Abstract: The present invention aims at improving pool cleaners. The improved pool cleaners utilize toroidal vortex technology to provide efficient fluid flow in a sealed system. The sealed system prevents dirt from escaping into surrounding fluid and retains kinetic energy of the flowing fluid. The present invention is also quieter, lighter, and simpler than conventional designs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating fluids includes a vortex nozzle assembly having improved vortex nozzles. The overall system and system layout, which includes an elbow design, are improved as well as vortex system methods. The vortex nozzle assembly includes an access port and methods for measuring physical properties at the fluid flows. A frame assembly provides support for the vortex system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating fluids includes a vortex nozzle assembly having improved vortex nozzles. The overall system and system layout, which includes an elbow design, are improved as well as vortex system methods. The vortex nozzle assembly includes an access port and methods for measuring physical properties at the fluid flows. A frame assembly provides support for the vortex system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating fluids includes a vortex nozzle assembly having improved vortex nozzles. The overall system and system layout, which includes an elbow design, are improved as well as vortex system methods. The vortex nozzle assembly includes an access port and methods for measuring physical properties at the fluid flows. A frame assembly provides support for the vortex system.

Abstract: A gas sampling separator 29 for the separation of liquid or other contaminants from gas received from a pipeline may be easily inspected visually and cleaned. A cylindrical body 62 forming a separation chamber 64 is threaded onto a base 40. A tube 68 within the separation chamber receives gas from a port in the base and directs the gas into the separation chamber for separation of the gas from the contaminants. The separated contaminants collect in a sump 58 formed by the base and may be vented upon actuation of a manually actuated valve 76.

Abstract: The present invention is a novel design for a recirculating vacuum cleaner nozzle that addresses the problem of pluming by venting some internal fluid to the atmosphere. The nozzle guides fluid flow around an inner shroud within a housing. The distal end of the nozzle is exposed to the atmosphere such that air passes rapidly across its face from the outside edges to the inner duct. This rapidly moving airflow picks up dust and debris and carries it to the interior of the inner duct. Dusty air within this duct is preferably cleaned with a separator. After the fluid is cleaned, it may be sent back to the nozzle to pick up more debris. Use of the nozzle of the present invention in conjunction with a separator allows sufficient air to enter the nozzle to prevent pluming and allows the same amount of air to exit via shaped vent holes while retaining dust in the system.

Abstract: An air precleaner for mechanically removing particulate contaminants from an enclosed environment includes a peripheral air intake manifold that is in communication with the inlet port of a mechanical separation unit, and a central exhaust port that is in communication with the air output port of the mechanical separation unit. The precleaner can be inserted into or onto a vacuum system from which airborne particulate matter is to be removed. The precleaner includes a container which may be a two part container formed of a fitting assembly and a canister for the collection of particulates. The canister itself may be divided into a top and a bottom, compartment by a flange extending outwardly around the outer edge of the mechanical separation unit. Particulate matter collects in the bottom compartment of the canister, which can be periodically removed from the rest of the precleaner to dispose of the accumulated particulates.

Abstract: After the last page of the claims, please insert the Abstract of the Disclosure found on the accompanying sheet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating fluids includes a vortex nozzle assembly having improved vortex nozzles. The overall system and system layout, which includes an elbow design, are improved as well as vortex system methods. The vortex nozzle assembly includes an access port and methods for measuring physical properties at the fluid flows. A frame assembly provides support for the vortex system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating fluids includes a vortex nozzle assembly having improved vortex nozzles. The overall system and system layout, which includes an elbow design, are improved as well as vortex system methods. The vortex nozzle assembly includes an access port and methods for measuring physical properties at the fluid flows. A frame assembly provides support for the vortex system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating fluids includes a vortex nozzle assembly having improved vortex nozzles. The overall system and system layout, which includes an elbow design, are improved as well as vortex system methods. The vortex nozzle assembly includes an access port and methods for measuring physical properties at the fluid flows. A frame assembly provides support for the vortex system.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an oil separator which can be manufactured at a low cost and can prevent the leakage of removed oil, and an oil separator which has improved separation efficiency of the oil mist without increasing the pressure loss; in order to achieve the object, the present invention provide an oil separator for separating oil from a gaseous fluid containing oil in the state of a mist comprising: a hollow case body comprising an opening at the top thereof; a lid for covering the opening formed at the case body; and a filter in the case body, wherein an entrance for inward flow of the gaseous fluid into the case body is formed at the lower side of the case body, an exit for outward flow of the gaseous fluid is formed at the lid, and an outflow exit for outward flow of oil which has been separated is formed at the bottom of the case body.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing dust and fumes from a flow of air, particularly a flow of air exhausted from an industrial work area. There is a large, cylindrical filter element mounted within a cylindrical collector barrel so as to define an annular flow space between the two. A vane assembly is mounted at the top of the collector barrel for directing the incoming flow of air along a generally cyclonic path through the flow space, so that sparks and heavy particulates are forced outwardly away from the surface of the filter element, thereby increasing filter life and reducing the chance of fire. The filter element and collector barrel are mounted atop a cabinet which encloses a blower and a silencer section. The silencer section includes one ore more chambers having interior walls for redirecting the flow of air exiting the blower, and the walls are lined with an acoustic insulation material for absorbing sound energy as the flow of air is redirected, thus reducing noise emissions from the assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a droplet separator for separating liquid droplets as well as the solid matter and condensate associated therewith from a gas flow (a) brought into rotary motion. The droplet separator (1) comprises a gas flow duct (11, 13, 15) and a droplet separation tube (12) surrounding it. The gas flow duct is formed of three successive parts placed at a distance from one another in the direction of flow, which parts are a flow tube (11), a cone part (13) tapering in the direction of flow, and a continuation tube (15). The diameter of the front end of the cone part (13) is smaller than the diameter of the flow tube (11) and the rear end thereof is at a suitable distance from the continuation tube (15). Flow gaps are formed between said successive parts (11, 13, 15) of the flow duct, which gaps provide an open flow connection between the flow duct and the droplet separation tube.

Abstract: A filter system for the air intake of an internal combustion engine, in which an oval filter element is disposed in a housing, and a pre-separator is also provided which includes one or more cyclones.

Abstract: A specially arranged industrial dust collector with multiple filtering compartments is provided which is efficient, effective, and economical. The special industrial dust collector has a solids-gas separation compartment which is positioned generally alongside and laterally offset from multiple filtering compartments. The multiple filtering compartments can contain cartridge filters or other filters. The solids-gas separation compartment can contain a tangential cyclone separator or another type of solids-gas separator.

Abstract: A method of removing a liquid entrained in a gas moving at a velocity in an upward direction from a base to a top of a stack comprising the steps of imparting a swirling direction to the velocity of the gas adjacent the base of the stack and then recovering at least some of the liquid adjacent the top of the stack. Also disclosed is an apparatus for removing a liquid entrained in a gas in a stack having a base and a top comprising at least one duct having a longitudinal axis entering the stack adjacent said base and at least one vertical vane disposed at and angled to the longitudinal axis of the duct and a collector adjacent the top of the stack for recovering liquid.

Abstract: An air treatment appliance for treating surrounding air including a body. A spider-mount mounted to the body has a motor mounted thereto in cantilever fashion. A fan attached to the motor may be a radial fan, and is operable to draw in surrounding air and cause it to flow through the appliance. A grommet between the motor and the spider-mount dampens vibrations from the motor. A filtering mechanism in the path of the airflow helps filter out undesirable material from the surrounding air. A radial airflow guide downstream from the fan efficiently guides the airflow to be expelled in a predetermined direction. The motor is at least partially accommodated by the spider-mount and the fan. The apparatus results in reduced noise and vibration during operation of the appliance.

Abstract: The bubble trap is used in extracorporeal blood flow circuits of the type used for open heart surgery. The trap is placed in the external blood flow and it removes small micro bubbles from the blood prior to delivery to the body. The device accelerates the blood flow radially and the small bubbles migrate toward the center of the accelerated flow. These bubbles are concentrated at this location and the blood that contains the micro bubbles is extracted and recirculated before the degassed blood flow is returned to the body.

Abstract: A filter unit for removing particulates in a gas to be treated, which unit includes a gas impermeable bulkhead that forms a channel through which the gas advances in the filter unit at least one round, and a filter member laminated on at least one side surface of the bulkhead without closing the channel. The filter unit or filter of the present invention reduces a load on a harm removing equipment, which in turn lowers the cleaning frequency and markedly prolongs the service life of the equipment.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus for separating dirt or dust from an airflow, comprising a collector (32) having an outer wall (32a) forming an air-rotational surface, an inner wall (34a), an airflow inlet for introducing the airflow substantially tangentially to the outer wall (32a), an airflow outlet for removing air from the collector (32), and at least one fin or baffle (30) positioned within the collector (32), characterized in that the or each fin or baffle (30) is located on the inner wall (34a) of the collector (32) and projects outwardly therefrom. The presence of the fins or baffles (30) on the inner wall (34a) discourages re-entrainment of dirt and dust particles remaining within the separation apparatus after the airflow therethrough has been discontinued.

Abstract: A method of removing a liquid entrained in a gas moving at a velocity in an upward direction from a base to a top of a stack comprising the steps of imparting a swirling direction to the velocity of the gas adjacent the base of the stack and then recovering at least some of the liquid adjacent the top of the stack. Also disclosed is an apparatus for removing a liquid entrained in a gas in a stack having a base and a top comprising at least one duct having a longitudinal axis entering the stack adjacent said base and at least one vertical vane disposed at and angled to the longitudinal axis of the duct and a collector adjacent the top of the stack for recovering liquid.

Abstract: A centrifugal vapor/liquid separator separates the vapor and liquid in a flash of hydrocarbon and steam mixture, such that only the vapor stream is fed and processed further downstream. The design of the separator ensures that all partially wetted surfaces in the separator, except at the vapor outlet pipe, are well-wetted and washed by the non-vaporized liquid portion of the feed or by injection of external liquid thus ensuring that no coke deposition occurs inside the separator. The flash temperature in the separator therefore can be increased beyond the typical limit thus achieving a deeper cut into the feed and recovering a larger fraction of the feed as vapor for further downstream processing.

Abstract: A receptacle (14) open in its upper part into which opens a conduit (13), is inserted between a device (11) for fast extraction and the stripping zone (18). The receptacle (14) consists at its base of at least one diffuser (15) fed in fluidization gas and to which the solid particles are put in a dense fluidized bed state (17), whose density ranges between 300 and 800 kg.m−3, then escape by overflow from the receptacle (14) toward the stripping zone (18) located below.

Abstract: Intake air cleaning apparatus includes a filter canister with a filter mounted therein to filter air passing from an inlet end of the canister to an outlet end. A hood is mounted to the filter canister at the inlet end and has a discharge port for discharging particulates. A series of vanes are mounted in a gap between the hood and the inlet end of the filter canister to define channels through which air is directed into the air space between the hood and canister inlet end. A rotor mounted within the air space flings particulates toward the hood for expulsion through the discharge port. The filter within the canister may be formed of an outer cylindrical filter and an inner cylindrical filter mounted to the outlet wall of the canister to filter the precleaned air that passes through an inlet opening of the canister into the air space between the interior of the canister and the outer filter.

Abstract: An upright type vacuum cleaner includes a cyclone type dust collector to collect contaminants from the air that is drawn in through a suction brush. The cyclone type dust collector includes a cover, first and second cyclone receptacles, and a lower door. The first cyclone receptacle separates by centrifugal force and collects large particle contaminants. The second cyclone receptacle, disposed in the first cyclone receptacle, separates and collects minute dust and includes a grill having a plurality of fine holes, through which air from the first cyclone receptacle flows into the second cyclone receptacle. The lower door provides access to the contaminants collected in the first and second cyclone receptacles. A reverse flow prevention section is also provided to prevent a reverse flow of contaminants from the lower door.

Abstract: A water extractor of an environmental control system includes a swirl section and a water collector downstream the swirl section. The water collector includes an upstream sump having an inlet positioned to capture the bulk of water droplets leaving the swirl section. The water collector further includes a downstream sump for capturing water droplets that were not captured by the first sump.

Abstract: A plasma filter for separating particles includes a hollow semi-cylindrical chamber that is enclosed by a wall. At least one plasma source is mounted in the chamber between the longitudinal axis of the chamber and the wall for generating a multi-species plasma containing light mass particles (M1) and heavy mass particles (M2). A magnetic coil is used to generate a magnetic field, Bz, in the chamber that is aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis, and electrodes at each end of the chamber generate an electric field, Er, in the chamber that is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. These crossed electric and magnetic fields rotate the multi-species plasma on a curved path around the longitudinal axis, and in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, to separate M1 from M2.

Abstract: An upright type vacuum cleaner has a cyclone type dust collector removably disposed therein. The cyclone type dust collector separates by centrifugal force and collects various contaminants from the air that is drawn into the cleaner body. The cyclone type dust collector includes an upper cover, inner and outer cyclone receptacles, and a lower cover. The air, along with minute dust and large particle contaminants, is drawn into the dust collector and induced into a vortex, whereby the dust and contaminants are separated by centrifugal force and collected. The clear air is discharged to an outside atmosphere through an outlet pipe in the upper cover. The dust collector may be removed from the cleaner body and the lower cover opened to dispose of contaminants collected therein.

Abstract: In an electric vacuum cleaner, in a suction air passage provided between a nozzle unit having a nozzle and an electric blower for producing a suction air flow, a separator for separating dust from the suction air flow is arranged. In the separator, a dust collection chamber for collecting the separated dust is provided. The separator is fitted with an exhaust tube having an outlet, fitted with a filter, formed in the peripheral surface thereof so that the suction air flow is exhausted out of the separator through the exhaust tube to the downstream side of the suction air passage. The separator is fitted with a cleaning member having a brush for cleaning the filter. When the cleaning member is moved with the brush keeping contact with the filter, the dust that has settled on the filter is raked off. The cleaning member is moved through manual operation, with a motor, or by the suction air flow.

Abstract: A plasma filter for separating positive ions from negative ions in a multi-species plasma includes a cylindrical shaped chamber. Magnetic coils surrounding the chamber generate a magnetic field that is aligned substantially parallel to the chamber's longitudinal axis. An electrode generates an electric field that is substantially perpendicular to the magnetic field to create crossed magnetic and electric fields inside the chamber. The inward directed electric field has a negative potential on the longitudinal axis and a substantially zero potential at the wall of the chamber. An injector injects the multi-species plasma into said chamber to interact with said crossed magnetic and electric fields.

Abstract: The present invention provides a centrifugal air filter suitable for extracting impurities suspended in air. The filter includes a front wall, a rear wall spaced from the front wall, and a perimeter wall joining the front and rear walls and forming a cavity therebetween. Dividers divide the cavity into a plurality of vortex chambers. Each vortex chamber has a pair of inlets proximal opposing chamber ends and formed in the filter front wall, and an outlet formed in the filter rear wall generally centrally disposed between the inlets. Each vortex chamber extracts impurities by directing the air along a helical path through the vortex chamber from the inlets to the outlet. Air enters the vortex chamber inlets in the front of the filter, and exits the vortex outlet at the rear of the filter in the same plane.

Abstract: A method for separating charged particles according to their mass requires providing a multi-species plasma in a chamber. The plasma includes both relatively low-mass charged particles (M1) and relatively high-mass charged particles (M2) which are influenced by crossed electric and magnetic fields (E×B) in the chamber. Specifically, the crossed fields (E×B) rotate the particles M1 and M2 in respective orbits that are characteristic of the mass of the particular particle. Inside the chamber, each charged particle has a respective cyclotron frequency (&OHgr;), and the plasma is maintained with a density wherein the collisional frequency (&ngr;) of particles in the chamber relates to the cyclotron frequency such that their ratio is greater than approximately one (&OHgr;/&ngr;≧1). Additionally, a collector is positioned to intercept the particles (M2) in their orbits and to thereby separate the particles (M2) from the particles (M1).

Abstract: A method of removing dust from dust laden gases said method including the sequential steps of: (1) passing a flow of gases laden with dust particles, at a selected first gas stream velocity through a first dust removing mechanism capable of creating multiple vortexes of gases; (2) agglomerating the dust particles of the gases as they pass through the first dust removing mechanism said first gas stream velocity being selected to cause agglomeration of said dust particles; (3) passing the gas stream carrying agglomerated particles at a selected second gas stream velocity through a second dust removing mechanism capable of creating multiple vortexes of gases; (4) removing the agglomerated dust particles as they pass through the second dust removing mechanism at said second gas stream velocity; wherein the second gas stream velocity is substantially slower than the first gas stream velocity.

Abstract: A system (21) for monitoring the quantity of air in a liquid-state fuel stream discharged from a dispenser (20). The dispenser includes a pump (26) that draws the fuel from a storage tank (22). The fuel stream discharged from the pump is applied to an air separator (38) in which the air and vapor-state fluids are removed from the fuel stream. The gas-removed fuel stream is allowed to flow to nozzle (44) for dispensing. The gas stream created by the air separator is flowed to an air elimination chamber (41). The fuel in the gas stream separates from the air in the air elimination chamber and is returned to an input side of the pump. The air in the air elimination chamber is vented through a fixed opening to the ambient environment. The monitoring system (21) includes a transducer (48) that monitors the rate of air flow through the air elimination chamber. This monitoring may be performed by monitoring the air pressure in the chamber upstream of an orifice through which the air is vented to atmosphere.

Abstract: A separator and process for separating particles from a gaseous mixture wherein the separator includes: at least one chamber comprising a zone (1) which forms a rectangular or square cross section for passage of the mixture circulating in a tube reactor (R) towards a turning zone (3) which rotates the mixture in a vertical plane through an angle of at most 360 degrees; an external wall (30) which defines the turn through an angle of 70 to 225 degrees; a deflection (10) which turns co-axially with the external wall (30) through an angle of at least 30 degrees and at most the angle through which the external wall turns plus 90 degrees; a gas outlet (4) which is coaxial with the turning zone; the separator is indirectly or otherwise connected to a secondary cyclone (12). It also includes a particle outlet (9) having a wall (32) connected to forming zone (1).

Abstract: The invention concerns a dynamic particle mobility selector comprising two separate and parallel coaxial disks (30, 32) defining a dynamic selection zone (31), the upper disk comprising an annular slit with radius r.sub.1 and a central suction intake (38) in order to circulate a laminar, centripetal and stable air flow in the dynamic selection zone. An annular opening (36) with average radius r.sub.2 <r.sub.1 may be provided in the lower disk (32). Application to a dynamic mobility spectrometer, to a device for measuring the particle size of an aerosol and a mono-dispersed aerosol generator.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus (10) for separating dirt or dust from an airflow including a frustoconical cyclone (12) having a tangential air inlet (16) located at or adjacent the end of the cyclone having the larger diameter and a cone opening (18) located at the end of the cyclone having the smaller diameter. A collector (20) is arranged so as to surround the cone opening and has a base surface (24) facing towards the cone opening. According to the invention, at least a portion (24a) of the base surface is conical or frusto-conical in shape and a dust-retaining wall (30) is provided spaced from the center of the base surface.

Abstract: A wet/dry vacuum cleaner in one commonly available configuration includes a canister having an interior region defining a chamber, a motor mounted on the canister, a filter mounted on the canister and disposed within the chamber, and an inlet fitting attached to the canister. The inlet fitting is positioned generally adjacent the filter which results in the flow of air or water carrying debris generally towards the filter. The present invention is directed to a deflector boot which is secured to the inlet fitting for deflecting the flow of air or water carrying debris away from the filter. The deflector boot includes a cylindrical wall having an open end at one end thereof and an end wall that encloses the opposite end of the cylindrical wall. The open end of the cylindrical wall is sized to fit snugly over the inlet fitting when attaching the boot to the fitting.

Abstract: An antimicrobial filter cartridge having a perforated core member wrapped with a microporous membrane, which is overwrapped with a spiral wrapping of an antimicrobial agent impregnated yarn. The spiral wrapping is covered with a criss-cross wrapping of yarn. The filter cartridge is sized so as to fit tightly into a cartridge housing of a fluid filtration system. Fluid passing through the cartridge housing will be filtered by the filter cartridge to remove microorganisms from the water and which prevents the growth of microorganisms on the filter media.

Abstract: An air filtration system for use in capturing fugitive dust in industrial sweeping operations includes a hopper having internal structure for causing change in the direction of flow of suction air which enters the hopper along with debris collected during an industrial sweeping operation. A plurality of filters is disposed within the hopper for filtering the suction air, each one of the plurality of filters having filter media therein which can be repeatedly purged for cleaning and continuous reuse thereof. Structure is included for providing repeated purging blasts of air to the plurality of filters, and structure is associated with each one of the plurality of filters for causing the purging blasts of air to clean substantially the entire filter media of each one of the filters.

Abstract: A localized clean air system for operating theaters and a method of supplying clean air to a localized region in such situations. A fan is connected to a delivery head, which has an outlet for directing inlet clean air to the localized region in a particular pattern. A streamlined body is positioned in the outlet so that, in use, the clean air flows around the body and is modified thereby to form, immediately downstream of the body, an inner region of low velocity air encircled by an outer region of higher velocity air. Preferably, the streamlined body is symmetrical about its axis and is aligned with the clean air flow, for instance by being centrally positioned in the air outlet. The streamlined body preferably comprises a rounded head and a tapered tail. A diffuser is disposed in the clean air flow upstream of the streamlined body to minimize turbulence in the air flow.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for separating solids from a mixture of solids and gases. An in-line cyclone separator cyclonically swirls the mixture as it exits a conduit concentrically located within a radially symmetric separation chamber. In some embodiments, stripping gas apertures direct stripping gas into the chamber to help maintain the angular momentum of the solids cyclonically swirling within the chamber.

Abstract: A purification unit for separation of solid particles from gases comprises at least one group of a plurality of flow cylinders arranged in a common chamber. Each flow cylinder has a fixed rotary head for setting incoming gas in rotary motion, an outlet diffuser for purified gas projecting concentrically into the outlet end of each flow cylinder and forming together with the surrounding cylinder an annular gap with its inlet portion. Through this gap, separated particles stream out to the chamber. In order to obtain at least the same purifying effect with several dust separators connected in parallel and each including a flow cylinder with a fixed rotary head and outlet diffusor as with one single dust separator, the common dust collecting chamber is connected by way of at least one suction line to a steplessly adjustable blower in order to maintain a negative pressure in the chamber optimizing the purification.

Abstract: An apparatus suitable for solids-fluid (e.g. cracking catalyst/hydrocarbon vapor) separation is disclosed having a plurality of substantially vertical tubular elements disposed within a housing. Inlet means are arranged in the bottom section of the housing and communicate with the space between the tubular elements and the housing. A plurality of tubular fluid outlet means are provided, the lower sections of which are arranged substantially coaxially within the upper sections of said tubular elements and define annular spaces therebetween in which swirl imparting means are arranged. The upper sections of the tubular fluid outlet means cooperate with opening(s) in the upper section of the housing, and the lower sections of the tubular elements communicating with solids outlet means. The invention further relates to a process for separating fluid cracking catalyst particles from gaseous hydrocarbon conversion products and/or flue gases using said apparatus.

Abstract: An air purifier intended for use, e.g., as a grease filter in air venting systems. The purifier comprises a plurality of modules operating according to centrifugal separation, each module comprising at least one vortex chamber. Gas flow entering the vortex chamber is set into helical motion therewithin, such that the gas flows through the vortex chamber in a single direction, substantially perpendicular to a direction in which the incoming gas flow is introduced into the module.

Abstract: A dust trap for flowing gases comprises an inlet conduit which terminates in a transverse wall for impact-type dust separation (i.e. inertial separation). A side entry port is positioned adjacent the transverse wall. The side entry port communicates with the circulation chamber defining an angled opposed wall in the opposite side of the chamber of the side entry port. The angled, opposed wall is substantially perpendicular to gas flow through the side entry port, to cause flowing gas from the side entry port to split vertically into swirling upward and downward flow patterns for further dust separation. The lower part of the circulation chamber is normally closed off from the exterior. The upper part of the circulation chamber communicates with an outlet conduit.

Abstract: A cyclone separator for removing oil from seawater, the oil being up to a few percent of the volume, is proportioned as follows, symbols having the meaning shown on the Figure, a notable feature being the smallness of d.sub.o, the overflow: 10.ltoreq.1.sub.2 /d.sub.2 .ltoreq.25; 0.04<4A.sub.i /.pi.d.sub.1.sup.2 .ltoreq.0.10; d.sub.o /d.sub.2 <0.1; d.sub.1 >d.sub.2 ; d.sub.2 >d.sub.3. The half-angle of the convergence of the taper T.sub.2 is from 20' to 2.degree..

Abstract: A device for separating liquid droplets and solids out of a geothermally produced vapor stream traveling under pressure through a pipeline comprising a first means for inducing a force in the vapor stream to induce the droplets and solids to migrate to the pipelines inner wall and a second downstream means for collecting those droplets and solids.

Abstract: There is described a water still (1) comprising a boiler assembly (5) and a condenser assembly (3) communicating by means (7) for removing droplets from vapour.The means comprise at least one jet, e.g. a plurality of jets (15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25) radially disposed around a capped annulus (9), the jets capable of imparting to the droplets a spiralling motion, and urging the droplets to impinge on an interposed deflecting surface, e.g. a side wall (13) of the still (1).Stills (1) including a heatable distillate receiver (39), a gas vent (51, 53), a level detector (69), a boiler outlet valve (59) and an improved condenser (45) are also described.The stills described are useful for preparing water of low conductivity.