Abstract: In a process for separating mixtures of matter in the liquid phase and a device suitable therefor, liquid (12) absorbs heat during its passage through a first cavity (3), said heat having been generated during the condensation yielding the condensate (13) at the upper wall portion (5) of the first cavity. The thus preheated liquid is passed to a third cavity (9), the upper wall portion (10) of which is liquid-tight and gas-tight and absorbs the thermal radiation (11). Part of the liquid further heated by said process evaporates and penetrates in vapor form through the liquid-tight, steam-permeable upper wall portion (8) of the third cavity (9) into a second cavity (6), the upper wall portion (8) of which is one and the same as the lower wall portion (9) of the third cavity. This steam condenses under the cooling action of the first cavity (3). The condensate (13) so formed is withdrawn from the second cavity.

Abstract: A heat exchanger element consists of a double fabric web coated on both sides, the distance between the face fabric and the back fabric of which is maintained by binder filaments. This double fabric web is provided with a feeder duct and discharge duct for liquid and gaseous media. The heat exchanger element is used as heat absorber or heater element. It is distinguished by its flexibility. As heater element, it may be doubled with carpet material or used as wall-to-wall carpet.