Abstract: An organic based extraction system is described. Embodiments of the extraction system include a first vessel, a second vessel, a third vessel, a pump, and a plurality of sight lenses. Generally, each of the vessels and the pump can be set up to form a closed loop system adapted to recover and reuse a solvent. A fluid flow from the first vessel to the second vessel, from the second vessel to the third vessel, from the third vessel to the pump, and from the pump back to the first vessel can be implemented. Typically, an extract from organic matter can be recovered in the third vessel.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a process for separating at least one amine from one or more hydrocarbons for regenerating the at least one amine. The process can include passing the at least one amine after contacting with the one or more hydrocarbons from a first vessel to a second vessel. Often, the second vessel includes one or more walls surrounding one or more baffles and contains at least one coalescing zone.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an airtight shell and an absorption column arranged inside the shell. The absorption column has a multiple stage component, and a single stage component arranged below the multiple stage component with respect to gravity. A gap is arranged between the multiple stage component and the single stage component. The apparatus also includes a gas input in fluid communication with the absorption column for receiving a gas mixture, and a liquid input is in fluid communication with the absorption column for receiving a liquid mixture. A liquid-liquid separator is arranged below the absorption column with respect to gravity. The gas input is arranged below the single stage component. The liquid input is arranged above the single stage component and below the multiple stage component. A method is described for using the apparatus to remove DME from gas and liquid mixtures.

Abstract: Embodiments of apparatuses and methods for separating liquefiable hydrocarbons from H2-, hydrocarbon-containing gas streams are provided. In one example, a method comprises positioning a H2-, hydrocarbon-containing gas stream in an internal volume of a vessel below a heat exchange absorption section. A hydrocarbon-containing liquid stream is positioned in the internal volume above the heat exchange absorption section. The hydrocarbon-containing liquid stream is countercurrent contacted with at least a portion of the H2-, hydrocarbon-containing gas stream along a tube portion of the heat exchange absorption section to separate H2 and C3+ hydrocarbons. The hydrocarbon-containing liquid stream and the at least the portion of the H2-, hydrocarbon-containing gas stream are cooled along the tube portion to facilitate separating H2 and C3+ hydrocarbons.

Abstract: Embodiments of apparatuses and methods for separating liquefiable hydrocarbons from H2—, hydrocarbon-containing gas streams are provided. In one example, a method comprises positioning a H2—, hydrocarbon-containing gas stream in an internal volume of a vessel below a heat exchange absorption section. A hydrocarbon-containing liquid stream is positioned in the internal volume above the heat exchange absorption section. The hydrocarbon-containing liquid stream is countercurrent contacted with at least a portion of the H2—, hydrocarbon-containing gas stream along a tube portion of the heat exchange absorption section to separate H2 and C3+ hydrocarbons. The hydrocarbon-containing liquid stream and the at least the portion of the H2—, hydrocarbon-containing gas stream are cooled along the tube portion to facilitate separating H2 and C3+ hydrocarbons.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for the separation of solids from a biowaste slurry before heat treatment, and for heat treatment of the separated solids. The device comprises a chamber with a main inlet port for feeding slurry, and outlet ports. A unit for separating solids is adapted to an outlet port so, that liquid leaving the chamber has passed through the separation unit. A second outlet port is provided directly from the chamber to allow removal, following sterilization, of solids collected in the chamber. The sterilization is secured by temperature monitoring at representative locations.

Abstract: Continuous extraction units are constructed having a plurality of extraction chambers containing extractable material. Without disruption of total fluid flow in the unit: an extraction chamber completely depleted of extract can be evacuated of solvent and replaced with an extraction chamber containing fresh extractable material. The extract is continuously separated from the solvent in an expansion chamber where it is continuously or periodically removed from the unit. All solvent can be retained within the unit. One or more compressors can be used to circulate the fluid through the extraction chambers, the expansion chamber, and a condenser, where the expansion chamber and the condenser can be coupled as a heat exchanger.

Abstract: A microfluidic device is provided for inducing the separation of constituent elements from a microfluidic sample by introducing phase changes in the microfluidic sample while contained in a microfluidic channel in the device. At least a portion of the microfluidic sample is frozen to cause fractional exclusion of the constituent element from the frozen portion of the microfluidic sample. Different portions of the microfluidic sample may be frozen in different sectors and at different times in order to cause movement in a desired direction of the separated constituent element. Portions of the microfluidic sample may be frozen in a sequential order of adjacent sectors within the microfluidic channel in order to cause sequential movement of the excluded constituent element toward one portion of the microfluidic channel. The frozen portion of the microfluidic sample is then thawed, wherein the separated constituent element remains substantially separated from the thawed, purified microfluidic sample.

Abstract: In the production of isobutylene-based elastomers the product obtained from the polymerization process is often in the form of a stream. Described herein are an apparatus and a process for removal of hydrocarbon liquids from the elastomer. The process comprises the steps of obtaining a stream comprising hydrocarbon liquids, either solvents or diluents, and an isobutylene-based elastomer; passing the stream through a kneader to volatize the hydrocarbon liquids from the elastomer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for continuous separation and purification of ginsenosides, whereby supercritical fluid technology is used to feed Ginseng extract liquor and supercritical solvent continuously into a separation tank at 20-30 Mpa and 40-60° C.

Abstract: A delivery apparatus for selectively delivering one or more liquid reagents into a reaction or test chamber (2), especially of an assay apparatus, the apparatus comprising: one or more respective storage chambers (5,6) for containing the one or more liquid reagents and arranged generally above the reaction or test chamber (2); and a plunger element (4) arranged and operable for insertion into the mouth of a selected storage chamber so as to displace a selected reagent from therewithin into the reaction or test chamber (2) generally therebelow by gravitational liquid overflow from the mouth of the chamber. The apparatus may conveniently be provided as a discrete delivery unit, with the storage chambers (5,6) prefilled with the selected reagents.

Abstract: Processes and systems for utilizing products from DME synthesis in converting oxygenates to olefins are provided that include removing a DME reactor effluent from a DME reactor, wherein the DME effluent includes DME, water, and methanol; separating carbon dioxide gas from the DME reactor effluent in a liquid gas separator to produce a degassed effluent stream. The processes and systems can include feeding the degassed effluent stream to an oxygenate to olefin reactor to produce an olefin containing effluent, wherein the olefin containing effluent further includes oxygenates.

Abstract: In the water purification process, apparatus, and method, contaminated water vapor is exposed to liquid solvent, which causes a transfer of contaminants from the contaminated water vapor to the liquid solvent. In an advantageous embodiment, this latter step is followed by a second purification step where the decontaminated water in liquid phase is exposed to water vapor which causes a transfer of solvent remaining in the decontaminated water to the water vapor. The energy freed during the condensation of the vapor can advantageously be used for evaporation of the liquids, optionally by compressing the vapors prior to condensation thereof within heat exchangers.

Abstract: An ablutionary installation including a mixing valve having respective inlets for hot and cold water and an outlet for temperature controlled water, a temperature sensor for monitoring outlet water temperature and providing a signal representative of the outlet water temperature to an electronic controller, a user interface permitting selection of outlet water temperature up to a pre-determined temperature, the electronic controller being operable to compare the selected and sensed outlet water temperatures for controlling the mixing valve to adjust the ratio of hot and cold water delivered to the outlet according to the selected outlet water temperature, and apparatus for initiating a disinfection cycle to deliver water to the outlet at a temperature higher than the pre-determined temperature, wherein the initiating apparatus includes an operating sequence with at least two inputs.

Abstract: A solvent that reversibly converts from a hydrophobic liquid form to hydrophilic liquid form upon contact with water and a selected trigger, e.g., contact with CO2, is described. The hydrophilic liquid form is readily converted back to the hydrophobic liquid form and water. The hydrophobic liquid is an amidine or amine. The hydrophilic liquid form comprises an amidinium salt or an ammonium salt.

Abstract: A microreactor is configured to have a metal substrate having a microchannel portion on one surface thereof, a heater provided on the other surface of the metal substrate via an insulating film, a catalyst supported on the microchannel portion, and a cover member having a feed material inlet and a gas outlet and joined to the metal substrate so as to cover the microchannel portion. Since the microreactor uses the metal substrate having a high thermal conductivity and a small heat capacity, the efficiency of heat conduction from the heater to the supported catalyst becomes high, and the processing of the metal substrate is easy to facilitate the production.

Abstract: There is provided a treatment method of efficiently separating an additive component from a resin component for the purpose of treating and recycling a thermoplastic resin composition containing an additive. The treatment method includes heating and agitating the thermoplastic resin composition containing the additive together with a solvent for dissolving at least part of the additive at a temperature ranging from the glass transition temperature of the thermoplastic resin to the boiling point of the solvent inclusive, and separating and recovering the solvent in a liquid state in which at least part of the additive is dissolved, so that at least part of the additive is separated and removed from the thermoplastic resin composition.

Abstract: A device and method for simultaneously concentrating a plurality of samples in small volumes based on the principle of cystallization. The device comprises a device for concentrating a plurality of samples comprising: a first temperature control means (12) having a plurality of container means (40/50) for containing said plurality of samples; a second complementary temperature control means (11) having a plurality of conducting means (22) which are adapted to be inserted in respective samples in said plurality of container means (40/50); and insulating means (30) for insulating said first temperature control means (12) from said temperature control means (11) such than an amount of heat from said plurality of samples is dissipated through said plurality of conducting means (22).

Abstract: A continuous processing apparatus includes a dissolution section for dissolving liquid carbon dioxide into a continuously supplied liquid-form raw material, and a processing section for holding the liquid-form raw material with liquid carbon dioxide dissolved therein under predetermined temperature and pressure to thereby transform carbon dioxide into a supercritical or subcritical state. Thus, bacteria, enzyme and the like contained in the liquid-form raw material can be effectively killed or decreased.

Abstract: A system and method for sterilizing to a desired level a food packaging area or room including the associated atmosphere that can be automated is provided. The method includes introducing the sterilizing agent as an aerosol suspension into the atmosphere of the food packaging area and exposed surfaces in the area, and then distributing the sterilizing agent to contact the surfaces therein that are to be sterilized with the sterilizing agent. The method may also include condensing the aerosol suspension to form a thin liquid film containing the sterilizing agent on exposed and nonexposed surfaces in the area or room to thereby effect sterilization of those surfaces.

Abstract: A material contaminated with a solvent is treated with a hydrofluorocarbon to remove the contaminant. The hydrofluorocarbon can be tetrafluoroethane.

Abstract: The present invention includes a disposal system for disposal of medicated oral dosage forms comprising: 1) a container having a top, a bottom, and a sidewall, the container having a plurality of apertures located thereon; 2) means for securing a medicated oral dosage form within the container wherein the means allows the medicated oral dosage form to be easily inserted into the container, but substantially prevents the medicated oral dosage form from being removed from the container such that the medicated oral dosage form is secured within the container; and 3) a fluid propulsion device and system, such as a dishwasher, for disposing of the medicated oral dosage form, wherein the fluid propulsion device causes or directs a fluid to penetrate the container through a single aperture or the plurality of apertures in the container, thus causing the fluid to dissolve and dispose of the medicated oral dosage form.

Abstract: Input water is preheated in a heat exchanger (2), pumped (4) through another heat exchanger (5) into a heating unit (6). The heating unit heats the water to a temperature of above 100° C., preferably 140-150° C., while maintaining the water in a liquid state without vaporization. A pump (8) feeds the heated water under sufficient pressure to prevent vaporization to at least one crossflow filtration unit (9). A portion of the heated water passes through a thermally stable filtration material having a pore size of 1-20 nanometers for filtering endotoxins and pyrogens, 4-10 nanometers for filtering viruses, or 100 nanometers−30 &mgr;m for filtering bacteria. Heated water which has passed through the filtration material is fed through a pure water product outlet of the filtration unit to a pure water outlet (16). A retenate portion of the heated water flows past the filtration material to carry filtered impurities through a retenate output line (10).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for extraction of chemicals from an aquifer remediation aqueous effluent are provided. The extraction method utilizes a critical fluid for separation and recovery of chemicals employed in remediating aquifers contaminated with hazardous organic substances, and is particularly suited for separation and recovery of organic contaminants and process chemicals used in surfactant-based remediation technologies. The extraction method separates and recovers high-value chemicals from the remediation effluent and minimizes the volume of generated hazardous waste. The recovered chemicals can be recycled to the remediation process or stored for later use.

Abstract: An apparatus for supercritical extraction is disclosed herein. The apparatus includes a plurality of containers adapted to hold a different one of a corresponding plurality of samples, a first transport means for carrying the plurality of sample containers, and a second transport means for transporting a selected container from the first transport means to a supercritical extractor. The supercritical extractor includes a heating means having a recess for receiving the selected container, means for passing fluid at a supercritical condition through the selected container, and a receiving means for receiving extractant from the selected container. A programming means is provided to control the first and second transport means.

Abstract: Described are controlled, time-release microparticulate active and bioactive compositions (including perfuming compositions) for targeted delivery to services such as skin, hair and fabric and the environment proximate thereto, where the active and bioactive materials have a calculated log.sub.10 P values of between 1 and 8 (P being the n-octanol-water partition coefficient). Such compositions include the active or bioactive material in single phase, solid solution in a wax or polymer matrix also having coated thereon and/or containing a compatible surfactant. Also described are processes and apparatus for preparing such compositions and processes for using same. Furthermore, certain component(s) of the aforementioned compositions in combination with one another are novel, and other components have novel uses in increasing fragrance substantivity.

Abstract: For the purpose of separating a substance from a liquid mixture by crystallization, the inner walls of pipes in a crystallizer (S-1, S-2, S-3) are cooled by evaporating a liquid medium, the pressure of the gaseous phase of the medium being controlled in accordance with the temperature required for crystallization. In these conditions a layer of crystals forms on the outer walls of the pipes and can later be melted. The previously-formed crystal layer is melted in one crystallizer simultaneously with crystallization in another crystallizer. This is done by introducing gaseous medium which is produced in a crystallizer during the said evaporation. In addition, heat energy can be supplied to the crystallizer where melting occurs, in order to evaporate liquid medium there so that melting is accelerated. The two simultaneously operating crystallizers operate respectively as an evaporator and as a condenser in a refrigerating unit (11), thus saving considerable energy compared with known crystallization methods.

Abstract: A solvent extraction apparatus which includes a heating plate, a vessel for containing a solvent, an extraction thimble to obtain a sample to be extracted from said vessel and a cooler for condensing evaporated solvent vapors. The cooler is connected to the vessel for containing the solvent, preferably by an adaptor. A lifting rod is provided which passes through the cooler which, at its lower portion, is provided with a drip rim on which the extraction thimble is detachably fixed. The thimble can be moved vertically by the lifting rod and the flow of solvent into and out of the cooler can be regulated by the lifting rod.

Abstract: An apparatus for supercritical fluid extraction incorporates a removable extraction cartridge which in operation has insignificant pressure difference between its inside and outside walls. Because of the low pressure difference, the extraction cartridge need not have the strength to withstand significant pressure and can be made out of molded plastic for disposable use as well as stainless steel and/or machined plastic for reusability. The extraction cartridge can be removed and opened for sample access without the use of tools. The outside of the cartridge can be purged after it is installed in a heated high pressure vessel to remove contamination from its exterior. In one embodiment, the extractor includes a fraction collector for extractants, an automatic sample changer and an automatic cartridge transfer mechanism which provide completely automated extractions.

Abstract: 35% to 45% by weight concentrated aqueous solutions of ferric chloride, directly useful as flocculating agents in a variety of water treatments, are prepared by (a) reacting chlorine with an aqueous solution of ferrous chloride, in the presence of a recycled aqueous solution of ferric chloride; (b) decompressing the step (a) reaction product solution to vaporize water therefrom, thereby concentrating same; and (c) recycling a fraction of the decompressed liquid phase to step (a) and recovering remaining fraction as final product aqueous solution of ferric chloride.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus to condense and rectify alcohol, and more particularly to a method and an apparatus suitable for the energy-saving condensation and rectification of high-purity alcohol from the synthesized alcohol, the used alcohol aqueous solution in food industry and the fermented alcohol.The method makes it possible to extract and recover alcohol of 99 wt % or higher with small quantity of propane solvent, using the propane in supercritical or pseudocritical conditions in the process of condensation and recovery of alcohol from aqueous solution of alcohol. Further, the method makes it possible to condense alcohol to the concentration of 95 wt % or higher by increasing the selectivity of alcohol through the cooling of the propane to liquid state.

Abstract: The invention includes a method and apparatus for recovering one or more components of a sterilizing gas. Typically, the sterilizing gas is ethylene oxide, mixed with a relatively inert diluent such as a halocarbon. The sterilizing gas discharged from a sterilizing chamber is cryogenically cooled in a condenser, such that the ethylene oxide and the diluent are liquefied. The remaining gaseous impurities, such as air, are removed from the condenser, filtered, and vented to the atmosphere. The liquefied mixture of ethylene oxide and diluent is periodically drained from the condenser, and filtered to remove impurities. This liquid mixture can then be separated into its constituent components for later use. The liquid mixture can also be vaporized and combined with fresh ethylene oxide, as needed, to produce a fresh sterilizing gas mixture which is recycled to the sterilizing chamber.

Abstract: A multistage countercurrent separation apparatus and method is described. Each stage includes a mixer zone and a settler zone, both of which have temperature control means to achieve a first temperature and a second temperature, respectively, in the mixer and settler zones. Solvents used in the process are selected so that they have at least one immiscibility transition temperature such that they form a single homogeneous phase at said first temperature and two heterogeneous phases at said second temperature. By carrying out the process, a solute or solutes introduced into the system may appropriately be efficiently concentrated or separated with minimal agitation. Furthermore, because emulsification by rapid agitation is avoided, the homogeneous phase quickly coalesces upon passing into the heterogeneous phase, thereby increasing the throughput which may be achieved by the extraction process.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to improvements in processes and apparatus for effecting solvent extractions using liquefied gas or gases in the supercritical state as the solvents and specifically to continuous processes for carrying out such extractions at high pressures. Further, the present invention relates to an apparatus which is a long vertical cylinder of relatively small diameter, wherein the solvent gas and the material to be extracted are continuously circulated through the long vertical reactor.

Abstract: An apparatus for the extraction of constituents present in a substance by means of an extraction fluid constituted by a supercritical fluid or a pressurized liquid. According to this apparatus, in an exterior (3) contacting takes place between the substance and the extraction fluid in order to dissolve the constituents in fluid. The fluid leaving the extractor is then treated to separate the extracted constituents. The fluid is expanded at a pressure p.sub.1. Firstly, the less volatile constituents are separated in a liquid-gas separator (41), the separated gas is then liquefied in gas separator-liquefier (13) and the thus liquefied gas is rectified in column (19) to concentrate the extracted constituents in the liquid phase. The extraction fluid can be carbon dioxide gas.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating solid substances from liquid mixtures of substances, wherein the liquid substances contained in the mixture are separated from the solid substances by countercurrent extraction with a solvent which, during the extraction process, is in a liquid or supercritical state and which, under standard conditions, is gaseous. The solvent is fed to a cylindrical extraction chamber at the lowest point of the extraction chamber. The solvent leaves the nozzles with a Reynold's number of 40,000 and flows upward in the extraction chamber with a Reynold's number of 2,700 to 8,000.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for measuring the sodium sulfide content of liquid industrial process streams. According to this method, a sample of the liquid is passed through a heated filter to remove solids and reduce viscosity and a portion of the sample is then mixed with carbon dioxide to generate hydrogen sulfide gas. The hydrogen sulfide gas is separated from the reacted liquid sample, and a portion of the gas is mixed with dilution air and then analyzed quantitively for hydrogen sulfide.

Abstract: A method of observing crystal formation in a transparent specimen (58 of FIG. 5) comprising the steps of melting a portion of the specimen in a heating zone (22 of FIG. 2) freezing the melted portion of the specimen 58 by a cooling zone (20 of FIG. 2) spaced from the heating zone by a gap (42) which is observable by a suitable observing means (30), controlling the temperatures of the heating and cooling zones (22 and 20) to various temperatures to create a variable temperature gradient across the gap (42) so that the freezing isotherm of the specimen (58) always remains in a substantially constant position within the gap (42) where it is observable by the observing means (30), and moving the specimen (58) longitudinally while the temperature gradient is varying.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying out a liquid-liquid extraction process by co-current contact between an extraction liquid and a liquid from which impurities are to be extracted includes a mixing compartment in the form of a vertical column having an open lower end and equipped in its interior and substantially throughout its length with a rotary element having surfaces extending perpendicularly or obliquely to the axis of the element. The open lower end of the column extends into a settling compartment in the form of a leak-proof container provided with means for determining the level of the extraction liquid in the container. The extraction liquid is recycled from the container by being converted to a gas and then reintroduced into the column. Compressed air is controlled electronically to supply make-up extraction liquid and any necessary reagents into the settling container to ensure that the level of the extraction liquid is maintained constant.

Abstract: An automatic extractor apparatus has a rotatable turn table on which are supported a plurality of angularly spaced-apart treating vessels. The treating vessels are mounted around the periphery of the turn table and are supported by pivot pins such that when the turn table is in a non-rotation state, the treating vessels hang downwardly from the pivot pins, whereas when the turn table is rotationally driven at high speed, the heating vessels pivot about the pivot pins and are flung outwardly due to centrifugal force. A drive mechanism rotationally indexes the turn table to different stop positions, and a plurality of treating stations are disposed at the stop positions to treat the solution contained in the treating vessels and extract therefrom the desired substance. The turn table is used both as an indexing table for indexing the treating vessels to different stop positions and a centrifuging table to centrifuge the solutions in the treating vessels.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for extracting an organic liquid from an organic liquid solute/solvent mixture. The mixture is contacted with a fluid extractant which is at a temperature and pressure to render the extractant a solvent for the solute but not for the solvent. The resulting fluid extract of the solute is then depressurized to give a still feed which is distilled to form still overhead vapors and liquid still bottoms. The enthalpy required to effect this distillation is provided by compressing the still overhead vapors to heat them and indirectly to heat the still feed. The process is particularly suitable for separating mixtures which form azeotropes, e.g., oxygenated hydrocarbon/water mixtures. The energy required in this process is much less than that required to separate such mixtures by conventional distillation techniques.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing organic contaminants from an aqueous metal-cleaning solution. The apparatus includes a first conduit, or pipe, for removing portions of the contaminated aqueous solution from its tank. The solution enters an extractor which permits intimate contact between the contaminated solution and an organic solvent. A second tube, or conduit, returns the aqueous solution, purified by this contact, to the original tank. A third conduit removes the organic solvent from the extractor after its contact with the aqueous solution, by which time it will contain organic components from the aqueous solution. This solvent, with the contaminants, enters a separator, such as a still, which removes the contaminants from it. The purified organic solvent then returns to the extractor along a fourth conduit. The cleansing operation proceeds intermittently or, preferably, continuously.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing compounds in a liquid, wherein it is constituted by a helical vibrating elevator having a tank with a vertical axis, a fixed cover, an annular helical ramp fixed to the tank wall, means for imparting a reciprocating movement about its axis and in a vertical plane to the ramp, said movement being such that the rotation speed of the ramp in one direction exceeds the rotation speed thereof in the opposite direction, at least one liquid supply pipe in the cover, at least one lateral discharge opening for the liquid in the tank, a supply chute for the compounds carried by the cover and whose axis coincides with that of the tank and a discharge chute for the compounds located at the top of the helical ramp and in an extension of the latter.The apparatus can in particular be used for the continuous dissolving of nuclear fuels in nitric acid during the reprocessing of said fuels.

Abstract: A method of preparing an extract from a material comprises contacting the material to be extracted with carbon dioxide in the liquid state to dissolve the matter to be extracted in the liquid carbon dioxide, heating the solution of extract to evaporate carbon dioxide from the solution of extract, compressing and condensing the evaporated carbon dioxide vapor to re-form liquid carbon dioxide, and re-cycling the liquid carbon dioxide to contact the material to be extracted. At least part of the heat evolved from the carbon dioxide vapor after its compression and during its change of state from vapor to liquid carbon dioxide is used to cause the change of state of the liquid carbon dioxide in the solution of the extract to evaporate the carbon dioxide from the solution of the extract.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing organic contaminants from an aqueous metal-cleaning solution. The apparatus includes a first conduit, or pipe, for removing portions of the contaminated aqueous solution from its tank. The solution enters an extractor which permits intimate contact between the contaminated solution and an organic solvent. A second tube, or conduit, returns the aqueous solution, purified by this contact, to the original tank. A third conduit removes the organic solvent from the extractor after its contact with the aqueous solution, by which time it will contain organic components from the aqueous solution. This solvent, with the contaminants, enters a separator, such as a still, which removes the contaminants from it. The purified organic solvent then returns to the extractor along a fourth conduit. The cleansing operation proceeds intermittently or, preferably, continuously.

Abstract: An energy efficient process and apparatus is described that consists of a pipe reactor, melt dissolution tank, acid and ammonia heat exchangers, product cooler, and clay addition facilities in which a concentrated polyphosphate containing ammonium phosphate suspension fertilizers is produced that can be stored and handled at temperatures well below 0.degree. F. The suspension is produced from merchant-grade wet-process phosphoric acid which is ammoniated in a unique enlarged pipe-type reactor sized to have throughputs of 20-100 pounds P.sub.2 O.sub.5 /hr-in.sup.2 and 0.25-2 pounds P.sub.2 O.sub.5 /hr-in.sup.3 of internal reactor area and volume, respectively, and which can be operated for extended periods without clogging. All of the heat required by the process is obtained by transferring a portion of the heat of ammoniation from the hot liquid in the melt dissolution tank to the incoming acid and ammonia streams. The resultant product contains 10 to 40 percent polyphosphate and when produced within an N:P.