Abstract: In various embodiments, a metal alloy resistant to aqueous corrosion consists essentially of or consists of niobium with additions of tungsten, molybdenum, and one or both of ruthenium and palladium.

Abstract: An electric water heater includes a cylindrical tank with an inner surface defining a water chamber having a central vertical axis. Three sets of three electric immersion heating extend radially inwardly into the water chamber from the inner surface. The heating elements of such set define generally horizontal planes vertically spaced apart along the vertical axis. The heating elements of each set lie in angularly spaced generally vertical planes intersecting the central axis and being spaced approximately 120.degree. apart with the inner ends of the respective heating elements being in overlapping spaced relationship along the vertical axis to provide the most heat at the center of the chamber where it is most needed.

Abstract: The heat exchanger disclosed herein includes a head section and a heat exchanging section. The heat exchanging section consists of a bundle of inner conduits, open at both ends, and a bundle of outer conduits, open only at one end. The outer conduits enclose that part of the inner conduits within the heat exchanging section, such that an annular space is defined between the conduits. In operation, a lower temperature fluid is introduced into the head section, which generally operates at low temperature and high pressure. The lower temperature fluid flows through the inner conduits into the heat exchanging section and returns to the head section through the annular spaces between the inner and outer conduits. The high temperature fluid flows through the heat exchanging section in intimate contact with the conduits containing the lower temperature fluid, so that it is cooled by the lower temperature fluid.

Abstract: Heat exchanger comprising a first enclosure in which heat is supplied, in thermal contact with at least one second enclosure at the top of which arrives a cold heat transfer fluid in the liquid state and at least one pipe, placed in the second enclosure, via which the fluid is discharged in the form of vapor or a liquid-vapor mixture, wherein the second enclosure incorporates a filling making it possible to regulate the outflow of fluid to the bottom of the second container and the partial transformation of said fluid into vapor which can escape by means of the pipe which, for this purpose, has holes arranged over its entire height.