This class relates to apparatus and processes, which are not more specifically provided for elsewhere, peculiar to the concentration of solids held in solution or suspension, by evaporation of the liquid containing them in solution or suspension, and the recovery of the concentrate. The concentration may be carried to the point of crystallization or to dryness.
NOTES TO THE CLASS DEFINITION
(1) Note. Processes involving significant chemical changes are excluded.
(2) Note. Machines, processes, and treatments of a specialized character (e.g., heat treatments) directed to the preparation or purification of a particular substance, which are not simply a mode or means of concentrating by evaporation, of general application are excluded. However, processes and apparatus solely for concentrating by evaporation are here even though the particular material
concentrated is specified.
(3) Note. Evaporating apparatus involving the recovery or treatment of the vapors evolved either as vapors or condensate (e.g., stills) is excluded. This does not exclude the recovery of heat in the vapors.
LINES WITH OTHER CLASSES
This class is superior to Class 165, Heat Exchange, in that means for the transfer of heat for the specific purpose of concentration by evaporation is found here. This class is superior to Class 122, Liquid Heaters and Vaporizers, in that means for vaporizing liquid for the specific purpose of concentration of attendant solids is found here. This class is superior to Class 261, Gas and Liquid Contact Apparatus, in that means for contacting gas and liquid for the specific purpose of concentration by evaporation is found here. This class is differentiated from Class 34, Drying and Gas or Vapor Contact With Solids, in that the substance under treatment is initially in a liquid or fluent condition.
REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSESSEE OR SEARCH CLASS
23, Chemistry: Physical Processes,
295+, for processes involving purification of salt or separation of different salts, but where merely the evaporation and concentration of a saline solution with attendant crystallization is concerned, the patents are found here.
62, Refrigeration,
123+, and 532+ for separation of a constituent of a liquid mixture by refrigeration.
117, Single-Crystal, Oriented-Crystal, and Epitaxy Growth Processes; Non-Coating Apparatus Therefor, for processes and non-coating apparatus for growing therein-defined single-crystal of all types of materials, including use of or means including a concentrating evaporator.
126, Stoves and Furnaces, for open water heaters having no structure specially directed to the concentration of the solids in solution or suspension.
422, Chemical Apparatus and Process Disinfecting, Deodorizing, Preserving, or Sterilizing,
198+, and 285+ for concentrating apparatus for that class.