Abstract: This invention relates to a novel method and system for dispensing CO2 vapor without over pressurization from a system having multiple containers. The system includes one or more liquid containers and one or more vapor containers. The system is designed to operate in a specific manner whereby a restricted amount of CO2 liquid is permitted into the vapor container through a restrictive pathway that is created and maintained by a shuttle valve during the filling operation so that equalization of container pressures is achieved, thereby allowing shuttle valve to reseat when filling has stopped. During use, a pressure differential device is designed to specifically isolate the vapor container from the liquid container so as to preferentially deplete liquid CO2 from the vapor container and avoid over pressurization of the system until the vapor container becomes liquid dry. The system can be operated so that at least 50% of the CO2 vapor product is dispensed from the vapor container.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a refrigerator cabinet, an ice maker disposed within the refrigerator cabinet, an ice storage bucket, a heater thermally coupled to the ice storage bucket to melt ice stored in the ice storage bucket, and a drain positioned to capture water from the ice melted by the heater.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a refrigerator cabinet, an ice maker disposed within the refrigerator cabinet, an ice storage bucket and a drain positioned to capture water from the ice as it is melted. Ice may melt due to air from the refrigeration compartment or elsewhere, the ambient temperature within the ice storage bucket, or a heater thermally coupled to the ice storage bucket to melt ice stored in the ice storage bucket.

Abstract: A liquid desalination device includes an ice maker, a rotary tank, an impurities collection tank and a desalination collection tank. The ice maker has a freezer module, a liquid inlet and an ice outlet. The liquid inlet and the liquid outlet correspond to the freezer module in position. The rotary tank has a tank body with a plurality of through holes, an ice inlet and an egress. The ice inlet and the egress are located at two end of the tank body. The ice inlet corresponds to the ice outlet in position. The impurities collection tank is disposed around the tank body, and corresponding to the through holes in position. The desalination collection tank corresponds to the ice outlet in position.

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: Provided is an apparatus for purifying materials, including: a raw water storage unit storing and supplying raw water; an evaporation unit evaporating the raw water supplied from the raw water storage unit; a heat exchange unit connected between the raw water storage unit and the evaporation unit, and condensing vapor (a material evaporated from the raw water) generated at the evaporation unit; and a recovery tank recovering the material condensed at the heat exchange unit, wherein the raw water supplied through the raw water storage unit is sent to the evaporation unit via the heat exchange unit, and the vapor evaporated at the evaporation unit is introduced into the recovery tank, after it is cooled and condensed at the heat exchange unit. A method for purifying materials using the apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: Water is used as a refrigerant, and a humidification cooler (41) which evaporates the water to generate cold heat and a dehumidifier (42) are provided. A compressor (50) which compresses water vapor separated by the dehumidifier (42) is provided. A moisture discharging device (60) which discharges water vapor compressed in the compressor (50) is provided. The compressor (50) is driven by a steam turbine (80) capable of generating rotational power from thermal energy.

Abstract: A method, system and manifold for use in the delivery of refrigerant and leak detection dye to an automotive air conditioning unit after evacuation of the unit and without removal of the manifold from a fitting of the unit between delivery of the dye and the refrigerant, and without requirement by the operator to refill the dye between each delivery of dye and refrigerant. The refrigerant and dye come from separate, not inline, reservoirs. The refrigerant provides a wash for dye from the fitting. The method, system and manifold are substantially automated and are operated with limited operator intervention.

Abstract: In the process according to the invention for fractionating substances, particularly paraffins, oils, fats and waxes, which, when crystallized, have poor adhesion to the substantially vertical crystallization surfaces (39) of a crystallizer, screen-like supporting structures, e.g. perforated metal sheets (31) bent in a zig-zag, are disposed between the crystallization surfaces (39) of a crystallizer. The crystals (51) becoming detached from the crystallization surfaces (39) during the sweating phase are left suspended in horizontal strips in the triangular zones (41) on the perforated sheet (31) and remain in thermal contact with the crystallization surface (39) and sweat out the liquid phase (55). The mother liquor (55) drips off, in some cases also between the crystals (51) and the crystallization surface (39), with the result that drip channels are melted by the heated mother liquor and thus opened.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating water to produce potable water includes a filter connected to an inlet of a heating unit in turn connected at an outlet to an input of a container with cooling components for separating out heavy water. The heavy water separator is coupled at an outlet to a tank having cooling and heating components and an ultraviolet radiation source for irradiating the water sample from the heavy water separator with ultraviolet radiation during a freezing and subsequent warming of the water sample. A storage vessel and a silver ionizer are disposed on a downstream side of the ultraviolet treatment tank. Various operations, including timing and water transfer, heating cooling and irradiating, are controlled by a programmed computer. Temperature sensors are disposed in the heating unit, the heavy water separator and the irradiation tank for monitoring temperatures of the water in the heating unit, the container and/or the tank.

Abstract: Inorganic metallic compounds, particularly salts, oxides and hydroxides, are removed from solutions by removing at least a part of the solution liquid and stirring and cooling this part while in the metastable state until a crystallization of the metallic compounds is rendered possible. Then energy is fed in bursts to the cooled down part in order to initiate the crystallization. The crystallized metallic compounds are separated, leaving a residual liquor which then is transferred back to the solution.

Abstract: A batch crystallization system uses two stages of heat pumping. The first stage heat pump transfers latent heat of fusion from a freezing liquid to purified liquid. Sensible heat and compression work are transferred to the second stage heat pump for rejection to the environment. Ice formed in another chamber of the batch crystallization system is melted by direct contact with heated purified liquid.

Abstract: A refrigeration system provides a supply of purified ice pieces by freezing flowing water on an icemaking plate and melting some of the ice pieces to provide a supply of purified water. The system is combined with a household refrigerator to utilize a common compressor and condenser. Alternative arrangements are provided for a single speed compressor or a two speed compressor to adapt to varying load requirements. The ice storage bin may be disposed in the refrigerator section where ice melting takes place continually, or in the freezer section where ice only melts on demand from a sensing of purified water quantity.

Abstract: A refrigeration system provides a supply of purified ice pieces by freezing flowing water on an icemaking plate and melting some of the ice pieces to provide a supply of purified water. The system is combined with a household refrigerator to utilize a common compressor, evaporator and condenser. Alternative arrangements are provided for defrost of the evaporator by hot gas bypass, or by electrical heating elements. Individual ice pieces can be formed separately by spacing of the contact points where the evaporator piping meets the ice-forming surface, or by dividing the ice forming surface into separate ice forming cavities, with a plastic mask.

Abstract: An ice particle separator for use within high flow velocity, low pressure loss, air or gas conditioning systems, to remove ice particles entrained within the conditioned gaseous flow stream. The ice particle separator includes a plurality of generally part-cylinder tubes arranged in a pattern to intercept the conditioned gaseous flow stream, each part-cylinder tube having an associated heating means for melting the ice particles which contact the part-cylinder tubes. A drain plenum collects the melt liquid from the part-cylinder tubes and directs the melt liquid to a receiving means.

Abstract: A refrigeration system is employed alternatively as an automatic ice-maker, and a device to automatically produce a supply of purified water by melting a portion of the ice produced in the ice-making operation. Separate sections of the condenser of the refrigeration system are selectively employed to provide heat to melt ice when the purified water supply is low and, alternatively, to reject heat when the purified water supply is sufficient but ice production is required.

Abstract: Ice formed in a batch crystallization apparatus is melted by causing an ice sheet 20 to be cut into approximately equal size pieces by the knife-edge 32 of melter 26. The pieces of ice are induced to slide against the sides of melter by inclined rails 28. Temperature sensor 40 and controller 44 are used to operate a heater to maintain the melter at a temperature setpoint 54 for a fixed time period while the ice sheet is cut into pieces. While the ice pieces melt the heating means is maintained fully on and the product drain valve is kept open. When the ice has melted the temperature exceeds the setpoint signaling the controller that the melting phase is complete. Failure of the apparatus to freeze ice is diagnosed by the temperature exceeding the setpoint at the end of said time period. Failure of the apparatus to melt ice is diagnosed by the temperature not reaching the setpoint after a sufficient amount of time.

Abstract: A refrigeration system employed as an icemaker, in which part of the ice so produced is stored in a bin, and in which, part of the ice is then melted to provide a supply of purified water in a container. In one embodiment convection flow of air conveys heat from the ambient room environment to the bottom of the ice bin to achieve this melting. In a second embodiment a convection flow of water is employed for this purpose. Controls are provided to automatically control melting, to maintain a predetermined level in the purified water container.

Abstract: A refrigeration system having two alternatively actuable condensers operating at different condensing temperatures and pressures includes a compensatory metering arrangement for preventing significant changes of refrigerant fluid flow rate to the system evaporator when the system switches from one condenser to the other. Compensation is effected by changing the size of the metering orifice as necessary to accommodate the different condenser operating pressures. In one embodiment a thermostatic expansion valve is modified to include a damping factor preventing rapid changes in the valve position. Damping is achieved with a liquid-filled damping chamber having a damping diaphragm as one wall secured to the valve actuator rod. Opening of the valve requires the damping diaphragm to compress the liquid which is permitted to leak from the damping chamber at a controlled rate to slow the valve actuation rate.

Abstract: The system disclosed in my U.S. Pat. No. 4,897,099 for deriving purified ice pieces and purified water from tap water is modified by providing a metal or thermally conductive heat flow path from an alternative refrigerant condenser to the ice collection bin. In one embodiment the size/shape of the heat flow path provides sufficient heat flow resistance to maintain a temperature gradient thereacross whereby the bottom of the bin is at approximately 32.degree. F. and the condensing rejection temperature is at least 60.degree. F. In another embodiment the alternative condenser is undersized relative to the primary condenser (used in the non-melting mode). In a further embodiment the second condenser is operated in a partially flooded condition during the ice-melting mode to reduce its effective condensing surface area.

Abstract: An ice slurry is produced at the triple point of water in a freezer vessel having vertical freezer tubes on which feed water falls as an outside film and coolant tubes on which cold coolant falls as an outside film, with the liquid coolant and liquid feed distributed to the tubes by a pan over the tubes. The resulting warmer coolant flows to a collecting pan at the vessel bottom and then through an outlet for withdrawing the coolant from the vessel, while the ice slurry is withdrawn through an outlet at the vessel bottom.

Abstract: An improved water purification apparatus and method includes the freeze plate of a refrigeration system disposed in contact with the surface of water to be purified for transferring heat from the water substantially only through the surface and for forming a layer of ice only near the surface that is nearly as thick as the volume of water is deep. Electrostatic field is produced to improve the rejection of impurities at the ice-water interface. System and operating parameters are described for the optimum production of purified water through recurring cycles of freezing, draining, melting, and recovering melt water in batch processing of impure water using a refrigeration system of selected heat-removing capacity.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing polluted clinging water from ice. The dirty ice pieces are introduced at the bottom of a column of water and are rinsed by progressively cleaner water as the ice pieces float to the surface.

Abstract: A water purification method and system, employing at least a first chamber and a second chamber to freeze a portion of a volume of impure water in the first chamber while melting ice in the second chamber. The unfrozen liquid, which has a high impurity concentration, is drained from the first chamber. The melted ice, from which up to 95% of the original impurities have been rejected during the freezing operation, is drained from the second chamber. Then, a new volume of impure water is supplied to the second chamber, and the process continues with the roles of the chambers reversed. The system includes at least one heat transfer fluid coil portion wrapped around (or disposed within) each chamber. The system requires no scraping or transporting of frozen ice, requires no chemical or cartridge replacement, and can be embodied in a small housing suitable for use as a home or restaurant appliance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for concentrating solutions by partly freezing-out solvent, consisting of a vessel surrounded laterally by an insulated cooling jacket, the vessel comprising a stirring means and a draining aperture at the bottom. The cooling jacket does not extend down to the lowermost portion of the vessel. The lowermost portion of the vessel in which the stirring means and the draining aperture are accommodated, externally comprises, preferably is surrounded by, a heating medium.

Abstract: Cryoprecipitate for the production of factor VIII is extracted from frozen blood plasma by continuously circulating the plasma in a crushed state between the peripheral and central regions of an externally, steadily heated thawing zone, with thawed mixture of liquor and cryoprecipitate being removed from the lowermost region of the zone by way of a path including a weir configuration. Preferably: the zone is formed by an axially upright cylindrical vessel; circulation is effected by at least one helical blade coaxially rotatable in the vessel, which blade extends over the vessel heights, is radially narrow compared to the vessel, is close to the vessel wall, and scoops material upwardly; the outlet from the vessel is tangentially opposed to the blade rotation; and heating is by way of a liquid jacket with generally axial flow therethrough.

Abstract: A crystallization process is disclosed for separating a crystallizable material and an excluded material which is at least partially excluded from the solid phase obtained upon freezing a liquid mixture of the materials. The solid phase is formed and melted at spaced locations in a liquid mixture of the materials and, within the liquid mixture, internal solid and liquid flows are maintained in opposite directions to effect separation of the materials. The solid phase is formed by evaporative cooling of the liquid mixture and melted by direct contact with a condensing vapor phase of the materials, each of these operations being performed substantially at the prevailing triple point locus conditions in the respective locations in the liquid mixture.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing snow at marginal ambient temperatures while at the same time eliminating compressed air line freeze-up and oil contamination. Compressed air is delivered from a compressor to a cooling tower wherein oil particles and condensate are removed from the stream of compressed air. The oil particles and condensate-free compressed air stream is then delivered to a cryogenic unit wherein the air is contacted in heat exchange relationship with a liquefied gas so as to supercool the air stream which is then delivered to snow-making apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing oil particles and condensate from a stream of compressed air used in the production of snow by snow-making equipment wherein the condensate is first crystallized thus allowing the oil particles to adhere thereto and thereafter the crystallized condensate and oil particles are heated in a holding zone to form a liquid which is separated from the stream of compressed air and drained therefrom.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing oil particles and condensate from a stream of compressed air used in the production of snow by snow-making equipment wherein the condensate is first crystallized thus allowing the oil particles to adhere thereto and thereafter the crystallized condensate and oil particles are heated in a holding zone to form a liquid which is separated from the stream of compressed air and drained therefrom.

Abstract: A freeze concentration apparatus comprising a cold concentrator tank; a conduit to deliver an aqueous liquid mixture feed stream to the cold concentrator tank; a conduit to feed the liquid mixture from the cold concentrator tank to a freeze exchanger for indirect cooling by heat exchange to a cold fluid to form ice crystals in the liquid mixture; a conduit to feed the liquid mixture containing ice crystals from the freeze exchanger to the cold concentrator tank; a conduit to withdraw liquid mixture from the cold concentrator tank concentrated by the freezing of water therefrom; a conduit to withdraw an ice slurry from the cold concentrator tank and deliver it to an ice slurry washer; a spray system to wash the ice slurry in the washer with water; a washer to collect washed ice and an aqueous mixture; a conduit to remove the aqueous mixture from the washer; and an unloader to remove the washed ice from the washer.

Abstract: An apparatus, made in accordance with the present invention, comprises an ice-making unit for making pure ice using a refrigeration system, an electric heater for melting into fresh water the ice produced by the ice-making unit, a tank for storing the fresh water resulting from the melting, a sensor for sensing the water temperature prevailing in the tank, and a control responsive to a signal from the sensor to actuate the heater for maintaining the water temperature at a predetermined value. The apparatus further comprises a sensor for sensing the water level in the tank, and a control responsive to a signal from the water level sensor to control the operation of the ice-making unit for maintaining the water level at a predetermined value.

Abstract: A liquid purification system, method and apparatus includes a plurality of operationally interconnected chambers. A supply or inlet chamber is held at about atmospheric temperature while other chambers of the system are held at a partial vacuum. The liquid to be purified is metered through a pressure differential between the supply or first chamber and a second chamber to induce spontaneous vaporization of the liquid. The temperatures of the chambers are reduced sufficiently so that, in the case of water, temperature-pressure conditions in the second chamber are below the triple point so as to condense ice and precipitate impurities into another chamber from the spontaneous vaporization. Condensation of the vapor in still another chamber recovers pure liquid. A temperature differential mechanism operatively connected to the chambers insures that condensation of the vapor will occur.

Abstract: A freeze concentration apparatus comprising a warm concentrator tank; a conduit to deliver an aqueous liquid mixture feed stream to the warm concentrator tank; a cold concentrator tank; a conduit to feed the liquid mixture from the cold concentrator tank to a primary freeze exchanger for indirect cooling by heat exchange to a cold fluid to form ice crystals in the liquid mixture; a conduit to feed the liquid mixture containing ice crystals from the primary freeze exchanger to the cold concentrator tank; a conduit to withdraw liquid mixture from the cold concentrator tank concentrated by the freezing of water therefrom; a conduit to withdraw an ice slurry from the cold concentrator tank and deliver it to the warm concentrator tank; a conduit to withdraw an ice slurry from the warm concentrator tank and deliver it to an ice slurry washer; a spray system to wash the ice slurry in the washer with water and to collect washed ice and an aqueous mixture; a conduit to remove the aqueous mixture from the washer and de

Abstract: An apparatus, made in accordance with the present invention, comprises an ice-making unit for making pure ice using a refrigeration system, an electric heater for melting into fresh water the ice produced by the ice-making unit, a tank for storing the fresh water resulting from the melting, a sensor for sensing the water temperature prevailing in the tank, and a control responsive to a signal from the sensor to actuate the heater for maintaining the water temperature at a predetermined value. The apparatus further comprises a sensor for sensing the water level in the tank, and a control responsive to a signal from the water level sensor to control the operation of the ice-making unit for maintaining the water level at a predetermined value.

Abstract: Freeze concentrating an aqueous liquid mixture by feeding an aqueous liquid mixture to a freeze exchanger for indirect cooling by heat exchange to a cold fluid to form ice crystals in the liquid mixture; feeding the liquid mixture containing ice crystals from the freeze exchanger to the lower internal space of a vessel containing said aqueous liquid mixture whereby the ice floats to the top interior of the vessel; removing ice from the top interior of the vessel, washing the ice with water and heating the washed ice to produce potable water; removing aqueous liquid mixture from the vessel and recycling it to the freeze exchanger; and repeating the method in a continuous operation.

Abstract: The treatment of dilute solutions and freeze concentrations thereof by means of steam jet refrigeration pre-cooling of a feed solution sprayed into an absorber-freezer means in which heat is absorbed from the jet refrigeration and from which ice slurry is charged into a melter-worker means discharging product melt and concentrated by-product, and super-cooled by vapor compression refrigeration wherein the refrigerant is simultaneously condensed and chilled by the steam jet refrigeration for pre-cooling the feed solution, steam power therefor being supplied by the Peltier effect in a diffusion still separating water and concentrated refrigerant.

Abstract: A freeze concentration apparatus comprising a cold concentrator tank; a conduit to deliver an aqueous liquid mixture feed stream to the cold concentrator tank; a conduit to feed the liquid mixture from the cold concentrator tank to a freeze exchanger for indirect cooling by heat exchange to a cold fluid to form ice crystals in the liquid mixture; a conduit to feed the liquid mixture containing ice crystals from the freeze exchanger to the cold concentrator tank; a conduit to withdraw liquid mixture from the cold concentrator tank concentrated by the freezing of water therefrom; a conduit to withdraw an ice slurry from the cold concentrator tank and deliver it to an ice slurry washer; a spray system to wash the ice slurry in the washer with water a washer to collect washed ice and an aqueous mixture; a conduit to remove the aqueous mixture from the washer; and an unloader to remove the washed ice from the washer.

Abstract: A process comprises steps of circulating raw water into an ice making mechanism for freezing the water into the ice, harvesting with wash the formed ice and transferring the ice to a receptacle having a heating means for entirely or partially melting the ice to obtain pure water and catalyzing the resulting pure water with a selected nutritious substance before, during or after storing of the pure water. The apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to method and apparatus for controlling or manipulating a body of crude, refined, or used petroleum as, for example: in the herding and recovery of an oil spill in a body of water; in temporarily stopping a leak in an oil tanker caused by a cracked hull; in recovering oil inadvertently spilled on a beach front; in plugging an oil casing pipe to control an oil fire at sea on a drilling platform; in effecting preliminary refinement of oil at the oil rig site; in transporting oil from the Arctic or Antarctic region without resorting to complicated and costly apparatus; and in many other applications. The method basically comprises exposing a body of crude, refined, or used petroleum mass either to a transient atmosphere or environment of a freezing, sub-freezing, or cryogenics temperature, or contacting the petroleum with a substance or mechanism exhibiting freezing, sub-freezing, or cryogenics temperatures.

Abstract: This invention relates to heat pump systems variously useful for heating and cooling as well as for the production of potable water and in which the thermal energy employed is derived from heat liberated by the freezing of water under vacuum at the triple point.