Abstract: A dephlegmator is provided comprising two stages connected in series wherein a first stage includes an air-cooled reflux condenser and a second stage includes a generally horizontal tube bundle of smooth or finned tubes that can be operated selectively in either an air-cooled (dry) mode under selected ambient conditions or in a wet evaporatively cooled mode under other selected ambient conditions including that of elevated ambient temperature. Spray nozzles may be installed above the tube bundle whereby water can be sprayed onto the tube bundle. One or more collection troughs are preferably provided beneath the tube bundle for collecting run-off water and enabling recycling of excess deluge water. Preferably, the tube bundle comprises at least two, and preferably three groups of tubes communicating with each other wherein the second group of tubes has appreciably fewer tubes in it than the first group of tubes and any third group of tubes has appreciably fewer tubes in it than the second group of tubes.

Abstract: An air temperature regulating assembly is provided having a packed rock bed through which air may flow between outer and inner spaces by way of interstices between rock units in order to transfer heat to or from the rock bed, in use. Dampers control the flow of air between the outer space, the inner space, an enclosed air space the temperature of which is to be regulated by raising or lowering it and the surrounding atmosphere. A fan moves air within the assembly. The rock bed is in the form of a pile of rocks having an upper surface that is inclined and directed in the general direction of the sun to directly absorb solar energy. The outer space is defined between the upper inclined surface of the rock bed and a transparent cover spaced upwardly from the surface of the rock bed.

Abstract: A liquid collection trough assembly for a cooling tower, condenser or dephlegmator includes a plurality of elongate troughs and associated inclined capture plates arranged to receive liquid on a front face thereof and direct the liquid into an associated elongate trough. Each capture plate has a generally upright deflection plate extending downwards from an upper region on its rear face so as to be capable of receiving liquid droplets contacting it and directing such liquid into or onto an adjacent trough or capture plate, in use. The deflection plate extends downwards to terminate in a bottom edge that is located downwards of the upper region of the capture plate and spaced rearwards of the rear face of an inclined portion of the capture plate.

Abstract: A travelling agricultural irrigation installation is provided having multiple generally horizontal irrigation sprinklers each being a length of pipe closed at each end and having multiple outlet orifice sets along the length thereof. Each orifice is in the form of a hole through the pipe wall having an orifice diameter selected to provide, in use, a jet of water that breaks up into droplets. Each orifice set comprises multiple orifices having axes extending in different angular directions relative to the pipe axis to provide a generally rectangular spray pattern. The length of each sprinkler pipe or the number of orifice sets is dependent on the speed at which the sprinkler is to move over the ground. Typically the installation is a centre pivot installation; the sprinkler pipes are all connected to a common radial main supply pipe; and the water delivery increases with increased distance from the centre pivot.

Abstract: A liquid collection trough assembly for a cooling tower, condenser or dephlegmator includes a plurality of elongate troughs and associated inclined capture plates arranged to receive liquid on a front face thereof and direct the liquid into an associated elongate trough. Each capture plate has a generally upright deflection plate extending downwards from an upper region on its rear face so as to be capable of receiving liquid droplets contacting it and directing such liquid into or onto an adjacent trough or capture plate, in use. The deflection plate extends downwards to terminate in a bottom edge that is located downwards of the upper region of the capture plate and spaced rearwards of the rear face of an inclined portion of the capture plate.

Abstract: A splash grid is provided for installation in a rain zone of liquid gas contacting industrial equipment. The splash grid has a supporting frame assembly and multiple generally parallel elongate elements supported by the frame assembly. The elongate elements each has a transverse dimension, in plan view, not exceeding 3 mm, and a spacing in plan view not exceeding 10 mm. The elongate elements may be of a molded plastic material that is optionally integral with a surround that forms, or is attached to, the supporting frame assembly. Alternatively, the elongate elements may be separately manufactured flexible filament or cord supported by a surround that forms or is attached to the supporting frame assembly. The elongate elements may be staggered in the vertical direction and gaps may be provided for larger objects to pass through the splash grid. A liquid cooling installation having a rain zone fitted with a splash grid is also provided.

Abstract: An air temperature regulating assembly is provided having a packed rock bed through which air may flow between outer and inner spaces by way of interstices between rock units in order to transfer heat to or from the rock bed, in use. Dampers control the flow of air between the outer space, the inner space, an enclosed air space the temperature of which is to be regulated by raising or lowering it and the surrounding atmosphere. A fan moves air within the assembly. The rock bed is in the form of a pile of rocks having an upper surface that is inclined and directed in the general direction of the sun to directly absorb solar energy. The outer space is defined between the upper inclined surface of the rock bed and a transparent cover spaced upwardly from the surface of the rock bed.

Abstract: A dephlegmator is provided comprising two stages connected in series wherein a first stage includes an air-cooled reflux condenser and a second stage includes a generally horizontal tube bundle of smooth or finned tubes that can be operated selectively in either an air-cooled (dry) mode under selected ambient conditions or in a wet evaporatively cooled mode under other selected ambient conditions including that of elevated ambient temperature. Spray nozzles may be installed above the tube bundle whereby water can be sprayed onto the tube bundle. One or more collection troughs are preferably provided beneath the tube bundle for collecting run-off water and enabling recycling of excess deluge water. Preferably, the tube bundle comprises at least two, and preferably three groups of tubes communicating with each other wherein the second group of tubes has appreciably fewer tubes in it than the first group of tubes and any third group of tubes has appreciably fewer tubes in it than the second group of tubes.

Abstract: A splash grid is provided for installation in a rain zone of liquid gas contacting industrial equipment. The splash grid has a supporting frame assembly and multiple generally parallel elongate elements supported by the frame assembly. The elongate elements each has a transverse dimension, in plan view, not exceeding 3 mm, and a spacing in plan view not exceeding 10 mm. The elongate elements may be of a molded plastic material that is optionally integral with a surround that forms, or is attached to, the supporting frame assembly. Alternatively, the elongate elements may be separately manufactured flexible filament or cord supported by a surround that forms or is attached to the supporting frame assembly. The elongate elements may be staggered in the vertical direction and gaps may be provided for larger objects to pass through the splash grid. A liquid cooling installation having a rain zone fitted with a splash grid is also provided.