Abstract: A flame adjusting device includes a tank for receiving a fluid and includes an upper portion and a lower portion coupled to a coupler with hoses. The coupler is coupled to a gas generator. A control device is disposed between the coupler and an upper hose and is used for controlling the gas to flow through the hoses and to adjust the gas flowing out of the tank. The gas is a gaseous fuel and is supplied to a facility for generating a flame. The temperature generated by the flame may thus also be adjusted.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus or a method for forming a thin zinc oxide film on a conductive base member by immersing the conductive base member and a counter electrode in an aqueous solution and supplying a current between the conductive base member and the counter electrode, in which (a) a distance between the counter electrode and the base member is 50 mm or more at an end portion of the counter electrode and is 3 mm to 40 mm at a central portion of the counter electrode, and (b) an end portion of the counter electrode is folded by an angle of −1° to −90° with respect to the conductive base member. Thus the thin zinc oxide film of satisfactory film quality can be formed on the conductive base member for a long time with a satisfactory yield, and inexpensive and stable production of the thin zinc oxide film can be realized.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the continuous chromium-plating of elongated members such as bars and the like: the bar to be plated is fed and rotated through at least one tubular shaped chromium-plating anode into which an electrolytic solution suitable for depositing a layer of chromium on the bar, as the latter advances through the said anode, is supplied. The electrolytic solution is supplied into the anode from the bottom upwards, through sets of holes over the bottom and the upper surfaces of the anode; the bottom holes communicate with a pressure balancing and flow distribution chamber for the electrolytic solution. This results in an electrolytic flow upwardly directed in a perpendicular direction to the longitudinal axis of the bar, the temperature of which may be controlled by changing the flow rate of the electrolytic solution circulating inside the anode.

Abstract: A continuous strip is electrochemically processed in an electrolytic processing bath using either a thin flexible or resilient dielectric wiping blade or an open web, plastic mesh to wipe bubbles of gas from the surface, sever dendritic material, if such is present, and to remove a surface layer of partially depleted electrolytic solution in the form of a barrier or depletion layer including a heat zone, replacing with fresh cooler solution and to stabilize strip portions extending between support rolls. The resilient dielectric wiper blade is preferably used with perforated anodes which allow fresh electrolytic solution to flow into the space between the anodes and the strip surface after being expelled by passage of the strip past the wiping blade. It may also be used with electrode baskets in electroplating, however.

Abstract: A system and method for electro-forming a metal layer on a substrate. The system has a rotary jet planarizer in an electro-forming or galvanic cell. The cell includes a toroidally-shaped manifold with two inlets and an outlet. Each of the inlets is coupled to tubing from a sump assembly. Pressurized electrolyte flows from the sump assembly to the manifold. Directly downstream from the manifold is a diffuser having a plurality of openings. Electrolyte flows through the diffuser to an toroidally-shaped anode basket filled with metal pellets. After flowing through the anode basket, the electrolyte flows to a rotary jet planarizer. The planarizer has a rotatable plate with a main opening, a plurality of apertures radially extending from the main opening, and a conduit that is coupled to the main opening and extends out of the cell. A motor is coupled to the rotary jet planarizer to rotate the plate.

Abstract: A gas generator includes a housing for receiving an electrolyte and has an outlet duct for collecting the gas. A number of cells are disposed in the housing for forming a number of spaces between the cells. A tube and a pipe are coupled together by a conduit and are engaged through the cells and each has a number of holes communicating with the spaces for allowing the electrolyte to be drawn out of the housing to a cool device and for allowing the electrolyte to be circulate into the housing via the pipe. An indicator is used for indicating the level of the electrolyte.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a unique, compact hydrogen electrochemical system which eliminates the need for explosion-proof equipment. This system merely separates the electrical equipment from the hydrogen source with a wall, but employs a positive pressure, of about 0.1 inches water column, air purge throughout the system to prevent the introduction of hydrogen gas to the electrical equipment and to recover and use waste heat.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrochemical cell, system and process for converting essentially anhydrous hydrogen halide to essentially dry halogen gas. The process of the present invention is useful for converting anhydrous hydrogen halide, in particular, hydrogen chloride, hydrogen fluoride, hydrogen bromide and hydrogen iodide, to a halogen gas, such as chlorine, fluorine, bromine, or iodine. In particular, in the present invention, water is provided to the cation-transporting membrane at the cathode in various ways. The present invention allows for recovery of a released fluid at the cathode-side of the membrane and recycling of the released fluid back to the cathode side of the membrane. In this way, the recovered, released fluid may be recycled to continuously supply water to the membrane, thereby allowing the limiting current density of the cell to be increased and/or controlled.

Abstract: A hydrogen/oxygen gas generating system includes a deionized water container and a cell for water electrolysis having anode and cathode compartments, the cell being submerged in deionized water in the container. Oxygen gas generated in the anode compartment is channeled to an oxygen gas separating chamber defined in the container at its top whereas hydrogen gas generated in the cathode compartment is channeled to a gas/liquid separator. The pressures of these gases are detected, and in accordance with the detected gas pressures, a first gas piping line for delivering oxygen gas outward from the oxygen gas separating chamber and a second gas piping line for delivering hydrogen gas outward from the separator are controlled such that the differential pressure between the gases may fall in a limited range.

Abstract: This electrolytic apparatus for a welding machine uses an electrolytic cell, a mixing tank and a multi-control switch. The electrolytic cell is composed of several pieces of electrode plates which are assembled in a row, the farthest side of which is connected to the positive and negative poles of electrolysis power. After electrolysis, the gas proceeds in a storage tank and the liquid is guided back into the electrolytic cell for recycling use. The fuel gas then goes into a first chamber to get rid of water. In the meantime, part of the fuel gas will be combined with carbohydrate dissolvent to alter its fuel composition and then be recombined with the rest of the gas to provide a desired fuel. This way, the heat of the gas can be heightened, flame temperature can be lowered, and the output ratio for the fuel gas can be controlled and adjusted to attain a welding gun's flame within a comprehensive scope of temperature and heat.

Abstract: A water purifier removes harmful materials from tap water by electrochemical oxidation-reduction and distillation without using any filters. The water purifier has an electrochemical oxidation-reduction unit which removes heavy metals and organic materials from tap water by an electrochemical oxidation-reduction reaction, thus providing pre-purified water. A distillation unit heats the pre-purified water in order to vaporize the water while distilling off harmful materials. The vapor is discharged from the distillation unit and is condensed by a condenser while flowing in a vapor guide pipe, thus providing finally-purified water.

Abstract: In a wet processing apparatus, an electrolytic cell, a first storing cell for storing anode active water of the electrolytic cell, a first processing cell for processing a target with the anode active water of the first storing cell, a second storing cell for storing cathode active water of the electrolytic cell, and a second processing cell for processing a target with the cathode active water of the second storing cell are provided. Also, a first reactivating feedback path is provided between the first processing cell and an anode region of the electrolytic cell, and a second reactivating feedback path is provided between the second processing cell and a cathode region of the electrolytic cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for electrodepositing metals onto a substrate or the like which creates a uniform laminar flow of the electroplating solution across the surface of the substrate. Specifically, the plating bath according to this invention utilizes an insert plate with a plurality of conical-shaped apertures and a cylindrical tunnel plate to create and maintain a laminar flow of the solution across the surface of the substrate. Additionally, every plate in the invention can be separately and slidably removed to facilitate easy disassembly for cleaning and user customization to achieve the various results and specifications desired by the user.

Abstract: An electroplating console for small production runs having the plating capability of four or less finishes. The console has a compact design occupying no more than 22 square feet and comprises closed loop water purification that eliminates the need for sewer line connections.

Abstract: An electrochemical processor having a first frustoconical chamber for receiving a workpiece to be processed. A plurality of sources of process fluids are connected to the frustoconical chamber for sequentially cleaning, providing an electrolyte and sealing the surface of the workpiece. A first valve arrangement connected to the chamber and responsive to a signal from a central processing unit allows the selected fluid to recirculate to provide agitation and at the same time if need to either chill or heat the selected fluid to aid in the desired function of the selected fluid. A second valve arrangement responsive to a signal from the central processing unit allows the selected fluid to drain from the chamber for return to the original supply source or a second frustoconical chamber for processing workpieces in parallel with the first frustoconical chamber.

Abstract: Plating cups 2 each hold therein respective semiconductor substrates to be plated. The temperatures of the plating solution in the plating cups are controlled at optimum levels by controlling the operations of heaters 13 and 16, based on the temperature of the plating cups as measured by thermometers 5 mounted on the plating cups 2. Metal ion concentration in the solution and the pH level and specific gravity of the solution are measured by an atomic absorption spectrometer 17, a pH gauge 18, and a gravimeter 19, respectively, for determining necessary amount of replenishing metal ions and solution from a solution level regulator 21, thereby maintaining the relevant parameters of the solution within a permissible range.

Abstract: A fluid system (10) is disclosed including a filter system (16) for the moving contaminants from fluid provided by a fluid source (12) to a supplied environment (14). The filter system includes an electrolytic or electrostatic cell (26) which is operated by a control circuit (28). The control circuit is programmed to continue to operate the cell after active water flow from fluid source is discontinued. The cell is designed to passively circulate fluid entirely within the cell, allowing efficient continued filtration to occur. As a result, more efficient matching of the cell to the particular supplied environment may be achieved. Several alternative constructions of the cell are disclosed.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell (60) and method for treating waste having an anode in the form of a number of elements comprising spheres (80) which locate between plates (78, 81). The spheres (80) divide the anode compartment (64) into parts (110, 111). The porous pot (62) separates the anode compartment from the cathode compartment (63). The electrode liquor is circulated over the elements from part (110) to part (111) by an impeller (86) located in a tube (75) having inlets (77) and outlets (76), the outlets (76) being at a different level from the inlets (77). A rake may stir the contents of chamber (111) particularly for solid waste. There may be a plurality of porous pots, each housing a cathode, in the anode compartment.

Abstract: A wire plating cell comprises an enclosed housing into which plating solution is pumped at a high velocity so as to create substantial fluid pressure therein. The plating cell contains a plurality of consumable anodes through which a wire passes axially and through which plating solution flows transversely. Current densities of at least 200 amps per square foot are obtained. Use of a highly concentrated plating solution in the cell results in high-speed, high quality wire plating. The invention particularly applies to the plating of nickel onto steel wire at current densities of up to 14,500 amps per square foot.

Abstract: A plating system includes a plating tank and a separation tank connected in a closed loop. Toxic bubbles or fumes are generated during plating which rise above the plating solution in the plating tank. Venturi and/or vortex scrubbers scrub the bubbles as the solution is drained from the plating tank to the separation tank. The toxic fumes are sucked into the primary scrubbing tube while the solution is drained from plating tank into the separation tank. The fine fumes are then forced through the secondary scrubber/filter. The solution once in the separation tank is then pumped back into the plating tank.

Abstract: In an electropolishing or electrolytic etching apparatus the anode is separated from the cathode to prevent bubble transport to the anode and to produce a uniform current distribution at the anode by means of a solid nonconducting anode-cathode barrier. The anode extends into the top of the barrier and the cathode is outside the barrier. A virtual cathode hole formed in the bottom of the barrier below the level of the cathode permits current flow while preventing bubble transport. The anode is rotatable and oriented horizontally facing down. An extended anode is formed by mounting the workpiece in a holder which extends the electropolishing or etching area beyond the edge of the workpiece to reduce edge effects at the workpiece. A reference electrode controls cell voltage. Endpoint detection and current shut-off stop polishing. Spatially uniform polishing or etching can be rapidly performed.

Abstract: An autoelectrolytic hydrogen generator system constituted by one or a plurality of similar cells wherein a galvanic arrangement of magnesium and aluminum plates of sacrificial elements as anode; stainless steel as cathode and sea water as electrolyte, by its very nature is made to develop a voltage when connected in short circuit causing a current to flow within the system and hydrogen production of hydrogen in situ and on demand by the electrolytic action at one pole, the cathode, and additional hydrogen by the electrochemical reaction at the other pole, the anode. Surplus electric energy of the system applied to a optional electrolyzer will also be made to produce additional hydrogen at its two sacrificial aluminum electrodes.

Abstract: This invention relates primarily to a waste water treatment and recycling system for an electroplating line. Electroplating lines typically produce waste products which may be defined as environmentally hazardous. The present invention provides for a system of complete recycling of such wastes from an electroplating line which includes (I) a plurality of treatment stations, where each station consists of a treatment tank and a rinse tank, and (II) means for sequentially moving metallic parts for treatment therein from a treatment tank and a rinse tank of a first treatment station, to a treatment tank and rinse tank of a second treatment station.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for electroplating surfaces. The apparatus reduces the anode effect on current density, and is therefore particularly suitable for copper or nickel plating of fine-line metal circuitry. Current density regulation is achieved by separating the anode and cathode into separate cells and achieving electrolyte communication between the cells by providing a relatively high-impedance ion path. The preferred embodiment includes a siphon tube as an ion path and a pump and filter in a separate path to maintain electrolyte circulation between the cells.

Abstract: An atmospheric evaporator for reducing the water content of various chemical solutions, more particularly useful in the electroplating industry, wherein the evaporator includes a solution-secure molded tank in which a removable blower sleeve is mounted having a blower inlet duct and support strut members formed at the opposite end thereof to support a multiplicity of finned evaporator members over which the solution is sprayed. When a large-volume, low RPM blower is mounted to the inlet duct, a straight-line downdraft of both air and solution is created, allowing the air and evaporated water to exhaust through an up-facing outlet duct, thus defining a substantially "U" shaped duct arrangement from the inlet side to the exhaust side of the tank with the heavy chemical particles returning to the process tank from the bottom of the evaporator tank.

Abstract: A power supply circuit containing a transformer which is used in a spray-drenched environment, for example, near a bathing pool or food processing plant, is cooled by heat exchange with circulating liquid. An electrolysis apparatus producing in situ chlorine for a pool has a passage through which pool water is pumped. A metal sleeve surrounds the passage and contacts a transformer and rectifier, all of which are surrounded by cast, insulating resin.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for production of fuels by photoelectrolysis of water and photooxidation of water soluble biomass and a process for preparation of Schottky-type metalized, appropriately doped n-type semiconductor photochemical diodes suitable for use in the above process and apparatus. The production of hydrogen by photoelectrolysis of water as the cathodic reaction of an optically illuminated photochemical diode is effected in an aqueous electrolyte which comprises a biomass product which may be monosaccharides, polysaccharides, lignins, their partially oxidized products, and mixtures thereof which are oxidized as the anodic reaction of the photochemical diode producing liquid fuels and useful chemicals. Molecular oxygen evolution is avoided and utilization of biomass product provides a cost effective material to increase fuels and useful chemical production by photoelectrolysis of water at potentials substantially less than required for normal water electrolysis involving oxygen evolution.

Abstract: A simplified, safe, fast and economical method of refining gold and a versatile apparatus for practicing the method are disclosed. The process and the apparatus are ideally suited for reclaiming substantially pure gold from gold jewelry and gold alloy scrap. Gold alloy to be refined is inquarted with a non-ferrous metal or metal alloy and the resulting gold alloy is cast into slab anodes which are suspended in an electrolytic cell containing a mild nitric acid solution as the electrolyte. The cell includes a stainless steel container cathode to retain gold mud or slime precipitated from the slab anode during the electrolytic process. If platinum and/or palladium are present in the gold alloy to be refined inquartation with silver is carried out, and these platinum metals are dissolved in the electrolyte solution. If iridium or any other platinum metals are present in the gold alloy to be refined, they will remain in the resulting gold mud and subsequent treatment with aqua regia is necessary.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hybrid fuel system for an engine which normally operates on fuel such as kerosene, gasoline, propane or the like and is adapted to be used in conjunction with the traditional fuel at selected times during the running of the engine. The system includes an electrolysis chamber provided with a fluid inlet and outlet, a pipe disposed within the chamber to allow the metered dispensing of a portion of the fluid contained within the pipe to an electrolysis area in such a manner that the dissociation of the fluid into its elemental components occurs quite readily. The configuration of the electrolysis area is such that remigration of the elemental components is extremely unlikely, and to this end an angled roof having faces which meet at an area above the pipe cause the elements to be separated and migrate on separate faces of the roof and thereafter to an opening which communicates with a conduit for admission of the elemental components into the engine.

Abstract: An improved electrolytic apparatus for the production of an alkali metal halate, such as sodium chlorate, from an aqueous solution of alkali metal halide, such as sodium chloride, includes modular, vertical anodes and cathodes in alternating relationship in a housing, and an upwardly oriented flow directing funneling chimney structure in a cylindrical shaped housing and over the electrodes, through which, electrolyte between the electrodes rises, passing from a wider portion of the funnel to a narrower part thereof, and a connected chimney passageway, from which it is returned from recirculation to a location below the electrodes after removal of gas from it. Different structures of the electrolytic apparatus or cell are specifically disclosed in one of which the electrolyte, after having passed through the funnel structure, moves longitudinally with respect to the cell, and in the other of which it moves transversely.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing hydrogen and oxygen or oxides wherein electrolysis of an aqueous system is carried out using, in the cathode compartment of the electrolysis cell, a hydride-forming liquid metal, the resulting hydride being thermally decomposed to produce the hydrogen.

Abstract: A continuous process for the electrochemical production of insoluble metal alkoxides comprises the steps of continuously removing the slurry of electrolyte and product from the cell, separating the product from the electrolyte, and returning the clarified electrolyte to the cell.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating aqueous rinse mixtures containing organic brightener additives having sulfur therein of nickel electroplating processes by adding acid to the rinse mixture, passing the rinse and acid mixture through a carbon filter to remove the brighteners and decrease the sulfur content of the mixture, and adding the filtered mixture to and reusing it in the semi-bright and bright nickel baths of the nickel electroplating process.

Abstract: An automatic electroplating apparatus which comprises a power-driven larger rotary drum containing plating solution therein, a plurality of power-driven smaller rotary drums disposed within the larger drum and immersed in the plating solution, and a plurality of through holes formed in each of the smaller drums for permitting the plating solution to interflow between insides of the larger and the smaller drums, each of the smaller drums being arranged so as to rotate on its own axis and synchronously to revolve orbitally around a vertical axis of the larger drum.

Abstract: A compact chlorine generation device generates chlorine and usually ozone. The device is water cooled. A power transformer has a housing thereabout in heat conductive contact therewith. A highly heat conductive metal frame is attached in direct efficient heat conductive relation with the housing. The frame has a conduit therethrough generally adjacent to the housing. A metal block has a semi-conductor power rectifier held in a cavity therein and in thermal contact therewith. The block is attached in direct heat conductive relation with the frame. A coolant is flowed through the conduit thereby cooling the transformer and the rectifier. A chlorine generating electric cell has an anode and a cathode which are connected to the respective DC output poles of the rectifier. The coolant which exits the conduit is led to the cell wherein it serves as the electrolyte.

Abstract: An electroplating apparatus for applying a protecting metallic coating on the surface of a workpiece, the apparatus featuring a process chamber for containing an electrolytic solution, and means for leading an electric current to the workpiece and to the solution. A pneumatic pressure reducing pump is further provided for creating subatmospheric pressure about said process chamber and the spaces containing said electrolytic solution which is in communication with the electrolytic solution in the process chamber, whereby the use of a high electrical current density during electroplating is possible.

Abstract: In an electrochemical operation, e.g., fluorination of an organic compound, the electrolyte is removed from the electrochemical cell, optionally circulated through a cooler, and returned to the cell. The feed is introduced into the electrolyte externally of the cell. The electrolyte, containing the feed, is introduced into the bottom portion of the cell which can be a multiple electrodes-containing cell in view of the feed introduction. Optimum design, disregarding substantially entirely heat buildup, is made possible. Fluorination of an organic compound is described.

Abstract: A new electrolyzer for the industrial production of fluorine gas which uses bipolar and monopolar electrodes within a tank containing an electrolyte of an anhydrous mixture of mineral fluorides and hydrogen fluoride. A compact construction is achieved which requires only two current connections.

Abstract: In the production of fluorine by electrolysis of a fused electrolyte containing potassium fluoride and hydrogen fluoride the electrolyte is circulated from a tank, through a heat exchanger, through one or more electrolytic cells and is returned to the tank. The heat exchanger controls the temperature of the circulating electrolyte leaving the electrolytic cell or cells at the desired value in the range 75.degree.-110.degree. C.

Abstract: A thin film of low magnetostriction Permalloy 80% nickel - 20% iron .+-. 1% is electroplated in a bath having a ratio of about 1.8:1 to 24:1 g/liter ratio of Ni to Fe ions with a plating current density from 10 ma/cm.sup.2 - 200 ma/cm.sup.2 when plating in sheet form or an Ni/Fe ratio of 25:1 to 85:1 with a current density of 2 ma/cm.sup.2 - 110 ma/cm.sup.2 when plating through a mask. The fluid in the system is constantly mixed, replenished with fresh iron, acid, and other reagents, is adjusted in temperature and subjected to a continuous laminar regime of mixing. Fresh solution is added to the bath from a reservoir where the above adjustments are made. The inlet for the fresh solution is at the lower end of the plating chamber and directed at a bath mixer which includes a slot through which the fresh solution is directed to optimize mixing in the plating chamber. Complexing agents are avoided. High speed plating is obtained with about 24.4 g/l of Ni.sup.++, 1.05 g/l of Fe.sup.++, 25 g/l of H.sub.3 BO.sub.

Abstract: A novel electrolytic system, especially suitable for chlorate manufacture, is provided constituted by a novel electrolyzer and a novel reactor. The electrolyzer is designed for multicell assembly employing sheet metal electrodes and includes construction specially designed to hold the electrodes in place and to minimize internal liquor overflow within the cells. Electrolyte flow from cell to adjacent cell is in one direction only, and electrolyte product flow from cell to adjacent cell is in the opposite direction only. The flooded reactor provides suitable electrolyte retention time, temperature and product composition control, respectively, as well as gas separation with liquor level controlled for flooded electrolyzer system. A pipe riser is employed with liquor interconnection means to cause flow between the electrolyzer and the reactor.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell is provided which is particularly suitable for the production of oxy-halogen compounds such as sodium chlorate by the electrolysis of an alkali metal halide such as sodium chloride. A removable casing divides the cell into a separate cell chamber and a cooling and concentration chamber outside of said casing; means are provided for the circulation of the electrolytic solution between the cooling and concentration chamber and the cell chamber, but there is a substantial seal against the passage of gas from one to the other. Gas such as hydrogen is separately removed from the interior of the casing, a gas sweep is provided across the surface of the electrolyte in the cooling and concentration chamber to cool the electrolyte and evaporate part of it so as to concentrate it. In accordance with this invention, such can be accomplished without danger of explosion.

Abstract: A substantially sealed electrolyte container is provided for electroplating articles, and an evacuating means is provided for evacuating the space above the electrolyte surface in the electrolyte container. The article to be electroplated forms the anode or cathode electrode. The electrolyte container is subdivided by porous partitions, which do not disturb the electrical field of force, into cathode and anode chambers, and separate gas extraction means are provided for said chambers. Beneath the electrolyte level in the cathode and anode chambers electrolyte extraction and supply means are provided by means of which the electrolyte is extracted, degassed and returned to the cathode and anode chambers.

Abstract: A novel electrolytic system, especially suitable for chlorate manufacture, is provided constituted by a novel electrolyzer and a novel reactor. The novel separate electrolyzer is designed for multicell assembly employing sheet metal electrodes and includes novel internal construction specially designed to hold the electrodes in place and to minimize internal liquor overflow between adjacent cells. The novel reactor provides suitable electrolyte retention time, temperature and product composition control respectively as well as gas separation with liquor level controlled for flooded electrolyzer system. The electrolyzer and the reactor are connected by liquor interconnection means.

Abstract: A photochemical cell is disclosed which includes an anode of titanium, a cathode of platinum, and a suitable electrolyte. The anode has a thin film of titanium dioxide formed on it, and the anode and cathode are suitably configured in the electrolyte which is normally a very basic potassium hydroxide solution. When the anode is exposed to light of wavelength shorter than 415 nm, an emf of about 1 volt is found between the anode and the cathode so that an external current will flow from the cathode to the anode when they are connected. The cell also extracts O.sub.2 from a mixture of O.sub.2 and any other gases present.

Abstract: Metal articles are sequentially treated in a surface-treatment tank containing a solution of surface-treating agents, then rinsed in a plurality of series-connected water-washing tanks.The contents of the surface-treatment tank and water-washing tanks are cycled to a concentrator by way of a heat exchanger and concentrated solution is returned to the surface-treatment tank. Steam is condensed in the heat exchanger to cause evaporation of water in the concentrator and the steam condensate is transferred to the water-washing tanks.