Abstract: Described herein are various embodiments of an oxygen concentrator system. In some embodiments, oxygen concentrator system includes one or more components that improve the useful lifetime of gas separation adsorbents.

Abstract: A dehumidification system includes an evaporator, a condenser positioned next to the evaporator, and a drain pan including a mist eliminator. The drain pan is disposed at least partially below the evaporator and the condenser. The drain pan at least includes a basin disposed at least partially below the evaporator. The basin includes a sloped bottom, a first rib disposed on the sloped bottom, a second rib parallel to the first rib and including a central gap, a third rib positioned between the first rib and the second rib, and an angled rib attached to the second rib. The third rib is parallel to and shorter than the first rib. The third rib is configured to at least partially block the central gap of the second rib. The angled rib is inclined towards the third rib and configured to change a velocity vector of the air flowing through the drain pan. The mist eliminator is configured to remove water droplets from the air.

Abstract: Condensing apparatuses and their use in various heat and mass exchange systems are generally described. The condensing apparatuses, such as bubble column condensers, may employ a heat exchanger positioned external to the condensing vessel to remove heat from a bubble column condenser outlet stream to produce a heat exchanger outlet stream. In certain cases, the condensing apparatus may also include a cooling device positioned external to the vessel configured and positioned to remove heat from the heat exchanger outlet stream to produce a cooling device outlet stream. The condensing apparatus may be configured to include various internal features, such as a vapor distribution region and/or a plurality of liquid flow control weirs and/or chambers within the apparatus having an aspect ratio of at least 1.5. A condensing apparatus may be coupled with a humidifier to form part of a desalination system, in certain cases.

Abstract: Devices and methods for enhancing heat exchanger airflow in a transport refrigeration system (TRS) of a refrigerated transport unit are provided. In particular, a fairing is provided on a top surface of a TRU to shield the TRU from an adverse effect of wind (e.g., ram air) and build a negative pressure at a heat exchanger fan delivery side of the TRU. The angle, shape and height of the fairing can be optimized to achieve a desired heat exchanger airflow through condenser coil(s), a radiator and/or intercooler of the TRU during operation.

Abstract: A humidifier for use in a central HVAC duct. The humidifier includes a water delivery system for applying water to an evaporator pad, a drain system for removing excess water that is not evaporated, and a control system employing two temperature sensors directly measuring the temperature of the air before and after the evaporator pad. The control system uses the two temperatures to adjust the water flow across the pad by cycling the water delivery system so that drain water is minimized while maximizing the evaporative capacity of the humidifier thus satisfying the humidification load as quickly as possible with the least amount of drain water. The humidifier may have either an integral fan or a flow-through housing for passing air across the wetted evaporator pad to increase the humidity level of the air.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein can introduce low amounts of gas in a liquid with fast response time and low variation in concentration. In one embodiment, a gas is directed into an inlet on a gas contacting side of a porous element of a contactor and a liquid is directed into an inlet on a liquid contacting side of the porous element of the contactor. The liquid contacting side and the gas contacting side are separated by the porous element and a housing. The gas is removed from an outlet on the gas contacting side of the porous element at a reduced pressure compared to the pressure of the gas flowing into the inlet of the contactor. A liquid containing a portion of the gas transferred into the liquid is removed from an outlet on the liquid contacting side of the porous element, producing a dilute bubble free solution.

Abstract: An aeration element for gasification or aeration of liquids includes an essentially flattened, rigid support element having a substantially oval cross-section and corrugated outer surfaces, the corrugated outer surfaces including ridges defining grooves therebetween; a threaded opening for receiving a cooperating fitting for connection to an air supply; and a flexible membrane of elastomeric material disposed around the support element, The membrane has a plurality of slits, and wherein compressed gas is introduced between the support element and the membrane, the gas can escape via these slits into the surrounding liquid. A retaining clamp holds the membrane around at least one end of the support element.

Abstract: Hydrogen molecule (H2) has been indicated as a novel anti-oxidant reagent specifically targeting OH free radicals. This invention discloses the methods and apparatus that can be used to increase the hydrogen concentration in water, in beverages, and in other hydrogen absorbing materials through a sealed hydrogen gas producing chamber made of materials that have good hydrogen permeability and can withhold gas pressure. The disclosed method and apparatus can increase the hydrogen concentration quickly without leaking other chemical by-products of the gas producing system into the treated materials.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method and system for the infusion of a gas into a liquid. The gas is passed through a container with ceramic filtering material of a specific pore size after which the gas enters the flow stream of the liquid.

Abstract: Particular embodiments disclosed herein relate to methods, compositions, and systems relating generally to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, and more specifically, to HVAC systems that transfer sensible and/or latent energy between air streams, humidify and/or dehumidify air streams. In certain embodiments, a polymeric membrane is utilized for fluid exchange, with or without an additional support. Certain embodiments allow for individual regulation of air temperature and humidity.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for dissolving gases in a beverage, the apparatus including a product conduit that is fluidly communicable with a product supply and a product dispenser, a gas conduit configured to transport gas from a gas supply to the product conduit, the gas conduit including at least one flow control mechanism; and at least one additional gas conduit configured to transport an additional gas from at least one additional gas supply to the product conduit, the gas conduit including an additional flow control mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for gassing liquids, in particular for aerating sewage and the like, comprising a lower housing element (1), which has a substantially round opening area and a gas inlet port (24), a disc-shaped upper housing element (10), corresponding to the opening area, for covering the opening area, the upper housing element (10) having an upper side (O) facing away from the lower housing element (1), and a number of gas through-openings (13) being provided in the vicinity of a peripheral edge of the upper housing element (10), passing through the upper side (O), and a perforated gassing membrane (19), covering over the upper side (O) of the upper housing element (10).

Abstract: A container assembly includes a flexible bag having an interior surface bounding a chamber and an opposing exterior surface, the bag having a top end wall, a bottom end wall, and an encircling sidewall extending therebetween, the bottom end wall including a first polymeric sheet overlying a second polymeric sheet. A first weld line welds the first polymeric sheet to the second polymeric sheet, the first weld line bounding a first sparging area formed between the first polymeric sheet and the second polymeric sheet. A plurality of first perforations are formed through a portion of the first polymeric sheet that overlies the first sparging area so that gas can pass from the first sparging area, through the first perforations and into the chamber of the bag.

Abstract: There is disclosed a device (1) for generating fine bubbles, comprising a substrate (3) having holes (5) therethrough, each hole comprising a gas inlet (7) and a gas outlet (9), wherein the width of the gas outlet is greater than the width of the gas inlet. A method of manufacturing said device and a method of generating fine bubbles.

Abstract: A flexible tubing for fine bubble aeration is provided with an air passageway defined in part by an upper portion and a lower portion. The tubing can be made of a uniform weighted material with more material in the lower portion than in the upper portion. This makes the tubing self-orienting, in that it will tend to orient itself with micro-slits along the upper portion facing upward and the lower portion facing downward when submerged in a body of water. An automated, one-stage production line converts raw tubing material to a finished tubing product without the need for separate processing. A method of coiling the tubing places the micro-slits approximately 90° away from the surface of a spool hub, thereby avoiding a longitudinal arch in the tubing and ultimately preventing roll-over and improper slit orientation after installation in a water body.

Abstract: A micro-bubble generating device is provided which is capable of mixing or dispersing micro-bubbles into a liquid with high stability and has a simple structure that permits reduction of a cost of manufacture. A first member and a first packing are superposed on each other on one side of a gas-permeable film, while a second member and a second packing are superposed on each other on the other side of the gas-permeable film. A pressurized gas delivered via a gas inlet of the first member flows through a fluid passage of the first packing, permeates through the gas-permeable film, and is ejected as micro-bubbles into a liquid flowing through a fluid passage in the form of a narrow shallow strip-like groove provided in the second packing.

Abstract: Method for treating contaminants at a site, especially a deep well site, includes delivering a first stream of a first gas to a first port of a laminar microporous diffuser and delivering a second stream of a second gas to a second port of the laminar microporous diffuser to effect mixing of the first and second streams of gases within the laminar microporous diffuser.

Abstract: A micro-bubble generating device is provided which is capable of mixing or dispersing micro-bubbles into a liquid with high stability and has a simple structure that permits reduction of a cost of manufacture. A first member and a first packing are superposed on each other on one side of a gas-permeable film, while a second member and a second packing are superposed on each other on the other side of the gas-permeable film. A pressurized gas delivered via a gas inlet of the first member flows through a fluid passage of the first packing, permeates through the gas-permeable film, and is ejected as micro-bubbles into a liquid flowing through a fluid passage in the form of a narrow shallow strip-like groove provided in the second packing.

Abstract: A pressure-reduction oxygen dissolving apparatus includes a container, at least one wave-shaped layer in the container for exchanging gases, at least one oxygen storage/exchange tank on each wave-shaped layer for exchanging gases, a water inlet at the top of the container for filling water into the container, a water outlet installed at the bottom of the container for discharging water out from the container, and a gas inlet for filling oxygen into the container. The oxygen enters into the container through the gas inlet to fill up each oxygen storage/exchange tank. After the oxygen has reached a specific pressure, water enters into the container from the water inlet and flows through chambers of the oxygen storage/exchange tank, and oxygen is dissolved in water naturally. Since the pressure increases the dissolved oxygen content significantly, the water outlet can be opened to obtain water with higher oxygen content.

Abstract: A structured packing for a reactor is formed from a metal sheet to promote heat and mass transfer near the wall of the reactor. The structured packing causes lateral flow of fluids flowing through the packing such that jet impingement of at least one reactor wall is promoted. The packing may be used in a cylindrical, annular or plate-type reactor, e.g., a catalytic reactor, or a heat exchanger.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing a bubble curtain with a diversity of bubble diameters for purposes such as modifying the characteristics of a seismic source used in marine seismic surveys. Bubble generating elements are used that combine porous wall material with discrete holes (91) to create a curtain of diverse-sized bubbles (92).

Abstract: A quasi-liquid of gas in bubbles of nanometer-scale, and devices and processes for making the quasi-liquid. A device includes a channel plate (30) through which an operating gas flows to form micrometer-sized bubbles in a liquid. The bubbles are compressed to nanometer scale by action of cooling and pressure in a hydrophobic liquid (20) or are further fragmented to nanometer scale by a laser. Alternatively, a device has vertical water column having a bottom insertion tube, a bottom exit port, a top extraction port, and a water inflow tube; and, a centrifuge adjoining the top extraction port. A storage gas is diffused into pores of a low-density, solid-content material such as aerogel. The material is then introduced through the bottom insertion tube into an underwater environment creating cavities and a quasi-liquid.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device and method for generating a microbubble infused solution, the device having a cartridge including a first and second compartment separated by a small channel, wherein the cartridge is formed from a pliable and gas-impermeable material, and having a bubble solution inside the cartridge. Applying pressure to a substantial portion of an outer side of a selected compartment forces at least a portion of the bubble solution inside the selected compartment through the small channel to an unselected compartment and form microbubbles inside the cartridge.

Abstract: A flexible tubing for fine bubble aeration is provided with an air passageway defined in part by an upper portion and a lower portion. The tubing can be made of a uniform weighted material with more material in the lower portion than in the upper portion. This makes the tubing self-orienting, in that it will tend to orient itself with micro-slits along the upper portion facing upward and the lower portion facing downward when submerged in a body of water. An automated, one-stage production line converts raw tubing material to a finished tubing product without the need for separate processing. A method of coiling the tubing places the micro-slits approximately 90° away from the surface of a spool hub, thereby avoiding a longitudinal arch in the tubing and ultimately preventing roll-over and improper slit orientation after installation in a water body.

Abstract: A first slit 12A formed in a diffuser membrane of aeration diffusers of an aeration apparatus according to the present invention includes a linear reference slit 12a and a branched slit 12b crossing the linear reference slit 12a at a center thereof, and an opening shape of the first slit 12A is deformed due to pressure of air (an amount of air) to be supplied. Therefore, because an opening amount at a crossing 12c of the linear reference slit 12a and the branched slits 12b increases by temporarily increasing the amount of air, elimination of precipitates is facilitated, differently from conventional cases having only linear slits.

Abstract: A micro-bubble generating device is provided which is capable of mixing or dispersing micro-bubbles into a liquid with high stability and has a simple structure that permits reduction of a cost of manufacture. A first member and a first packing are superposed on each other on one side of a gas-permeable film, while a second member and a second packing are superposed on each other on the other side of the gas-permeable film. A pressurized gas delivered via a gas inlet of the first member flows through a fluid passage of the first packing, permeates through the gas-permeable film, and is ejected as micro-bubbles into a liquid flowing through a fluid passage in the form of a narrow shallow strip-like groove provided in the second packing.

Abstract: A humidification system includes a housing mountable into an air duct, that includes a base frame, a cover and at least one open end panel. The base frame is mountable to an opening in the air duct that is shaped and configured to align with the base frame. The cover attaches to the base frame with the open end panel between the base frame and cover. The air outlet is through the open end panel. An evaporative element is positioned between the air inlet and air outlet. Controlling humidity output provides moisture to the evaporative element when needed. The bypass frame includes louvers that are positioned within the air inlet, where the louvers are sized to extend into the air duct. The louvers are graduated in size. After passing through the housing, an air return directs humidified air from the open end panel to a low pressure air duct.

Abstract: A humidifier for an HVAC system includes a replaceable humidifier pad, and a housing for holding the replaceable humidifier pad in an operating position during operation of the humidifier. The back side of the housing may define an air flow aperture that is in fluid communication with the replaceable humidifier pad when the replaceable humidifier pad is in its operating position. In some instances, the right side of the housing may define a first aperture that is sufficient in size to remove the replaceable humidifier pad from the housing, and to install a new replaceable humidifier pad. Likewise, the left side of the housing may define a second aperture that is sufficient in size to remove the replaceable humidifier pad from the housing, and to install a new replaceable humidifier pad.

Abstract: A humidifier for adding humidity to an air stream of an HVAC system includes a housing configured to be mounted to a surface of an HVAC duct. The housing may be configured to hold a humidifier pad in an operating position. The housing may direct air through the humidifier pad from a first major surface to a second major surface of the pad. In the operating position, the first and second major surfaces of the humidifier pad may be substantially non-parallel with the surface of the HVAC duct when the housing is mounted to the surface of the HVAC duct. In some cases, this may provide a more compact design. In some cases, a centrifugal fan, rather than an axial fan, may be used to draw air into the humidifier from the HVAC duct. The use of a centrifugal fan may reduce the noise associated with the operation of the humidifier.

Abstract: A flexible aeration panel is described, which does not include a rigid support plate. The flexible aeration panel can comprise a first perforated, flexible sheet sealed to a second non-perforated flexible sheet at their peripheral edges, thereby defining one or more cavities that are in fluid communication with at least one gas inlet. The flexible aeration panel can be configured to produce preferably evenly spaced bubbles of gas when positioned in a liquid body. Applications include, but are not limited to, aeration of wastewater, lakes, streams, water basins and the like.

Abstract: A fine bubble diffusing tube that can generate fine bubbles evenly and uniformly even when the diffusing tube has a long length, a fine bubble diffusing device using such a tube and a submerged membrane separation apparatus are produced. The fine bubble diffusing tube is provided with a cylindrical supporting tube 1, and an elastic sheet 2 with fine slits formed therein, with the elastic sheet 2 being placed to cover the outer circumference of the supporting tube 1, so that, upon supplying a gas to a space between the elastic sheet 2 and the supporting tube 1, the fine slits of the elastic sheet 2 are opened to generate fine bubbles, and the supporting tube 1 has a length L of 1000 mm or more in the longitudinal direction, with gas supply units 4 serving as gas flow inlets being attached to the two ends of the supporting tube.

Abstract: A humidification system includes a humidifier housing mountable to the air duct. The humidifier housing has an opening to provide fluid communications between the humidifier housing and the air circulation system. An air inlet extends through the duct opening into the humidifier housing. A duct damper extends into the air duct and is reversibly positionable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The stowed position is characterized by placement of the duct damper substantially adjacent to the humidifier housing while the deployed position is characterized by positioning a portion of the duct damper deeper into the air duct. An evaporative element is positioned between the air inlet and an air outlet. A cover is configured to reverse the direction of flow air sending it to the air outlet extending into the air duct. A deploying means changes the duct damper between the stowed position and the deployed position.

Abstract: This specification discloses a humidifier that attains the inhibition of the damaging of a steam permeable membrane at low temperatures, and a fuel cell system. The humidifier has a steam permeable membrane therein. In the humidifier, an oxidizing gas and an oxidizing off gas with a humidity higher than that of the oxidizing gas are introduced, and the oxidizing gas is humidified by the oxidizing off gas via the steam permeable membrane. The steam permeable membrane is located at a position lower than an inlet for the oxidizing gas but higher than an outlet therefor. Further, the steam permeable membrane is located at a position lower than an inlet for the oxidizing off gas but higher than an outlet therefor.

Abstract: Method for treating contaminants on a site, especially a deep well site includes delivering a first stream of a first gas to a first port of a laminar microporous diffuser and delivering a second stream of a second gas to a second port of the laminar microporous diffuser to effect mixing of the first and second streams of gases within the laminar microporous diffuser.

Abstract: Device for exchange of moisture, between at least two counter-current gas flows (A, B), comprising a generally closed chamber (1, 101) having an inlet (7, 107) and an outlet (8, 108) for a first gas flow (B), such that the first gas flow flows in a first direction from the inlet to the outlet inside the chamber; and at least one duct (2, 102), which extends inside the chamber, generally in parallel with the first direction, which duct (2, 102) is arranged to conduct a second fluid flow (A) in an opposite direction to the first direction and which duct (2, 102) comprises a duct wall material with high permeability to water.

Abstract: A humidification system includes a housing mountable into an air duct, that includes a base frame, a cover and at least one open end panel. The base frame is mountable to an opening in the air duct that is shaped and configured to align with the base frame. The cover attaches to the base frame with the open end panel between the base frame and cover. The air outlet is through the open end panel. An evaporative element is positioned between the air inlet and air outlet. Controlling humidity output provides moisture to the evaporative element when needed. The bypass frame includes louvers that are positioned within the air inlet, where the louvers are sized to extend into the air duct. The louvers are graduated in size. After passing through the housing, an air return directs humidified air from the open end panel to a low pressure air duct.

Abstract: The invention disclosed relates to a method and apparatus for controlling the dissolved gas content of aqueous liquid containing a dissolved gas by providing a microporous hydrophobic hollow fibre membrane, to provide at equilibrium a stable interface between an aqueous liquid phase containing dissolved gas on one side of the membrane and a gaseous phase on the other side of the membrane, and controlling the aqueous phase and gaseous phase pressures, such that in operation the gaseous phase pressure is up to but not exceeding the aqueous phase pressure, and flowing the gaseous and liquid phases across the membrane, to provide simultaneous mass transfer through the membrane of a first gas in the gaseous phase into the liquid phase and of a second gas dissolved in the aqueous liquid into the gaseous phase, whereby the gas content of the first gas in the aqueous phase is increased, the gas content of the second gas in the gaseous phase is decreased and the total dissolved gas pressure (TG) of the aqueous phase i

Abstract: The present invention is a novel cleaning method and a solution for use in a single wafer cleaning process. According to the present invention the cleaning solution comprises ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), water (H2O) and a chelating agent. In an embodiment of the present invention the cleaning solution also contains a surfactant. And still yet another embodiment of the present invention the cleaning solution also comprises a dissolved gas such as H2. In a particular embodiment of the present invention, this solution is used by spraying or dispensing it on a spinning wafer.

Abstract: A flexible tubing for fine bubble aeration is provided with an air passageway defined in part by an upper portion and a lower portion. The tubing can be made of a uniform weighted material with more material in the lower portion than in the upper portion. This makes the tubing self-orienting, in that it will tend to orient itself with micro-slits along the upper portion facing upward and the lower portion facing downward when submerged in a body of water. An automated, one-stage production line converts raw tubing material to a finished tubing product without the need for separate processing. A method of coiling the tubing places the micro-slits approximately 90° away from the surface of a spool hub, thereby avoiding a longitudinal arch in the tubing and ultimately preventing roll-over and improper slit orientation after installation in a water body.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for treating contaminants on a site, especially a deep well site includes delivering a first stream of a first gas to a first port of a laminar microporous diffuser and delivering a second stream of a second gas to a second port of the laminar microporous diffuser to effect mixing of the first and second streams of gases within the laminar microporous diffuser.

Abstract: A water curtain is provided which includes a drape assembly having a drape hood, material drape, float overflow shut-off, collection return, a drainage line solenoid which preferably is electric, a drainage line, a filter, drape solenoid which preferably is electric, a drape feed line, a pump, a pump power line, an on/off switch to a power source which preferably is a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) power line for obvious safety concerns, a feed line, and a shutoff valve. The water supply may be electrically controlled by solenoid valves and has a float overflow shutoff control in some embodiments.

Abstract: An evaporative cooler comprises a housing having an upper surface and at least one vertical wall defining a chamber. The upper surface can include at least one opening in communication with the chamber. The evaporative cooler can also comprise at least one drain slit assembly for distributing a fluid and further comprise at least one screen. The screen can define a portion of the vertical wall. The screen can have an interior surface and an exterior surface relative to the chamber. In addition, the screen can be disposed relative to the drain slit assembly such that the drain slit assembly distributes the fluid over the screen. The screen can be configured such that the fluid forms a surface fluid layer over the surfaces of the screen. The evaporative cooler can further comprise an air conveyor disposed within the housing for drawing air through the opening and into the chamber such that the air is conveyed through the screen and the fluid layer.

Abstract: A low profile side inlet evaporative cooler including a housing having a housing length width at least twice the housing width. A centrifugal blower draws air through two side inlets through and through a rigid evaporative cooling media.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for treating contaminants on a site, especially a deep well site includes delivering a first stream of a first gas to a first port of a laminar microporous diffuser and delivering a second stream of a second gas to a second port of the laminar microporous diffuser to effect mixing of the first and second streams of gases within the laminar microporous diffuser.

Abstract: A humidifier has a first sealable reservoir feeding water to a second reservoir communicating with ambient atmosphere. A blower is adapted to blow a stream of air through the humidifier to ambient atmosphere, such that the stream of air picks up water vapor from any water that may be in the second reservoir. A feeder valve feeds a quickly-evaporable quantity of water from the first reservoir into the second reservoir. The quickly-evaporable quantity of water in the second reservoir is substantially smaller than the water capacity of the first reservoir. A dry-out mechanism shuts off the feeder valve upon a user command and continues to run the blower at least until the quickly-evaporable quantity of water has evaporated to an extent effective in inhibiting the growth of microorganisms in the microorganism-vulnerable reservoir.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for treating contaminants on a site, especially a deep well site includes delivering a first stream of a first gas to a first port of a laminar microporous diffuser and delivering a second stream of a second gas to a second port of the laminar microporous diffuser to effect mixing of the first and second streams of gases within the laminar microporous diffuser.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and apparatus (100) for producing mist of a liquid phase having very fine and mono-dispersed droplets. The method is realized by an apparatus (100) including a partition (101), defined by a first side surface (107) and a second side surface (113). The first side surface (107) is wetted by a liquid phase to form a film thereon, while the second side surface (113) is substantially dry. A gas stream is directed through the partition (101) from the dry side (113) to the wetted side (107) thereby forming a mist having droplets of less than 1 micron in size and a concentration of at least 1,000,000,000,000 per cubic cm.

Abstract: A porous wall through which a flow of gas is established forming a layer supporting a liquid mass is strengthened partly to stiffen it and partly to control the shape of the lower surface of the supported liquid. Chambers containing different pressures can be formed, and possibly, separated by some of these strengthening parts to improve the equalisation by reducing the pressure at the center. Finally, capillaries may pass through the plate to measure the pressure or provide additional equalisation of the thickness of the layer by a suction device.

Abstract: A humidifier includes a housing, a fan assembly, a wick assembly, a first humidity sensor, a second humidity sensor, and a controller. The housing has an air inlet, an air outlet, and a reservoir for holding water. The fan assembly creates an airflow through the housing from the inlet to the outlet. The wick assembly is in fluid communication with the water in the reservoir and extends into the airflow within the housing for adding moisture to the airflow. The first humidity sensor measures an ambient air relative humidity and produces a first signal corresponding to the ambient air relative humidity. The second humidity sensor measures an outlet air humidity and produces a second signal corresponding to the outlet air humidity. The controller is in electrical communication with the first and second humidity sensors. The controller receives the first and second signals and performs calculations to produce an output signal.

Abstract: A structured packing element comprises a plurality of corrugated sheets and one planar member positioned adjacent to each of the corrugated sheets. The planar member has a top edge and a bottom edge that are at least proximally aligned with the top and bottom edges respectively of the corrugated sheets. The planar member is further characterized by a middle portion having an open area percent that is higher than the open area percents of the top and bottom portions of the planar member. The structured packing element can be used to form structured packings for distillation applications.