Abstract: The invention relates to a photobioreactor (1) for cultivating phototrophic microorganisms (such as microalgae for example), comprising a reactor element (2) which has a plurality of rising pipes (3a) and falling pipes (3b) for a liquid culture medium (4) containing the microorganisms and which has a distributing pipe (5). The upper ends (6) of each of the rising pipes (3a) and the falling pipes (3b) are connected to the distributing pipe (5) in a liquid-permeable manner. The invention is characterized in that both the culture medium (4) as well as a gas chamber (9) above the culture medium (4) for receiving gas bubbles (10) rising out of the culture medium (4) are provided in the distributing pipe (5) in the operating state, wherein a boundary surface (11) is arranged between the culture medium (4) and the gas chamber (9) in the distributing pipe (5).

Abstract: A hybrid system and method for conditioning air for an enclosed space can include a direct cooling system in combination with an indirect cooling system. The hybrid system can use direct cooling when ambient temperature and humidity levels are such that 100% outdoor air can be delivered to the enclosed space. The hybrid system can use indirect cooling when 100% of the return air can be conditioned using an external cooling unit and then returned to the enclosed space as supply air. The external cooling unit can include an evaporative cooler and operate in a dry mode and a wet mode. The external cooling unit can produce a reduced temperature cooling fluid and provide liquid cooling to the air when the system is operating in the indirect mode, and in some cases, in the direct mode. The hybrid system can operate in a mixed mode in which the external cooling unit is off and a mix of return air and outdoor air can be delivered to the enclosed space.

Abstract: A method and system for balancing water content in a liquid mixture is described. The method includes using an direct column contact evaporator to reduce the water content in the liquid mixture. The liquid mixture is provided in the open column direct contact evaporator with relatively dry air. The dry air evaporates excess water from the liquid mixture to concentrate the liquid mixture while at the same time reducing the energy required for water evaporation elsewhere in the plant.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a humidification-dehumidification desalination system. A humidification subsystem of the humidification-dehumidification desalination system includes a thermal element and a bubble column, in series. The thermal element further comprises a thermal energy storage unit including a phase change material and a thermal conductor. The thermal element can be supplemented by a Fresnel lens canopy. The thermal element and the bubble column of the humidification design are arranged in staircase design such that gravity drives the system.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally relate to apparatuses that include a vessel comprising a humidification region (e.g., a bubble column humidification region) and a dehumidification region (e.g., a bubble column dehumidification region), and associated systems and methods. In certain embodiments, the apparatuses are configured to include various internal features, such as vapor distribution regions and/or liquid flow control weirs and/or baffles. In some cases, the apparatuses are used in water purification systems, such as desalination systems. The water purification systems may comprise additional devices external to the apparatuses, such as one or more heat exchangers, one or more heating devices, and/or one or more cooling devices.

Abstract: An aromatic misting system for use with a bathtub comprises a reservoir having an open top end in which a removable cover structure is disposed. The cover structure has an orifice through which an aromatic mist is discharged. A liquid atomizing piezoelectric element is sealingly secured at a bottom end of the reservoir. The cover structure has a switch actuator when disposed at one position. When the cover is positioned at a second closed position, the reservoir is closed and the switch is not actuated. When there is hot water in the bathtub, the aromatic mist created in the reservoir is drawn out by the hot air generated by hot water placed in the bathtub adjacent the cover orifice, thus creating a temperature differential between the hot air and the cooler mist generated in the reservoir wherein the mist is drawn out by the temperature differential and propagates into a misty cloud over the bathtub.

Abstract: An evaporative HVAC apparatus is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the apparatus provides an at least one housing having an inner surface that defines a substantially tubular-shaped air passage extending therethrough. An absorbent wicking layer is formed immediately adjacent to at least a portion of the inner surface of the housing, and a thermal layer is formed immediately adjacent to an inner surface of the wicking layer. The housing also provides an at least one fluid inlet aperture through which a fluid line extends a distance into the housing so as to be in fluid communication with the wicking layer. Thus, a fluid is selectively delivered to the wicking layer through the fluid line which, in turn, permeates the thermal layer and evaporates into the air located immediately adjacent an exposed inner surface of the thermal layer, thereby affecting the temperature of the air moving through the air passage.

Abstract: A waterfall decorative humidifier, including mainly a housing, a water exit on top of the housing, a water sub-receptacle in the lower portion of the housing, a water pump in the water sub-receptacle, and a fan in the housing; in which the water pump is connected with the water exit through a water pipe, and in which the housing is generally of the shape of a waterfall; wherein at least one shaft is provided on the housing, and a decoration is connected to the shaft directly or through a mechanism.

Abstract: A system for removing gray water from a lavatory or galley area has a container positioned in a floor of the lavatory or the galley. A conduit is provided in flow communication with the container. The conduit is coupled to a ventilation device configured to generate an air flow in the conduit to evaporate the gray water collected in the container.

Abstract: A scent diffuser method and apparatus that uses a sealed dry technology scent either alone in as part of a cartridge that is inserted into a housing and wherein the sealed scent cartridge is actuated to expose it to the immediate environment thereby allowing the scent to be diffused throughout the immediate proximity. The scent is activate through the use of a fan or the application of heat through a power source. As a stand alone unit, a device using the cartridge is activatable through the depression of a knob that is powered by a spring to keep it open and closed as desired. Once open, the knob can be rotated to control the speed of scent diffusion.

Abstract: Systems and methods for gas processing are described that utilize two or more cells that are fluidly coupled to one another by a common liquid space. Via the common liquid space, each of the cells can be coupled to a fluid outlet. The cells can each include an absorber and/or other gas processing equipment. A feed gas can be separately fed to each of the cells for processing. The cells can be independently operable, such that not all of the cells must be operated simultaneously.

Abstract: A method of forming a membrane panel configured to be secured within an energy exchange assembly may include forming an outer frame defining a central opening, and integrating a membrane sheet with the outer frame. The membrane sheet spans across the central opening, and is configured to transfer one or both of sensible energy or latent energy therethrough. The integrating operation may include injection-molding the outer frame to edge portions of the membrane sheet. Alternatively, the integrating operation may include laser-bonding, ultrasonically bonding, heat-sealing, or the like, the membrane sheet to the outer frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for influencing the smell coming from shaft openings of underground sewers, in which water droplets are sprayed into the air in shafts (1) of underground sewers which are open in the direction of the ambient air. Said spraying device comprises a pressure vessel (3) containing water and a nozzle (4) having one or more fine openings through which water can escape from the pressure vessel (3), the pressure vessel (3) being subject to a hydrostatic pressure which is by at least 2 bars greater than the ambient pressure, and the diameter of one or more nozzle openings being less than 130 ?m.

Abstract: A beverage making cartridge for use in a beverage making machine includes a beverage making cartridge enclosure comprising a gas source portion, the gas source portion further including a solid gas source that through sublimation emits a gas, and a one-way vent arranged in the beverage making cartridge enclosure vents the gas emitted from the solid gas source, such that it can be captured and stored in a gas storage tank, wherein the gas from the gas storage tank is dissolved in a beverage diluent liquid and mixed with at least one of a beverage ingredient to form the beverage. Exemplary embodiment includes a dispenser attached to the beverage making cartridge, the dispenser dispenses the beverage diluent liquid and the beverage ingredient to form a beverage.

Abstract: A structured cover that is placed on an automobile's dashboard (and/or the rear window shelf) and provided with a quantity of water, or other suitable liquid, that on heating will evaporate into the interior air of the vehicle. The device includes a water impermeable layer that lays against and partially covers the top surface of the dashboard and/or rear shelf and a water wicking layer over the impermeable layer that may be saturated with water (on a repeated basis as necessary) and serve as a reservoir for the evaporative process to be carried out. The multilayered surface may be manually refilled with water (or other suitable liquid) from a hand held container or may be automatically refilled from reservoirs structured in fluid connection to the evaporative surface.

Abstract: A dispensing system for dispensing a material is disclosed that includes a housing for receipt of a dispenser holding a material. A fan is disposed within the housing. Upon activation, the fan draws air into the housing and diffuses the material charged air from the housing with a substantially 360 degree dispersal pattern.

Abstract: A novel system and method for degassing H2S and H2Sx from liquid sulfur (sulphur) is disclosed. The system includes a degassing vessel with a plurality of cells. The cells include a sparging gas mat with a perforated surface at the bottom of the cell to allow the release of air bubbles (or sparging gas) into the cells. A catalyst may be used during the process. As a result, hydrogen sulfide and hydrogen polysulfide are efficiently and effectively removed from the liquid sulfur.

Abstract: An air cooled condenser apparatus has a tubular shell having an open upper end and an open lower end, a ring of tube bundle panels disposed generally vertically and at an angle to each other, with each of the tube bundles comprising a primary condenser region and a secondary condenser region, and adapted for air flow therethrough to condense fluid in the panels, and configured so that air flow through the panels passes through and exits the open upper end of the shell, and a duct disposed at the ground level of the shell, and a non-condensable extraction system with active or passive devices to control the local rate of the evacuated mixture of non-condensables and attached steam.

Abstract: A respiratory humidification system having a capillary passage in communication with a ventilator, the ventilator adapted to deliver an air stream, a heater operable to at least partially vaporize water in the capillary passage, a pumping unit adapted to supply water to the capillary passage, wherein the water upon heating is at least partially vaporized to form an aerosol stream. The aerosol stream is combined with the air stream to form a humidified air stream.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods provide for the cooling of an aircraft subsystem. Coolant is routed through a heat-producing subsystem to absorb heat from the subsystem and to maintain the subsystem at a desired temperature. Bleed air from an aircraft engine is cooled, dehumidified, and routed to a cooling mechanism. In the cooling mechanism, a portion of the heated coolant is evaporated into the dehumidified bleed air, cooling the remaining coolant. The reduced-temperature coolant is routed back to the subsystem to absorb further heat. Humid air from the cooling mechanism and the dehumidifying mechanism is utilized by other aircraft subsystems.

Abstract: An air-cooled heat exchanger (ACHE) for cooling process fluids used in an industrial process. In one embodiment, the ACHE is configured as a forced-draft ACHE. A support structure supports the forced draft ACHE above grade. A tube bundle is supported by the structure and is configured to receive process fluids used in an industrial process. A plenum is connected to the support structure, positioned beneath the tube bundle and configured to direct air-flow through the tube bundle. A fan is supported by the support structure and positioned beneath the plenum. Rotation of the fan produces an air-flow that is directed through the tube bundle by the plenum. A fan drive system is supported by the support structure, positioned beneath the fan and comprises a permanent magnet motor comprising a motor casing, a stator and a rotatable shaft, the rotatable shaft being connected to the fan.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a method of processing oil, comprising providing a high shear device comprising at least one rotor and at least one complementarily-shaped stator configured to mix a gas with a liquid; contacting a gas with an oil in the high shear device, wherein the gas is an inert gas or a reactive gas; and forming a product, wherein the product is a solution, a dispersion, or combination thereof. Herein also disclosed is a high shear system for processing oil, comprising; at least one high shear device, having an inlet and at least one rotor and at least one complementarily-shaped stator configured to mix a gas with a liquid; a gas source fluidly connected to the inlet; an oil source fluidly connected to the inlet; and a pump positioned upstream of a high shear device, the pump in fluid connection with the inlet and the oil source.

Abstract: Device (10, 110) for evaporating a liquid, includes: a reservoir (14) containing the liquid; an organ for absorbing the liquid (16); and an organ for producing a gas flow (18), which is directed towards the absorption organ (16); characterized in that the absorption organ (16) includes a plurality of absorbent strips (24) suited to retain the liquid.

Abstract: A direct evaporative air handler for providing supply air to humidify and cool an enclosed space such as a data center. The air handler includes an evaporative cooler and a return air port that is positioned upstream of the evaporative cooler to allow recirculated air from the enclosed space to pass through the evaporative cooler. The air handler includes an additional return air port that is positioned downstream of the evaporative cooler to allow recirculated air from the enclosed space to bypass the evaporative cooler. The air handler includes an outdoor air port that is positioned upstream of the evaporative cooler to allow outdoor air to pass through the evaporative cooler and further includes an outdoor air bypass port that allows outdoor air to enter the air handler without passing through the evaporative cooler. The temperature and humidity of the supply air can be controlled under various ambient conditions by controlling the amount of air that enters the air handler through each port.

Abstract: A drive system for driving a fan in a wet cooling tower, wherein the fan has a fan hub and fan blades attached to the fan hub. The drive system has a high-torque, low speed permanent magnet motor having a motor casing, a stator and a rotatable shaft, wherein the rotatable shaft is configured for connection to the fan hub. The drive system includes a variable frequency drive device to generate electrical signals that effect rotation of the rotatable shaft of the motor in order to rotate the fan.

Abstract: The present invention is a froth wand for an espresso machine that can generate a high velocity stream of steam to foam a beverage at the beverage brewing apparatus. The wand includes an adapter for attaching to the beverage brewing machine at a steam supply outlet, and a conduit for communicating the steam to a steam tube. The steam tube has a cylindrical body with an annular recessed exit, and is surrounded by a cylindrical sheath. The sheath includes a cylindrical plug with a small longitudinal aperture that fits into the outlet of the steam tube. The mating of the sheath's plug and the steam tube forces the steam through the aperture, accelerating the steam at the exit.

Abstract: A device that; hangs below (FIG. #1), sits against (FIG. #2), or sits above (FIG. #3) the hot air or air conditioning vents of a heating or cooling system which catches and directs the forced air towards the contained liquid in the designed device to humidify and remove dust/dirt particles in the internal heating or cooling system. The design of the device then directs the cleaner more humid air out of the designed openings of the invention into the room.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to an HVPE chamber. The chamber may have two separate precursor sources coupled thereto to permit two separate layers to be deposited. For example, a gallium source and a separate aluminum source may be coupled to the processing chamber to permit gallium nitride and aluminum nitride to be separately deposited onto a substrate in the same processing chamber. The nitrogen may be introduced to the processing chamber at a separate location from the gallium and the aluminum and at a lower temperature. The different temperatures causes the gases to mix together, react and deposit on the substrate with little or no deposition on the chamber walls.

Abstract: An indirect hot water cooling device for a steam humidifier. The steam humidifier has a body of hot water and a drain valve for draining the body of hot water. The device includes a reservoir separate from the steam humidifier and receiving hot water from the steam humidifier drain valve; a connection from the steam humidifier drain valve to the reservoir; a re-circulating source of chilled water; a connection from the re-circulating source of chilled water to the reservoir; and a drain outlet from the reservoir. A method of draining a steam humidifier includes the steps of: draining the hot water in the humidifier to a separate reservoir; supplying re-circulating chilled water to the separate reservoir; and draining cooled water from the separate reservoir.

Abstract: A humidifier assembly for connection to a supply plenum duct of a forced-air HVAC system through which an air flow passes when a blower associated with the forced-air HVAC system is in operation. The humidifier assembly includes an air-permeable water-saturable media member having a supply air intake side and an opposing humidified air exhaust side, and a housing adapted to hold the media member within the supply plenum duct such that the media member divides the air flow into a first portion that passes alongside the supply air intake side of the media member and a second portion that passes alongside the humidified air exhaust side of the media member.

Abstract: A method for treating a process gas with a liquid comprises contacting a process gas with a hygroscopic working fluid in order to remove a constituent from the process gas. A system for treating a process gas with a liquid comprises a hygroscopic working fluid comprising a component adapted to absorb or react with a constituent of a process gas, and a liquid-gas contactor for contacting the working fluid and the process gas, wherein the constituent is removed from the process gas within the liquid-gas contactor.

Abstract: A variable pressure device to solubilize carbon dioxide (CO2 ) in a beverage includes: a carbonation tank, a CO2 inlet valve and a venting valve attached to the tank's top part; a discharge valve attached to the tank's bottom part; a booster pump arranged immediately after the discharge valve; a recycling valve arranged immediately after the booster pump, which is connected to a recycling inlet at the top part of the tank; an outlet between the pump and the recycling valve; a level sensor arranged on the lid of the tank; a CO2 inlet valve attached to a tank side near its top part; a modulating valve arranged after the CO2 inlet valve; a Venturi attached immediately after the modulating valve; a control point arranged between the modulating valve and the Venturi; and a beverage inlet valve into the tank attached immediately after the Venturi, which is formed by a pipeline.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a method of processing oil, comprising providing a high shear device comprising at least one rotor and at least one complementarily-shaped stator configured to mix a gas with a liquid; contacting a gas with an oil in the high shear device, wherein the gas is an inert gas or a reactive gas; and forming a product, wherein the product is a solution, a dispersion, or combination thereof. Herein also disclosed is a high shear system for processing oil, comprising; at least one high shear device, having an inlet and at least one rotor and at least one complementarily-shaped stator configured to mix a gas with a liquid; a gas source fluidly connected to the inlet; an oil source fluidly connected to the inlet; and a pump positioned upstream of a high shear device, the pump in fluid connection with the inlet and the oil source.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for handling gases, the apparatus comprising an inlet gas duct (2) leading said gas to a bubbling tank (21), and a gas buffer drum (3) opening into the tank (21) via perforations formed on a plate (3a) of the drum (3), and a suction duct (5) submerged in gas handling liquid (7) situated in the tank (21), and having a gas outlet duct (8) connected into the gas room (3b) of the tank (21). Said perforations formed on the plate (3a) of the drum (3) are shaped as nozzles (4) having a blow direction (J) inclined by an acute angle relating to the plate (3a). The apparatus further comprising a valve (31) for draining the liquid (7) and a turbine house (22) divided into two chambers (22a, 22b) by a plate (27), the first chamber (22a) housing an air turbine (43) driven by a liquid turbine (23) housed in the second chamber (22b) and operated by a liquid jet nozzle (26).

Abstract: A respiratory humidification system having a capillary passage in communication with a ventilator, the ventilator adapted to deliver an air stream, a heater operable to at least partially vaporize water in the capillary passage, a pumping unit adapted to supply water to the capillary passage, wherein the water upon heating is at least partially vaporized to form an aerosol stream. The aerosol stream is combined with the air stream to form a humidified air stream.

Abstract: The present invention is a pressure monitoring panel apparatus with a panel housing that contains a programmable logic controller. Pressure transducers transmit the pressures from an aeration basin diffuser head and an aeration basin airline to a programmable logic controller. The programmable logic controller uses the pressures from the aeration basin diffuser head and aeration basin airline to determine the airflow rate through the aeration basin diffuser and the pressure drop across the aeration basin diffuser. Those values are then displayed on a viewable interface.

Abstract: A portable appliance includes a humidifier and a heated scent mechanism. The heated scent mechanism includes a scent generator that harvests excess heat produced by a liquid heating chamber, or heat produced as a byproduct of motor operation. The humidifier may be controllable such that the appliance can serve as either a humidifier or air-freshener, individually or simultaneously.

Abstract: An air cooled condenser apparatus has a tubular shell having an open upper end and an open lower end, a ring of tube bundle panels disposed generally vertically and at an angle to each other, with each of the tube bundles having a primary condenser region and a secondary condenser region, and adapted for air flow therethrough to condense fluid in the panels, and configured so that air flow through the panels passes through and exits the open upper end of the shell, and a duct disposed at the ground level of the shell, and a non-condensable extraction system with active or passive devices to control the local rate of the evacuated mixture of non-condensables and attached steam.

Abstract: To provide a sauna device having a small number of components without any special heat source, operable at a low running cost, and capable of turning a sauna room into a high humidity space with low noise. The sauna device has a heating/humidifying unit for heating/humidifying air, a ventilating unit for exhausting the air in the sauna room, and a control unit for controlling the heating/humidifying unit and the ventilating unit. The heating/humidifying unit has a heating section for heating the air through a circulation blowing section for circulating the air in the sauna room and a humidifying section for humidifying the heated air having passed through the heating section. The humidified air is blown out into the sauna room through the humidifying section. A bent portion where the air-blowing duct through which the humidified air having passed through the humidifying section passes is bent is provided.

Abstract: An integrated fan drive system for air-cooled heat exchangers. The integrated fan drive system has a high-torque, low speed permanent magnet motor having a rotatable shaft, a fan that is directly connected to the rotatable shaft, and a variable frequency drive device in electrical signal communication with the permanent magnet motor to control the rotational speed of the permanent magnet motor. The high-torque, permanent magnet motor comprises no more than two bearings in operative association with the shaft. The variable frequency drive device has a variable frequency controller that has an input for receiving AC power and an output for providing electrical signals that control the operational speed of high-torque, permanent magnet motor. The variable frequency drive device also includes a user interface in electronic data signal communication with the variable frequency controller to allow a user to input motor speed control data. Other embodiments of the invention are described herein.

Abstract: An aeration apparatus is immersed in water to be treated and generates fine air bubbles in the water to be treated. The aeration apparatus includes: an air supply pipe for supplying air through discharge unit; aeration nozzles 123 including an introduction portion for introducing air 122 supplied from an opening 15a of a header 15 in communication with the air supply pipe, and a support body extending from the introduction portion and covered with a diffuser membrane having slits for discharging the air 122 to the outside; water introducing unit for introducing water into the header through the air supply pipe; and an atomizing unit 25 for atomizing the introduced water 141 with the aid of the air 122 supplied from the opening 15a of the header. Water mist 141a atomized by the atomizing unit 25 passes through the slit and is discharged to the outside together with the air 122.

Abstract: The invention relates to a scrubber tower of a flue gas purification device as well as a flue gas purification device including a corresponding scrubber tower.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a porous ceramic structure, and a dehumidification/humidification apparatus comprising the same. More particularly, the present invention comprises: a porous ceramic humidifying medium having an inner circumferential surface and an outer circumferential surface; a dehumidifying medium which has an inner circumferential surface and an outer circumferential surface, and which is disposed in the porous ceramic humidifying medium; and a cutoff layer formed between the inner circumferential surface of the humidifying medium and the outer circumferential surface of the dehumidifying medium. The porous ceramic structure and the dehumidification/humidification apparatus comprising same according to the present invention can easily increase the humidifying and dehumidifying capacity, simplify a flow channel, and achieve a compact design.

Abstract: An integrated fan drive system for a cooling tower comprising a high-torque, low speed permanent magnet motor having a rotatable shaft, a fan comprising a hub that is directly connected to the rotatable shaft and a plurality of fan blades that are attached to the hub, and a variable frequency drive device in electrical signal communication with the permanent magnet motor to control the rotational speed of the permanent magnet motor. The high-torque, permanent magnet motor comprises no more than two bearings in operative association with the shaft. The variable frequency drive device has a variable frequency controller that has an input for receiving AC power and an output for providing electrical signals that control the operational speed of high-torque, permanent magnet motor. The variable frequency drive device also includes a user interface in electronic data signal communication with the variable frequency controller to allow a user to input motor speed control data.

Abstract: A mist humidifier includes a water supply, at least one nebulization device and at least one heater mechanism. The nebulization device nebulizes at least a portion of a flow of water from the water supply and discharges a flow of mist particles. The heater mechanism selectively heats at least a portion of the flow of mist particles.

Abstract: A respiratory humidification system having a capillary passage in communication with a ventilator, the ventilator adapted to deliver an air stream, a heater operable to at least partially vaporize water in the capillary passage, a pumping unit adapted to supply water to the capillary passage, wherein the water upon heating is at least partially vaporized to form an aerosol stream. The aerosol stream is combined with the air stream to form a humidified air stream.

Abstract: A method of and system for treating water to reduce the level of trihalomethanes includes the water to be treated (WTBT) being sprayed through a nozzle to aerate the WTBT to increase the air/water interface therein reducing the level of trihalomethanes in the water. In one embodiment, the pressure of the WTBT in the nozzle is adjusted and the nozzle is selected to have a nozzle orifice such that the droplet size of the water to be treated from the nozzle is less than 150 microns SMD. In addition, the nozzle is spaced from a holding tank for receiving and collecting the sprayed water such that the surface of the treated water is a minimum of four meters from the nozzle.

Abstract: A method for sorbing a gas using an ionic liquid to sorb a vapor having an electric multi-pole moment. The ionic liquid comprises an anion and a cation. The electric multi-pole moment may be an electric dipole moment and/or an electric quadru-pole moment. The sorption may be an adsorption or an absorption. The ionic liquid may be a liquid that substantially contains only anions and cations, while not containing other components, such as water. Alternatively, a solution containing the ionic liquid and a solvent or further compound, such as water, may be used.

Abstract: A cooling tower for evaporating water from a brine solution is provided and may include a housing having an air inlet and a brine inlet. The cooling tower may also include a heat-exchange assembly having a heat-exchange media that suspends the brine solution and at least one nozzle in fluid communication with the brine inlet. The at least one nozzle may receive the brine solution from the brine inlet and may transfer the brine solution from the brine inlet to the heat-exchange media to allow the heat-exchange media to transfer moisture from the brine solution to air received from the air inlet to reduce the moisture content of the brine solution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for the generation of directed vapor from a liquid source. Vaporization takes place within a device capable of confining boiling to a geometrically small volume, and expelling it as heated vapor via capillary vaporization. The foregoing is accomplished through the use of a lightweight, compact and portable personal vaporization device that generates heated vapor by the flash boiling of small volumes of aqueous liquid in a safe and energy-efficient manner. Further, the production of vapor absent microbes in aqueous systems is accomplished through the combination of microporous componentry and flash vaporization. The apparatus and methods are directed toward personal humidification for comfort and therapeutic purposes in the case of aqueous liquids, but may also be used with other, non-aqueous liquids.