Abstract: Apparatus and methods for separating fluids of differing specific gravities are discussed. More specifically, apparatus and methods for separating a high volume flow mixture of air and water into an essentially dry air component and a pure water component are discussed. The separator is high volume and is structured around three physical elements which are defined as an input, a water chamber and an air separator chamber. A composite flow enters the input where most of the heavier water component separates, under the force of gravity, and flows into the water chamber. The remaining fluid, which is air and water in the form of vapor, mist, or droplets, is drawn into the air separator chamber using a vacuum pump, and subsequently flows through a condensate sub chamber which physically is an element of the air separator chamber. Any moisture in this flow is condensed within, and drained from, the condensate chamber such that dry air is discharged from the air separator chamber.

Abstract: In general terms, the present invention includes an apparatus for controlling macrofoulers and larvae thereof in an on-demand water conduit, and a method for controlling macrofoulers and larvae thereof in a water conduit having an intake opening. The apparatus comprises generally: a water conduit having an intake opening, the water conduit adapted to conduct a flow of water on demand; and a vacuum device adapted to receive water, the vacuum device adapted to produce oxygen-depleted water from the received water, the vacuum device also adapted to provide a flow of the oxygen-depleted water to the water conduit when no demand exists for a flow of water through the water conduit. The invention also includes a method for controlling macrofoulers and larvae thereof in a water conduit having an intake opening, such as through use of the apparatus of the present invention.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for lyophilization of protein and/or pharmaceutical products, wherein said apparatus utilizes a dry vacuum pump for the direct removal of water vapor, rather than a cold trap condenser. A freeze dryer has a vacuum pump which is connected directly to a drying chamber without the use of a cold trap condenser. The exhaust of the vacuum pump is vented directly to atmosphere. Water vapor generated in the process is directly removed from the chamber by the vacuum pump. The apparatus permits lyophilization of pharmaceuticals e.g. antibiotics, vitamins products, vaccines, and biological protein solutions. The dryer operates on a batch basis or may be designed to perform continuous production.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and arrangement for removing gas from a fibre/liquid suspension in a fibre treatment line in a pulp mill, which line includes at least one stage in which the fibre/liquid suspension is treated and/or stored in a large container (2) before being conveyed for further treatment. The fibre/liquid suspension is conveyed to the large container via a vessel (15) which with its lower part communicates with the large container and has a significantly smaller horizontal sectional area than the large container, but extends upwards above the level (4) of the fibre/liquid suspension in the large container, with gas being removed from the fibre/liquid suspension (19) in the area (18) of the upper part of the smaller vessel by means of the area being subjected to a subatmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A method for continuously mixing and degassing liquid, castable media, in particular components of casting resin or a casting-resin component with a filler such as quartz dust, aluminum oxide or dyes, and the equipment with which to implement the method. One object of the invention is to assure that casting-resin components are available in homogeneous and degassed form for further processing by either liquid components or a liquid component and a filler which are metered into a continuous degassing apparatus (1).

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the treatment of an endless web, wherein exhaust vapors, formed in a treatment chamber, are withdrawn together with returned gases with a vacuum from the treatment chamber and are led into a separator to be separated into gas and liquid. The gas is further heated in a vacuum generator and is then returned into the treatment zone, wherein the endless web is led in the treatment zone over rollers with heating devices.

Abstract: This invention consists of apparatus and methods for separating fluids of differing specific gravities, and more particularly apparatus and methods for separating a high volume flow of fluid comprising a mixture of air and water into an essentially dry air component and a pure water component. The separator is high volume and is structured around three physical elements which are defined as an input, a water chamber and an air separator chamber. A composite flow enters the input where most of and flows into the water chamber. The remaining fluid, which is air and water in the form of vapors mist, or droplets, is drawn into the air separator chamber using a vacuum pump, and subsequently flows through a condensate sub chamber which physically is an element of the air separator chamber. Any moisture in this flow is condensed within, and drained from, the condensate chamber such that dry air is discharged from the air separator chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for removing and transporting articles, such as contact lens sections from a manufacturing line to inspection and packaging stations. The lenses are deposited in a transparent plastic primary package which carries the lenses through the inspection station and becomes part of the primary package when a cover is sealed thereto. The invention includes various assemblies, including lens transfer assemblies, deionized water filling and removal assemblies, a water degassing assembly, a lens inspection assembly, and a lens package sealing assembly. The lenses are removed from pallets at a post hydration station, transported and spatially redistributed, and deposited in the primary packages disposed on a second set of pallets. The packages on the second set of pallets are filled with degassed deionized water. The contact lenses and packages are then transported to an inspection station.

Abstract: The invention is a process for treating a gas stream from ethylene or propylene production, or any other stream containing low molecular weight olefin gases and other hydrocarbons, to separate hydrogen and methane from the C.sub.2+ hydrocarbons. The invention involves three separation steps: condensation, flash evaporation and membrane separation. The steps are integrated together in such a way as to provide a good separation between the components, and to avoid creation of secondary streams that need additional treatment.

Abstract: An improved, membrane-based method of treating gas evolved during natural gas liquids (NGL) stabilization, to separate the very light hydrocarbon gases, methane in particular, from the heavier hydrocarbons. The membrane acts as a demethanizer and establishes a vapor/liquid equilibrium during phase separation that is different than would otherwise obtain. This can increase NGL production and reduce the weight of C.sub.3+ hydrocarbons in the off-gas from the stabilizing phase separators.

Abstract: A process for treating a purge vent stream from a polymer manufacturing operation, the vent stream containing a polymer, such as ethylene or propylene, and a purge gas, such as nitrogen. The invention involves three separation steps: condensation, flash evaporation and membrane separation. The steps are integrated together in such a way as to provide a good separation between the components, and to avoid creation of secondary streams that need additional treatment.

Abstract: The Corona Inception Voltage of insulating oils is increased by repetitive cycles of prestressing the oil with a voltage greater than the corona inception voltage, and either simultaneously or serially removing byproducts of corona by evacuation and heating the oil.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treatment of contaminated water, containing undesired solid, liquid, and/or gaseous materials includes an electro-floculation means for disassociating ions from the undesired solid material and from the contaminated water, and further includes a separation tower having various deflection means deflecting undesired solid materials downwardly through to the separation tower.

Abstract: A device for intercepting liquid obtained from a stream of mixed fluids contains an enclosure having an upper opening and a lower opening. The upper opening is connectible to a source of suction while the lower opening is connectible to a source of the mixed fluids. A partition between the openings divides the enclosure into a liquid collecting section which includes the upper opening and a liquid discharging section which includes the lower opening. The partition has a liquid flow passage at the lower end thereof and an orifice at the upper end thereof, and the orifice provides a pressure drop between the two openings. A liquid collecting basin is formed at the bottom of the enclosure, and the lower opening is provided with an overflow for the basin. In operation, the suction source draws a stream of mixed fluids from the mixed fluid source. Liquid is derived from the stream in or above the liquid collecting section and forms a pool in the liquid collecting basin.

Abstract: A method for stripping ammonia from a film of digested sludge including flowing alkaline liquid sludge as a film on a tower's interior wall and flowing an ammonia stripping gas past the film creating a vapor containing ammonia and stripping gas; then disengaging the liquid sludge from the vapor in a tower disengaging zone.

Abstract: An apparatus for the transfer or conveyance of a slurry and the simultaneous densification thereof through the intermediary of vacuum pumping. Specifically, disclosed is an apparatus for the vacuum pumping of a slurry, particularly a zinc-containing slurry utilized in the preparation of zinc anodes for alkaline batteries, which facilitates the transfer of the slurry and the concurrent densification thereof in conjunction with the elimination of any gas bubbles which are entrapped in the slurry. Also disclosed is a method of transferring and simultaneously densifying a slurry while eliminating entrapped gas bubbles therefrom through the intermediary of a vacuum pumping process utilizing the disclosed apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for deaerating a liquid in a substantially closed liquid circulation system, wherein an amount of liquid is withdrawn from the circulation system and is introduced into a closed reservoir via a valve which is alternately open and closed, wherein by a pump which is operative in the open as well as the closed positions of the valve an underpressure can be created in the reservoir for the purpose of deaerating the liquid, and the liquid can be sucked from the reservoir and added to the circulation system again, separated air being discharged via a vent unit to the environment. For the valve adapted to be opened and closed alternately, preferably a throttling valve is used.

Abstract: A device and a method for the continuous degassing of casting resin. A housing (1) is provided which has an inlet (2) and an outlet (3) for passage of the casting resin and is connected to a vacuum source (4). In order to achieve with a compact design of the housing a complete continuous degassing of the casting resin material, several spatially connected areas (5) are provided in the housing (1), through which areas the casting resin is sequentially guided. A structure (6; 14; 16; 35) for applying the casting resin to a degassing surface (40) are provided in each of the areas. A brush or comb 42 is provided for slicing through the casting resin so that new surfaces in the casting resin are created which are sufficient to enhance any gas contained within the casting resin to surface and be removed from the vessel through the connection to the vacuum source. A transferring structure is provided for transferring the casting resin into the next adjacent area.

Abstract: To remove gas bubbles from a viscous liquid (L) to be dispensed, the liquid (L) is introduced with a first pressure in a thin, broad jet into a sealed chamber (15) which is partially filled with the liquid (L), with the result that the gas bubbles can escape from the introduced liquid. A second pressure, which is lower than the first pressure, prevails in the chamber (15), with the result that gas bubbles present in the liquid expand and burst. The difference between the first pressure, with which the liquid is introduced into the chamber (15), and the second pressure, prevailing in the chamber (15), is constant.

Abstract: The present invention has two basic aspects: (a) a mechanical method for controlling the macrofouling of zebra mussels; and (b) a mechanical apparatus for reducing the dissolved oxygen of natural source water, such as for industrial or municipal use, to a level below that sufficient to support the survival respiration of zebra mussels.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a processor comprising means (10,11,12,110,111,112) for mixing a process material with a process liquid (13,113) (such as water) and forming an emulsion or slurry. Means (17,18,21,24,117,120,230,420) is provided for pressuring (16,26,116,126) and heating (61,36,173,227) the slurry, and the slurry is then fed to means (28,128,320,420) for reducing the pressure (27,127) to the slurry or emulsion and for further increasing the temperature (33,227) of the slurry or emulsion. The drop in pressure and increase in temperature causes components of the slurry or emulsion to convert to gases and separate from the remainder of the slurry or emulsion which is removed from the processor in the form of solids (32,132). The gas is fed to one or more condensers (10,63,64,65,177,178) which separate the gas into useful liquids such as various grades of oil.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for degassing a mix of cement and a polymeric binding agent including filler material and/or fiber. The apparatus includes a vacuum chamber and a mechanism for adjusting the pressure inside the vacuum chamber. The vacuum chamber has an upper inlet zone including an inlet port, a lower discharge zone including a discharge port and an intermediate zone therebetween. Structure is provided adjacent to the inlet port which is open to the atmosphere for guiding the mix toward the inlet port. Structure is also positioned in the intermediate zone of the vacuum chamber for receiving, distributing and expediting the degassification of the free falling mix entering the vacuum chamber through the upper inlet port. A vacuum seal is provided by the mix entering the inlet port and by the degassed mix exiting the discharge port.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for degassing a high viscosity fluid wherein a vacuum chamber is oriented vertically and adapted for receiving a fluid at its top end and discharging it from a reservoir at its bottom end, the chamber having an assembly having a slotted wide-mouthed nozzle and a channel slide member mounted within the top end so as to receive a fluid fed into the chamber. The nozzle is adapted for spreading the fluid onto the surface of the slide member which is angularly positioned downwardly towards the reservoir such that fluid on the slide member surface exhibits laminar flow as it moves downwardly. A vacuum drawn on the chamber effects a release of any gaseous materials contained within the fluid as it moves down the slide surface and into the reservoir where it may be drawn out for application by one or more nozzles.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for handling thermoplastic liquified material is disclosed. A system including an extruder feeding into a degasifying chamber is disposed upstream of a gear pump for pressurizing the material. The extruder gravity delivering, by way of a multiple-billet die, billets to the gears outside of the gear meshing area.

Abstract: A device and a method for the continuous degassing of casting resin comprising a housing (1) which has an inlet (2) and an outlet (3) for passage of the casting resin and is connected to a vacuum source (4). In order to achieve with a compact design of the housing a complete continuous degassing of the casting resin material, several separate but spatially connected areas (5) are provided in the housing (1), through which areas the casting resin is sequentially guided. A structure (6; 14; 16; 35) for applying the casting resin to a degassing surface (40) are provided in each of the areas. A stripping structure (7; 17; 35; 37) is provided in each of the areas for removing the casting resin from the degassing surfaces and simultaneously transferring the casting resin into the next adjacent area.

Abstract: A process for removing components from liquid is disclosed. This process involves batchwise gas-stripping followed by membrane separation treatment of the stripping gas. The stripping step can be carried out by circulating the batch repeatedly around the loop formed by the tank and the stripper for sufficient time until the desired degree of component removal is achieved. An additional tank can also be used to avoid mixing treated and untreated liquid streams. The membrane separation step can be carried out using a single-stage membrane unit or a multistage unit. The process is particularly suited for treatment of industrial streams that are small intermittent streams and vary in composition and concentration.

Abstract: Bubbles are removed from small cavities, such as blind via holes in a semiconductor wafer, by immersing the article having the cavities in a liquid medium. A wetting agent is preferably present in the liquid medium. A vacuum is applied to the liquid medium, and the vacuum is vented to air. The application of vacuum and venting are repeated several times, causing the bubbles to be drawn from the cavities and to dislodge from the surface of the article. The bubbles float free, and processing within the cavities can commence.

Abstract: A portable modular water air stripper system for remediation of contaminated water, such as groundwater at an outdoor contamination site, has its primary components, including the frames of a vertical assembly of individually demountable tray units, a sump and cap member, formed as hollow rotationally molded plastic pieces. Each tray unit has an air-porous sheet member having air-flow apertures with a diameter of 0.100 inches or less constructed to retain water during stripping action by air passing upwardly through the apertures. Each sheet member is removable from a respective tray frame and has mounted thereon a baffle that defines a tortuous water flow path across each tray. In one embodiment, the baffles extend between and are substantially sealed to the undersurface of the next higher tray.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a required deaerating temperature differential between incoming water and sparge steam in a steam generation system having a vacuum deaerator. The present invention selectively combines raising the energy of the sparge steam with flash cooling of the incoming water to provide the required deaerating temperature differential. The energizing of the sparge steam is accomplished by a thermocompression device. The thermocompression device may also be used to reduce the pressure in a portion of the vacuum deaerator to cause the flash cooling of the incoming water.

Abstract: A vertical continuous degassing apparatus for degassing a mix of at least one member selected from the group consisting of a liquid, a mix of liquids, a mix of a liquid and solids and combinations thereof comprising: a vacuum chamber, a mechanism for adjusting the pressure therein, the vacuum chamber having an upper inlet zone including an inlet port, a lower discharge zone including a discharge port, and an intermediate zone therebetween. An annular skirt is positioned in the intermediate zone of the vacuum chamber for receiving, distributing and expediting the degassification of the mix entering the vacuum chamber through the upper inlet port. A vacuum seal is provided by the mix entering the inlet port and by the degassed mix exiting the discharge port.

Abstract: A vacuum degassing method wherein a molten substance at an elevated temperature in a storage tank is sucked to a vacuum degassing vessel through an uprising pipe connecting the storage tank and the vacuum degassing vessel by maintaining the vacuum degassing vessel at a negative pressure, the molten substance is degassed and the degassed molten substance falls to a guiding duct through a downfalling pipe connecting the vacuum degassing vessel and the guiding duct characterized by that a first flow quantity of the molten substance rising in the uprising pipe is restrained and a second flow quantity thereof falling in the downfalling pipe is controlled thereby maintaining a quantity of the molten substance in the vacuum degassing vessel at a pertinent level.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the decontamination of oil includes providing a jet compressor having a converging section in which high velocity liquid oil compresses a source of atmospheric pressure gas, a central mixing section that intimately mixes the liquid oil with the gas for providing a large gas and oil surface area for the mass transfer of water from the liquid oil, and a diverging section in which the liquid oil and gas are further mixed during pressure recovery. A tubular member is connected to the diverging section to provide a residence time chamber immediately downstream of the diverging section to increase the efficiency of the rate of transfer of water from the liquid oil to the gas.

Abstract: A deaeration vessel has a partition wall dividing the hollow vessel body into first and second portions, and defining a weir with a top surface establishing the level of pulp suspension in the vessel body. Turbulence in the deaerated pulp is minimized by providing the outlet for deaerated pulp immediately adjacent the partition wall, in the bottom of the vessel body first portion (on the same side of the weir as the inlet conduits for the suspension being deaerated). The weir is preferably configured so that the top surface, defining the liquid level within the vessel, overlies the outlet. A partition wall may extend substantially linearly at an angle of about 60.degree. to the bottom of the vessel, or it may have a vertical bottom with a top extending at an angle to the bottom, or it may be continuously curved from the vessel bottom to the top surface, about a horizontal and/or vertical axis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a required deaerating temperature differential between incoming water and sparge steam in a steam generation system having a vacuum deaerator. The present invention selectively combines raising the energy of the sparge steam with flash cooling of the incoming water to provide the required deaerating temperature differential. The energizing of the sparge steam is accomplished by a thermocompression device. The thermocompression device may also be used to reduce the pressure in a portion of the vacuum deaerator to cause the flash cooling of the incoming water.

Abstract: A slug flow mitigation and gas separation device for well production fluids includes a primary fluid inlet conduit and a slug mitigation and gas separation chamber formed by a conduit section mounted generally vertically above the primary conduit. Spaced apart branch conduits interconnect the primary conduit with the slug mitigation and separation chamber and a check valve is interposed in the branch conduit disposed in the downstream direction of fluid flow through the device. Gas vent conduits are in communication with the slug mitigation and separation chamber for conducting separated gas away from the device.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a processor comprising means for mixing a process material with a process liquid (such as water) and forming an emulsion or slurry. Means is provided for pressuring and heating the slurry, and the slurry is then fed to means for quickly reducing the pressure to a relatively low value and further increasing the temperature. The rapid drop in pressure and increase in temperature causes volatile components of the slurry to convert to a gas and separate from the remainder of the slurry which is removed from the processor in the form of solids. The gas is fed to one or more condensers which separate the gas into useful liquids such as various grades of oil.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for degassing an aqueous composition of chunked gelatin. Prior to melting the gelatin chunks, the gelatin is subjected to a pressure near the steam pressure corresponding to the temperature of the gelatin chunks. Application of this pressure degasses the gelatin chunks to that they can be sent directly to the melter and to the coating station.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for removing dissolved organics from an aqueous composition, said composition comprising water, carbon dioxide and dissolved organics, and said composition having a pH of 6.5 or less and an inlet organics concentration. The process comprises the steps of feeding said aqueous composition to a centrifugal separation zone, preferably to a hydrocyclone, depressurizing said composition in said centrifugal separation zone to regasify at least a portion of said carbon dioxide. An aqueous product stream is removed from the centrifugal separation zone wherein the concentration of said organics is less than said inlet organics concentration. The process is particularly useful in the cleanup of industrial wastewater, and also for removing organics from water produced in petroleum production operations.

Abstract: A vacuum degassing method wherein a molten substance at an elevated temperature in a storage tank is sucked to a vacuum degassing vessel through an uprising pipe connecting the storage tank and the vacuum degassing vessel by maintaining the vacuum degassing vessel at a negative pressure, the molten substance is degassed and the degassed molten substance falls to a guiding duct through a downfalling pipe connecting the vacuum degassing vessel and the guiding duct characterized by that a first flow quantity of the molten substance rising in the uprising pipe is restrained and a second flow quantity thereof falling in the downfalling pipe is controlled thereby maintaining a quantity of the molten substance in the vacuum degassing vessel at a pertinent level.