Abstract: A heat exchanger for transferring heat energy from a heated liquid at a first temperature to sludge at a second temperature. The heat exchanger includes a first conduit for receiving a stream of sludge which houses a plurality of mixing elements. The mixing elements are characterized as having no edges perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the conduit and are sized and positioned within the conduit such that at any plane passing perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis at least 75% of the circumference of the conduit being free of any mixing elements and no mixing elements are in contact with one another resulting in an open region of travel for sludge passing through the conduit.

Abstract: An element for use in a stationary material distribution apparatus. The article includes a flat generally rectangular central portion having first and second sets of ears affixed opposite sides of the central portion. The sets of ears include first and second ears bent respectively in upward and downward directions relative to the plane of the central portion wherein each pair of ears located diagonally opposite one another across the central portion are bent in the same direction relative to the plane of the central portion. A third set of ears extend from the central portion and terminate at a substantially rectangular member whose plane of orientation is substantially perpendicular to the central portion. The element further includes a retaining ring affixed to the substantially rectangular member to provide for ease of installation within a suitable conduit.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing a surfactant for use in extinguishing fires, particularly wildfires, which provides two separate means for storing the surfactant and the water needed to expand the surfactant into a high grade of foam to be extinguished over the wildfire. The apparatus also incorporates a stationary mixing device for mixing and re-mixing the water and surfactant to the extent required to produce the high quality of foam needed to extinguish wildfires. An emergency valve release is incorporated such that the entire apparatus of the invention will become operative with a single release of this valve by the operator of the equipment incorporating the inventive apparatus. The inventive apparatus can be advantageously installed on heavy equipment used in fighting wildfires.

Abstract: A gas injector element for use in a mixing apparatus having a plurality of mixing elements, where the injector element is airfoil-shaped and is installed adjacent to the first of the plurality of mixing elements. The airfoil-shaped injector is fabricated from a metal or other suitable material having a porosity within a range of 0.5 to 100 or more microns, such that fluid injected into the mixing conduit through the injector will be released from the injector and will immediately contact material flowing through the conduit without the undesirable result of bubbles of the fluid or gas flowing from the injector coalescing with larger bubbles resulting in ineffective mixing of the gas with the material in the mixer.