Patent ID: 8221695

Claim:
A catalytically activated vacuum distillation system comprising in combination: (I) a feed hopper, said feed hopper capable of containing water therein; (II) a feed conveyor, said feed conveyor comprising a first elongated tube, said first elongated tube having a top side and contained therein, a rotatable feed screw feeding mechanism for essentially the length of the first elongated tube, the top side of the first elongated tube having an elongated opening for essentially the length of the first elongated tube, said elongated opening being surmounted by a vaulted, sealed covering; (III) a power and drive means for the rotatable feed screw in (II); (IV) a first control value surmounting a first fill chamber; (V) a second fill chamber located beneath the first fill chamber; (VI) a second control valve located between the first fill chamber and the second fill chamber; (VII) a metering means, receiving feed from the second fill chamber, said metering means comprised of a second elongated hollow housing having a top side, said second elongated hollow housing containing therein a metering screw for essentially the length of the second elongated hollow housing , the top of the second elongated hollow housing having an elongated opening for essentially the length of the second elongated hollow housing, said elongated opening being surmounted by a vaulted, sealed covering; (VIII) a power and drive means for the metering screw of (VII); (IX) a reactor, receiving feed from the metering means, said reactor comprising a third elongated hollow housing, said third elongated hollow housing having a near end and a distal end and a top side and being capped at the near end, said third elongated hollow housing having a reactor screw located therein for essentially the length of the third elongated hollow housing, the top of the third elongated hollow housing having an elongated opening for essentially the length of the third elongated hollow housing, said elongated opening being surmounted by a vaulted, sealed covering; (X) a catalyst feed vessel, on the top side of the third elongated hollow housing, near the near end, said catalyst feed vessel having an upper valve and a lower valve; (XI) a power and drive means for the reactor screw of (IX); (XII) a solids collection means located at the distal end of the third elongated hollow tube; (XIII) a gas and liquid collection means located at the distal end of the third elongated hollow tube; (XIV) a means for providing a negative pressure to the second fill chamber, the metering means, the catalyst feed vessel, and the reactor and; (XV) a means for heating the second fill chamber, the metering means, and the catalyst feed vessel.