David E Bowes, 76Mayville, NY

4488933, Dec 18, 1984

Aug 27, 1982

6/412223

Charles K. Claunch - Erie PA
David Bowes - Erie PA

Finish Engineering Company, Inc. - Erie PA

B01D 302

202 83

Disclosed herein is a process and apparatus for safely distilling relatively small batches of organic compounds such as paint solvents by directly and safely heating the compounds in a vessel having a relatively thick bottom with electrical heating units cast in it and a relatively thick side wall integrally attached to the bottom. The side wall may be integrally attached to the bottom by a weld that penetrates the joint between the side wall and bottom preferably by 100% in order to provide a complete heat transfer from the bottom to the side wall. The vessel is so designed so as to provide a relatively uniform temperature throughout the inner periphery of the vessel thereby avoiding hot spots and insuring that the hottest spot of the inner periphery of the vessel does not exceed the auto ignition temperature of the compound being processed. The process utilizes the thermal conductivity and thickness of the bottom and side wall of the vessel to avoid hot spots and to increase the area for heat transfer from the vessel to the organic compound being distilled. The vessel may be sealed and a vacuum provided in the vessel to enhance the evaporation.