Patent ID: 6080977
Filing Date: 2000-06-27
Classification: B01D,C01D

Abstract:
An apparatus for concentrating and solidifying a salt solution comprising:a vessel for containing the salt solution having an exposed surface, the vessel having a generally open upper portion;a cover for sealing the generally open upper portion of the vessel and comprising a generally hood shaped portion, said cover including at least one inlet conduit for admitting the salt solution to the vessel and a discharge conduit for vapor;a magnetron for generating microwaves for heating the solution in the vessel; anda microwave waveguide disposed between the magnetron and the vessel and incorporating the cover, for directing microwaves from the magnetron into the vessel, the waveguide transitioning within the cover from the generally hood shaped portion into a horn having a variable cross-section and/or variable vertical spacing with respect to the vessel, enabling thereby microwaves to be radiated substantially only directly onto the exposed surface of the salt solution in the vessel.