Abstract: A system, a cartridge and a dispensing valve for eliminating a drift or sag in BCDMH output from an inline dispensing valve containing a dispensing cartridge mountable within the inline dispensing valve with the dispensing cartridge containing a batch of water erodible cluster inhibiting BCDMH particles to provide a linear output flow of BCDMH which is responsive to flow of water though a cartridge in the dispensing valve and a method of obtaining a linear output in a dispensing system by increasing the size of particles in a dispensing cartridge in the system.

Abstract: A venturi flow meter for an EGR apparatus includes an inner wall defining an interior space including a converging inlet section, a throat section, and a diverging outlet section and an outer wall surrounding the inner wall and attached to the inner wall, the outer wall being spaced from the inner wall to define an insulating space between the inner wall and the outer wall.

Abstract: An un-pressurized chlorination device comprises a container having an open top closed by a removable lid. The container defines an inner chamber for a plurality of chlorination tablets. The container has a lower inlet spigot for receiving a water supply inlet pipe. The container also has a lower water outlet through which chlorinated water is delivered. There is a water flow path between the inlet and the outlet. The tablet chamber is not pressurized and the outlet discharges to atmosphere pressure. The device of the invention is useful for dissolving, dispersing and dispensing soluble material in tablet form into a liquid. There is a substantially horizontal fluid path with just enough fall to the outlet to allow the device to drain down out of the outlet when there is no inlet flow.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-dosing detergent delivery device.

Abstract: Devices for use in the disposal of pharmaceutical compositions are provided. Aspects of the devices include: a support having a surface; an activated carbon layer present on the surface; and an adhesive for stably associating a pharmaceutical composition with the activated carbon layer upon application of the pharmaceutical composition to the activated carbon layer. Also provided are methods of using the devices and kits containing the devices.

Abstract: A method for the evaporative production of phenol-BPA adduct crystals in a crystallizer is provided. First, a supersaturated BPA solution is introduced into a crystallizer that includes a cylindrical vessel and a concentrically-disposed draft tube that defines an annular space between the vessel and tube. Next, the BPA solution is circulated through the draft tube and annular space while a coolant is uniformly distributed in the circulating flow by radially injecting a volatile hydrocarbon compound at between about 30% and 60% of a radial extent of the annular space of to form a BPA mixture. Phenol-BPA adduct crystals are produced in the vessel by evaporating the volatile hydrocarbon compound out of the BPA mixture. The method provides a consistent and uniform concentration of coolant across the surface of the boiling zone that prevents or at least reduces unwanted crystal nucleation.

Abstract: A crystallizer for the evaporative production of phenol-BPA adduct crystals is provided that achieves more uniform crystal growth while suppressing undesired crystal nucleation. The crystallizer includes a cylindrical vessel; a draft tube concentrically disposed within the cylindrical vessel such that an annular space is defined between the vessel and tube; an impeller that circulates liquid in the vessel through the draft tube and the annular space, and a plurality of nozzles mounted around an inner wall of said cylindrical vessel that introduce an evaporative coolant into the vessel. Each of the nozzles includes a discharge end disposed between about 30% and 60% of a radial extent of the annular space, and is located below an upper end of the draft tube a distance of between about 50% to 150% of the diameter of the vessel. Such a nozzle arrangement provides a consistent and uniform concentration of coolant across the surface of the boiling zone that prevents or at least reduces unwanted crystal nucleation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the catalytic treatment of exhaust gases of motor vehicles which comprises a catalyst substrate designed as a hollow cylinder, an inlet-side and an outlet-side gas baffle and an outer wall, wherein the gas baffles enclose the catalyst substrate and the outlet-side gas baffle and the catalyst substrate form a first cavity into which an exhaust-gas stream can be fed, passing through the catalyst substrate and entering a second cavity which is surrounded by outer wall, gas baffles and catalyst substrate, wherein the outlet-side gas baffle has gas vents, and wherein the recessed part of the outlet-side gas baffle is beaded, with the result that the catalyst substrate is fixed. The invention also relates to a process for the production of the device according to the invention and its use, plus a method for cleaning exhaust gases of motor vehicles.

Abstract: A method for dispersing an additive from an additive cartridge disposed in a housing of an oil filter is provided herein, the method includes using stagnation pressure to disperse the additive from the additive cartridge; and regulating a flow rate of the additive from the additive cartridge by restricting an inlet opening of an outlet tube of the additive cartridge.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus for delivery of a gas, e.g., carbon dioxide and/or chlorine dioxide, and methods of its use and manufacture. The apparatus includes a sachet constructed in part with a hydrophobic material. The sachet contains one or more reactants that generate a gas in the presence of an initiating agent, e.g., water. The apparatus can also include a barrier layer and/or a rigid frame. In another embodiment, the apparatus is combined with a reservoir that can be used to deliver a gas to the reservoir and, optionally, a conduit. In another embodiment, the apparatus is incorporated into a fluid dispersion system that includes a dispersion apparatus, e.g., a humidifier.

Abstract: A device for dissolving solid chemical substances in water is provided with: a container, which has a bottom portion designed to contain an aqueous solution; a perforated loading chamber, which is set at the top of the bottom portion and is designed to contain a solid chemical substance; and a spraying device set within the loading chamber for directing at least one jet of water onto the solid chemical substance. In use, the solid chemical substance is set around the spraying device, and the jet of water is directed downwards and/or laterally so as not to wet the solid chemical substance set above the spraying device. In this way, there is obtained a relatively gradual dissolution of the solid chemical substance and a lower development of gaseous substances having an unpleasant smell.

Abstract: A system and method for extracting active elemental iodine from the contact of water with stored crystal iodine and for introducing the extracted elemental iodine into a water supply line and/or otherwise making the extracted elemental iodine available for an intended use. The system operates by allowing a portion of the water entering from a water supply line to be redirected to a first housing where it makes contact with stored crystal iodine causing to extract active elemental iodine. The iodinized water leaves the first housing and enters a second housing where it makes contact additional stored crystal iodine to help stabilize the elemental iodine concentration. The system can be designed to provide the elemental iodine in more than one potency concentration through the use of a metering valve and different travel routes for the elemental iodine out of the second housing.

Abstract: A device (1) for dissolving solid chemical substances in water is provided with: a container (2), which has a bottom portion (6) designed to contain an aqueous solution; a perforated loading chamber (9), which is set at the top of the bottom portion (6) and is designed to contain a solid chemical substance (10); and a spraying device (18) set within the loading chamber (9) for directing at least one jet of water onto the solid chemical substance (10). In use, the solid chemical substance (10) is set around the spraying device (18), and the jet of water is directed downwards and/or laterally so as not to wet the solid chemical substance (10) set above the spraying device (18). In this way, there is obtained a relatively gradual dissolution of the solid chemical substance (10) and a lower development of gaseous substances having an unpleasant smell.

Abstract: Magnetic nanoparticles and methods for their use in detecting biological molecules are disclosed. The magnetic nanoparticles can be attached to nucleic acid molecules, which are then captured by a complementary sequence attached to a detector, such as a spin valve detector or a magnetic tunnel junction detector. The detection of the bound magnetic nanoparticle can be achieved with high specificity and sensitivity.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for use in a cartridge for on-line preparation of a solution for a medical procedure. The device comprises a hollow body, the body having a first end and a second end and is provided with through holes in its wall. The second end is closed, while the first end is open and adapted for receiving fluid introduced into the cartridge. The fluid leaves the device through said holes. Furthermore, the invention relates to a cartridge provided with such a device, a method of manufacturing such a cartridge and the use of a charge of concentrate in such a cartridge.

Abstract: A system and method for extracting active elemental iodine from the contact of water with stored crystal iodine and for introducing the extracted elemental iodine into a water supply line and/or otherwise making the extracted elemental iodine available for an intended use. The system operates by allowing a portion of the water entering from a water supply line to be redirected to a first housing where it makes contact with stored crystal iodine causing to extract active elemental iodine. The iodinized water leaves the first housing and enters a second housing where it makes contact additional stored crystal iodine to help stabilize the elemental iodine concentration. The system can be designed to provide the elemental iodine in more than one potency concentration through the use of a metering valve and different travel routes for the elemental iodine out of the second housing.

Abstract: A corrosion inhibitor dispensing apparatus has a housing with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. A first body within the housing comprises a cathodic corrosion inhibitor. A second body within the housing comprises an anodic corrosion inhibitor.

Abstract: A cartridge holder (30) for an automated endoscope reprocessor (10) is mounted on a movable rack (14). As the rack is wheeled into the chamber, a connector (164) on the cartridge holder (164) automatically makes a fluid connection with a connection port (158) within the chamber. The cartridge holder includes a base (42) and a lid (44), which is pivotally connected to the base by a hinge (110). A cartridge (40) holding a dose of a disinfectant concentrate or reagents is positioned in a well (50) defined by the base and the lid closed. Water flows through the cartridge holder via a fluid passageway (A) defined in part by the lid and in part by the hinge. The water mixes with the concentrate or reagents and the resulting disinfectant solution passes out of a lower end (205) of the cartridge into the well. The solution flows upwardly, around the cartridge, through an annular space (232) between the cartridge and the well, disinfecting the well in the process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for physically separating polypeptide constituents of a sample fluid by (a) providing a sample fluid comprising a mixture of polypeptides of differing physical and/or chemical properties; (b) contacting the fluid with at least two individual polymer matrix units, each polymer matrix unit preferentially accepting a different set of polypeptides on the basis of one or more physical and/or chemical properties; and (c) extracting the set of polypeptides from each polymer matrix unit.

Abstract: One embodiment provides for a liquids/solids reaction vessel configured to contain a mixture of at least one liquid and at least one solid. The vessel includes a closed perimeter wall defined by an effective height, and a bottom connected to the closed perimeter wall to thereby define a vessel volume configured to contain the mixture. The reaction vessel further includes a solids extraction system located in at least one of the bottom or in the perimeter wall proximate the bottom. The effective height is selected to produce a pressure proximate the bottom of the reaction vessel selected to eject the at least one solid through the solids extraction system under the influence of gravity alone. The effective height can be further selected to cause an increase in a reaction rate between the at least one liquid and the at least one solid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the transfer between a solid matter and a liquid, comprising an outer drum and a perforated inner drum, means for commonly rotating the drums, and means situated inside the inner drum for moving the solid matter. In between the two drums, a number of troughs are formed which, during the rotation of the drums, bring up liquid and pour it out higher up through the inner drum. Along the front rim of each trough, the drum is provided with a drain opening, opposite to which means are provided for preventing, when the drain opening, during the rotation of the drums, is at the bottom, the penetration of solid matter through said opening.

Abstract: A floating device for dispersing a solute-containing solution comprised of a floatation cap in communication with a telescoping assembly having a sleeve for controlling the dispersion of the solute-containing solution is herein provided, as well as associated methods of use.

Abstract: A method of making a high efficiency magnetic sensor for determining the presence or amount of an analyte in a test sample. The method typically includes providing a sensing device with a magnetic sensing element, exposing the sensing device to a fluid test medium suspected of containing an analyte and monitoring the resistance of the magnetic sensing element to detect any change in the electrical resistance of the magnetic sensing element in response to the immobilization of a magnetizable particle. The magnetic sensing element comprises at least one planar layer of electrically conductive ferromagnetic material having an initial state in which the material has a circular magnetic moment within the plane of the layer, a means to immobilize a magnetizable particle at a point along an axis that is perpendicular to the plane of the layer and passes through the center of the circular magnetic moment, and a means for detecting the change in the electrical resistance of each magnetic sensing element.

Abstract: In one aspect the present invention provides purification devices for reducing the amount of contaminants in water, each device includes a water-soluble flocculant disposed within a body defining a multiplicity of pores, wherein the pores have an average diameter in the range of from 1 &mgr;m to 2000 &mgr;m. The present invention also provides methods for reducing the amount of contaminants in water.

Abstract: A device and method for dispensing chemical agents into a body of water includes a plastic, Bucket-like container having the chemical agents disposed therein. The side walls of the container are perforated with a plurality of perforations. Wrapped around the outside walls of the container is a removable cover layer disposed over the perforations. Disposed within the container is a layer of closed cell foam to provide the container with sufficient buoyancy to float at the surface of a body of water. The device is especially useful in the neutralization of pH within a lake or pond.

Abstract: A device and method for dispensing chemical agents into a body of water includes a plastic, Bucket-like container having the chemical agents disposed therein. The side walls of the container are perforated with a plurality of perforations. Wrapped around the outside walls of the container is a removable cover layer disposed over the perforations. Disposed within the container is a layer of closed cell foam to provide the container with sufficient buoyancy to float at the surface of a body of water. The device is especially useful in the neutralization of pH within a lake or pond.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for preventing the formation of deposits in a drainage system (100). The device (10) includes a container (12, 212), connected by a flexible cord (20) to a stopper (22). An antimicrobial composition (24) is placed in the container and the container is inserted into a drain opening (102). The container moves to the bottom of the trap (106) of the drainage system. The container is preferably located at least partially beneath the water or drainage fluid (110) in the bottom of the trap. The cord and stopper prevent the container from moving beyond the trap. The cord and stopper allow for removal of the container from the drainage system, once the composition has been fully dispensed.

Abstract: A device for dispensing chemical agents into a body of water includes a plastic, bucket-like container having the chemical agents disposed therein. The side walls of the container are perforated with a plurality of perforations. Wrapped around the outside walls of the container is a removable cover layer disposed over the perforations. Disposed within the container is a layer of closed cell foam to provide the container with sufficient buoyancy to float at the surface of a body of water. The device is especially useful in the fertilization of algae growth within a lake or pond.

Abstract: A magnetic sensing element detects the presence of magnetic particles in a binding assay. The magnetic sensing element has at least one planar layer of electrically conductive ferromagnetic material that has an initial state in which the material has a circular magnetic moment within the plane of the layer. The magnetic sensing element has molecules of a first specific binding member attached to it. The device also includes a fluid test medium to which the magnetic sensing element is exposed during the course of a binding assay. The fluid test medium includes magnetizable particles that become immobilized during the assay in relation to the amount of analyte in the test medium.

Abstract: In assembly for dispensing agents into drains and the like, includes a retaining member having a perforate wall structure substantially surrounding and enclosing a quantity of a sanitizing agent therein. The retaining member is preferably flexible and tubular, and may be formed into a donut-shaped configuration. The retaining member may be provided of a mesh material. The mesh initially holds the sanitizing agent, provided as a powder or in granular form therein. Upon wetting of the sanitizing agent, it may assume a gel-like consistency and erode to dispense the sanitizing agent into the liquid passing through the retaining member. A mount may be employed to both hold the retaining member in a proper position and configuration, and to secure edges of the retaining member in a closed position.

Abstract: A door (18) for sealing the opening (14) to a walk-in steam sterilizer is formed from a stainless steel plate (50), sized to cover the opening, and a load-bearing framework (52), which is formed from a material having a different coefficient of thermal expansion to that of the plate, such as carbon steel. The framework includes a set of horizontally-spaced I beams (60) which are connected together at their ends by an outer frame (64). The framework is flexibly connected to an exterior surface of the plate by a number of flexible joints (56), such as carbon steel straps. The straps are welded at either end to the plate to form loops. The I beams are supported in the loops. As the temperature inside the sterilizer changes, causing the components of the door to expand or contract, the framework and the plate are able to expand or contract at different rates without resulting in bowing or other distortion of the door. Sets of rollers (22, 24) are rotatably mounted to upper and lower ends of the outer frame.

Abstract: A chemical dispenser for dispensing chemicals into a tank holding liquid, such as a swimming pool. The chemical dispenser has a housing, a lid, an inlet and an outlet. The lid is selectively attachable to the housing to permit a sanitizing chemical to be placed in the housing.In a method according to the present invention, a chemical dispenser having a housing, a lid selectively attachable to the housing, an inlet orifice and outlet orifice is provided, and the inlet orifice is positioned to receive circulated liquid from the circulating system outlet. Next, chemical to be dispensed into the circulated liquid is provided and placed in the housing. Then the lid is attached to the housing, and the outlet orifice is positioned such that the flow of liquid from the outlet orifice establishes a flow pattern in the tank which causes debris to travel to and be collected at a debris collection site of the tank.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a stream of tap water flowing from the outlet of a fire hydrant comprises a T-shaped diffuser is combination with a frame having a pair of screens extending transverse with respect to outlets of the diffuser. A mesh bag containing a material in tablet form in mounted on each screen. In a preferred aspect of the disclosure, the material is sodium sulfite for interacting with chlorine in the tap water and converting the chlorine to a salt harmless to aquatic life.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously calcining gypsum includes a flash calcining impact mill, a feed bin adjacent the impact mill for holding gypsum, and a gypsum feed control mechanism for supplying gypsum from the feed bin to the impact mill at a substantially constant rate. A method for continuously producing calcined gypsum includes the steps of providing a flash calcining impact mill and providing a feed bin adjacent the impact mill, the feed bin containing gypsum to be calcined. A gypsum feed control mechanism is provided for supplying gypsum from the feed bin to the impact mill. Gypsum is supplied from the feed bin to the impact mill at a substantially constant rate, and the impact mill is operated to dry, grind, and calcine the gypsum.

Abstract: A low/intermediate/high flow tablet feeder is provided for the controlled dissolution of a solid treating agent in flowing liquid, such as water or wastewater. The tablet feeder includes a bottom wall which is contoured to define first, second and third fluid flow paths which are operative at low, intermediate and high volume/height fluid flow. An adjustable sluice is provided adjacent a downstream outlet of a chamber defined by the tablet feeder, and a sectional riser can be associated with the tablet feeder for extended or below grade installations.

Abstract: A receptacle for a fermented milk product starter culture is disclosed. The receptacle allows a single batch of starter culture to be transferred from one quantity of fermented milk to a fresh quantity of milk for formation of additional fermented milk product. Methods for the production of fermented milk product are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new and improved chlorine dispenser including a substantially cylindrical housing having a closed bottom and an open top in communication with an interior chamber. A pair of diametrically opposed apertures are disposed adjacent the bottom end for respectively receiving a water inlet and a water outlet pipe. A dial is rotatably mounted to the exterior surface of the housing immediately adjacent the bottom end. The dial is in communication with a valve means disposed within the water effluent line allowing the water flow through the interior chamber to be selectively adjusted. An elongated tubular shaft is received within the cylindrical housing and vertically depends from its bottom surface. On the exterior of the shaft is a switch means in communication with an output means which may be connected to an external or auxiliary alarm.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system for treating wastewater effluent flowing through a sewer pipe from a sewage treatment plant, and specially designed chlorine tablets for use in the treatment system. In a preferred embodiment the wastewater treatment system is characterized by a wastewater flow conduit which is mounted in the sewer pipe and a tablet loading neck, closed by a removable lid, extends upwardly from the wastewater flow conduit. A tablet support rod extends downwardly through the lid and tablet loading neck into the wastewater flow conduit. Multiple treatment tablets, each having a central opening, are slidably mounted on the tablet support rod in stacked relationship, and as the tablets in the wastewater flow conduit are dissolved by the flowing wastewater, the tablets in the tablet loading neck descend on the tablet support rod into the conduit, to replace the dissolved tablets.

Abstract: A chromatographic assay test device for use with immunoassays. The test device has a sample collection member pivotally coupled to a test strip receiving member. The sample collection member has a window for applying a test sample to a pad accessible through the window and the pad is repositionable to an inverted position to contact a chromatographic member inserted into the test device. The chromatographic member is then brought into opposition to the sample collection member thus improving test performance by reducing the manipulation of samples. The test device is constructed from five interconnected panels which are die cut from SBS cardboard. The first panel has a window for inserting a test strip and the second panel has a window for viewing the test strip during the test procedure. The third panel has the repositionable pad section. The fourth panel has a window for applying the test sample and the fifth panel covers the test sample window.

Abstract: An apparatus for the extraction of peat comprising an outer tank (1) and an inner tank compartment (3) having perforated walls (4,23) and being the actual container for peat to be extracted. Feeding pipes (13) for the supply of extracting medium extend into the inner tank compartment (3) while at least one outflow opening (7-11) is connected to the outer tank (1). Between the inner tank compartment (3) and the outer tank (1), there is a free space (38) filled with extracting medium. Preferably, the medium is supplied to a plurality of orifices within the inner tank compartment (3), and particularly to at least two different levels.

Abstract: An apparatus for photochemically oxidizing gaseous volatile or semi-volatile organic compounds includes: a) a reactor vessel having a plurality of reaction chambers provided therein, the reaction chambers having respective chamber lining sidewalls; b) a source of ultraviolet light provided within and along the reaction chambers to oxidize gaseous volatile or semi-volatile organic compounds fed to the reaction chambers into gaseous oxidation products; c) the sidewalls of the reaction chambers comprising a dry porous cementitious and chemically sorbent material, the sorbent material being chemically reactive with the gaseous oxidation products to produce solid reaction products incorporated in the reaction chamber sidewalls; and e) the sidewalls of the reaction chambers comprising a series of baffles mounted relative to the reactor vessel, the baffles defining a serpentine gas flow path within the reactor vessel between a gas inlet and a gas outlet.

Abstract: A column for performing thermal separations includes a vertical cylindrical outer column wall defining an inner volume which is subdivided by a separating wall into two halves filled with mass exchange packs, each of the mass packs has horizontal strip-like two rim guards, a lower guard is interrupted in the area of opposite corners of the respective mass exchange pack and an upper rim guard is a continuous flexible fabric strip.

Abstract: A device for delivering chemical solutions into a liquid flow, where said chemical solution is created by dissolving solid chemical contained within a chemical cartridge, the device comprising a base member and housing connected into a fluid flow line such that liquid flows into the base member, into the housing and back out through the base member, and further comprising a chemical dispenser having an upper conduit member, an apertured midsection and a chemical containing lower cartridge, the cartridge having an intake aperture located on the upper portion of its side wall and a dispensing aperture on its top, such that a saturated chemical solution is formed in said cartridge and passes into the liquid flow through the dispensing aperture due to the pressure differential of the liquid flowing into the apertured midsection and through the upper conduit out of the device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for removing oil from absorbent materials of the type used in components for absorbing oil and containing oil spills. The components are first passed through a press to squeeze some of the oil from the components. The components are then shredded to separate the components into separate pieces of the absorbent materials. An auger pushes the pieces of absorbent materials into an elongated tubular trommel having a perforated sidewall. The pieces of absorbent materials are sprayed with treatment fluids as the trommel is rotated to tumble the absorbent materials within the trommel. The oil and treatment fluids drain from the absorbent materials, and pass through the perforations in the trommel sidewalls and onto a collection trough. The collection trough directs the oil and treatment fluids through a separator to reclaim treatment fluids and oil for later use.

Abstract: A solubilizing apparatus includes a fluid permeable sleeve having opposed openings therein wherein a spray nozzle is in flow communication with one opening and a second opening is disposed to receive solids. The spray nozzle is designed to spray a fluid in a swirling spray sweeping the insides of the sleeve wall as it travels toward the opposite end. The solubilizing apparatus is specifically useful for dissolution of chemicals utilized in cleaning reverse osmosis membranes.

Abstract: An assembly for removing hydrophilic contaminants and a method of removing hydrophilic contaminants such as sodium included in an oil-state liquid using the removing assembly, which is able to remove positively the hydrophilic contaminants such as the sodium included in the oil-state liquid in each process of the plant such as a phenol producing apparatus as well as maintain a certain level of the removing performance for a long duration, consisting of: a coalescing element for coalescing and separating from the oil-state liquid the moisture including the hydrophilic contaminants such as sodium by being penetrated the fiber layer having the characteristics of alkali resistance and solvent resistance, typified by a carbon fiber; a liquid feeding means for feeding and supplying a mixed liquid of the moisture including the hydrophilic contaminants and the oil-state liquid; a water collecting means for collecting the moisture including the hydrophilic contaminants which is coalesced and separated; and a oil colle

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved urinal block composition comprised of fluid-soluble chemical components, and an improved dispenser to be used with that urinal block. Specifically, the present invention is directed to a unique combination of chemicals that when blended together to form a urinal block composition yields a stable product that is effective at deodorizing and cleaning urinals and toilets. The improvement of using an acid stable protease enzyme with the other fluid-soluble chemical components of the urinal block composition provides the advantage of dissolving and otherwise neutralizing odors associated with urinals and toilets. The urinal block is retained in and dispensable from a disposable dispenser assembly 10 for use in urinals and toilets.

Abstract: A distributor system for uniformly directing vapor and liquid across the surface of a fixed bed of solids in a downflow reactor comprising a distributor tray, and a plurality of open-ended downpipes extending through the tray. A first array of the downpipes has a plurality of vertically spaced elevations of holes above the level of the tray. A second array of the downpipes has at least one elevation of holes at substantially the same height above the level of the tray as one of the upper elevations of holes in the first array of the downpipes. But, the second array has no elevation of holes corresponding to the lowermost elevation of holes, and possibly other lower elevations of holes, in the first array of downpipes. The absence of the lowermost holes in the second array of downpipes causes the liquid flow rate through the distributor tray at a given liquid height to be reduced when that liquid height falls below the elevation of the holes second from the bottom in the first array.

Abstract: A solubilizing apparatus includes a fluid permeable sleeve having opposed openings therein wherein a spray nozzle is in flow communication with one opening and a second opening is disposed to receive solids. The spray nozzle is designed to spray a fluid in a swirling spray sweeping the insides of the sleeve wall as it travels toward the opposite end. The solubilizing apparatus is specifically useful for dissolution of chemicals utilized in cleaning reverse osmosis membranes.

Abstract: A water treatment pill is disclosed having a cylindrical periphery and disklike end faces and comprising material that in use is eroded to treat the water. The cylindrical periphery of the pill is covered with a cover of water impermeable material to prevent water coming into contact with the periphery of the pill. A passage is provided between the sleeve and the periphery of the pill and running from one end face to the other. This passage may be formed in the periphery of the pill or in the sleeve. One end face of the pill is closed off by a closure member. Thus with the axis of the periphery vertical and the closure member on the upper face of the pill, any gases which may accumulate below one end face of the pill can escape along the groove to the other end face.