Abstract: Hollow profile elements are formed by shaping a starting workpiece that consists of multiple layers of a material having a large width-to-thickness ratio, e.g., woven fabrics or laid materials. The layers are joined by seams to define elongated pockets or channels. Shaping tools are inserted into these channels to form the profile elements with a desired cross sectional shape, which can be constant or varied. The shaping tools employ one or more endless belts that extend in closed loops around guide rollers; the belts are driven so that during the shaping process sliding friction is substantially eliminated between the material of the workpiece and the respective shaping tool.

Abstract: Profile elements are provided for enriching or purifying substances that have different states, i.e., an environmental material and a fluid material. The profile elements for supply or removal of fluid substances to or from granulated, fibrous, or soil-like material in the environment surrounding the profile elements comprise a plurality of spaced apart webs and boundary walls that connect to webs and are supported by them. These elements then define a plurality of longitudinal channels arrayed side-by-side between the webs. The boundary walls are shaped to have a surface area substantially greater than equivalent flat walls. At least a portion of the webs and the boundary walls is pierced or perforated, as if a mesh or lattice, to permit fluid communication between adjacent channels and/or between the channels and the surrounding environment.