Abstract: A condensing heating module for heating a fluid and adapted for use with a radiant infrared burner. The heat exchanger within the module is spirally disposed about a central burner cavity and has a fluid flow passage of serpentine shape formed within its wall. The upper and lower surfaces of the module, together with the spiral wall of the heat exchanger, form a spiral condensing flue leading from the central burner cavity to an external flue. Those portions of the spiral heat exchanger wall and the module upper and lower surfaces which are exposed to direct radiation from the burner are formed of a corrosion resistant steel, while the remainder of the surfaces and wall are formed of carbon steel to which has been laminated a layer of polypropylene such that the polypropylene layer will be exposed to the flue gas and condensate environment and provide corrosion protection to the carbon steel.

Abstract: A refrigerant recovery device comprises a pressure vessel filled with packings, such as Berl saddles, that provide a large surface area for mass transfer. The vessel is partly filled with a refrigeration-quality oil. The pressure vessel is mounted on a stand and pivoted so that it can easily be inverted periodically for coating the packing material with the oil. A flexible hose connects the vessel with a refrigeration or air conditioning unit, and a shut off valve is provided as is a check valve which prevents out flow of oil from the vessel. The oil in the vessel absorbs the refrigerant, and causes its partial pressure in the vessel to be reduced, so that refrigerant vapor flows from the refrigeration or air conditioning unit into the vessel. After the refrigerant has been absorbed, the valve can be closed, and the vessel returned to a central site for reclamation.

Abstract: The brine tube of an ice thermal storage tank has a surface enhancement which provides nucleation sites for ice formation, and reduces the need to superchill the water. The tubing enhancement comprises a multiplicity of solid mineral particles distributed evenly over its surface. The particles have jagged, multi-faceted surfaces which adsorb air. When the brine in the tube cools the water to the freezing point, the adsorbed air coalesces into air bubbles that serve as nucleation sites. This permits freezing to initiate a temperature of about 31.5.degree. F.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for infrared qualitative analysis of a fluid independent of the temperature of the fluid. A first signal is generated in response to detected infrared energy passing through the fluid, and a second datum signal is provided for comparison with the first signal, wherein the second signal indicates a non-radiating state. The energy difference between the two signals is provided to a microprocessor control system for computing the fluid quality as a function of the energy difference independent of the temperature of the fluid.

Abstract: A fiberoptic probe for in situ sensing of liquid level, concentration and/or phase change contains the optical and electrical components as well as a reference fluid so that the components are at the temperature of the fluid to be monitored. A reference fiber is located in the reference fluid which is sealed in the probe so that volatile reference fluids can be used.

Abstract: Oil shale, more precisely the organic components thereof, or the organic components extracted therefrom, is reacted with a resin or resin precursor reactive therewith, e.g., an epoxy resin, typically in the presence of a curing agent. The resulting composite product illustrates characteristics similar to that of the cured reactive resin or resin precursor. A process for forming such composites is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to the extraction of oil shales and tar sands using an amide to effect extraction of kerogen and bitumenous materials from the shale or sand. Extraction may be at ambient conditions, if desired.

Abstract: A spray generator for an absorption refrigeration system that includes a heat exchanger comprised of a multiplicity of variably spaced heat exchange tubes. The tubes are spaced close together near the top of the heat exchanger and spaced more widely apart near the bottom of the heat exchanger. Dilute absorbent solution is sprayed down through the heat exchanger. The close nesting of the tubes in the top portion of the heat exchanger retards liquid flow and aids heating of the solution. The wide spacing of the tubes in the lower section of the heat exchanger facilitate vapor flow out of the heat exchanger and eliminates liquid "blow-off". The top tubes are covered by a baffle to prevent the liquid solution from splashing out of the heat exchanger off of these top tubes.

Abstract: Carbon dioxide gas is bled into an absorption refrigeration system to reduce the alkaline normality of an aqueous lithium bromide solution. The carbon dioxide reacts with lithium hydroxide contained in the solution to form a carbonate thereby reducing the alkaline normality of the solution.