Abstract: A centrifugal absorption heat pump in which the heat released on condensation of the vapor of a first working fluid is used to generate a vapor from a solution of a second working fluid, and/or heat released on absorption of a third working fluid in an absorbent is used to evaporate a fourth working fluid.

Abstract: In a centrifugal mass transfer device comprising a rotary annular permeable element, annular plates are mounted adjacent the radially inner or outer face of the permeable element and gaseous or liquid material flowing from the permeable element across one surface of the annular plates is cooled or heated by a heat exchange fluid on the opposite surface of the plates. In this way condensed or vaporized material is returned to the permeable element.

Abstract: An absorption heat pump is described comprising at least an evaporator, an absorber, a vapor generator and a condenser and in which at least one of the components is in the form of one or more rotatable plates across the thickness of which plate(s) a heat transfer takes place. Such a heat pump can be designed in compact form.

Abstract: In a centrifugal device for contacting a liquid with a gas or with a second liquid, high rates of mass transfer are achieved by carrying out the contacting on a rotating plate whose surface is capable of creating perturbations in liquid flowing across it.

Abstract: Apparatus for effecting mass transfer between two fluid phases, at least the first of which is a liquid, which apparatus comprises an annular permeable element which is rotatable about its axis of symmetry, means to charge the first fluid to the permeable element, means to charge the second fluid to the permeable element, and means to discharge at least one of the fluids or a derivative thereof from the permeable element characterized in that the permeable element is formed by winding a tape under tension around the said axis and anchoring the tape to maintain it under tension.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are disclosed for effecting mass transfer between two fluid phases, one of which is a liquid. The process comprises charging the fluids to an element which has a large interfacial area and which is permeable to the fluids and rotating the element such that the fluids are subjected to an acceleration of at least 300 m sec.sup.- 1 as they flow through the element.

Abstract: A process for electrolysing at least a proportion of a liquid comprising an electrolyte which process comprises passing the liquid between electrodes, at least one of which is an anode and at least one of which is a cathode, the liquid being in a state of laminar flow substantially parallel to the electrodes, the electrodes being disposed substantially horizontally above each other and each electrode being permeable to the product(s) or solutions thereof produced at or adjacent the electrode and, where a density difference is generated on production of the products, the relative disposition of the electrodes is such that the density difference reduces the possibility of the product(s) produced at or adjacent the anode mixing with the product(s) produced at or adjacent the cathode. The process is especially applicable to the electrolysis of brine.