Abstract: Apparatus for diffusing matter between two fluids is disclosed, including a stacked configuration of alternating spacing plates and pairs of semi-permeable membranes, the spacing plates including flow passages for each of the two fluids so that they can be passed between the pairs of semi-permeable membranes and between the spacing plates and the pairs of membranes, respectively, a first and second clamping plate, and means for clamping the first and second clamping plates together with the stacked configuration pressed between them. Specifically, in the improvement for this apparatus which is disclosed, the first clamping plate includes a pair of laterally extending side walls which form that clamping plate into cup-shaped configuration, and the apparatus also includes means for engaging the side walls of the first clamping plate to the second clamping plate at a plurality of locations around the periphery of the entire apparatus in order to contain the unit under increased pressure uniformly.

Abstract: A gas venting mechanism includes a valve chamber that is at least partially filled with a liquid. At the top of the chamber, an outlet valve allows the gas to escape but retains the liquid. Air is admitted to the chamber through an inlet valve that prevents backflow of the liquid into a passage by which the gas is supplied. The chamber is transparent so that the venting of gas can be verified by observation. A piston that reduces the effective volume of the chamber facilitates testing of the chamber for leakage of the liquid. The venting mechanism can be advantageously combined with a degasser in an aircraft hydraulic system.

Abstract: In a degassing column with several perforated plates arranged over one another and at a distance from one another in a column housing there is left free, between each plate and the column housing, a gap which is as small as possible and is uniform over the periphery, and the apertures in the plates have a diameter of less than 5 mm. Each plate is penetrated by at least one eccentrically arranged draining shaft, and at least one eccentrically arranged feed shaft ends above each plate. Finally, below each feed shaft on the plate an area is impermeable which is at least as large as the cross-section of the feed shaft.

Abstract: A safety device for open receptacles adapted for use with flammable solvents and the like. The safety device comprises a unitary piece adapted to be received within the drain opening of a sink or other receptacle in which parts and mechanical components are temporarily received for cleaning by passage of solvent thereover. The device includes a locating flange, and a wall which subdivides the receptacle drain opening into an ordinary flow path and a second opening. The wall also defines an alternate drain flow path between other portions of the receptacle interior and the drain opening. The alternate flow path to the secondary drain is preferably defined by a contoured wall which cooperates with the interior surfaces of the receptacle to define a drain path for solvent which can flow through the principal drain path. This wall contains a large number of openings so that accidental or even intentional blockage of the drain path cannot be readily accomplished.

Abstract: Seawater is deoxygenated with a nitrogen stripping gas, with the nitrogen stripping gas containing stripped oxygen, being subjected to low temperature fractionation to separate oxygen from the nitrogen. The nitrogen recovered from the fractionation is then recycled to the stripping operation. Air is also employed as feed to the fractionation to provide additional nitrogen and reflux requirements.

Abstract: 1.