evaporator tank having a water inlet, a heater and a steam outlet, and a first and second heat exchanger located within the heat storage tank. Steam generated in the evaporator tank passes through the first heat exchanger and condenses, forming distilled water. The heat rejected during condensation is absorbed within the heat storage tank. The second heat exchanger is used to preheat the water flowing to the hot water heater inlet by passing the water through the second heat exchanger on an as needed basis where it absorbs heat from the heat storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1990
    Assignee: Terrill Designs, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael E. Salmon
  • Patent number: 4944839
    Abstract: A falling film evaporator in which some plate elements have their upper portions surrounded by a hood to prevent feed liquor from contacting hot vapor generated in the evaporator and exchanging heat therewith by direct contact. Other elements are located outside the hood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1990
    Assignee: Rosenblad Corporation
    Inventor: Axel E. Rosenblad
  • Patent number: 4917770
    Abstract: A vertically extending distillation cylinder has a closed top and an open bottom having an electric heating element disposed therein to form a closure. Adjacent to the top of the distillation cylinder is connected a condensing tube. The condensing tube extends down through a condenser having a cooling water inlet at the bottom and a water discharge at the top. A throttle valve regulates the flow of cooling water. From the water discharge, a trough carries the water to impinge on the distillation cylinder causing pollutants to vaporize. The water collects below in a basin surrounding the distillation cylinder. A feed tube carries water from the basin to the bottom of the distillation cylinder. A discharge tube also connected to the bottom of the distillation cylinder carries water up to where it makes a U-turn. This regulates water height in the distillation cylinder. The discharge tube and an over flow tube from the basin discharge into a funnel from which water is conveyed to a sewer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Inventors: Charles T. Asbury, Genevieve J. Asbury
  • Patent number: 4917771
    Abstract: A column construction or boiling space in a distilling apparatus, having a pure vapor input connector, an input connector for water to be distilled, numerous heat exchange tubes within the column construction, a pure vapor removal connector, a condensate removal connector, and a connector for removing water to be distilled that has not vaporized. Pure steam is disposed to flow through heat exchange tubes, while impure water to be distilled is disposed to flow through an intermediate space between the heat exchange tubes. The heat exchange tubes are, at both ends, joined to flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Assignee: Oy Santasalo-Sohlberg Oy
    Inventors: Lauri Santasalo, Esko Huhta-Koivisto, Jouko Ruokonen
  • Patent number: 4915792
    Abstract: A volatile component is separated from a mixture by vaporization in an evaporator and condensation in a condenser. The vapor is transported by a carrier gas that is circulated in and between the evaporator and the condenser. A flow of a liquid is circulated in subsequent heat transfer steps from contact with the mixture via a cooler, via contact with the carrier gas in the condenser, via a heater, and back to contact with the mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1990
    Inventor: Sten Zeilon
  • Patent number: 4915793
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1990
    Inventor: Tien-Fu Chou
  • Patent number: 4909899
    Abstract: A method of concentrating sludges wherein liquor is heated under pressure indirectly with flue gases from the combustion of previously concentrated sludge, after which the sludge is caused to expand or subjected to reduced pressure which results in evaporation of water and concentration of the sludge to a dry-substance content of over 55%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1990
    Assignee: A. Ahlstrom Corporation
    Inventor: Erkki J. Kiiskila
  • Patent number: 4894123
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1990
    Inventor: Arthur R. Helmich
  • Patent number: 4882009
    Abstract: A brine concentrator utilizing two separate concentrating devices in combination wherein a first concentrating device comprises a plurality of serpentine pipes interposed within a concentrator tank containing a dilute brine solution and a second concentrating device, including a venturi, is attached to the upper end of the concentrator tank and connected to receive exhaust gases from an exterior source. The brine solution which has been concentrated by the first concentrating device exit the tank through an output opening and is introduced into the venturi via a plurality of nozzles where it is mixed with the exhaust gases.A venting stack is also attached to the upper end of the tank for venting the exhaust gases emitted from the venturi and pre-heating dilute brine solution, which is introduced into the tank through the venting stack. As the solution travels down the stack and into the tank, it comes into contact with the exhaust gases exiting the tank from the venturi.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1989
    Assignee: Four Nines, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph J. Santoleri, Richard D. Ross
  • Patent number: 4872949
    Abstract: Used drilling muds containing substantial quantities of organic liquids and water-soluble salts are treated to render them environmentally acceptable for disposal purposes, by drying the muds to evaporate all liquids, aqueous and non-aqueous, preferably in a shell-and-tube type heat exchanger through which they are conveyed and held in suspension by screw conveyors, and preferably with the vapors thus generated flowing in a direction counter-current to the mud. Water-soluble salts are removed from the dried mud components by dissolving with water, and the vapors are condensed and phase separated for further purification and re-use if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1989
    Inventor: Carl M. Wilwerding
  • Patent number: 4861435
    Abstract: A water distillation apparatus having a distilled water storage tank and a water boiling tank. Components associated with the boiling tank control the level of water therein and production of steam from the water contained therein. A steam flow line permits steam flow from the boiling tank into the storage tank. A distilled water cooling coil disposed in the storage tank at a lower region below the distilled water level is connected with a cool water infeed flow line. A steam condensing coil disposed in the storage tank at an upper region thereof above the desired water level and the cooling coil is connected with the cooling coil. Steam which enters the storage tank can directly contact the condensing coil exterior surface for causing the steam to condense into distilled water in the storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Inventor: Herbert F. Sweet, Jr.
  • Patent number: RE35283
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Inventor: Arthur R. Helmich