Abstract: A method for the evaporative production of phenol-BPA adduct crystals in a crystallizer is provided. First, a supersaturated BPA solution is introduced into a crystallizer that includes a cylindrical vessel and a concentrically-disposed draft tube that defines an annular space between the vessel and tube. Next, the BPA solution is circulated through the draft tube and annular space while a coolant is uniformly distributed in the circulating flow by radially injecting a volatile hydrocarbon compound at between about 30% and 60% of a radial extent of the annular space of to form a BPA mixture. Phenol-BPA adduct crystals are produced in the vessel by evaporating the volatile hydrocarbon compound out of the BPA mixture. The method provides a consistent and uniform concentration of coolant across the surface of the boiling zone that prevents or at least reduces unwanted crystal nucleation.

Abstract: A container (14) with a content (8) has at least one hypochlorite compound, in particular a calcium hypochlorite compound, for generating an aqueous solution, and at least one inlet attachment (46) for attachment to a water supply line (48) and at least one outlet attachment (50) for attachment to an outlet line (52, 92) for a liquid composed of the incoming water and of the content (8), wherein the content (8) is located in accordance with the flow between the inlet attachment (46) and the outlet attachment (50), and the container (14) is designed as a transportable exchange unit that is sealed off from the outside in the unattached state.

Abstract: A crystallizer for the evaporative production of phenol-BPA adduct crystals is provided that achieves more uniform crystal growth while suppressing undesired crystal nucleation. The crystallizer includes a cylindrical vessel; a draft tube concentrically disposed within the cylindrical vessel such that an annular space is defined between the vessel and tube; an impeller that circulates liquid in the vessel through the draft tube and the annular space, and a plurality of nozzles mounted around an inner wall of said cylindrical vessel that introduce an evaporative coolant into the vessel. Each of the nozzles includes a discharge end disposed between about 30% and 60% of a radial extent of the annular space, and is located below an upper end of the draft tube a distance of between about 50% to 150% of the diameter of the vessel. Such a nozzle arrangement provides a consistent and uniform concentration of coolant across the surface of the boiling zone that prevents or at least reduces unwanted crystal nucleation.

Abstract: A sterilizing device is described, for sterilizing items through steam sterilization. The device has a base and a cover that couple to form an enclosed space, with an item mount provided within the enclosed space. A portion of water is provided in the base portion, which can be converted to steam in a microwave to sterilize any items placed on the mount. The device further employs several downward-facing valves to provide for the release of steam and the draining of excess or heated water.

Abstract: A brine tank provides a supply of brine to a commercial water softening system that is located remotely from the brine tank. Fresh water is delivered into the brine tank through a central header pipe from which a plurality of perforated risers extends laterally to both sides of the central header pipe. The perforated risers are located beneath the inlet opening for the delivery of loose salt, yet spaced from the brine pump so that a uniform salt concentration will be attained in the brine before being pumped to the water softener. The inlet opening for the delivery of loose salt is provided with a double leaf hatch cover to provide a receiving opening that is larger than the inlet opening into the brine tank so that loose salt can be funneled into the brine tank without significant spillage on the ground.

Abstract: A water purification apparatus connected to a water system includes a hopper for holding chemical tablets on a perforated bed and an underlying basin. A spray head is detachably connected to the perforated bed and sprays water onto the tablets and parallel to the perforated bed. The basin receives the water through the perforated bed. Because the hopper allows for the use of different spray head designs, the rate at which water is introduced to the tablets, and thus the chemical output, may be modified by replacing one spray head for another having a different number of spray nozzles or having spray nozzles of a different size or shape. Consequently, the hopper of the present invention may be used for delivering the proper concentration of a variety of water treatment chemicals.

Abstract: A solid detergent dispenser for use with a dishwashing machine includes a chamber and a lid. The chamber is configured and arranged to receive a solid detergent having a particular composition. A water inlet receives water from a water source, and the water flows through a tunnel into the bottom of the chamber. The chamber is flooded with water from the bottom to ensure relatively constant erosion of the solid detergent, which ensures that a relatively constant concentration of the solid detergent is used in the dishwashing machine. A water outlet allows water to flow out of the chamber into the dishwashing machine. The water must flow into the chamber faster than it flows out of the chamber to ensure that the appropriate amount of dissolution of the solid detergent occurs. The only valve used in the preferred embodiment is a valve to control the amount of water flowing into the water inlet.

Abstract: A chemical feeder for use in a water circulation system includes a body, a head attached to the top of the body, and a flow passage extending through the head. A portion of the water flowing through the flow passage is diverted into the body, where the water mixes with chemical tablets contained therein. A strainer is positioned inside the body and a stand pipe connects the strainer to the flow passage. Venturi forces within the flow passage draw the chemical solution from the body and into the flow passage, where the chemical solution mixes with the water flowing therethrough. It is possible to control the concentration of the chemical solution by controlling the flow of fluid from the flow passage into the body.

Abstract: A container for dispensing detergent for an automatic washing apparatus includes a straight, inwardly tapered side wall which has an open top and a bottom portion. The bottom portion includes an integral screen which includes a water inlet. Detergent is placed in the container and snap-on covers are positioned over the top and bottom of the container. To dispense detergent from the container, the bottom cover is removed and the container placed in a dispensing unit which sprays water through the bottom. Dissolved detergent is collected and flows to the washing apparatus. The container is easy to manufacture, easy to fill, easy to ship and use.

Abstract: An apparatus for the extraction of peat comprising an outer tank (1) and an inner tank compartment (3) having perforated walls (4,23) and being the actual container for peat to be extracted. Feeding pipes (13) for the supply of extracting medium extend into the inner tank compartment (3) while at least one outflow opening (7-11) is connected to the outer tank (1). Between the inner tank compartment (3) and the outer tank (1), there is a free space (38) filled with extracting medium. Preferably, the medium is supplied to a plurality of orifices within the inner tank compartment (3), and particularly to at least two different levels.

Abstract: A flexible medical packaging unit designed as a bag (14) including a single connector (18) containing a powdered salt concentrate (16), i.e. bicarbonate, with a volume sufficient for one dialysis treatment. The bag (14) has such a capacity that the powdered salt concentrate (16) will only partially be dissolved even when completely filled with water.

Abstract: A dispensing device comprises a body having a chamber sized to accommodate a volume of solid halogen source therein. The chamber comprises an open end and a closed end. A number of apertures extend through the body and into the chamber near the closed end. A control member comprises an open end and a closed end separated by a wall. The open end of the control member is rotatably mounted over the closed end of the chamber. Openings extend through the wall and are positioned at locations that correspond to the apertures so that alignment of the openings with respective apertures form dispensement ports. The ports has a degree of closure that can be precisely controlled by rotation of the control member about the body for dispensing the halogen solution to the water. A cap is releasably attached to the open end of the chamber to form an air and water-tight seal therebetween, creating an air head within the body when placed into the water.

Abstract: An gas generator is disclosed that generates gas from a pressure-producing reaction of reactant pieces and reactant fluid. The generator includes a pressure/reaction regulator for use with a reaction chamber. The regulator includes a reactant-fluid accumulator in communication with the reaction chamber via a reactant-fluid port for adjusting pressure in the chamber relative to a preselected threshold pressure. The regulator also includes at least one body extending substantially into the reaction chamber from the reactant-fluid port. The body is formed with holes for letting fluid under pressure into and out of the chamber. Also disclosed is such a regulator that is usable with a reaction chamber having plural reactant-fluid ports and includes plural bodies, one for each port.

Abstract: A chemical feed-transport unit for transporting water-treating chemicals and introducing them into a water supply comprises a cylindrical tank with semispherical top and bottom supported on a metal transportable skid. The tank has a flanged top opening with removable cover and a top inlet for introduction of water for flushing and cleaning the tank. The tank has a chemical-resistant, plastic lining to prevent chemical attack to the walls thereof. The bottom of the tank has inlet and outlet openings with valves controlling water flow therethrough and an outlet opening for draining the contents during the flushing and cleaning operation. The supporting metal skid is rectangular in shape with channel members forming the sides and sheet metal plates forming the top and bottom thereof. The edge walls of the skid (walls of the channel members) have slots therein sized and spaced to receive the lifting members of a fork-lift apparatus.

Abstract: A sparger system for removing sodium chlorite crystal and other crystalline particulate material in slurry form from a tank car comprises a plurality of spray nozzles from which water is expelled as a flat spray initially to dissolve sodium chlorite so as to cavitate the mass of sodium chlorite crystals, which break off in lumps into the cavity and then to impact the walls and roof of the tank car to flush off residual sodium chlorite crystal. The slurry is collected in a sump and is discharged therefrom, with additional sprays agitating the sump to break up clumps of sodium chlorite and to maintain the particulates in suspension.

Abstract: A device for dispensing a chemical solution into a pipeline transporting a liquid under pressure irrespective of whether the liquid pressure varies between a maximum and a minimum or is subsantially constant. The volume of solution dispensed is varied at times when the liquid pressure is varying by selection of an aperture from a plurality of apertures at varying axial positions, for placing the interior of the pipeline in communication with the interior of the enclosure above the solution level, at times when the level drops axially to the selected apertures; or, at times when the liquid pressure is substantially constant, by adjustment of the amount of liquid permitted to enter the device.

Abstract: A sparger system for removing sodium chlorate crystal and other particulate material in slurry or solution form from a tank car comprises a plurality of spray nozzles from which water is expelled as a flat spray initially to dissolve sodium chlorate so as to cavitate the mass of sodium chlorate chlorate crystals, which break off in lumps into the cavity and then to impact the walls and roof of the tank car to flush off residual sodium chlorate crystal. The slurry is collected in a sump and is dicharged therefrom, with additional sprays agitating the sump to break up clumps of sodium chlorate and to maintain the particulates in suspension.

Abstract: A device for dispensing a chemical solution into a pipeline transporting a liquid under pressure irrespective of whether the liquid pressure varies between a maximum and a minimum or is substantially constant. The volume of solution dispensed is varied at times when the liquid pressure is varying by selection of an aperture from a plurality of apertures at varying axial positions, for placing the interior of the pipeline in communication with the interior of the enclosure above the solution level, at times when the level drops axially to the selected aperture; or, at time when the liquid pressure is substantially constant, by adjustment of the amount of liquid permitted to enter the device.

Abstract: A childproof cap for use with a floating chlorine feeder in a swimming pool is disclosed has a two stage process required for removal of the cap onto the feeder. The cap and the top of the feeder have cooperating circumferential series of alternating wide and narrow beads located thereon, with the cap being locked tightly on the feeder when the wide beads on the cap are aligned in a first interference fit with the wide beads on the feeder in a first childproof mechanism. After turning the cap ninety degrees, the cap may be removed by overcoming a second interference fit requiring a minimum force to pull the cap of the feeder, the second interference fit being the second childproof mechanism.

Abstract: A device for use in a swimming pool to continuously dispense chlorine for sanitizing the water is disclosed which is advantageously made of five main segments which may be molded using only simple and inexpensive molds. The device is for the most part snapped together in a manner preventing relative rotation of the various components, with only a single adhesive operation required to seal the waterproof float assembly. The device is manufactured in a sturdy fashion, with all the parts being held firmly together in a unit not dependent on single axis connecting hardware.

Abstract: A device for use in a swimming pool to continuously dispense chlorine for sanitizing the water is disclosed which has a metering valve designed for precise adjustment of the rate of dispersion of the chemical contained in the feeder. The metering mechanism is made of two segments, with a metering valve cap fitting over a metering valve body to adjust the apertures in the metering mechanism. Precise control is afforded both by a screw-type adjustment of aperture size and by a prevention of inadvertent readjustment of the metering mechanism caused by the device being bumped.

Abstract: A system and process for preparation of dialysis concentrate solution from dry chemicals and water. The source of hemodialysis chemicals for a batch is a drum selectively filled with dry chemicals such that an inner core region therewithin is loaded with chemicals which slurry and dissolve the least readily. The required amount of water is metered into a mix tank. Water is pumped from the tank into a spray head fitted over the selectively filled drum. Water is injected onto the chemicals within the inner core region by the use of a nozzle having a narrow spray angle. The chemicals within the inner core region are preferentially dissolved or slurried before the other chemicals within the drum. The slurried and dissolved chemicals are removed from the drum by a suction wand and are entirely solubilized in the tank. Cycling of fluid continues from the drum to the tank and vice versa until all of the chemicals in the drum have been removed. Circulation of the fluid is continued until a uniform solution results.

Abstract: A method of, and a device for, providing a disinfectant carried by a water supply flowing through a conduit, comprising introducing a predetermined portion of the water into a sealed container having a reservoir and a chamber below the reservoir in intercommunication therewith, the reservoir holding a quantity of iodine crystals and being of a predetermined size sufficient to hold a quantity of water proportional to the maximum flow rate attainable through the conduit and such that a minimum concentration of 120 parts per million (milligrams per liter) is obtainable as an outflow from the container when the supply of water is at least above freezing, the predetermined portion of the water being introduced into the chamber and outflowing from the reservoir above the iodine crystals whereby all said water portion passes between the iodine crystals. The device includes inlet means opening into the chamber and outlet means opening from the reservoir above the iodine crystals.

Abstract: A swimming pool chemical tablet and storage container is provided for use in a skimmer of a forced circulation flow system, the swimming pool chemical tablet having a radial sidewall contact surface which contacts the frusto-conoidally shaped sidewall of the container at a location at least equal to one-half the predetermined height of the tablet to form a tablet-sidewall flow space above the sidewall contact surface to control the rate of dissolution of the tablet when water is circulated in the forced circulation flow system.

Abstract: A degassing/brine tank, for use in a chlorine generator system for swimming pools, for providing a fresh saturated brine solution continuously to the electrolytic chlorine generator cells of the system and to minimize escape of chlorine gas circulating in the system. The tank, fabricated of synthetic plastic material, has a plurality of vertically separated chambers, including, at its lower end, coaxially arranged inner and outer brine pick-up chambers. The outer annular chamber, open at its lower end, communicates with a salt and water reservoir within which the tank is immersed and a filtered supply of the brine is received by the inner, lower chamber. A check valve coupled to this inner chamber controls the supply of the brine solution into a helical coil by which the saturated brine solution is furnished to the electrolytic chlorine cells.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hollow, elongated heap leaching device for use in above-ground leaching of metal bearing ores. The device has an annular cross-section, an inlet opening near its upper end, a restriction or closure at or near its lower end and narrow slits in its walls above the restriction or closure. The cross-sectional area at its lower end must be sufficiently large to allow it to unsupportedly rest vertically on a leach pad or layer of ore while ore is piled against it.

Abstract: A chlorinator (10) for chemically treating with tablets (T) water in a swimming pool having a water recirculating system with a pump with output and input sides including, a cannister (11) having a bottom (12), a top (13) with an opening (15) and connecting sides (14), a lid (20) for effecting fluid-tight sealing of the top opening of the cannister, an inlet (25) supplying water to the cannister from the output side of the pump, an outlet (40) transferring treated water from the cannister to the input side of the pump, a support (75) angularly disposed between the bottom of the cannister and the connecting sides to submerge a substantially uniform quantity of the tablets in the water, and a controller (45) adjustable relative to the cannister to establish the water level (L) in the cannister and supply uniformly treated water through the outlet.

Abstract: A high efficiency domestic furnace incorporates means for separating and neutralizing flue gas condensate. Acidic condensate from the flue gas products of combustion is neutralized by contact with neutralizing material in a housing through which the condensate is flowed. The use of the neutralizer in connection with a high efficiency domestic furnace permits discharge of the condensate directly to the household drain. The neutralizer is arranged to be self-flushing and defines a serpentine, series flow path and is arranged to discharge the neutralized condensate as a result of the entry of additional acidic condensate at its inlet.

Abstract: An ion exchange liquid treatment apparatus including a tank having an upwardly dished bottom wall and a distributor of the type having a central header and a plurality of distributor conduits extending outwardly from this header. Each distributor conduit is formed of a first straight conduit section that extends generally radially outwardly from the header and a second straight conduit section that is connected to the first conduit section by a pipe elbow whereby the second conduit section can be positioned oblique to a plane through the longitudinal axis of the tank and at a shallow angle to a plane perpendicular to the tank axis to generally conform to the contour of the dished bottom wall of the tank. Each of the second distributor conduit sections preferably have lateral conduits extending transverse thereto to achieve generally uniform liquid flow throughout the cross-section of the tank.

Abstract: A continuous-operation extractor for the solvent extraction of low-molecular weight compounds for a solid, e.g. granular polyamide, comprises an upright housing formed internally with vertically extending pipes beneath each of which a steam nozzle opens. Deflectors are provided above the upper ends of each pipe and an overflow conducts the solids downwardly from one extractor stage to the next. A solid inlet communicates with the uppermost extraction stage and is provided with inclined perforated baffles while below the lowermost stage a float-controlled valve regulates the steam inlet.