Abstract: There is described a catalyst element (1) consisting of an integral whole having channels (2) extending therethrough. These channels (2) have, in circumferential sense of the cross section thereof, at least one concave wall portion and at least one convex wall portion, preferably provided by longitudinal projections (4) or grooves (7). As a result, a liquid phase (10) will preferentially be located in cavities (5) defined along the channel walls, and a gas phase (20) will preferentially be located centrally in the channels (2). Consequently, the catalyst element (1) according to the invention offers the possibility of being operated in countercurrent mode with only a slight loss of pressure.

Abstract: This present invention solves the problem of bending objects, particularly flat parallel ones, without employing an external force.The method according to this present invention involves subjecting the material of the object bent to a repetitive, two-phase heating and cooling process.During the first phase, the material undergoes heating with a concentrated stream of energy causing a thermal effect along the predetermined bending line and a partial plasticizing, melting and flowing out in the region of the bending line.On the other hand, the material is subjected in the second phase to being cooled at ambient terperature or, additionally, in a stream of a blown air, thereby causing the previously heated material to shrink along fibers in the direction perpendicular to the bending line due to the internal stresses created by the thermal shrinkage of the material in the heated region, and thus the deformation of the material to be permanently changed.The method is suitable for bending metal objects.