US3632480A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Vapor degreasing apparatus with falling film heat exchange surface
Assignee: Dow Chemical Co
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Filing: 1970-06-08
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Granted: 1972-01-04
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Expires: 1990-06-08
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus for continuously producing solvent vapors and simultaneously purifying the solvent by directing liquid solvent which contains high-boiling impurities onto a gravity flow heat exchange surface thereby to vaporize the low-boiling solvent away from the high-boiling impurities as the solvent flows across the heat exchange surface.
Inventors
- 👤 Kenneth S Surprenant
- 👤 Raymond T Gerard
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 03:11
CPC Classifications
C; C23; C23G; C23G5/00; C23G5/02; C23G5/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
141 words
An apparatus for generating solvent vapors which comprises a vapor confining zone open to the atmosphere, a liquid confining zone being generally below said vapor zone, a falling film heat exchange surface having heating means therein and being generally disposed from the vapor zone and in fluid communication with said zone, said heat exchange surface being a roughened surface providing small pockets to provide a tortuous path for solvent passing thereover, pump means to transport liquid from said liquid confining zone to said heat exchange surface, said vapor confining zone being defined as to its upper extreme by a condenser, a condensed liquid collecting trough disposed below said condenser, means to remove fluid from said collecting trough and return the same to the liquid confining zone, means to remove entrained water from the solvent prior to return to said liquid zone.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
141 words
An apparatus for generating solvent vapors which comprises a vapor confining zone open to the atmosphere, a liquid confining zone being generally below said vapor zone, a falling film heat exchange surface having heating means therein and being generally disposed from the vapor zone and in fluid communication with said zone, said heat exchange surface being a roughened surface providing small pockets to provide a tortuous path for solvent passing thereover, pump means to transport liquid from said liquid confining zone to said heat exchange surface, said vapor confining zone being defined as to its upper extreme by a condenser, a condensed liquid collecting trough disposed below said condenser, means to remove fluid from said collecting trough and return the same to the liquid confining zone, means to remove entrained water from the solvent prior to return to said liquid zone.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
134 words
An apparatus for generating solvent vapors which comprises a receptacle provided with a means of ingress and egress between its interior and the ambient atmosphere; said receptacle having a first zone in its lower extreme for storing a liquid solvent and roughened falling film heat exchange surface having heating means therein; said receptacle having a second zone immediately thereabove for containing vapors of said liquid solvent; a plate above said heat exchange surface positioned to direct liquid to the upper extreme of said surface and/or into said storage, said second zone being provided with vapor level control means and liquid solvent return means; said first zone being provided with liquid delivery means to the upper extreme of said heat-exchange surface; means for withdrawing nonvolatile matter from the lower extreme of said heat exchange surface.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
134 words
An apparatus for generating solvent vapors which comprises a receptacle provided with a means of ingress and egress between its interior and the ambient atmosphere; said receptacle having a first zone in its lower extreme for storing a liquid solvent and roughened falling film heat exchange surface having heating means therein; said receptacle having a second zone immediately thereabove for containing vapors of said liquid solvent; a plate above said heat exchange surface positioned to direct liquid to the upper extreme of said surface and/or into said storage, said second zone being provided with vapor level control means and liquid solvent return means; said first zone being provided with liquid delivery means to the upper extreme of said heat-exchange surface; means for withdrawing nonvolatile matter from the lower extreme of said heat exchange surface.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-01-03 | 1975-07-05 | 1976-01-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-01-03 | 1979-07-05 | 1980-01-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-01-03 | 1983-07-05 | 1984-01-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |