Abstract: This disclosure describes an improved heat transfer system for use in reaction vessels used in chemical and biological processes. In one embodiment, a heat transfer baffle comprising two sub-assemblies adjoined to one another is provided.

Abstract: A heat exchanger (10) is provided and in a highly preferred form is an EGR cooler (52) having first and second passes (56A,56B) that are connected to an inlet/outlet manifold (70) by a pair of corresponding thermal expansion joints (87,93) to allow differential thermal expansion between the various structural components of the heat exchanger (10).

Abstract: A coolant box for a glass batch charger that includes a base, a front wall, a rear wall, a coolant labyrinth extending from the base between the front and rear walls, and including a plurality of curvate baffle walls establishing a plurality of curvate coolant channels.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for an exhaust gas train of a motor vehicle with an exhaust gas carrying exchanger tube that is formed separately and is disposed in a closed housing formed separately, a coolant flowing through the housing and around the outer surface of the exchanger tube. The housing includes a housing portion that forms one common mechanical interface for connecting the heat exchanger to the exhaust gas train and a coolant circuit of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: Plant for urea production from ammonia and carbon dioxide having a so-called high-pressure section which comprises a synthesis reactor and a condensation unit (7, 107) positioned inside the reactor, all substantially operating at the same pressure.

Abstract: A heat exchanger comprising an outer jacket (9) with an inner set of vertical pipe elements (1) fastened at their opposing ends in upper and lower sieve walls (2, 3), and having a gas combustion chamber (4) located above the upper sieve wall, as well as partitions (5, 6, 7) mounted crosswise of the pipe elements. The partitions have openings for the pipe elements. The heat exchanger is also provided with liquid, gas and exhaust fumes inlet and outlet stub pipes. The outer jacket is conically shape with its diameter increasing upwards. An upper sieve wall (2), as well as an upper partition (5) situated below the wall, are shaped as cones with their vertexes pointing down. The upper partition (5) has a central opening (8) in its central region and an outer diameter corresponding to a diameter of the outer jacket (9).

Abstract: This disclosure describes an improved heat transfer system for use in reaction vessels used in chemical and biological processes. In one embodiment, a heat transfer baffle comprising two sub-assemblies adjoined to one another is provided.

Abstract: A heat exchanger is provided and includes a shell extending between opposing tube sheets to define an interior, nozzles coupled to the shell by which a first fluid is communicated with the interior and a tubular body extending between the opposing tube sheets to transmit a second fluid through the interior whereby heat transfer occurs between the first and second fluids along a heat transfer portion of the tubular body defined from respective planes of opposing faces of the opposing tube sheets, the heat transfer portion having at least first and second topologies at first and second sections thereof, respectively, which are respectively disposed proximate to the respective planes of the opposing faces of the opposing tube sheets.

Abstract: A condenser/accumulator (60) has a shell (62). A coolant flowpath extends from a coolant (144) inlet to a coolant outlet (146). An upper tube bundle (68) is within the shell, a first branch of the coolant flowpath passing through tubes of the upper tube bundle. A lower tube bundle (70) is within the shell, a second branch of the coolant flowpath passing through tubes of the lower tube bundle. A refrigerant flowpath extends from a refrigerant inlet (64) to a refrigerant outlet (66) and is in heat transfer relation with the coolant flowpath. There is a vertical gap (76) between the upper tube bundle and the lower tube bundle and comprising at least 50% of a free volume of a refrigerant space within the shell.

Abstract: A heat exchanger, particularly an exhaust gas heat exchanger, for transferring heat in two stages between a first fluid and second and third fluids that have different temperatures includes a block for separately conducting the first and second and third fluids in a heat transferring manner. The block encompasses a number of ducts through which the first fluid can flow, a first chamber of a high-temperature part through which the second fluid can flow and which accommodates the ducts, a second chamber of a low-temperature part through which the third fluid flows and which accommodates the ducts, and a housing in which the first and second chamber as well as the ducts are arranged. The first chamber and the second chamber are separated from one another by a separation area that is mounted in a groove.

Abstract: A heat exchanger apparatus for accommodating thermal and pressure transients.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a multiple zone vehicle radiator, including: a housing; a first zone included in the housing; a second zone included in the housing; a baffle between the first and second zone, located in an outlet manifold of the housing; and a zone modifier configured to regulate coolant distribution between the first zone and second zone according to predetermined conditions.

Abstract: A stacked plate heat exchanger includes a core having an outer periphery and a longitudinal axis, a shell having an inner periphery and at least partially surrounding the core to define a fluid gap therebetween. A seal between the shell and the core at least partially divides the fluid gap into an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber, and includes at least one core fin projecting generally radially outwardly and having at least one core fixed end proximate the outer periphery of the core and at least one core free end distal the outer periphery of the core, and also includes at least one shell fin projecting generally radially inwardly and having at least one shell fixed end proximate the inner periphery of the shell and at least one shell free end distal the inner periphery of the shell, and being interleaved with the at least one core fin.

Abstract: A heat exchange device comprises plural tubes arranged parallel to one another to form one or more tube bundles inserted axially in a cylindrical shell. A first fluid supplied through one or more first inlet holes at a first end of the cylindrical shell and oriented axially, flows inside the tubes and a second fluid, supplied through a second inlet hole, flows inside the cylindrical shell to effect heat transfer with the first fluid through the tube walls. One end of the tubes is connected to a tube plate at first inlet hole(s), which separates the second fluid from the first fluid. At least two impingement plates, each provided with plural through holes, are placed in succession between each first inlet hole and the tube plate. The impingement plates are parallel to one another and orthogonal to the cylindrical shell central axis to distribute the first fluid inside the tubes.

Abstract: An energy transfer wilt suitable for a geothermal heating system is formed from a plurality of modules. Each module has a frusto conical baffle overlying a heat exchange core to direct fluid radial across the core. A chimney is provided centrally in the baffle to promote radial flow. The modules may be located within a housing and ports are provide to allow flow in to the housing adjacent each of the cores.

Abstract: The shell and tube heat exchanger includes a shell having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, and a plurality of tubes disposed inside the shell, the tubes having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. An impingement baffle having a plurality of perforations is disposed in the shell between the shell fluid inlet and the tubes. The impingement baffle is configured to guide a heat exchanger fluid from the shell fluid inlet to distribute the heat exchanger fluid uniformly around the tubes. The perforations prevent recirculation and stagnation of fluid flow behind the baffle, thereby preventing fouling and corrosion with subsequent thinning of the tube walls.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device that includes means for conveying or producing hot gases and a condensing heat exchanger including: an bundle of helical tubes serving as primary exchanger, mounted within a gas-impermeable housing and equipped with a gas discharge trunk, means for circulating a primary fluid in the primary exchanger, two deflector plates and a deflecting ring arranged so as to circulate the hot gasses through the coils of the primary exchanger. Said device is characterized in that it includes a second tube bundle serving as a secondary exchanger, means for circulating therein a secondary fluid separate from the primary fluid and in that the second deflector plate is inserted between the primary exchanger and the secondary exchanger. The invention can be used in the production of heating water and of hot water for sanitation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heat exchanger (1) for indirect heat exchange comprising a tube bundle (10), formed from a plurality of tubes helically coiled around a core tube (100), for receiving a first medium, a shell (20). which encloses the tube bundle (10) and defines a shell space (200) surrounding the tube bundle (10), for receiving a second medium, and a liquid distributor (40) for distributing in the shell space (200) a stream (S), conveyed in the shell space (200), of the second medium in the form of a liquid (F). According to the invention a control means (33) for controlling distribution in the shell space (200) of an additional, further stream (S?) of liquid (F), and/or for controlling distribution of stream (S) of liquid (F) in the shell space (200).

Abstract: The invention relates to a shell and tube heat exchanger (1) having a helical tube bundle (10) within a shell (20), that defines a shell space (200) surrounding the tube bundle (10). The tubes are helically coiled about a core pipe (100) in such a manner that there is formed at least one first section (11) and at least one second section (12), separate from the first section, that surrounds the first section (11). The two sections (11, 12) have in each case at least one associated inlet (E, E?) such that the two sections (11, 12) are able to be charged separately with the first medium.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for transfer of heat from a first fluid to a second fluid, including: a housing defining an interior space, a plurality of tubes spaced apart from each other and extending in a first direction in the interior space in the housing, a first inlet for flow of the first fluid into the tubes, a second inlet for flow of the second fluid into the interior space about the external surfaces of the tubes, the second fluid flowing in a direction generally transverse of the first direction, and an impingement plate assembly situated in the interior space between the second inlet and the plurality of tubes, the impingement plate assembly including: (a) a top plate facing the second inlet, and (b) a bottom plate spaced from and generally parallel to and underlying the top plate with an aperture extending through said bottom plate from top to bottom thereof.

Abstract: A device and a method for widening elongated metal elements which move in the longitudinal direction and are planar at least in certain regions are described. The device comprises at least two clamping sections which are opposite one another and of which one is arranged and designed for clamping a first longitudinal side of the metal element in place and the other is arranged and designed for clamping a second longitudinal side of the metal element in place, said second longitudinal side being opposite the first longitudinal side of the metal element. The clamping sections are each provided on a support unit by means of which the clamping sections, during the forward movement of the metal element, are automatically moved apart essentially perpendicularly to the direction of movement of the metal element.

Abstract: A plurality of flat tubes formed as a tube having notches by linearly cutting upper and lower parts from a hollow flat circular doughnut shape are stacked to structure a tube laminate. It is attached to a case so that a notch aligns with the notch and faces upward by an exhaust inflow end plate and that a notch aligns with the notch and faces downward by an exhaust outflow end plate. A cutoff valve is provided at an exhaust outflow end of an exhaust communication tube passing through the center of the tube laminate by heat insulation. While an internal combustion engine is warming up, the cutoff valve is closed to cause the exhaust to flow in gaps of the respective flat tubes from upward to downward as a whole and also a heat exchange medium is caused to flow in the respective flat tubes from downward to upward as a whole to have heat exchanged between the exhaust and the heat exchange medium to recover the exhaust heat.

Abstract: A structural plate for an air handler system. The system comprises a single sheet having at least two of the following structural elements: a) an air baffle for a heat exchanger; b) a stabilizer bracket attachable to an air handler cabinet; c) an air handler control box bracket; or d) a filter holder.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a heat exchanger is provided with an inside shell, an outside shell, a cooling portion, and an inlet nozzle. The inside shell has an inside space for flowing a fluid, and an opening portion for outflowing the fluid from the inside space. The outside shell covers the inside shell to form a first passage between them to flow the fluid outflowing from the opening portion. The cooling portion is disposed within the inside shell to cool the fluid within the inside space. The inlet nozzle has an inner pipe, an outer pipe, and an outlet pipe. The inner pipe flows the fluid into the inside space through the outside shell. The outer pipe covers the inner pipe to form a second passage between them and has its one end connected to the outside shell to communicate the second passage with the first passage, and its other end connected to the inner pipe on the outside of the outside shell to seal the second passage to flow the fluid partly from the first passage to the second passage.

Abstract: A thin film evaporator has a shell with tubes extending through the shell in at least one pass. The shell has a top and a bottom. Process fluid flows through the tubes. A suction from a compressor is applied to the top of the shell at a refrigerant outlet. Refrigerant is introduced into the shell at the bottom and is distributed across the bottom region of the shell. The refrigerant flows up and contacts the tubes, exchanging heat therewith before flowing out of the shell top. Oil in the refrigerant contacts the shell wall and drains into a sump.

Abstract: A hybrid heat exchanger apparatus having a heat exchanger device with a hot fluid flowing therethrough includes a cooling water distribution system and an air flow mechanism for causing ambient air to flow across the heat exchanger device. The cooling water distribution system distributes evaporative cooling water onto the heat exchanger device to wet only a portion of the heat exchanger device while allowing a remaining portion of the heat exchanger device to be dry. The air flow mechanism causes ambient air to flow across the heat exchanger device to generate hot humid air from the ambient air flowing across the wet portion of the heat exchanger device and hot dry air from the ambient air flowing across the remaining dry portion of the heat exchanger device. Methods are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly for exchanging heat between first and second fluids, the assembly comprising a central manifold communicating with one of the inlet and the outlet for the first fluid; an annular manifold disposed around the central manifold and communicating with the other one of the inlet and the outlet for the first fluid; a plurality of heat exchangers interposed radially interposed between the central manifold and the annular manifold; and a plurality of axial inlet manifolds communicating with the inlet for the second fluid, and a plurality of axial outlet manifolds communicating with the outlet for the second fluid, the axial inlet and outlet manifolds being interposed circumferentially between the heat exchangers. According to the invention, the assembly has an inlet chamber disposed at a first axial end of the heat exchangers and putting the inlet(s) for the second fluid into communication with at least a plurality of axial inlet manifolds.

Abstract: An EGR cooler having an inlet/outlet tube installed by insertion is provided, and can have a curved gas flow path defined at least in part by a tank body. The inlet/outlet tube can include a first inlet/outlet tube and a second inlet/outlet tube to introduce and to exhaust gas. The tank body can have a configuration such that a connection housing is installed to establish fluid communication between individual ends of both the first inlet/outlet tube and second inlet/outlet tube, so that heat exchange efficiency between the inflow gas and the cooling fluid can be improved, and effective space utilization can be promoted in equipping an vehicle with the EGR cooler.

Abstract: A heat exchanger is disclosed. The heat exchanger may have a conduit configured to conduct a fluid and at least one body of metal foam surrounding the conduit. The at least one body of metal foam may have a radially inner portion, a radially outer portion, and a radially intermediate portion between the radially inner portion and the radially outer portion. The at least one body of metal foam may have a lower percentage of void space at the radially outer portion as compared to the radially intermediate portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mass transfer or heat-exchange column, a tube bundle heat exchanger, with a first mass transfer or heat-exchange area, a first tube bundle (2), and a second mass transfer or heat-exchange area, in particular a second tube bundle (8), that is arranged spatially above the first mass transfer or heat-exchange area, which are surrounded by a cover (10?). In a tube bundle heat exchanger according to the invention, a lower end section (40) of the second, smaller tube bundle (8) projects into a cover part (13?) of the first, larger tube bundle (2), by which an intermediate space (41) is formed between the lower section (40) of the second tube bundle (8) and the cover part (13?). In the area of this intermediate space (41), an inlet (26) for injecting a medium into the column and optionally a manhole (36) are arranged on the cover part (13?).

Abstract: Disclosed is a shell-and-tube reactor or heat exchanger, which alternately comprises a doughnut-type baffle plate and a first disc-type baffle plate in order to increase heat transfer efficiency. In the reactor or heat exchanger, a second disc-type baffle plate is placed in an empty space inside of the doughnut-type baffle plate, and some tubes, through the inside of which a first object for heat transfer with a heat transfer medium, are present in a region inside of the doughnut-type baffle plate and outside of the second disc-type baffle plate. Also disclosed is a method for producing an oxide, comprising: using said reactor or heat exchanger, and causing a catalytic vapor-phase oxidation reaction in the tubes, through the inside of which the first object for heat transfer with the heat transfer medium is passed.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an isothermal reactor (1) for carrying out exothermal or endothermal heterogeneous reactions comprising: —a substantially cylindrical outer shell (2) with longitudinal axis (X), —at least one catalytic bed (6) extending in the shell (2) and comprising opposite perforated side walls (7, 8) respectively for the inlet of a gaseous flow of reactants and for the outlet of a gaseous flow comprising reaction products, and —a heat exchange unit (12) immersed in said at least one catalytic bed (6) and crossed by a heat exchange fluid, characterized in that said heat exchange unit (12) comprises at least one succession of heat exchangers (13) arranged substantially parallel to each other and substantially parallel to the direction in which said at least one catalytic bed (6) is crossed by said gaseous flow of reactants.

Abstract: A double-tube heat exchanger that is easy to produce, the entire part of which is smoothly bent so that the heat exchanger works as a part of piping, and that has high pressure resistance. In the cross-section perpendicular to the axis of an inner tube (1), there are bag-like or ballon-like bulged sections (7a) directing radially from the center, and openings of the bulged sections (7a) are closed and the head of each bulged section (7a) is in contact with the inner surface of an outer tube (2).

Abstract: A steam generator has a pressure casing formed in the shape of a drum. The longitudinal axis of this pressure casing is oriented horizontally or largely horizontally. A hollow tube (1) is formed in such a way that at least two hollow tube sections (1?) are provided, preferably a plurality of hollow tube sections which extend predominantly parallel to each other, and which are arranged in stack-form vertically or vertically offset above each other, and which in each case are interconnected in pairs at an end section, wherein this hollow tube is located in the vertical direction above the feed section (8).

Abstract: A mechanical refrigeration process in which a refrigerant undergoes a cyclical process of evaporation, compression, condensation, and expansion in order to provide a cooling effect, characterized by the condensation of the refrigerant including: supplying the refrigerant to a first side of a heat exchanger; and supplying an exhaust cryogen fluid from a cryogenic process to a second side of the heat exchanger; wherein the exhaust cryogen fluid is capable of subcooling the refrigerant within the heat exchanger. A mechanical refrigeration apparatus is also included capable of subcooling the refrigerant prior to expansion via the use of a cryogen fluid.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatuses which achieve high heat transfer in a fluid cooling system, and which do so with a small pressure drop across the system. The present invention teaches the use of wall features on the fins of a heat exchanger to cool fluid in a fluid cooling system. The present invention also discloses high aspect ratio, high surface area structures applicable in micro-heat exchangers for fluid cooling systems and cost effective methods for manufacturing the same.

Abstract: An evaporator including a lower drum, an upper drum, and at least one tube extending between the lower drum and the upper drum. The plurality of tubes have fluid passageways therein extending from the lower drum to the upper drum. A duct is provided having a heating gas passageway provided therein. The at least one tube extends through the heating gas passageway. The fluid passageways define an overall flow path from the lower drum to the upper drum extending in a direction substantially counter-current to an overall flow path defined by the heating gas passageway extending from a gas inlet of the heating gas passageway to a gas outlet thereof.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a process for cooling a vent stream from a receiver. Generally, the process may include providing a refrigerant including at least one compound contained in the receiver so the refrigerant leaking into the receiver can be compatible with the process.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for use with exhaust pipes. A shroud inlet communicates with a rear chamber, which communicates with a front chamber via a center plate vent. The front chamber communicates with a shroud outlet. Ambient air entering the rear chamber is routed around at least one J-pipe in the rear chamber, and around a collector in the front chamber, thus being twice heated prior to exiting the heat exchanger through the shroud outlet. The double heating provided by this design increases the efficiency of the heat exchanger. The collector is attached to the center plate by means of a full-penetration fillet weld, and the J-pipes are attached to the center plate, a front plate, and a pipe assembly baffle by stitch welding external to the J-pipes, thus strengthening the integrity of the hermetic seal between exhaust gasses and ambient air passing through the heat exchanger.

Abstract: Method for carbamate condensation of a carbon dioxide/ammonia gaseous phase in a liquid phase in a condensation unit of the so-called submerged type comprising a heat exchange tube bundle having a predetermined number of tubes intended for carbamate condensation, wherein the gaseous phase and the liquid phase are fed contemporaneously and independently to each of the tubes intended for condensation.

Abstract: A pump-free water-cooling system includes a heat-exchange circulating solution container containing heat-exchange circulating solution and vapor of the circulating solution, at least one solution outlet to discharge the circulating solution from the container, and a gas-liquid two-phase fluid inlet to charge into the container gas-liquid two-phase fluid composed of the circulating solution. The system also includes a circulating-solution transporting route in which a first transportation route is linked to a second transportation route which is linked to a third transportation route. A sensible-heat-emitting heat exchanger is provided along the first transportation route. The first transportation route is linked with the solution outlet. Heat exchange is carried out along the second transportation route at least between circulating solution therein and the circulating solution in the container. A heating heat exchanger is provided along the third transportation route.

Abstract: A heat exchanger shell assembly comprising an outer shell having a nozzle at its lower side; an inner shell member within the outer shell and forming an intermediate space with the outer shell, the inner shell member having an opening at its lower side; wherein the arrangement further comprises a seal member arranged to fit in the intermediate space, the seal member providing a sealed passageway for fluid between the opening and the nozzle, and a method of assembling a heat exchanger shell structure, and a method of assembling a heat exchanger shell structure, comprising sliding an inner shell member into an outer shell, to form an intermediate space, arranging the inner shell member in a lifted position in the outer shell; sliding a seal member into the intermediate space; and lowering the inner shell member so that the gravity force exerted on the seal member acts as sealing force.

Abstract: A heat exchange flow passage 21 comprises a plurality of annular flow passages arranged in parallel to each other and also communicated to each other in the circumferential direction, a plurality of inflow ports and a plurality of outflow ports provided in the annular flow passage 24 at positions displaced from each other in the circumferential direction, and a plurality of communication pipes 25 each communicating the inflow port and the outflow port provided in different annular flow passages 24, 24. A fluid feed pipe 22 and a fluid discharge pipe 23 are communicated to this heat exchange flow passage 21 to form a heat exchanging apparatus.

Abstract: A heat exchanger has a shell and tube stack disposed within a shell inner chamber. A coolant chamber extends from a shell end, accommodates a portion of the tube stack, and has a sidewall that extends outwardly from the tube stack. A divider is disposed within the coolant chamber between the sidewall and tube stack, and extends axially along the chamber to the end of the shell splitting the coolant chamber into inlet and outlet coolant passages. For example, a pair of dividers are disposed within the coolant chamber and are attached to a respective sidewall surfaces. A coolant inlet and outlet is in fluid flow communication with respective inlet and outlet coolant passages. A cooling medium within the heat exchanger flows longitudinally within the inlet coolant passage along the tube stack in a direction opposite from the coolant flow path within the outlet coolant passage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multitubular catalytic gas-phase reaction apparatus, comprising a plurality of reaction tubes arranged in parallel, a baffle capable of changing the direction of movement of a heat medium introduced into a reactor shell to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the reaction tubes, a space that is disposed in a region including a part of a section where the heat medium flows in the direction of the face of the baffle and does not have the reaction tubes arranged therein, and flow-adjusting rods, disposed in between the space and the reaction tubes, having the same longitudinal direction as that of the reaction tubes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a short-circuit-proof heat-exchanger with helical baffles, which comprises a housing, helical baffles and heat exchange tubes extending through the helical baffles, wherein two straight sides of the sector baffles with a projection of 360°/4 are respectively widened and overlap in turn, and the heat exchange tubes pass through the overlapping parts.

Abstract: The present invention provides a single shell-pass shell-and-tube heat exchanger with helical baffles, where within a single pitch, the helical baffles are separated into inner and outer parts along the radial direction of the shell. In the central portion of the inner space of the shell, an inner non-continuous helical form is employed; in other portion outside the central portion, doughnut shaped helical baffles with continuous curved surfaces are arranged to form an outer continuous helical baffle, and the outer helical baffles are arranged to surround the inner helical baffles. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a multiple shell-pass shell-and-tube heat exchanger with helical baffles, in which complete continuous helical baffles are provided in shell-sides other than the inner shell-pass, while non-continuous helical baffles or other flow guide means are employed in the inner shell-pass.

Abstract: The present invention provides a heat exchange reactor comprising a reaction tube for obtaining a product (B) by exothermic reaction while passing a starting compound (A) therethrough and a reactor shell covering the surrounding of the reaction tube and having its interior divided into a plurality of regions along the passing direction of the starting compound (A), each of which regions is filled with a heat medium for carrying out heat exchange between the inside of the reaction tube and the heat medium independently for the respective separate regions; wherein the reactor is provided with a heater for heating the heat medium charged in the most upstream region among the separate regions independently from the heat media charged in other regions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a reactor or reactor component comprising a honeycomb structure having cells extending along a common direction and having one or more passages each extending across at least some of the cells, wherein the path or paths of the one or more passages, taken within a plane perpendicular to the common direction, includes or include a number of repeating sub-path units arranged in a two-dimensional array, each sub-path unit including one or more turns or bends in the path. Methods of making, and methods of use, including resulting standardized reactor or reactor component systems, and standardized reactor or reactor component engineering or design, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A distributor of flowable medium for a heat exchanger has a housing member and at least one substantially vertically oriented tube member arranged therein. The distributor has a hollow body arranged to be supported in one end of the tube member. An upturned funnel shaped core member is formed in the hollow body, resulting in an annular flow passage between the body and the core member. The body has an upper section with an inlet, a lower section with an outlet, and a mid section between the upper and lower sections. The flow passage extends from the inlet to the outlet at the lower section, and is configured to narrow progressively from the inlet towards the mid section, and widen progressively from the mid section towards the outlet for modifying flow characteristics of the medium flowing through the passage. Intake guide elements are provided at the upper section.