Abstract: A heating and cooling air conditioning system includes serially arranged conductive and evaporative pad heat exchangers through which circulating air to be heated or cooled is moved by a blower. The conductive heat exchanger contains a liquid heat exchange medium that is selectively solar heated or cooled by an evaporative heat exchanger, for example, a cooling tower. A single tank reservoir is provided for the heat exchange medium. A singular air valve controls flow of air into the heat exchangers as well as flow of return air to exhaust. A domestic hot water heating tank is disclosed with a heat exchange loop provided in the solar heated heat exchange medium reservoir tank for heating the service hot water supply.

Abstract: A system for controlling the temperature and humidity of an enclosure such as a museum display case continuously extracts air from the enclosure, increases its humidity, cools it to a controlled temperature, at which point its humidity is 100%. The air is then heated and returned to the enclosure. By selection of the controlled temperature the relative humidity of the returned air may be determined.

Abstract: A wetted wall type method of humidifying gas with a liquid which is composed, or mainly composed, of water wherein the liquid flows down a heated vertical wall to form a wetted wall and gas flows along the wetted wall in contact with the liquid on the wetted wall to increase the humidity contained in the gas, comprises supplying a greater amount of liquid than the amount of liquid used or evaporated for increasing the humidity, and recirculating the liquid which is not evaporated from an outlet of the wetted wall to a liquid supply portion, the amount of the flowing liquid being adapted to satisfy the following equation:q<5.99.times.10.sup.5 .GAMMA..sup.2.12 (1)wherein q is the heat flux in W/m.sup.2 K where W=watts, K=temperature in degrees Kelvin, and .GAMMA. is the amount of flowing water with regard to the mass of water per unit wet width in kg/ms.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for the exchange of substances and/or heat between and/or mixing of gaseous and/or fluid substances wherein the flowing substances are guided repeatedly through permeable walls (1, 2, 3 and 4) running essentially parallel to the direction of the main flow (14 and 17). According to the apparatus, this will be achieved by the spacing means (5) of lesser permeability which are disposed alternately in the flow channel (13) between the permeable walls (1, 2, 3 and 4). The permeable walls preferably consist of fabrics which are placed in movement or into oscillation by the flowing media. For a more effective exchange, the walls are provided with areas (1, 2, 3 and 4) of variable density of fabric, whereby the denser areas are preferably located near the spacing means (5).

Abstract: Heat recovery from corrosive gases such as sulphurous flue gases and/or flue gases containing organic acids, said corrosive gases being conducted through a primary side of heat exchanger means (I-II) provided in a gas duct (1).Said heat exchanger means are provided with means for repeatedly applying, during normal operation of said heat exchanger means, a protective controllable thin layer to the surfaces of said heat exchanger means, at least whenever the temperature of said corrosive gases exceeds the water dew point, in order to protect said surfaces from corrosion.

Abstract: A packing element for use in an exchange column is provided. The packing element is of the type consisting of a plurality of corrugated plates placed adjacent to one another, with the corrugations of adjacent plates forming a criss-cross pattern. A plurality of regular linear arrays of "W"-shaped openings, alternating with linear arrays of "V"-shaped openings are formed in each plate. The locations of these openings or notches with respect to the corrugations are so arranged as to create liquid drip points and flow paths on the individual plates that improve the mixing and mass transfer characteristics of the packing element.

Abstract: An automatic thermostatic control system for a heater and an evaporative cooler which turns the cooler on only when needed, which automatically switches the blower of the cooler between low and high speeds as required so as to maintain essentially constant temperature, and which provides automatic change-over from a cooling to a heating condition.

Abstract: Air conditioning apparatus (10) comprising a cabinet (12) housing a heat exchanger (42) means (30) to draw ambient air into the cabinet, through the heat exchanger and through main outlet means (22), a steam generator (44) and a vapor mixing chamber (48) within the cabinet, means (50) to supply steam to the mixing chamber in which steam is mixed with ambient air to produce humidified air, and outlet means (54) through which the humidified air is expelled such that mixing with the conditioned air expelled from the main outlet is minimized.

Abstract: An evaporative air conditioning device which in the cooling phase subjects the air to be treated to evaporative treatment. Prior to evaporative treatment the air to be treated is enthalpically heated to expand the air utilizing radiant solar energy to lower the water content per unit of volume and also the wet bulb temperature. In the preferred embodiment, a heat absorbent material is placed adjacent the inlet ducts to the unit. In the heating phase, the device is thermostatically controlled to provide solar induced heating during periods when sufficient solar energy induced heat is available.

Abstract: A heat exchanger is disclosed having a coil positioned between an outer casing member with a bottom having a sump formed therein and an inner casing member containing a rotatable shaft to which a fan is mounted. The fan has a first stage or set of blades which pushes air from the outside down over the coils and a second stage or set of blades having a pitch opposite the first set for pulling the air up through the inner casing member to exhaust. A distributor having a pump which operates on centrifugal force is also provided which draws a liquid heat transfer medium preferably water from the sump and rotates with the fan blades to effectively "sling" the medium over the coils as the fan rotates.

Abstract: A wet atmospheric cooling tower has a vertical chimney defining an air path from air inlet openings at the lower end thereof for admitting atmospheric air to an exhaust opening at the upper end thereof, a stationary packing extending circumferentially without any gap across the air path, and a distributor for spraying water to be cooled onto the packing from above. Water is cooled down by air while it flows down across the packing. For dry air-water heat exchange air ducts extend through the packing and open into the air path in a zone which is downstream of the packing. The heat exchanger includes a two dimensional network of passages arranged to receive atmospheric air only and distributed according to a two dimensional network.

Abstract: In a wet type or wet/dry type cooling tower, water discharged from water distributing means after its passage cooling air heat exchanger is intercepted by an array of parallel water guiding plates. Each guiding plate has a sloping upper part which covers the gap between opposite plates and an upright lower part defining a substantially horizontal transition region with the upper part. A plurality of inclined channel like embossments is formed in the upright lower part. The embossments extend one above the other between a lateral edge of the upright lower part and the transition region. At least one water collecting channel extends in transverse direction along the lateral edges of the upright lower part to collect water discharged from the inclined embossments and transfer the collected water to a recirculation device.

Abstract: A combination humidifier/water distiller apparatus comprises a container for holding tap water. A heater is provided for heating tap water in the container to a vaporized state. A condenser, positioned over the container, condenses the vaporized tap water into distilled water. A receptacle is positioned under the condenser for the collection of the distilled water. The receptacle includes a water track and valve for removing distilled water from the apparatus for other purposes. A nebulizer is included which converts the distilled water into a fine spray. A passage, associated with the nebulizer and the receptacle, supplies distilled water from the receptacle to the nebulizer so that distilled water is nebulized to a fine spray. The nebulizer includes a nozzle or the like for delivering the fine spray to the atmosphere to thereby humidify the surrounding air.

Abstract: Outdoors and indoors air streams are induced to travel in opposite directions through the adjacent passages of a plate-fin heat exchanger. A water stream is simultaneously induced to circulate through the passages occupied by the cooler of the air streams. Heat is transferred across adjacent passages, causing vaporization of a portion of the water stream into its accompanying air stream, thus keeping the cooler stream saturated with water vapor. The hotter air stream is cooled and dehumified while the cooler one increases in temperature and humidity content. Very close temperature approaches can thus be achieved at the heat exchanger, with the resultant economies in the energy requirements for ventilation.

Abstract: A wet deck fill sheet is disclosed for use in making a wet deck fill for use in evaporative counterflow heat exchangers. One aspect of the sheet is that it includes transverse corrugations formed in at least one of the top and bottom edges of the sheet. Another aspect is the provision of a staggered array of substantially vertical spacers extending from one face of the sheet to space the sheet a predetermined distance from an adjacent sheet in the wet deck fill. The spacers are aligned to provide for substantially equalized air flow along the length of the sheet in a horizontal direction between the sheets as the air travels upward through the deck. Another aspect of the invention includes providing in the sloping walls of the major face corrugations formed in the fill sheets a plurality of substantially horizontal air turbulence increasing and water spreading means to increase the interaction of air and water to provide improved thermal performance.

Abstract: Contaminated air is treated to attain a predetermined temperature, purity and relative humidity using an apparatus which includes heat exchange elements and water spray nozzles. The heat exchange elements comprise tubes arranged to impart turbulence to the contaminated air flowing over the tubes. Water is sprayed into the air flow against the tubes and water droplets intimately mix with the air flow so that the contact surfaces of the tubes simultaneously perform three functions: purification of the air, humidification of the air to a relative humidity of about 100%, and bringing the air to a desired temperature. Purification occurs when the air-water droplets hit the outside contact surfaces of the tubes. Impurities contained in the air are deposited on the contact surfaces to be washed away by the water spray. Humidification occurs when the spray water on the contact surfaces is vaporized by the addition of heat from a heat transport fluid conducted through the tubes.

Abstract: An apparatus for uniformly distributing a liquid having dual gaseous and liquid phases for use with a heat exchanger is disclosed. A liquid spreading device of the apparatus includes a main pipe extending along the full length of a header of the apparatus, and a plurality of branch pipes connected to the main pipe and extending perpendicularly to the main pipe just above and along the full width of descending flow entrances of a core of the heat exchanger. Each branch pipe has a plurality of liquid spreading holes perforated in a predetermined spaced relationship at the bottom thereof. Thus, liquid can be distributed from the apparatus substantially uniformly within a deviation of, for example, .+-.10 percent.

Abstract: A constant level of liquid carbonation is achieved irrespective of the rate at which liquid is supplied to a carbonating vessel by, respectively, establishing a thin film of liquid over refrigerated heat transfer surfaces, which may take the form of plates, and controlling, in response to the flow-rate of the liquid, the area of the heat transfer surface covered by the liquid film.

Abstract: A compact, self-contained cooling-heating-humidifying-filtering apparatus has an endless band of water-absorbent, air-permeable material traveling in partial immersion in water contained in a receptacle within a conditioner housing. A fan produces a continuous airstream from an air inlet to an air outlet, both defined in the housing, through the endless band. A damper is provided in order to divide the air outlet into a cool air outlet and a warm air outlet. The damper is operated by a hand lever so as to selectively communicate the cool and warm air outlets with the air inlet. An electric heater is disposed at the warm air outlet or, preferably, on one of the opposite surfaces of the damper for heating the air flowing through the warm air outlet. This location of the heater serves to assure noiseless cooling operation and to permit the heater to heat effectively, despite its limited capacity, the air flowing through the warm air outlet.

Abstract: Heating and cooling apparatus includes an evaporative cooler and a heat pump connected to each other and to a common duct system for utilizing the attributes of both systems for efficient heating and cooling. The evaporative cooler may be used to cool a structure directly or it may be used to cool the condenser coils of a heat pump. The evaporative cooler may also be used to cool attic space. The evaporative cooler and the heat pump are disposed adjacent to each other and are connected by an interface adapter, and the interface adapter is in turn connected to attic space through which air from the attic flows, particularly to assist the heat pump in the heating mode.

Abstract: The packing can be used for mixing or for exchange processes in exchange columns. The packing comprises at least one group of layers perpendicular to the column axis which has deflecting surfaces connected to a central connecting bridge and which are bent outwardly of the bridge in alternating fashion to define a X-shape. The adjacent layers can be provided with outer bridges which are bent around to form hook-shape portions for engaging about an adjacent layer.The packing can be produced by simple stamping and bending steps.

Abstract: A packing is constructed for an apparatus for mixing or for exchange processes. The packing includes at least two zig-zag layers each of which has a number of parallel rows of substantially rectangular deflecting surfaces with alternating gaps in the inclined flanks. Bridges connect the rows of deflecting surfaces and are disposed in the troughs and at the apices of the corrugated layer.The packing can be produced by simple stamping and bending steps.

Abstract: The random or statistical packing is of hexagonal cross-section and has rectangular tongues and apertures punched out of the walls. The tongues extend towards the longitudinal axis of the packing with the opposite tongues being coplanar. The planes of the tongues are substantially parallel to the sides of the packing so that crossing channels arise for the passage of a gas. The packing has substantially the effect of a regular packing such that a satisfactory lateral distribution of liquid and gas with a relatively low pressure drop is obtained.

Abstract: An air conditioning system is disclosed for adjusting air temperature and humidity to a predetermined level for the air supply to a paint spray booth. The system includes a multi-section sprayed surface heat exchanger combined with a bypass passage such that a portion of the air flow to be conditioned passes through the multi-section heat exchanger and the remainder of the flow bypasses the same, and is recombined and mixed downstream with the conditioned air to produce a mixture which is at the proper dry bulb temperature and relative humidity. Each multi-section heat exchanger may be shut off to increase the proportion of bypass flow. Modulation of the cooling and heating effect of each of the heat exchangers is achieved by modulating valving controlling the flow of heating or cooling medium. Similarly, the humidification effect is controlled by valving controlling a number of water spray nozzles.

Abstract: Countercurrent flow absorber and desorber devices are provided for use in absorption cycle refrigeration systems and thermal boosting systems. The devices have increased residence time and surface area resulting in improved heat and mass transfer characteristics. The apparatuses may be incorporated into open cycle thermal boosting systems in which steam serves both as the refrigerant vapor which is supplied to the absorber section and as the supply of heat to drive the desorber section of the system.

Abstract: The disclosed air conditioner comprises a suction and an exhaust blower connected to a common electric motor and disposed on a suction and an exhaust passageway adjacent to a suction and an exhaust port on the outdoor side respectively. The suction passageway crosses the exhaust passageway in a heat exchanger and is connected to an indoor exhaust port. A humidifier is disposed between the heat exchanger and an indoor suction ports to humidify and cooler the sucked indoor air within the heat exchanger. Also a reclaimable dehumidifier may be disposed adjacent to the suction blower to decrease the humidity of the sucked outdoor air.

Abstract: Heat transfer and exchange apparatus having a plurality of double-sheeted wettable flow-through pockets suspended from an overhead liquid supplying support in spaced apart and essentially parallel relationship. A downwardly flowing liquid curtain exists within the innerspace of each of the pockets, the liquid curtain bonding the wettable side-forming sheets of each pocket together through cohesive, adhesive and pressure forces. Flow characteristics within the liquid curtain automatically adjust to create a condition of zero pressure differential across each of the wettable sheets which form a pocket pair so that pressure inside and outside the pocket are equal at all unconfined points over the surfaces of the sheets irrespective of flow rate, temperature viscosity, density or composition of the liquid curtain.

Abstract: Device for mixing dry and humid air streams of a combined atmospheric cooler employing parallel air streams. The device comprises a wet exchange unit and a dry heat exchange unit which are disposed in parallel in the air stream. The device for mixing the dry and humid air streams comprises surfaces for deflecting the air streams disposed upstream of the wet heat exchange unit and is characterized in that the deflecting surfaces are constituted by at least one channel which is open in the direction of the air outlet of the cooler and which extends in the space located upstream of the wet heat exchange unit. The at least one channel extends from the region in which the humid air stream arrives adjacent the part of the dry heat exchange unit which is the nearest of said region and toward the center of the cooler.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for the condensation of vapors, comprises a coil pipe having an upper inlet end and a lower outlet end and a plurality of lengths of pipe arranged in zigzag fashion between the upper and lower ends. Liquid is sprayed from above onto the coil pipe, and air is moved upwardly along the coil pipe. The lengths of pipe are inclined downwardly at acute angles to the horizontal from the inlet end to the outlet end. These acute angles progressively increase downwardly in such a way that the angles between pairs of adjacent lengths of pipe progressively increase downwardly for a plurality of those pairs. The inclination to the horizontal of the lowermost length of pipe is not more than 30.degree. and that of the uppermost not less than 3-5.degree.. The increment of angle increase, from pipe length to pipe length, is likewise 3-5.degree.. Vertical strips of plate are disposed between the lengths of pipe, to increase the evaporation surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for efficiently and economically cooling air by sequentially passing the air to be cooled through a chilled water heat exchanger mechanism and then through an evaporative cooler mechanism.

Abstract: An air conditioning system and/or a heating system is described in combination with a solar pond, especially a pond which is of the gradient type, wherein it is important to maintain a concentration of salt which increases with the depth of the pond. The pond is regenerated, that is, the salt concentration gradient is maintained, by components of the air conditioning system, or by special concentrator towers wherein moisture is removed from brine that is circulated to the towers from the pond.

Abstract: A modular, dual-purpose architectural assembly which can provide support for basic structural elements used in constructing semi-permanent, enclosed or partially enclosed partitions defining parochial work spaces within a room and which can also supply discretely controlled heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) service, on a parochial basis, to said work space in response to local needs and varying conditions. The assembly consists of an upright, rigid, portable, elongated column which can be releasably mounted to the floor or ceiling of a room and attached to a subsurface (i.e., below the floor or above the ceiling in the room) HVAC supply system, said column having an interior channel extending longitudinally therethrough for carrying fluid from an inlet port at the base end of said channel, which inlet port is releasably connected to said HVAC supply system.

Abstract: A room ejection unit comprises a housing defining a mixing chamber and having side walls, a bottom, and a cover. There is an inlet port in at least one of the housing side walls and an outlet port in the housing cover. A primary air supply manifold with nozzles is arranged in the lower portion of the mixing chamber of the housing. A heat exchanger in the form of a direct-contact apparatus provided with a sprayed packing is installed in the inlet port on the housing side wall. An air humidifier is arranged in the mixing chamber of the housing. The air humidifier has a drip pan disposed in the lower portion of the mixing chamber, sprayers disposed above the heat exchanger and intended for spraying the packing, a pipe which communicates the drip pan with the sprayers, and also a pump installed in the pipe supplying water from the drip pan to the sprayers.

Abstract: Countercurrent flow absorber and desorber devices are provided for use in absorption cycle refrigeration systems and thermal boosting systems. The devices have increased residence time and surface area resulting in improved heat and mass transfer characteristics. The apparatuses may be incorporated into open cycle thermal boosting systems in which steam serves both as the refrigerant vapor which is supplied to the absorber section and as the supply of heat to drive the desorber section of the system.

Abstract: An absorber intercooler having a heat exchanger formed integrally therein. The absorber intercooler includes a cylindrical outer casing having a tube bundle disposed longitudinally therein. Inlet and outlet ports are provided in the cylindrical casing to allow for the flow of refrigerant around the tube bundle. Upper and lower end plates, having a plurality of openings therein, seal the upper and lower ends of the bundle. A liquid inlet pipe provides a flow of liquid absorbent through the upper end plate into the tube bundle. A vapor inlet pipe provides a flow of vapor into the bottom of the intercooler, and the vapor flows through a central opening in the lower end plate into a centrally disposed vapor flow pipe. The vapor flows upwardly therein through the upper end plate. A cap is provided on the upper end of the vapor flow pipe to prevent liquid absorbent from flowing down into the pipe, and also provides for an even radial distribution of the vapors at the cap.

Abstract: An improved device for the distribution of liquids in a vertical heat-exchange apparatus which has reeds mounted on the top ends of vertical tubes to spread a liquid in film form over the internal surface of each tube of the tube bundle. The reeds of the invention are closed at their tops instead of being open as was common in conventional practice, and the reeds have an array of circumferential perforations near their closed tops for venting off gases and vapors which evolve from said liquid, while tangential perforations extend through the peripheral surface of the reeds in intermediate sections thereof. The pressure drop of gases and vapors can be adjusted within a wide range and corrosion in the top portion of the tubes is very efficiently prevented.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for distributing a liquid in film form in the interior of vertical tubes in which a counterflow or cocurrent flow of liquid-vapor takes place. The apparatus includes a cylindrical body having an annular ledge and helical grooves on its peripheral surface, and wherein the cylindrical body is slightly tapered downwardly and inwardly to enable it to be easily introduced into the tube and to enable it to be freely rotated about its own vertical central axis. In the case of counterflow circulation, the cylindrical body has a blind laterally perforated vent tube on its top surface. In each instance the rotation of the body is effected by the liquid being distributed to inhibit the formation of deposits of solids from the liquid being distributed on the inner wall of the vertical tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for efficiently and economically cooling air by sequentially passing the air to be cooled through a chilled water heat exchanger mechanism and then through an evaporative cooler mechanism.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved waste heat disposal process characterized primarily by splitting the total cooling load between two or more open-looped evaporative cooling circuits, staging the circuits in series such that each successive circuit has a greater dissolved solids carrying capacity than the preceding one, using the brine blown down from a preceding circuit as the coolant circulated within the next succeeding one, and treating only the blowdown from one circuit to the relatively greater extent necessary to accommodate the increased solids-carrying capacity of the next. The invention also includes the feature of essentially staging the heat load by dividing same into two or more parts and handling the different parts by separate and distinct evaporative cooling loops.

Abstract: Cooling system for containers for transporting heat-emitting parts from nuclear installations, including a closed loop connected to the container for carrying water and steam or water alone, the loop having disposed therein a heatable mixing condenser, a filter installation, a cooler, a pump, and valve-control means for controlling pressure and temperature in the loop.

Abstract: A concentrated saline solution is used to store solar energy for both heating and cooling. A small, uninsulated tank is used to store the desiccant solution so that the heat pump can operate at night or during extended periods when the sun is obscured. No vacuum or pressure refrigerant systems are needed. Reconcentration of the sorbent solution is accomplished by direct solar radiation.

Abstract: Fresh, outside air may be supplied to a first space, such as a dining area of a restaurant or the like, while air from the first space may be recirculated through an air conditioning unit for cooling or heating the air, which is returned to the first space. Also, air from the first space is transferred to a second space, such as a cooking room of a restaurant or the like, which contains heat producing cooking equipment, the latter resulting in the second space having additional cooling requirements. Such transfer air is passed through a chilling device, in which the air contacts water, as through sprays or a water bath, to cool the water to a temperature close to the dew point of the air, and also to correspondingly cool the air furnished to the second space. When cooling of air to the first space is required, either the recirculated air, but preferably the fresh air, is cooled by the chilled water produced by the chilling device.

Abstract: An integrated baseboard heating, air conditioning and humidity control system comprises a hollow baseboard having an air conditioning discharge vent and a separate heating and humidifying compartment, the air conditioning vent being connected by a duct system to an air conditioner unit, the heating/humidifying compartment receiving a baseboard heater, a humidification water pan adjacent the heater and a condensation drip pan below the humidification pan, the humdification system including parallel cold and hot water branches, and the heater and hot water humidity systems having separate hot water heaters.

Abstract: In an evaporation type air cooler, the improvement comprising a heat exchanger wherein circulating liquid is cooled by the evaporatively cooled air and subsequently used to air condition occupant space without humidity increase, and associated air ducting and flow controls. The improvement is also adapted to be used as a space heater utilizing hot water in the heat exchanger, and to utilize hot attic or external air to aid in heating water for occupant use.

Abstract: A solar heating system adapted to provide heated air and water to a building structure with simple yet efficient components. The solar heating system comprises an air heating chamber which is exposed directly or indirectly to radiant solar energy, and air heated therein is directed to a heat exchange tank. The heated air from the air heating chamber is directed through bubble producing means, the bubbles rising through water contained in the heat exchange tank. Upon escaping from the heat exchange tank, the air may be directed to any one of three locations; firstly, the air may be directed back through the bubble producing means and into the water in the heat exchange tank, secondly, it may be directed to a building structure to provide heated, humidified air, and thirdly the escaping air may be directed to ambient atmosphere.

Abstract: A heat transfer system for using solar energy to modify the temperatures of conditioned space in a building and to supply domestic hot water for the building. Part of the system is mounted to a core that forms a structural column of the building. The system incorporates selector mechanisms for selectively altering the flow of water in the system to facilitate changes in the functioning of the system.

Abstract: Heat exchange units are disclosed for exchanging heat between at least one fluid, for example water, and a gas, for example air, comprising at least one battery of heat exchange tubes which are parallel to each other and extend generally vertically and in which circulates one of the fluids. The gas, such as air, passes between the tubes of the battery generally transversely of the heat exchange tubes, and means are provided for selectively spraying a liquid on the heat exchanger tubes. The heat exchange units may be employed in atmospheric natural draft, or forced draft coolers, or cooling towers, or combinations of such draft-producing means may be employed in a single cooling tower.

Abstract: An apparatus for recovery of condensible vapors as components in waste gases which are to be flared, comprising a flare system, including a flare gas line leading to a flare stack. Inserted in the flare gas line is a gas-to-liquid heat exchanger, to cool the flare gases prior to passage to the stack. The cooling is to be selected temperature, where condensible vapors in the waste gases, the dew points of which are above the selected temperature, will condense. Means are provided for separating the condensed vapors from the remaining flare gases. Thermostatic means are provided for stopping the circulation of said cooling liquid whenever the ambient temperature drops below the selected temperature.

Abstract: A contact plate for mass-exchange columns comprises a base having receiving and discharge pockets for liquid. The base also supports concave troughs, each trough extending between the receiving pocket and the discharge pocket having its walls provided with apertures for the passage of gas extending tangentially in the same direction to form gas flows whirled in a direction transversely of the trough toward one of the side edges thereof which is provided with a guide apron comprising an extension of the trough wall.

Abstract: This is a continuous process for producing a stream of purified and humidified fuel gas which may be burned in a gas turbine to produce mechanical work and electrical energy without contaminating the environment. In the process, a feed stream of raw fuel gas is preferably produced by the partial oxidation of a hydrocarbonaceous fuel with a free-oxygen containing gas, optionally in the presence of a temperature moderator. The raw fuel gas stream is then preferably saturated with water during cooling and cleaning operations. It is then passed in indirect countercurrent heat exchange with a stream of purified fuel gas containing substantially no water. The latter stream was produced by cooling and purifying said raw fuel gas stream. At least a portion of the water which is condensed out of the raw fuel gas during said cooling operation is separated and revaporized into said purified fuel gas stream. The resulting stream of purified and humidified fuel gas may be used as fuel in a gas turbine.