Abstract: Processes are provided for accomplishing wet oxidation using a reaction zone wherein the gas phase (oxygen) is allowed to pass therethrough at a flow rate independent of the liquid phase (waste water) flow rate so that more oxygen can be supplied to a given volume of waste water than is possible for a conventional reactor of the equivalent size. A high efficiency wet oxidation is provided by which the process technology can be practiced either in a single stage or multistage. The reactor is directed to operate at temperatures ranging from about 350.degree. to 600.degree. F. at pressures ranging from about 800 to 2200 psig and the reactor provides a gas phase/liquid phase separation feature.

Abstract: Peristaltic pump means for pumping dialysate solution through a dialysate solution flow circuit in a hemodialysis system. The pump comprises four rollers mounted on a rotatable base member with a relatively long segment of flow circuit tubing tensionally extended around the pump head so as to be simultaneously engaged and compressed by at least two of the rollers, the rollers being mounted for longitudinal movement of the points of compression along the tubing during rotation of the pump head assembly to advance dialysate solution through the flow circuit. The disclosed pump means provides a substantially uniform dialysate solution flow rate under conditions of varying dialysate solution negative pressure and is particularly suitable for use in a unitary, portable hemodialysis module of a type adapted for coupling with either a single-pass proportioning system or a batch dialysate solution supply.

Abstract: An oil reclamation device comprises a housing, filter, evaporator plate and heating assembly. The housing has a longitudinal axis and includes an oil inlet to receive oil to be reclaimed and an oil outlet to discharge reconditioned oil. The filter is disposed at one end of the housing to define a mechanical filtration zone which receives the oil from the oil inlet of the device. The evaporator plate is disposed within the housing adjacent the mechanical filtration zone. The heating assembly is disposed at the open end of the housing adjacent the evaporator plate to define an evaporation chamber therebetween. The evaporator plate includes upwardly projecting evaporation walls defining a plurality of curved vaporizing surfaces laterally displaced radially with respect to each other to form a fluid traveling surface therebetween. The heating assembly includes downwardly projecting heating walls defining a plurality of curved heating surfaces located between the curved vaporizing surfaces.

Abstract: A solar heated anaerobic digestor is provided, adapted to utilize organic material capable of decomposing to produce methane gas and a liquid fertilizer. The sealed anaerobic digestor is wrapped with a layer of heat absorptive material followed by a series of abutting removable panels of insulative material. Insulative panels may be temporarily removed to expose the heat absorptive material to solar radiation and may be replaced when the solar radiation diminishes. A layer of transparent material wrapped in outwardly spaced relation around the insulatng panels is capable of transmitting solar radiation while providing protection against environmental elements. Additional heating means extending into the digestor provide auxiliary heat as required.

Abstract: In combination with an internal combustion engine, a device for the purification of lubricating oil. Installed as a bypass between the outlet side of the oil pump and the crankcase, the device refines contaminated oil by boiling off under a suitable temperature range condition, contaminants such as condensed water, diluted fuel, and products resulting from partial decomposition of the oil. The device comprises a closed chamber admitting oil under pressure at the bottom of the chamber. The oil is forced through a maze formed by a stack of circular vanes before exiting near the top of the chamber and being returned to the crankcase. An electrical heating element under control of a thermostat heats the vanes to a temperature necessary to boil off the contaminants. The vaporized contaminants can escape through a vent in the top portion of the chamber.

Abstract: Sewage sludge and municipal solid waste are simultaneously processed by first dissolving a catalyst, such as sodium aluminate, in the sludge, then mixing the sludge-aluminate mixture with the municipal waste to form a carbonizing mixture. After dewatering and drying, the mixture is carbonized in a furnace heated by a mixture of city gas and pyrolysis gases given off by the furnace.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for recovery of combustible gas formed from combustible refuse or vegetable matter in an enclosed space from which the combustible gas is collected. Water can be injected into the apparatus and the decay process initiated and promoted by activating a heating element projecting upwardly from the base of the apparatus into the material undergoing decomposition. The combustible gas contains a substantial proportion of methane.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved apparatus for both processing and removing animal waste products from a pit continually supplied therewith which comprises a ramp-like lid partially covering the pit and cooperating with the contents thereof to seal the latter from the atmosphere except where the waste products enter, a spray at the head of the ramp for flushing the waste materials down and off the lower end thereof into the pit, a heater buried in the material within the pit effective to maintain the temperature thereof at a level conducive to facilitate anaerobic digestion of the bio-degradable portion thereof, means for piping off the bio-gas generated underneath the lid and using a portion thereof to fire the heater, and means for draining the pit remote from the point where the fresh waste enters same, such means being adapted to maintain a near constant level of material within the pit effective to preserve the seal and discharge material therefrom without admitting air thereto.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing volatile materials from drill cuttings by vaporizing the materials on the cuttings in a non-oxidative atmosphere.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for promoting gas-liquid reaction in a reactor comprise pumping the reacting liquid to a predetermined height in a flow conduit. Gas is admitted to the liquid flow course to affect entraining gas in the flowing liquid and forming a gas-liquid mixture in the flow conduit. Said gas-liquid mixture is then guided to flow downwardly in a sustaintially vertical tube and subsequently discharged in a submerged eductor means for inducing a secondary circulating flow in the reactor. The circulating flow of the reactor liquid disperses the discharged gas homogeneously throughout the reactor and promotes a effective gas-liquid mass transfer.

Abstract: A combination of a biological dry toilet and a biological waste water purifying plant. In the combination the heat and coarse sludge of the so called grey water from households is recovered in the dry toilet to which also the fine sludge from the waste water purifying plant is pumped. The heat obtained is used for heating the compost and both sludges collected in the filters are from time to time combined to compost them together with the other waste in the dry toilet. A suction fan in the dry toilet also sucks the air needed by the biofilter through the filter bed. The purified water obtained from the waste water purifying plant is absorbed in the soil.

Abstract: Liquid purifying apparatus in which an infeed chamber, an evaporator chamber and a condenser chamber are arranged in that order along a flow path. A first inflatable bag is interposed across the flow path between the infeed chamber and the evaporator chamber, and a second inflatable bag is interposed across the flow path between the evaporator chamber and the condenser chamber. These bags are respectively located substantially entirely in the evaporator and condenser chambers, and the bags each comprise a flexible layer of highly absorbent fibrous material including a plurality of plies. The liquid to be purified is introduced into the infeed chamber, and it flows into the evaporator chamber to a level such that a portion of the first bag is immersed in the liquid. The liquid spreads by immersion and capillary action over substantially all of the fibers in the first bag to form thin liquid films along the individual fibers.

Abstract: A manure collection and storage system includes a collecting receptacle for receiving manure collected from an animal confining facility, and a water line for adding water to the manure in the collecting receptacle to form a slurry. A storage receptacle is located at a distance from the collecting receptacle and is connected thereto by a conduit. A first pump is coupled in the conduit for transferring slurry from the collecting receptacle to the storage receptacle. A second pump is coupled to the storage receptacle for recirculating the slurry therein thereby to agitate the same, the second pump being adapted to discharge slurry from the second receptacle.

Abstract: An oil reclamation device comprises a housing, filter, evaporator plate and heating assembly. The evaporator plate includes upwardly projecting evaporation walls defining a plurality of curved vaporizing surfaces laterally displaced radially with respect to each other to form a fluid traveling surface therebetween. The heating assembly includes downwardly projecting heating walls defining a plurality of curved heating surfaces located between the curved vaporizing surfaces. The evaporation walls and the heating walls define a plurality of curved paths along the fluid traveling surface from the longitudinal axis of the housing outwardly along the evaporator plate. The evaporator plate includes passageways extending from the mechanical filtration zone to deliver substantially all of the oil being treated at a centermost portion of the evaporator plate.

Abstract: A domestic sewage system discharges hot sewage from several sources in a building such as a home to a sewer. The home is here provided with a fan in the sewer vent to draw air from an air inlet in the sewer, through the sewer where the air becomes heated, and then through a heat exchanger where heat is removed from the air such as for room or water heating, and then out through the sewer vent.

Abstract: A solar energy collection and utilization system includes a reservoir having a heat transfer fluid stored therein, and a platform supported by the fluid. A solar energy collector is carried by the platform, the system further including a fluid conductor in the collector for receiving energy collected from solar radiation and heating the heat transfer fluid passing therethrough. Appropriate piping is provided between the reservoir and the fluid conductor such that the fluid heated by the collector is stored in the reservoir for subsequent use for heating applications, including methane generation in a separate facility.

Abstract: A waste treatment system and method for anaerobic fermentation of animal excreta. The system includes a collection gutter for containing the excreta until a predetermined portion becomes liquified. When the liquid excreta reaches a predetermined level it passes from the gutter into one end of an elongated, collapsed bag. The bag progressively fills, the liquid excreta being maintained at a temperature conducive to fermentation. After a predetermined degree of fermentation has been achieved, the liquid excreta is tapped off for use as fertilizer. Gases formed in the process are vented off and can be burned to provide heat for maintaining the liquid excreta at the desired fermentation temperature.

Abstract: A sewage gas collection reservoir is provided with a valve and distribution system. Combustible gases are produced by anaerobic bacteria in mixtures of organic matter which are trapped by the cone shaped reservoir at the top of the mixture from which the gas is drawn past a valve, then past a water trap, then past an activated charcoal filter and fed into an ordinary household gas line by the vacuum created by the flow of the household gas supply. A one way valve is provided at the activated charcoal filter to prevent a reverse flow into the system and reservoir.

Abstract: A device and method of operation for receiving retrieved blood from the surgical field of a patient and treating the blood so that it is in condition for direct or indirect return to the patient. The device is comprised of a housing adapted to receive a relatively large volume of blood, which when received is removed of air bubbles and other foreign matter. The received blood flows smoothly both to and from a fibrous membrane interposed in the path of blood flow thereby avoiding bubbling and damage to the blood. Significantly, means within the housing are provided to inhibit clotting of the blood within the housing.

Abstract: A system is provided for continuously removing contaminants from a fluid stream on a high volume basis, such system being adapted particularly for use with contaminated lubricating oil found in industrial heavy equipment such as drop forges which requires large volumes of lubricating oil for effective, continuous operation.

Abstract: A diffusion system for blood including a membrane diffusion device comprising a plurality of blood flow paths positioned in interleaving diffusion exchange relation, with second fluid flow paths positioned on opposite sides of semi-permeable membrane means. The first and second flow paths each communicate with an inlet and an outlet. Heat exchange means having an inlet and an outlet is connected at the inlet thereof to the outlet of the first flow paths. A rigid reservoir, also having an inlet and an outlet is connected at its inlet to the outlet of the heat exchange means. A blood flow circuit is defined through the membrane diffusion device, heat exchange means, and reservoir. The flow circuit defines an essentially constant width, perpendicular to the directions of blood flow, from its beginning to end, to provide a system having good flow distribution in combination with a low pressure drop.

Abstract: An electric oil refining apparatus for motor vehicle internal combustion engines designed to remove liquid and solid contaminants from oil which is then recycled. The oil exits from a single small orifice into a vaporization chamber where, due to sudden change of temperature and pressure, the liquid contaminants separate from the oil. The stream of oil is then deflected against a heated concave cup which vaporizes liquid contaminants, and allows oil to flow over the floor of the vaporization chamber and back to the internal combustion engine of the motor vehicle for reuse. A filter is provided at the input to the orifice, thereby avoiding clogging of the orifice.

Abstract: Water produced as a by-product of the electrochemical reaction in a fuel cell is treated so as to enable its use to produce, in a fuel conditioning subsystem including a steam generator and raw hydrocarbon fuel reformer, fuel for delivery to the fuel cell. The water conditioning system includes a novel deaerator wherein fuel cell waste heat is employed to heat water produced in the fuel cell to remove dissolved gases therefrom. The water treatment system also includes a cooler for reducing the temperature of the "deaerated" water prior to its delivery to a filter and demineralizer; the water being delivered to the boiler of the steam generator subsequent to passage through the demineralizer.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for dehydrating suspensions by means of a vacuum filter and consisting of applying the suspension to the surface of the vacuum filter, directing steam along the path parallel to the surface and thereafter passing the steam into contact with the filter cake on the surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing impurities from lubricating oil comprising a container having a filter positioned in the lower end thereof with an evaporator plate positioned above the filter. The lubricating oil enters the container through an inlet opening formed in the lower end thereof with the oil being passed upwardly through the filter. The oil is dispersed or redistributed at the lower end of the evaporator plate so that the oil is moved to the center thereof and moved upwardly through a central opening. The evaporator plate has a plurality of annular concentric tiers provided on its upper end so that the oil passing through the upper end of the central opening in the evaporator plate flows downwardly and outwardly over the concentric tiers. A ring-shaped heating element is positioned in the container and extends around the upper end of the evaporator plate at the periphery thereof for heating the oil passing downwardly over the concentric tiers.

Abstract: An organic carbon analyzer system particularly adapted for the continuous analysis of raw sewage of a municipality. A gaseous transport is provided for carrying acidified liquid sewage including dispersed particulate matter through an elongated aeration chamber wherein carbon dioxide evolved from inorganic salts diffuses away from the sewage and into the gas. A second gaseous transport free of carbon dioxide and including an oxidizing agent then carries the sewage into a heated chamber having a tortuous interior surface which provides sufficient retention time to oxidize organic carbonaceous materials of the sewage resulting in a second evolution of carbon dioxide. An analyzer provides a continuous reading of the concentration of the carbon dioxide produced in the heated chamber.

Abstract: A piston assembly is disposed between the inlet zone and the filter medium of an apparatus to forcibly compact the filter medium with the same liquid which is being filtered by the liquid filter apparatus thereby to inhibit channeling of the liquid through the filter medium.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing ammonia nitrogen from wastewater at any given temperature. The apparatus and method includes the concept of increasing the pH of the wastewater to a highly basic condition, exposinng the wastewater to a vacuum having an absolute pressure at least approaching the vapor pressure of the wastewater proportional to the given temperature whereby ammonia gas is then desorbed from the wastewater, and subsequently absorbing the desorbed ammonia in a body of liquid having a pH substantially less than the highly basic condition of the original wastewater.

Abstract: Apparatus for aeration of water for reduction of the biological oxygen demand, which comprises a cylindrical vessel with vertical axis of selected cross-sectional area and height. A horizontal dividing wall is positioned near the bottom of the vessel. Water enters into the space below the dividing wall and passes upwardly through a plurality of narrow slots spaced equally from each other. An air manifold is provided including a plurality of small diameter pipes, or arms, each of which is positioned over one of the slots in the dividing wall. A plurality of small diameter orifices are drilled on the underside of the arms, divided substantially equally on each side of the center line, so that as the water rises it is immediately contacted by the air bubbles, which issue through these orifices. The air bubbles and liquid would rise in a column above the arms. Near the top of the chamber is a horizontal baffle plate, which has an annular space between its outer circumference and the inner wall of the tank.

Abstract: In a system for treatment of biochemical waste such as activated sludges, the waste is subjected to anaerobic stabilization processes, which include two phases of an acid fermentation and a methane fermentation effected in separate reactors. The waste after the acid fermentation is then separated into a liquid effluent for the methane fermentation and a waste sludge. The waste sludge which may cause secondary environmental pollution is re-treated within the anaerobic stabilization processes without withdrawing from the system.

Abstract: Organic waste and/or sewage sludge is digested by passing it downwardly through a closed vessel while air is passed upwardly through it. The air is finely divided or distributed into the vessel so that it flows through the entire cross sectional area of the material being digested. The flow of air through the vessel is regulated by measuring the content of CO.sub.2 or O.sub.2 in the exhaust air from the vessel and comparing the measured value with a desired value. Similarly, the moisture content of the material being digested is measured in at least two spaced locations and the moisture content is compared with a desired value for determining the amount of water to be supplied into the air flowing into the vessel. In addition, the air supplied to the vessel is heated based on the temperature conditions to be maintained within the vessel. After exhaust air leaves the vessel, its heat and water contents are withdrawn and it is filtered to remove objectionable odors and other noxious matters.

Abstract: Apparatus for manufacture of methane gas from sewage sludge or other organic waste comprises a digester tank system, a solar heating unit and conduit means to use hot air from the solar heater to heat the digester tanks. The new methane gas manufacture methods provided by the apparatus operate with water slurries of organic waste at a temperature of about 100.degree. - 140.degree. F to produce about 11 cu. ft. of gas per pound of organic waste and a dewatered residue that may be used as fertilizer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treatment of waste on ships and the like, in the form of solid waste and black water collected in a tank from reduced flush toilets. The solid waste is mixed with black water from the tank in a drum. Rotating knives in the drum effect the disintegration of the solid waste, and also the picking up of the waste in the drum from the bottom thereof to permit it to drop repeatedly by gravity from the upper regions of the drum. A flow of hot air is passed through the drum and hence through the dropping mixed black water and disintegrated solid waste. The axis of the drum is substantially horizontal, and may be slightly inclined with bottom ridges to inhibit the flow of liquids therealong.

Abstract: A device for use with an internal combustion engine for reconditioning oil by removal of solid and liquid contaminants including a housing having an oil inlet at one end and an oil outlet at an opposite end and containing a filter for removal of solid matter, a preheating chamber, a vaporization chamber for removal of liquid contaminants, and a convex conical vaporization plate separating and defining the roof of the preheating chamber and the floor of the vaporization chamber. The vaporization plate has a plurality of concentric tiers. The upper innermost tier of the vaporization plate has a plurality of capillaries each of which opens to the top planar surface of the tier through an expansion cup defined within an upwardly protruding lip. An electrical resistance heater is supported above the vaporization chamber for heating the vaporization chamber, the vaporization plate, and the preheating chamber. A vent for vaporized contaminants extends through the upper end of the housing.

Abstract: A gravitational separator for separating solids from liquefied natural gas having a closed tank having a conical lower portion angled at least 60.degree. from the horizontal and terminating at the bottom in an apex opening in communication with a valve means for removing settled solids from the tank, a vertically positioned cylindrical shell, defining a stilling chamber, located at least partially below a predetermined level of liquified gas, a conical shell vapor disengaging means located above the stilling chamber, conduit means for feeding a gas or liquefied gas containing impurities terminating in the stilling chamber below the level of a liquefied gas in the tank, means for withdrawing a gas or vapor from the tank.

Abstract: An apparatus for sieve filtration, and in particular ultrafiltration using a membrane as the filter, is particularly useful for filtering extremely small initial volumes, in particular of blood plasma or serum, in a pressurized cell with alternating flow direction of the liquid to be filtered, thus preventing concentration polarization, and preventing contact of the liquid to be filtered with any foreign substance such as a pressure gas.

Abstract: A deodorizer of the kind wherein consecutive batches of oil to be deodorized are progressed through a plurality of consecutive treatment vessels during which each batch is first heated, then subjected to the action of a stripping gas and finally cooled, all under a high degree of vacuum, each batch of oil having a period of residence in each such vessel, characterized in that means is provided whereby a batch of oil to be treated is partially heated by heat exchange with a fluid medium which is itself heated by heat exchange with a previously processed batch of oil for the purposes of cooling the latter.

Abstract: A method for the decomposition of waste material in which the waste material and a stream of air are introduced into a first chamber to initiate the decomposition reaction and thence into at least one additional chamber to complete the reaction. Heated gases produced by the reaction are recycled and brought into heat exchange relation with the incoming air and with the waste material in the first chamber to raise the temperature of the incoming air and waste material to thereby increase the efficiency of the decomposition method. Apparatus includes heat exchange conduit means adapted to conduct the recycled heated reaction gases to the first chamber into heat exchange relation with the waste material therein and into heat exchange relation with the air being introduced to such first chamber.

Abstract: A heat-sensitive liquid is dried and purified, by the degassing of sorbed gases, by means of a permeable electric heater, through which the liquid is passed, the liquid flowing first through a permeable liner presenting a flow impedance such that the degassing of the water vapour and gaseous impurities becomes significant only after the liquid has entered the body of the heater element.

Abstract: A self-contained process for the treatment of liquid waste from a unit source which involves a flow of liquid waste purified in a heating zone, preferably an electrode boiler, by direct passage of an electric current through the raw waste, the water content thereof being converted to a water vapor and the total body of the waste becoming sterilized, the produced steam is condensed to water and returned to the water system of the unit for re-use, residual purified solid content of the stored waste is dried if to be used for fertilizer, the latent heat of the steam is utilized for either heating or cooling the unit and a portion of the sensible heat of the condensed vapor is utilized to preheat the effluent waste prior to the heating zone. The process is preferably continuous and may use automatic circulating means. It may be staged in one or more stages and pressurized for more efficient utilization of heat.

Abstract: A method for the anaerobic fermentation of organic waste materials in a digestion zone, which method comprises introducing into the zone algae produced externally of the zone, and/or at least part of the liquid substrate in which such algae have been grown.Apparatus for anaerobic fermentation consisting essentially of a liquid storage tank comprising an inner bag-like container made of flexible material and provided with inlet and outlet means for the introduction of feed materials and the simultaneous removal of liquid and gaseous products, an outer supporting wall or frame, and at least one layer of insulating material arranged between the outer wall of the frame and the container.

Abstract: A human conveyance having a toilet and a fuel burning engine is provided with an arrangement for converting waste from the toilet to a combustible gas and for feeding the gas to the engine where it is burned as a fuel additive to increase the gas mileage of the conveyance.

Abstract: In the manufacture of alumina by the Bayer process, a method comprising the steps of bringing the overflow from a multistage red mud thickener into counterflow contact with the steam generated in consequence of the flashing of bauxite-dissolved slurry so as to effect exchange of heat therebetween, separating and removing sand from the slurry by regulating the rate at which the slurry is discharged from the bottom of the column, and circulating the heated overflow and using it as the wash water in the former stage of the said thickener, all the said operations performed in one and the same column; and a device provided with inlet and outlet pipes for the overflow, an overflow type condenser, inlet and outlet pipes for the slurry, and a pipe for the removal of sand so as to effect the operations of the said method wholly in one and the same column.

Abstract: In a deodorizing apparatus, at least the lower part of a column is surrounded at least partly by compartments which are not connected together, each compartment having means for supplying treatment fluid and means for discharging the treated material with separate control but opening into a common duct. The duct for discharging the treated material from the central column is divided into separate ducts the outlets of which open into the compartments and which are provided with separately-controlled means for carrying the material to the respective compartments.

Abstract: An organic carbon analyzer system particularly adapted for the continuous analysis of raw sewage of a municipality. A gaseous transport is provided for carrying acidified liquid sewage including dispersed particulate matter through an elongated aeration chamber wherein carbon dioxide evolved from inorganic salts diffuses away from the sewage and into the gas. A second gaseous transport free of carbon dioxide and including an oxidizing agent then carries the sewage into a heated chamber having a tortuous interior surface which provides sufficient retention time to oxidize organic carbonaceous materials of the sewage resulting in a second evolution of carbon dioxide. An analyzer provides a continuous reading of the concentration of the carbon dioxide produced in the heated chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for efficiently disposing of combustible organic waste materials, such as organic industrial and household wastes, comprising a macerator and an evaporation unit where liquids are removed from the waste to leave a concentrated organic residue. Evaporation of liquids from the waste is accomplished by heat exchange with a medium heated, in part, by exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine, and in part by incineration of the solid, relatively dry organic residue. The liquids from the evaporation unit are preferably condensed to a suitable liquid form for subsequent use, and the concentrate remaining after liquid evaporation is introduced to a high temperature zone developed in the course of the operation of an internal combustion engine, so that the solid organic residue is incinerated to a relatively small quantity of ash and innocuous gases. Heat for the purpose of partially heating the heat exchange medium used in the evaporation unit is developed in the course of such incineration.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing vaporizable impurities from lubricating oil, or the like, including: a housing; an oil inlet fitting adjacent the top of and communicating with the housing, such fitting having a downwardly directed, intermediate inlet port, laterally and downwardly directed side inlet ports on opposite sides of the intermediate port, and an external groove interconnecting the side and intermediate ports; an electrical heating element below the intermediate port and having the form of a conical spiral with its larger end uppermost; and a ball in and supported by the upper end of the conical spiral in a position to have impinge thereon oil discharged by at least the intermediate port. The ball serves to distribute the oil impinging thereon uniformly over the inverted conical spiral. When the oil is cold, the external groove interconnecting the ports conducts virtually all of the oil onto the ball for distribution over the inverted conical spiral heating element.

Abstract: A feedwater heater has a condensate inlet, and a flow distributor cooperatively associated with the condensate inlet, a plurality of U-shaped tubes forming a tube bundle, a vent condenser portion enclosing a portion of the cold leg of the tube bundle and a trough centrally disposed within the tube bundle to provide deaeration of the condensate. The trough has its lengthwise opening in fluid communication with the cold leg portion of the tube bundle and one end thereof in fluid communication with the vent condenser for channeling the non-condensibles to the vent condenser where they are vented from the feedwater heater.