Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to the modeling of complex workflows, such as the workflows found in a clinical medical environment. The disclosed embodiments model clinical medical workflows using Activities, Artifacts and Roles as the fundamental elements wherein the relationship among the elements defines the model. By use of the disclosed pattern (activity-role-artifact), a complex real problem may be copied on to an easily manipulated (in Excel) model. In this model, incomplete information as well as inconsistencies and procedures that are “unfavorable” (such as because they are nested) are identified. By using macros and by graphic processing, workflows that “require untangling”, or other optimization, are readily detected. This review process leads to an improvement of the model and finally of the procedures in the doctor's office. The thus-modeled and optimized procedures may then be converted and displayed using the HTML standard, such as in a standard browser (such as Microsoft Internet Explorer).

Abstract: The method of recovering water by vaporizing aqueous solutions employs a heat pump circuit having a compressor, condensor, extention valve and evaporator for a heat transfer medium. The circulation channel for a gas stream which is capable of absorbing water vapor includes a gas washing station into which is sprayed the aqueous solution to be vaporized. The gas stream is guided past the condensor of the heat pump which acts as a heater and the heated gas is delivered into the gas washing station where is absorbs water. The water saturated gas stream is fed past the evaporator which acts as a refrigerating device and the water contents from the gas stream is condensed on the evaporator and returned into a galvanizing bath for example.

Abstract: Heat is exchanged between a first bath used for an electrochemical surface treatment and a station which may contain a second, similar bath or a heat-using device. The first bath requires cooling while the station requires heating.