Abstract: A counterflow column that includes a liquid distributor including a plurality of tubular or trough-like distributor members. The distributor members are arranged in a column above a packing such that a plurality of partial flows develop in an upwardly flowing gas at the level of the distributor members. Stagnation zones are present between the packing and the distributor members. Through screen-off structure, not required per se for a liquid output, the stagnation zones and/or the flow of a liquid to be distributed are influenced such that a liquid, after emerging from the distributor members and prior to entry into the packing, traverses in free fall through the stagnation zones, and where appropriate also further regions, in which the gas flow is largely free of horizontal velocity components. The gas flow may also be influenced by a suitable shaping of the distributor members.

Abstract: A humidifier features a two piece reversible housing which is snap fit together for holding a water panel assembly and a water feed tube to supply water to a water distribution structure disposed on top of the water panel assembly. The water panel assembly is provided with an overflow arrangement for controlling any overflow of water in the water distribution structure.

Abstract: The efficiency of multiple downcomer fractional distillation trays is improved by distributing the liquid egressing from the bottom of the downcomers in a manner which provides a uniform length liquid flow path on the next lower tray. This is accomplished by liquid distribution devices suspended below the downcomers of the upper tray, with the devices running parallel to the downcomers of the next lower tray and being adapted to collect the falling liquid and then disperse it onto the decking below along the length of the lower downcomers through openings in the distribution device.

Abstract: A diffuser for use in a pressurized feed system. The diffuser introduces a carbonic acid solution into water to be treated. The carbonic acid solution within the diffuser is maintained at an elevated pressure. As the carbonic acid solution passes to the exterior of the diffuser, the pressure drop causes an effective mixing of the carbonic acid solution and the water. The carbonic acid solution mixes with the water and the pH of the water is reduced.

Abstract: A pourer (101) for simultaneously pouring a liquid from a container and mixing air into the liquid. The pourer comprises an elongated annular body (102) which defines an outer surface having a part (103) which is adapted to be fitted into an opening of the container. The annular body defines a longitudinally extending through-going channel (104) and has an air intake opening (106) extending transversely to the channel and penetrating the body, so as to allow air to be sucked into the channel when liquid is flowing from the container through the channel. The channel defines a contraction (105) near the air intake opening, so as to generate a low pressure in the area of the contraction when liquid is flowing through the channel and thereby assist in sucking air into the channel through the air intake opening. A screen (107) with perforations (108) may be provided inside the channel (104).

Abstract: An adaptable evaporative element for a humidifier or the like is described. It includes an evaporative element having at least one fold, such that the size of the evaporative element is adaptable by varying said evaporative element between a folded and an unfolded configuration.

Abstract: A reactor for aerating a fluid with a gas comprises a mixing tank (12) for the fluid and a centrally located vertical draft tube (13) submerged in the fluid to divide the mixing tank (12) into an inner chamber (21) and an outer chamber (23). The reactor further comprises a motor driven axial flow impeller (14) located in the draft tube (13) for circulating fluid downwardly through the inner chamber (21) and upwardly through the outer chamber (23). The reactor further comprises an external circuit for withdrawing a portion of the fluid from the mixing tank (12), aerating the fluid, and returning the aerated fluid to the mixing tank (12). The aerator is in the form of a venturi device (17).

Abstract: A liquid/gas contacting apparatus is provided wherein the perforated trays have an upper liquid repellent layer of a fluorocarbon polymer, to increase, and spread, liquid flow over the tray, and a rough underside for bursting any bubbles of any spray there against. Ridges are provided forming chevron patterns between perforations in the trays to deflect liquid towards the casing sides and remove sediment therefrom.

Abstract: A bubbler for use in vapor generation systems that minimizes splashing and the formation of aerosol droplets of liquid, which are carried out of the bubbler in the vapor stream and result in erratic mass transfer of the process chemical liquid. A closed stainless steel vessel contains a carrier gas distribution plenum that distributes the carrier gas to a plurality of small diameter generator tubes, which are submerged into the process chemical liquid. The length, inside diameter and number of the generator tubes are designed to inject a high velocity, small diameter stream of carrier gas into the liquid such that a long small diameter cylinder of carrier gas is created in the process chemical liquid. The surface tension of the liquid-gas interface causes the cylinder of gas to be pinched off at intervals along the length of the cylinder to produce a plurality of small bubbles the diameter of which is largely independent of the carrier gas flow rate.

Abstract: A humidifier includes a housing that accommodates bundles of a large number of water permeable hollow fiber membranes arranged along the longitudinal direction of the housing. Two different gasses having different moisture contents pass through outside and inside of the bundle of the hollow fiber membranes separately to exchange their moistures through the hollow fiber membranes resulting in the dry gas of lesser moisture content being humidified. A heating or temperature adjuster is provided to maintain the temperature of the exhaust gas introduced to the humidifier or the bundles of hollow fiber membranes substantially at a temperature of a fuel cell in operation.

Abstract: A humidifier for use with a breathable gas supply apparatus includes a hollow body adapted for partial filling with water to a predetermined maximum water level, a gas inlet to the body above the maximum water level and a gas outlet from the body above the maximum water level. The humidifier further includes a constant temperature heating element for heating the water and/or an adjustable flow divider adapted to divide the interior of the body above the maximum water level into a relatively dry gas region and a relatively wet gas region. The position of the divider is variable so as to vary the relative proportion of the gas flowing from the inlet to the outlet that passes through the relatively dry and relatively wet gas regions to thereby vary the amount of humidification thereof.

Abstract: A gas-liquid contactor for removing gases and particulate matter from flue gases produced by processing operations of the type carried out in utility and industrial plants. The contactor is generally an open spray absorber having a spray tower (110) whose walls (114) form a passage within the tower (110). Flue gases are introduced into the tower (110) so as to flow vertically upward or downward through the passage. Disposed within the passage are heads (116) for introducing a liquid (118) into the passage such that the liquid (118) contacts the flue gases. A portion of the liquid (118) contacts the wall (114) of the tower (110), such that the portion of the liquid (118) flows downwardly along the wall (114). The tower (110) is equipped with a deflecting device (122) disposed on the wall (114) for deflecting the portion of the liquid (118) away from the wall (114), and thereafter reintroducing the portion of the liquid (118) into the passage so as to contact the gases flowing through the passage.

Abstract: A dry out mechanism for controlling a humidifier is disclosed. The mechanism includes a float and a switch. The float contacts the switch when the float is within an operating range. The movement of the float can be manually changed between settings to achieve normal operation or dry out operation of the humidifier. In the normal operation, the float activates the switch based on the fluid level within the humidifer's reservoir. In the dry out setting, the float activates the switch independent from the level of fluid within the reservoir so that the humidifier depletes the reservoir and components of fluid.

Abstract: An aeration system for a submerged membrane module has a set of aerators connected to an air blower, valves and a controller adapted to alternately provide a higher rate of air flow and a lower rate of air flow in repeated cycles. In an embodiment, the air blower, valves and controller, simultaneously provide the alternating air flow to two or more sets of aerators such that the total air flow is constant, allowing the blower to be operated at a constant speed. In another embodiment, the repeated cycles are of short duration. Transient flow conditions result in the tank water which helps avoid dead spaces and assists in agitating the membranes.

Abstract: A fine bubble diffuser membrane used in the aeration of wastewater is treated with biocide to inhibit growth and accumulation of biological materials on the membrane. The membrane may be constructed of EPDM rubber or urethane. The biocide may be carbolic acid either dispersed throughout the membrane or applied as a coating on the surface of the membrane exposed to the wastewater. The membrane is a flexible and elastic structure impervious to liquid and provided with slits that close to prevent wastewater inflow in the absence of aeration and open in response to aeration pressure to discharge air into the wastewater.

Abstract: The guide member for a liquid jet to be deflected allows a liquid after flowing out of a container to be deflected onto a target which is located below the container. The deflecting takes place by means of a shaped material plate which is arranged ahead of an outlet opening of the container and which reshapes and further conducts the jet in such a manner that the liquid is conveyed to the target at a lower end of the shaped material plate. At the location ahead of the outlet opening, where the liquid jet is incident onto the shaped material plate, a first and a second piece of surface of the material plate form a mouth region in which the first piece of surface deflects the liquid transversely with respect to the vertical, whereas the second piece of surface is provided as a catcher for squirts. The first piece of surface merges into a channel in which the liquid is guided downwards. In this the wall of the second piece of surface divides the channel off from the mouth region.

Abstract: A container for liquid oil of energy includes a container body, a top cover and a bottom cover. The container body is made of aluminum squeezed into a tubular shape with a hollow interior and provided with plural vertical support posts and a vertical projection fitted with a gasification box. The top cover and the bottom cover are respectively fitted on the top edges and the bottom edges of the support posts. The top cover is fixed with a stop valve and an air filling pump functioning to turn off power. Then, the bottom side of the stop valve is connected with an air intake pipe extending into the gasification box. The oil container of such design is easy in manufacturing, possible to lower manufacturing cost and capable to permit the oil and air inside mixed completely to elevate the degree of gasification and density of oil gas.

Abstract: The present invention includes a evaporative cooling pad and method of making the same. The cooling pad features a non-reflective, non-light transmissive surface finish incorporated directly into the cooling pad. In one embodiment, this surface finish would be a dark color, gray to black, with a non-gloss surface The coupling of this type of finish and colored sheet with the plurality of angled cross-corrugated flutes featured on the cooling pad serves the function of breaking the light source at various flute angles and attenuating the light value during its passage through the cooling pad.

Abstract: Method and its associated device for the regulated injection of liquid carbon dioxide (CO2L) into a liquid (L) under pressure inside a chamber. The liquid carbon dioxide (CO2L) is, according to this method, injected at a fixed flow rate, in stepped mode, under the protection of a stream of gas (when injection is stopped).

Abstract: A decorative humidifier and fountain apparatus containing water for simultaneously humidifying and purifying air is disclosed that produces soothing sights and sounds as well as efficiently cleaned and humidified air. It includes a housing and a water distributor for forming a water curtain from the water. The water curtain has a first portion and a second portion. An evaporative filter element is sized and proportioned to humidify and filter the air as it passes through the fountain. A pool is positioned so as to receive the water from the water curtain. Water is circulated from the pool to the water distributor with a water circulating means. An air circulator draws air through the first portion of the water curtain, forcing air through the evaporative element, then forcing air through the second portion of the water curtain.