Abstract: A liquid feed and effluent system to recover dissolved process gas (e.g. H.sub.2 S) from an effluent process liquid (e.g. water), which liquid may also contain dissolved solid components (e.g. soluble salts); the system heats the feed liquid with heat recovered from the effluent liquid, saturates the so heated feed liquid with process gas, which gas may also contain inert gas components, and separately discharges from the system such inert gas components and effluent liquid from which process gas and heat have been recovered. In the combination the dissolved process gas is preferably recovered from the effluent liquid by flashing at progressively reduced pressures and final vapor stripping thereof at the most reduced pressure.

Abstract: High temperature thermal exchange between molten liquid and a gas stream is effected by generating in a confined flow passageway a plurality of droplets of molten liquid and by passing a gas stream through the passageway in heat exchange relationship with the droplets. The droplets are recovered and adjusted to a predetermined temperature by means of thermal exchange with an external source for recycle. The process provides for removal of undesired solid, liquid or gaseous components.

Abstract: In a fractional distillation process and apparatus two columns are intercoupled to provide variable reboil in one and variable reflux in the other so as to approach closely to thermodynamically ideal fractionation. The variable reboil column has a series of heat transfer assemblies at different levels up its height and these are fed with vapor withdrawn from respective different levels of the variable reflux column. Partial condensation of each withdrawn stream takes place in the respective heat transfer assembly, after which the partially condensed stream is returned to the variable reflux column at a level close to the level at which the corresponding vapor was withdrawn. The variable reflux column will ordinarily be at a higher pressure, and mounted at a lower level than the variable reboil column.

Abstract: Oil or fat is deodorized by contacting with steam. The oil or fat is finely distributed in a vacuum contact zone by spray means whereupon it contacts a steam vapor. The contacted oil or fat is then recycled in the same contact zone, finely distributed, and once again contacted with the steam vapor. The steam efficiently removes flavoring and scenting components and free fatty acids normally present in natural fats and oils.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for stripping fatty acids and removing objectionable odors or flavors from oils and fats comprising a chamber which encloses a stack of horizontal, parallel disposed plates, each plate having a plurality of apertures defined by chimneys and extending downwardly from the plates. Thin films of heated oil collect on the plates while superheated steam is passed upwardly through said chimneys and over said films to boil out fatty acids and volatile, odor-forming matter. Preferably a separate oil-sealed lower compartment is provided for cooling the oil, stripped and deodorized, which enters through traps into a sealed lower section before the oil is removed from the chamber. It is also preferable to pass heated oil, before introduction into said chamber, through a preliminary flash chamber of similar construction to said chamber. Inert gas, such as nitrogen or steam, is passed upwardly of the chimneys to strip fatty acids from the films of oil.