Abstract: An evaporative humidification unit of modular construction readily adapted for assembly in selected configurations is provided. The configuration or array required for a particular installation is determined, and a supporting framework for the configuration is assembled from a selection of standardized structural components. The framework defines an array of compartments for basket or container units containing discrete, randomly-oriented flow-diffusing packing elements. The front and rear faces and floor of the basket units are mesh covered whereby air may be drawn transversely through the mass of diffusing elements while water is flowing downwardly therethrough. Spray units are positioned above the baskets for spraying water onto the mass of diffusing elements, and a collection pan is located beneath each basket for collecting and carrying away water which flows downwardly through the mass.

Abstract: Airhouses for supplying conditioned air in controlled amounts to the interior of large enclosed buildings. An improved air inlet, burner and damper construction adapted for utilization with both newly constructed and existing airhouses is provided. A burner assembly and an outside air inlet are incorporated in a unit adapted to be affixed to the airhouse. A building return air inlet provides communication between the airhouse and the interior of the building. Shear dampers or valves of equal flow capacity varying linearly between open and closed positions are provided in the outside and building return air inlets. The dampers are controllably interconnected to operate in opposition so as to admit a uniform combined volume of outside air and building return air to the airhouse. The burner assembly and outside air and building return air inlets are sized so that air entering the airhouse through the burner unit and the outside and return air inlets are at substantially equal velocities.