Abstract: A freeze desalination process uses cyclopentane (“C5H10”) (14) as an agent for the formation of a gas hydrate as a clathrate (13). A crystallizer vessel (10) containing a mixture of seawater (11) and diffuse bubbles (18) of C5H10 is cooled to allow a gas hydrate phase to form. An ultrasonic transducer (21) located in the bubble stream encourages nucleation and thus clathrate formation.

Abstract: A material to be dried is frozen and is efficiently freeze-dried in a short time, thereby increasing production efficiency. A freeze-drying apparatus includes a vertical tube (2) having an inner circumferential surface formed with a frozen surface (2a), a liquid-supply device (5) for supplying a liquid material to be dried (47) onto the frozen surface (2a), a freezing device (10) arranged around the vertical tube (2) and intended for cooling the frozen surface (2a), a pressure-reduction device (12) which puts an interior area of the vertical tube (2) into a state of vacuum, and an internal heating device (41) in the vertical tube (2). The internal heating device (41) is arranged in the vertical tube (2) along a center axis thereof, and has an outer surface formed with a vertically long circular-cylindrical radiation surface (43).

Abstract: The invention relates to fluid separator comprising:—a throat portion (4) which is arranged between a converging fluid inlet section and a diverging fluid outlet section, the diverging fluid outlet section comprising an inner primary outlet (7) for condensables depleted fluid components and an outer secondary outlet for condensables enriched fluid components (6); and—a central body (10) provided upstream of the throat portion (4) in the fluid inlet section, the central body (10) being arranged substantially coaxial to a central axis I of the fluid separator. The fluid separator is arranged to facilitate a main flow through the converging fluid inlet section, the throat portion towards the diverging fluid outlet section. The central body (10) comprises an outlet (13), directed towards the tubular throat portion (4) and is arranged to add a central flow towards the throat portion (4).

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for utilizing a substantially condensed phase cryogenic fluid for the purpose of remediation and retrieval of, e.g., spilled crude oil and other “oil spill”-related products from marine/aquatic and terrestrial environments. In some implementations, systems and apparatus are provided for applying a substantially condensed phase cryogenic fluid to a volume of spilled oil, and further having structure for collecting the spilled oil. Some implementations are environmentally-neutral. Substances other than oil may be remediated as well.

Abstract: The invention relates to a universal system for producing cost effective energy particularly for cooling purposes. In one embodiment, wind turbines are used to generate electricity and compressed air energy, wherein the compressed air energy is used to co-generate electricity and chilled air. The chilled air is then used to chill water in either a mixing chamber, or a desalination system, wherein the chilled water is stored in a separation tank, wherein it can later be used to provide cooling for an air conditioning system for a facility. When desalination is used, the system produces chilled fresh drinking water which can be used for air conditioning, and then used as fresh drinking water. Any exhaust chilled air can be used directly for air conditioning.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for utilizing a substantially condensed phase cryogenic fluid for the purpose of remediation and retrieval of, e.g., spilled crude oil and other “oil spill”-related products from marine/aquatic and terrestrial environments. In some implementations, systems and apparatus are provided for applying a substantially condensed phase cryogenic fluid to a volume of spilled oil, and further having structure for collecting the spilled oil. Some implementations are environmentally-neutral. Substances other than oil may be remediated as well.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for purification of contaminated water through hydrate formation and separation of hydrates from contaminated water enriched with contaminants, by supplying hydrate particles to the water during hydrate formation. The present invention also concerns a device for purification of water by using a method according to the invention, and water produced according to the invention. By using the process principles according to the present invention, all types of water can be purified for consumption or safe discharge, or desired resources can be recovered, and air can be purified if it first is bubbled through the water which then is purified by a method according to the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to fluid separator comprising: —a throat portion (4) which is arranged between a converging fluid inlet section and a diverging fluid outlet section, the diverging fluid outlet section comprising an inner primary outlet (7) for condensables depleted fluid components and an outer secondary outlet for condensables enriched fluid components (6); and —a central body (10) provided upstream of the throat portion (4) in the fluid inlet section, the central body (10) being arranged substantially coaxial to a central axis I of the fluid separator. The fluid separator is arranged to facilitate a main flow through the converging fluid inlet section, the throat portion towards the diverging fluid outlet section. The central body (10) comprises an outlet (13), directed towards the tubular throat portion (4) and is arranged to add a central flow towards the throat portion (4).

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for utilizing a substantially condensed phase cryogenic fluid for the purpose of remediation and retrieval of, e.g., spilled crude oil and other “oil spill”-related products from marine/aquatic and terrestrial environments. In some implementations, systems and apparatus are provided for applying a substantially condensed phase cryogenic fluid to a volume of spilled oil, and further having structure for collecting the spilled oil. Some implementations are environmentally-neutral. Substances other than oil may be remediated as well.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for utilizing a substantially condensed phase cryogenic fluid for the purpose of remediation and retrieval of, e.g., spilled crude oil and other “oil spill”-related products from marine/aquatic and terrestrial environments. In some implementations, systems and apparatus are provided for applying a substantially condensed phase cryogenic fluid to a volume of spilled oil, and further having structure for collecting the spilled oil. Some implementations are environmentally-neutral. Substances other than oil may be remediated as well.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for utilizing a substantially condensed phase cryogenic fluid for the purpose of remediation and retrieval of, e.g., pollutant biomass from marine/aquatic and terrestrial environments. In some implementations, systems and apparatus are provided for applying a substantially condensed phase cryogenic fluid to a volume of biomass, and further having structure for collecting the biomass. Some implementations are environmentally-neutral. Some implementations convert the collected biomass into biofuel. Some implementations initially employ the biomass to remediate an aquatic body.

Abstract: Desalination apparatus based on porous restraint panels fabricated from a number of different layers of metal, thermoplastic, or other substances are used as sophisticated heat exchangers to control the growth of gas hydrate. The gas hydrate is produced after infusion of liquid hydrate-forming material into water to be treated, which liquid hydrate-forming material can also be used to carry out all the refrigeration necessary to cool seawater to near the point of hydrate formation and to cool the porous restraint panels. Hydrate forms on and dissociates through the porous restraints. The composite restraint panels can also be used in gaseous atmospheres where, for instance, it is desired to remove dissolved water.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for desalination of salt water (and purification of polluted water) are disclosed. Salt water is pumped to a desalination installation and down to the base of a desalination fractionation column, where it is mixed with hydrate-forming gas to form positive buoyant hydrate. The hydrate rises and dissociates (melts) into the gas and pure water. In preferred embodiments, residual salt water which is heated by heat given off during formation of the hydrate is removed from the system to create a bias towards overall cooling as the hydrate dissociates endothermically at shallower depths. In preferred embodiments, the input water is passed through regions of dissociation in heat-exchanging relationship therewith so as to be cooled sufficiently for hydrate to form at pressure-depth.

Abstract: A device for separating dry solid and liquid by cooling spray has a material reservoir which can adjust and control low temperature for preserving material, a high-pressure pump for extracting material to high-pressure sprayer. Besides, material is pressurized to become a spray state for spraying by adjusting a nozzle of the high-pressure sprayer, and then dry air having high temperature can form a circulating cycle in the steel tub via a heat exchanger of a gas-drying machine to make water content of a spray of liquid be absorbed by dry air having high temperature such that original material becomes powder solid. Besides, air inside the steel tub absorbs much water content due to heat exchange, and then the air with much water content and high temperature is cooled via the heat exchanger when passing through an air filter. After water content of the air is condensed, the air is reheated for using in next cycle.

Abstract: Method for formulating particles from solutions, wherein cooling the solution down to the initial freezing point, to mix the solution under pressure with an inert medium, to expand the solution to solid, fluidable frozen particles comprising the insert medium and the solution in a frozen shape.

Abstract: A device for crystallization of a component from a liquid mixture comprising a chamber, a first conduit connected to said chamber for supplying said mixture, a second conduit connected to and in connection with said chamber for introducing cold gas, a third conduit for withdrawing warmed gas from said crystallizer, a turbo-expander for cooling gas withdrawn from said chamber, and a fourth conduit Icading from the turbo-expander to said chamber. The device has particular application for the crystallization of paraxylene.

Abstract: In one embodiment, this invention pertains to desalination of seawater by eding methane into seawater at a depth generally exceeding 100 meters to form methane hydrate which rises to where it is decomposed into methane and water, and recoverig water. Methane is recycled to depth to form more buoyant hydrate.

Abstract: In one embodiment, this invention pertains to desalination of seawater by eding methane into seawater at a depth exceeding 100 meters to form methane hydrate which rises to where it is decomposed into methane and water, and recovering water. Methane is recycled.

Abstract: A clathrate freeze desalination system and method in which a clathrate forming agent is injected through a submerged pipeline to a predetermined ocean depth at which the surrounding ocean temperature is less than the clathrate forming temperature. The agent combines with the salt water to form a slurry of clathrate ice crystals and brine. The pipeline is concentric and coaxial with a surrounding outer pipeline in which the slurry is formed. The slurry is pumped back to the surface through the outer pipeline and the ice crystals are washed to remove brine. The washed crystals are then melted, and the resultant water is separated from the clathrate forming agent, which may be discarded or recycled for re-injection through the inner pipeline. The melting of the clathrate ice as well as the cold water and air circulating in the desalination plant can be utilized as a source of air conditioning for local buildings and facilities.

Abstract: An ice making refrigerant mainly consists of at least one compound selected from the group of normal perfluoropentane, cycloperfluoropentane, isoperfluoropentane, and fluorohydropentane. The refrigerant may also consists of pentane mixed with a sufficient amount of one or more of the above compounds for making the refrigerant substantially incombustible. The refrigerant is highly resistant to combustion and free from destroying the stratospheric ozone layer. Ice is produced by mixing the refrigerant in liquid phase with water at a pressure higher than the saturation pressure P.sub.0 of the refrigerant for 0.degree. C. and then ejecting the water-refrigerant mixture into a tank at a pressure below the above saturation pressure P.sub.0, so as to evaporate the refrigerant and let the water freeze by the latent heat of evaporation of the refrigerant.

Abstract: This process is an improvement of a process described in German Open Patent Application No. 3703646 for obtaining a p-xylene product with a purity of at least 99.5%. The inert fluid used as a cold carrier is mixed with a crude product starting material, which has a high p-xylene content, in a mixing vessel under rotation to form a resultant mixture. Subsequently the resultant mixture is concentrated to a crystal content of from 30% to 70% and after that the p-xylene crystals are separated in a separator. The purity of the product p-xylene can be increased by heating these crystals in the separator.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus useful in freeze concentration processes such as in the concentration of fruit juices. The apparatus performs both the recrystallization and ice-liquid separation steps of conventional freeze concentration systems. The apparatus comprises an inclined trough divided into zones by dams including, in sequence, a recrystallizer, an ice breakup, an ice drainage and an ice discharge zone. The apparatus is provided with a variable speed, rotating paddle auger with variably pitched paddles which advances, lifts, and breaks up the ice along the trough. The liquid concentrate is discharged through one or more discharge ports spaced along the bottom of the trough. The ice is discharged at the high end of the trough through a discharge chute.

Abstract: A hollow, rotating drum is horizontally supported in a vessel or crystallizer containing a brine such as sea water and has a plurality of nozzles projecting radially outwardly therefrom and having orifices having a smaller diameter than the nozzles. A liquified refrigerant is introduced through a conduit and a hollow shaft into the drum and is discharged as droplets into the brine while the drum is being rotated at high speeds in the brine. Upon getting into the brine, the refrigerant is vaporized and takes away heat of the brine, which is then refrigerated to form small crystals of ice.

Abstract: A method for purifying silicon comprises the steps of providing a body of molten silicon-rich material and extracting heat therefrom to provide a solid phase containing silicon in crystal form and to concentrate impurities in a molten phase. After a desired amount of heat has been extracted, a substantial part of the molten phase is separated from the solid phase. A fraction or portion of the solid phase is remelted for purposes of removing solvent metal, including impurities, from the crystals, and at least one fraction of the remelted material is separated from the crystals.

Abstract: In crystallization units such as wax crystallization units where a scraped surface double pipe heat exchanger type chiller is used, the improvement of replacing the scraped surface chiller tube with a porous tube to provide positive flow of coolant through the tube wall to prevent crystal deposition on the process side of the tube, whereby crystal degradation is eliminated and increased filter rate is obtained.

Abstract: A salt water purification apparatus and process utilizes a vertically arranged elongated tank in which salt water is first frozen into a solid block and then melted to provide pure water. The freezing is accomplished by injecting into a column of salt water within the tank, a finely atomized spray of precooled mercury to absorb heat from the water and to initiate the formation of ice crystals in the ice column. The mercury is continuously recirculated through a cooling means and the ice crystals accumulate in the upper portion of the tank due to their inherent buoyancy when they form a solid block of ice. A heat exchanger positioned in the upper portion of the tank thaws the upper portion of the ice block by indirect heat exchange with the incoming salt water feed. The block is moved upwardly in the tank due to hydraulic pressure created below the block by the salt water feed.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus are disclosed herein for cryogenically cleaning and restoring sandy beaches which have become contaminated by oil spills. In the method, a mixture of particulate, pulverized and recycled rubber and wood fines is applied to the contaminated area for absorbing the oil prior to cryogenic treatment. The absorption of the oil by the particulate rubber and wood enhances the solidification during the cryogenic treatment. In the apparatus, a hopper is mounted to a beach cleaning vehicle forwardly of a liquid cryogen spray head. The hopper is constructed to receive and discharge particulate absorbent before the contaminated area is contacted by the liquid cryogen.

Abstract: In a continuous process for separating crystallizable organic components from mixtures thereof in solution, a feedstock of such components is mixed with at least one solvent therefor and the resulting feedstock mixture is continuously fed into a vessel in which a baffle defines a partially confined first zone and a partially confined second zone communicating with the first zone. At least one low-boiling point high-vapor pressure refrigerant is injected into the feedstock mixture in the first zone and evaporates and adiabatically expands therein to effect rapid cooling of the mixture to a selected low temperature and thereby form a slurry of microcrystals of components which are crystallizable down to the selected temperature.

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 inadvertantly 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: A plant for reducing the impurity content of impure water by the immiscible refrigerant freeze process, for example a secondary refrigerant freezing plant employed for desalination, has its crystallizer sub-divided into a plurality of tiers of passageways and supplied in parallel with impure water. Thus the crystallizer may be built to a height which matches the configuration of the usual wash column so that together the two components can be housed in a conveniently cylindrical shell along with the decanter and the melter/condenser.

Abstract: A method and machine are disclosed herein for cleaning and restoring sand beaches which have become contaminated by oil spills. The machine travels on the beach and sprays liquid nitrogen onto the contaminated area, thereby solidifying the oil and sand mixture so that the mixture can be separated from the underlying uncontaminated sand and be efficiently removed from the beach and transported to a remote site for disposal or further treatment.

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 inadvertantly 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.