Abstract: A liquid is vaporized by a device having at least one porous substrate exposed to a certain ambient pressure, means for supplying the substrate with liquid in order for it to be loaded with liquid starting from an upstream portion of the substrate, and at least one energy source for heating the substrate so that at least some of the liquid is vaporized. According to the invention, the means for supplying the substrate with liquid may include means for pressurizing the liquid to a pressure greater than ambient pressure, thereby creating a flow-rate greater than the flow-rate induced by capillarity and vaporization of the liquid alone when the substrate is held in a horizontal position. The invention may be applied to the production of water-vaporization equipment, particularly with electrical or gaseous energy supply.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for demineralizing water include a fibrous microporous body having interfiber spaces in communication with one another and a porosity at least equal to 50%, water supply elements for supplying water to be demineralized through the fibrous microporous body, a heating device adapted to heat the fibrous microporous body to a temperature of at least 60.degree. C., and elements adapted to collect the demineralized water.

Abstract: Process and apparatus are provided for cooking an alimentary substance within a walled enclosure under atmospheric pressure by means of steam entering into the enclosure. The method and apparatus provide for a first cooking step which includes the rapid increase of the temperature of the surface of the substance by means of superheated steam to preheat the substance, with the steam being supplied into the enclosure at a temperature above the boiling temperature of water and under atmospheric pressure; and a second cooking step which includes drying the surface of the substance and cooking it, in continuation of the first step.

Abstract: Process and apparatus are provided for cooking an alimentary substance within a walled enclosure under atmospheric pressure by means of steam entering into the enclosure. The method and apparatus provide for a first cooking step which includes the rapid increase of the temperature of the surface of the substance by means of superheated steam to preheat the substance, with the steam being supplied into the enclosure at a temperature above the boiling temperature of water and under atmospheric pressure; and a second cooking step wich includes drying the surface of the substance and cooking it, in continuation of the first step.

Abstract: Electro-portable apparatus for producing steam applied to a surface, usable more particularly but not exclusively for ungluing wall coatings, having a housing containing a porous body impregnated with a liquid to be vaporized, the liquid being heated up to its temperature of vaporization, the housing 2 being subdivided by a partition wall 8, 27, into two compartments, namely a rear closed compartment 9, 28 containing a steam generator 12, 13, which is formed of the porous body 12 impregnated with liquid and a heater 13 for heating this liquid, and a front compartment 11, 29 forming a vapor cavity or "steam plate", open to the outside, defined by a peripheral edge able to be applied on the surface 1 adapted to receive the vapor, and openings 31 being provided through the partition wall 27 to allow the passage of the steam, produced in the rear compartment 9, 28, towards and into the front compartment 11, 29 constituting the vapor cavity or "steam plate".

Abstract: To provide for the rapid vaporization of a liquid, a porous body is impregnated with the liquid. Then the liquid contained in the porous body is heated, so as to cause a rapid vaporization of the liquid in the porous body which liquid continually migrates through the porous body under the effect of its pumping and suction capabilities. The whole of the mass of liquid to be vaporized is stored in the body in impregnated form, without the presence of a permanent liquid layer. The liquid is heated directly by passing an electric current through the porous body, the density of the porous body being chosen so as to provide a liquid retention capacity allowing a variation of the energy dissipated in time to be obtained in accordance with a predetermined law which is a function of the density chosen for the porous body. Thus interchangeable porous bodies can be used having different densities and allowing different curves of variation of the energy dissipated in time to be obtained, respectively.