Abstract: A low pressure distillation apparatus in which evaporation takes place at sub-atmospheric pressures. An evaporation chamber has a feed liquid inlet port, a concentrated liquid outlet port, and a vapor outlet port. The vapor outlet port is in communication with a vapor treating device immersed in distillate in a distillate chamber. The preferred vapor treating device is a rotating impeller pump which reduces the pressure in the evaporation chamber to a working pressure, draws off vapor boiled from the liquid in the evaporation chamber, entrains the vapor in a stream of distillate, and condenses the vapor in the stream of distillate to transfer the latent heat of condensation of the vapor directly to the distillate.

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.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding gas into a heated saline solution for pressure measurement or to pump this solution. The gas is introduced into the solution through a gas bubbling-in pipe having a gas outlet opening. The gas is heated prior to being introduced into the solution and is charged with moisture until the saturation of the gas comes close to or corresponds to the saturation conditions in the solution at the gas outlet opening. This minimizes clogging by crystallization at the feeder pipes carrying the measuring or purge gas.

Abstract: An integrated system provides combined space heating, water heating and water distillation. The system is adapted for supplying combined services to residential and commercial buildings. The system may be used in retrofitting existing space heating furnaces and/or water heaters to provide an energy and cost efficient combined system. A portable water heating/water distilling unit can be used with an existing portable self-contained heater.

Abstract: A thermally-integrated extractive distillation process for recovering anhydrous ethanol from fermentation or synthetic feedstocks has a distillation train of four columns. Two columns are preconcentrators operated in parallel. The remaining columns are an extractive distillation dehydrating tower, and an entrainer-recovery column. The two preconcentrators and the dehydrating tower are operated at three successively increasing pressures so that the condensing vapors of the overhead product of the dehydrating tower supply the necessary heat to the reboiler of the intermediate-pressure preconcentrator. The overhead vapors of this preconcentrator are, in turn, used to supply the required heat to the reboiler of the lowest-pressure preconcentrator. The bottom product from each preconcentrator is used to preheat the dilute feed. Additional energy savings are accomplished by the appropriate heat exchange between the various feeds, overheads, and bottoms.

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.

Abstract: A continuous multistage process for separating a partially water soluble organic component from a slurry containing an insoluble solid, a partially water soluble organic component and optionally water. In this process, the slurry is continuously fed to a tower or column equipped with a suitable vapor/liquid contact device. Energy is applied at a point below the vapor/liquid contact device. Vapors containing the partially soluble organic component exit the tower or column overhead and the inorganic solid is recovered at the bottom of the tower or column. This application of distillation technology to slurries is particularly advantageous in that a more efficient separation of that solid material from the partially soluble organic component is obtained. The improved separation efficiency can be utilized to either lower separation cost and/or to affect a more complete separation in order to obtain a solid material with a lower residual amount of the organic component.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for the treatment of paint sludge and for reducing volatile organic compound emissions from a paint spraybooth operation, thereby obtaining a recyclable material for use in new coating products. In such an operation, uncured paint resins mixed with volatile organic compounds are sprayed onto an article to be painted and at least a portion of the overspray is mixed with water to form a waste stream containing water, uncured paint resin, volatile organic compounds and inorganic substances. The method includes the steps of: removing a portion of the water and liquid volatile organic compounds from the waste stream; heating the resultant sludge to volatilize the residual water and liquid volatile organic compounds and to cure the uncured paint resin; collecting the residual solids stream, and removing all of the volatilized organic compounds from the resultant stream, thereby generating a volatile organic compound-free gas effluent.

Abstract: A process for producing low alcoholic wine includes the following steps: evaporating alcohol-containing wine in a vacuum evaporator so that a first mixture comprising water, alcohol and flavoring substance is separated from a second mixture having a low-alcoholic content, separating water from said first mixture in a multistage flavor substance apparatus and drawing off a third mixture comprising alcohol and flavoring substance, distilling alcohol from the third mixture, adding the water from the multistage flavor substance apparatus to a mixing vessel in an amount, which together with the low-alcohol second mixture and the flavoring substances produces a quantity of low-alcoholic wine having an alcoholic content below legally determined values for low-alcoholic wine, the process allowing only outputs of low-alcoholic wine, distilled alcohol and flavoring substances and inputs of essentially only the alcohol-containing wine.

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.

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.

Abstract: A distillation apparatus including a pair of vertical lower vessels each open at its upper end, and a pair of elongate upper vessels each having an open lower end, slidably mounted in a respective one of the lower vessels. A heat exchanger is mounted in each of the upper vessels, with the upper end of one upper vessel being connected to the inlet of the heat exchanger in the other vessel, and vice versa. A reciprocating drive mechanism drives the two upper vessels up and down in opposite directions so as to simultaneously effect compression in the space above the liquid level in the downwardly moving vessel while expanding the space above the liquid in the other vessel, driving vapor from the downwardly moving vessel into the heat exchanger in the other vessel, where it condenses.

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.

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.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for producing essential oils by plant hydro-distillation including the following steps:(a) loading the plants continuously into a still where they are processed counterflow wise with steam,(b) continuous unloading of the exhausted plants,(c) recovery of the latent heat of distillation and condensation of the steam by means of a gas in a condenser,(d) drying of the exhausted plants by contacting with the gas, in a drying installation,(e) combustion of at least a part of the dried exhausted plants in a boiler and use of the combustion heat for producing steam.

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.

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

Abstract: A 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%.

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

Abstract: A 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.

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.

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.

Abstract: The amount of water required to effect efficient separation of a mixture of sulfuric acid and carboxylic acids by distillation, is reduced, by diluting the mixture while in the distillation column in a prescribed manner with sufficient water to provide a water:sulfuric acid mole ratio of about 1:1. The heat generated by the internal dilution reduces the energy requirement of the column. Feeding the dilution water to the column below the feed mixture is a key element of the process.

Abstract: The improved method and apparatus treats the stack gases from a commercial bakery oven to remove and recover pollutants, specifically ethyl alcohol. The method includes the steps of cooling the stack gases and passing the cooled gases through a packed column to condense the water and ethyl alcohol and if the ethyl alcohol is to be recovered drying the ethyl alcohol by distillation and by absorption of the water therefrom by a molecular sieve. The apparatus includes blowers and controls to maintain the normal flow of gases from the oven so that the removal and recovery of the ethyl alcohol from the stack gases does not interfere or change the baking conditions of the oven. This may be accomplished by a system of dampers or by controlling the discharge rate of the blowers used.

Abstract: A fractional distillation system is provided for fractionating unequal liquid mixtures with lower heat throughput and lower energy consumption. For mixtures in which the heavy fraction is predominant (FIG. 1), a stripper (2) pre-fractionates part of the mixture at lower pressure and at no extra energy cost by being reboiled by an intermediate condenser (3). The pre-fractionator temperature range is preferably nested within (overlapped by) the distillation column (6) temperature range.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for evaporation of spent liquor by heat from a blow condenser where blow steam from a pulp cooker is condensed in a direct condenser connected with a hot water accumulator. Spent liquor heated indirectly by hot water from the accumulator is brought to expand and released expansion vapor is used as a heat medium in a following evaporation stage. The apparatus comprises a heat exchanger, at least one flash tank and at least one evaporation unit, the heat exchanger being disposed to receive hot water from the upper part of the accumulator and to return it to its lower part and thus heat the spent liquor, and the flash tank being disposed to receive spent liquor heated in the heat exchanger and to release liquor vapor and spent liquor to the evaporation unit.

Abstract: In the purification of ethylene oxide from an ethylene oxide-containing reaction formation gas produced by catalytic gas-phase oxidation of ethylene with a molecular oxygen containing gas, external thermal energy required for heating an ethylene oxide refiner is economized by a method which utilizes the diffusate obtained from the top of an ethylene oxide stripper as a heat source for the refiner. Further, the bottom liquid of the stripper can be used as a heat source for ethylene oxide refiner and/or a light ends stripper.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing water from a liquid mixture of water and ethanol contacts it with liquid carbon dioxide so that the ethanol is preferentially transferred into solution, dries the solution using an adsorbent, and then recovers dry ethanol by distilling off the carbon dioxide. This process is particularly energy efficient especially when it includes a fermentation process to generate the ethanol and uses the carbon dioxide generated during the fermentation as the source of liquid carbon dioxide. In this case the method and apparatus provide an additional product of dry carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A steam generator, especially a pure steam generator, having a feed line for conducting feed water to the same, an electrode system for heating the feed water, a steam outlet for removing generated steam, and a separating space in a lower part of the generator 10, along with a droplet separator through which the steam that has been generated is disposed to flow from the separating space to the steam outlet. Electrodes have been placed in small tubular spaces in a water space (i.e. a space receiving incoming feed water). The steam generator may be used in a multi-stage distilling apparatus by conducting the steam that has been formed to a second column or stage of the distilling apparatus, to constitute feed steam therefor.

Abstract: A multiple effect evaporator system and a process for concentrating a process liquid wherein evaporated process liquid from one effect serves as heating fluid in an adjacent effect. Low energy heating fluid in vapor form is fed to an evaporative surface condenser where it is condensed and collected as clean and foul condensate. Coolant for the evaporative surface condenser is provided in the form of process liquid from one of the effects. Prior to passage into the evaporative surface condenser, the process liquid is cooled. In the cooling circuit of the evaporative surface condenser, the process liquid absorbs the heat of condensation of the heating fluid and subsequently rejects the heat into a counter flowing air stream. The process liquid is thereafter heated and returned to another of the multiple evaporator effects.

Abstract: A water distiller apparatus for purifying and degassing domestic water supplies is provided which is constructed for easy cleaning of all parts and in which inflowing water is preheated by condensing steam within a condenser which preheating allows dissolved gases to dissipate through a vent before the inlet water reaches an evaporator portion. The rate of inflowing water is controlled by a temperature responsive valve that is in thermal communication with the condenser to maximize heat transfer and minimize heat and water loss.

Abstract: An amine is separated from an aqueous solution of amine and volatile organic compounds by distillation in a column. The vapors generated during distillation are condensed. The condensed vapors are then passed into a separating device in which the volatile organic compounds are removed. The liquid remaining in the separating device is then fed to the head of the distillation column. Water is removed from the column in a sidestream and diamine is the residue. This process is particularly effective in recovering aromatic diamines from solutions which accumulate during hydrogenation of dinitro aromatic compounds.

Abstract: High purity butene-1, in particular polymerization grade butene-1, is obtained by means of a two-stage fractionation of a C.sub.4 hydrocarbon stream comprising butene-1 which is substantially free from butadiene.The first stage of the fractionation process allows practically all the isobutane contained in the C.sub.4 batch to be separated as the top stream.The bottom phase of the first stage of fractionation is supplied to the second stage of fractionation thus obtaining high purity butene-1 as the top fraction, and the remaining components as the bottom phaseAccording to the process of the invention, vapors of butene-1 obtained as the top stream from the second stage of fractionation are compressed and the resultant heat of condensation is used for operating the reboilers of the two fractionation stages.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for removing dissolved organic impurities, such as gasoline or other hydrocarbons, from groundwater. The contaminated water is fed into a stripper column, operated under a deep vacuum, to enable the water to enter the column at its boiling point. Steam, as a vaporizing gas, strips the impurities out of the water and the overhead vapor phase is compressed to boost it to a higher pressure, so it can be condensed to vaporize part of the bottoms stream from the column. Since the bottoms stream is mostly water, the vapor generated is the steam used to strip impurities from the water.

Abstract: An apparatus for distilling a source liquid which utilizes a substantially vertical liquid column. The liquid column is contained by a tubular container closed at the top and open at the bottom. The open bottom of the tubular container is submerged within a source liquid reservoir. The height of the tubular container is greater than the maximum obtainable height for the given density of the portion of source liquid contained within the column. A vacuum is located within the tubular container above the surface of the portion of source liquid contained in the column. In the area of the vacuum, there is located a centrifugal compressor which is to function to move vapor from the vacuum section of the tubular container and compress such along with the transfer of heat to the point that the vapor becomes liquid. This now product liquid is to be removed from the apparatus.

Abstract: A process for the continuous production of boiler feed water from process waters in the oil extraction industry during which salts and hydrocarbons are removed from the water, without Fe.sup.++ precipitating. The heavy hydrocarbons are mechanically separated, the volatile hydrocarbons are separated from the water, by means of a thermal degassing, and the low boiling and the non-condensable hydrocarbons are separated in a shower evaporation step with downstream vapor compression, wherein the low boiling non-condensable hydrocarbons are evaporated with the waste water within the shower evaporator and the non-condensable hydrocarbons then are drawn off from a downstream separator. A salt-free oxygen-free pure water is removed from a separator.

Abstract: A highly efficient water purification device includes a degasification apparatus, a distillation apparatus and an ion removal device to purify contaminated water. When a partial vacuum is applied to the degasification apparatus, dissolved gases leave the water, and a heat exchange process occurs which heats the gases and cools the degassed water. A gas exhaust channel transfers the warmed gases to a heating coil in the distillation apparatus to preheat water for evaporation therein while the cooled, degassed water is transferred to a condenser to condense vapor and steam. The degasification apparatus may include one or more towers in which a vacuum is formed by first filling the towers with water, sealing the tower top, and then draining water from the tower bottom; this vacuum may be applied to the distillation apparatus and a reservoir by transferring the vacuum from the towers through a depressurization conduit to thereby achieve boiling in the distillation apparatus at reduced temperatures.

Abstract: In a combination solvent extraction-steam distillation process for the recovery of aromatic hydrocarbons, the improvement comprising(a) introducing high pressure steam into a steam ejector;(b) passing the steam from step (a) to a first heat exchanger where it exchanges heat with cooler lean solvent coming from the bottom of the distillation column and is condensed;(c) returning the lean solvent from step (b) to the bottom of the distillation column;(d) passing part of the condensate from step (b) to a second heat exchanger where it exchanges heat with the warmer lean solvent coming from the bottom of the distillation column, cooling the lean solvent and vaporizing the condensate; and(e) passing the vapor from step (d) to the steam ejector in step (a).

Abstract: A beneficiated kaolin clay slurry is concentrated from a solids content of about 50% to 60% by weight to a solids content of at least 65% by weight by evaporating water therefrom by passing the aqueous clay slurry through one or more non-contact evaporated heat exchangers. The kaolin clay slurry is passed in indirect heat exchange relationship with a heating vapor, with the heating vapor comprising water vapor previously evaporated from the aqueous clay slurry.

Abstract: This document describes an improved method and apparatus for recycling energy in counterflow heat exchange and distillation. The basis of the invention is transferring heat with thin sheets of material having extensive surface area relative to the flow rate through the system. A distillation apparatus (11 and 12), a counterflow heat exchanger (11), a clothes dryer (FIG. 9), a power generator (FIG. 12), and other embodiments of the invention are described.

Abstract: A process for producing anhydrous ethanol, using an apparatus comprising a combination of a concentration column, an azeotropic distillation column and a solvent recovery column, and capable of effectively utilizing the vapor at the tops of the concentration column and the azeotropic distillation column, is provided, which process comprises:(i) connecting an absorption type heat pump functioning as a condenser and a reboiler at the same time, to either one of the concentration column or the azeotropic distillation column;(ii) connecting a combination of a mechanical type heat pump with a heat exchanger functioning as a condenser and a reboiler at the same time to another of the columns;(iii) using a back pressure turbine as a machine for driving the mechanical type heat pump; and(iv) using the back pressure steam generated by operating the mechanical type heat pump as the heat source for the absorption type heat pump.

Abstract: A water purification and hot water supply apparatus is provided including a feed water intake providing water in excess of the distilled water output, a heater controlling the quantity of water boiled, a waste water exit port to remove accumulated water above a certain level, a distilled water exit port in the vapor space, a condensing device to transfer the heat of condensation to a hot water tank and a waste water heat exchange device to transfer heat from the waste water to the hot water tank. A volatile organic compound removing tank to heat and vent off the contaminants is positioned to receive heat from the water in the still section of the apparatus which then feeds water to the feed water intake.

Abstract: A process for the production of a crude dimethyl terephthalate suitable for hydrolyzing into a fiber grade terephthalic acid involves separating a crude ester obtained from the production of dimethyl terephthalate by the Witten process by vacuum distillation at elevated pressure in a three-column series arranged distillation system. In the first distillation column of the system the crude is separated into a methyl p-toluate-rich fraction as head product; in a second column of the series, into a fraction rich in methyl ester of terephthalaldehydic acid as head product; and in a third distillation column, a crude dimethyl terephthalate fraction. The crude dimethyl terephthalate fraction has a methyl ester of terephthalaldehydic acid content of 0.01-0.1% by weight as a head product.

Abstract: A method of utilizing the energy of a high pressure condensate stream including passing steam at an elevated pressure in indirect heat exchange with a material to be heated, collecting a condensate product condensed from the steam of the heat exchange step at an elevated pressure, passing the condensate directly to a steam stripping step at essentially the same pressure at which the condensate was collected and reducing the pressure of the condensate while simultaneously contacting the condensate with a material to be stripped in the stripping step.

Abstract: A combined distillation apparatus and hot liquid system having a hot liquid heater connected to a cold liquid storage tank and in which the distilled liquid delivers its heat to the cold incoming liquid within the cold liquid storage tank so that the cold incoming liquid is preheated for subsequent delivery to the hot liquid heater. A heat dissipation coil located within or closely adjacent to the cold liquid storage tank has a first coil being filled with a coolant, which is the cold incoming liquid captured from the cold liquid storage tank, and a second coil being filled with the distilled liquid so that the distilled liquid may be cooled before re-entering the condenser and mixing with the steam and vapor entering the condenser.

Abstract: A tank for receiving water to be desalinated supports a vacuum pump at the upper end thereof. The inlet of the pump communicates with the tank for reducing the interior of the tank to a subatmospheric pressure and the outlet of the pump communicates with heat transfer coils submerged just below a water level in the tank. The vacuum pump has an outer casing defining a heating area which traps the heat generated by operation of the pump. An inlet for water to be desalinated leads through the heated area around the pump and is discharged above the water level at the heat transfer coils for vaporization of the incoming water. The heat transfer coils communicate with condensing coils leading downwardly in the tank. The heat transfer coils are supported on a float and have an inlet and outlet arrangement providing for even distribution of vapor.

Abstract: An offshore water electrolysis plant which produces pressurized gas by electrolysis of fresh water and wave power includes the combination of a wave-powered electric generator at the ocean surface, an electrolyzer and storage vessels located on the ocean bottom for providing gas under pressure, and a source of fresh water at the ocean surface forced down to the submerged electrolyzer through the use of a water-filled standpipe. In one embodiment, the electric power generating system includes a tethered floating helix coupled to an electric generator, in which the helix is automatically aligned with the wave propagation direction, while in another embodiment linear alternators are mounted for reciprocation on a column which extends through the air-sea interface, with each alternator provided with a donut-shaped float, such that electric power is generated as each float moves vertically up and down responsive to wave motion.

Abstract: A method for decreasing the external energy input to a fractionation system is disclosed. The method utilizes a compression zone communicating with either the overhead fraction or the bottoms fraction from a fractionation zone. The method is directed at regulating the rate of energy addition and/or removal to the fractionation zone by at least one of the fractions returned to the fractionation zone to maintain the separated fractions within the desired limits.

Abstract: In a fractional distillation process in which a heating fluid and waste heat stream are utilized to supply heat to a fractional distillation column and in which the heat supplied from the waste heat stream is not controllable, control of the liquid level in the fractional distillation column is accomplished by manipulating the flow rate of the heating fluid so as to maintain a desired liquid level until such time as the flow rate of the heating fluid becomes zero at which time the flow rate of the external reflux to the fractional distillation column is manipulated to maintain a desired liquid level in the fractional distillation column. A switching of control of the liquid level provides a means by which an uncontrollable heat input may be provided to the fractional distillation column without losing control of the liquid level in the fractional distillation column.