Abstract: Water dispensing apparatus which is intended to dispense sterilized chilled water comprising a sterilization unit having an inlet for connection to mains water supply and having its outlet connected to a refrigeration unit, the refrigeration unit having a tap or dispensing valve. Preferably, the sterilizing unit comprises an ultra violet lamp surrounded by an outer tube and through which water flows between inlet and outlet. If desired a water reservoir may be connected to the sterilizer, the arrangement being such that water is sterilized both on entering the reservoir and on leaving the reservoir and so that make-up air is sterilized on entering the reservoir.

Abstract: An ultraviolet water treatment plant is provided in which individual ultraviolet lamp units are loosely and retractably located within frames supported in a water treatment channel. Individual frames supporting arrays of parallel lamp units may be removed from the channel, and the lamp units may be individually disengaged from the frame and disassembled for lamp replacement. The frames have unitary plug connectors to a power supply arranged so that the plug of a frame must be disengaged from the supply before that frame can be removed from the channel. The level of water in the channel is controlled according to the rate of flow, and the lamp units are selectively energized according to whether they are immersed so as to match the irradiation provided to the rate and cross section of the flow.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for treating water, either potable water or a recirculated body of water, in which the water flows through a passage around and in direct contact with the surface of the germicidal ultraviolet lamp and in direct contact with at least one ozone producing ultraviolet lamp, whereby dissolved oxygen in the water is directly converted into ozone dispersed in said flowing water. The water, when part of a recirculated flow as in treatment of pool or spa water, also flows in contact with a predominantly copper element having an extended surface, whereby ions of the copper are taken up in the water. The copper element preferably is a pair of spaced apart copper electrodes across which is applied an electrical potential by a control which maintains a constant current and thus regulates release of copper ions into the water for inhibiting growth of algae. The UV lamps are subjected to ultrasonic energy which will loosen particles tending to cling deposit on the lamp surface.

Abstract: In the apparatus, a low-pressure high-current mercury-vapor lamp (4) equipped with a tubular extension (6) arranged on the discharge tube is used as a radiation source. So that the temperatures of the tubular extension (6) can be regulated specifically even during the operation of the ultraviolet lamp (4), and to achieve a longer service life of the ultraviolet lamps, and airstream circulating through the apparatus and serving at the same time for heating the tubular extension (6) is used to cool the ultraviolet lamp (4). A metal heat-conducting body (25) surrounding the tubular extension (6) and having a temperature sensor (28) regulates the temperature of the tubular extension (6) to a predetermined value in conjunction with a cooling device (18) and a guide device (22). There is therefore no need for separate heating of the extension. Furthermore, the heat-conducting body (25) acts as a thermal and electrical shield for the temperature-measuring circuit.

Abstract: The invention relates to measuring the ultra-violet radiation received from tubular ultra-violet source mounted within a quartz sleeve, the radiation passing through water within a tubular circuit coaxial with the source and sleeve. A sensor probe fits within a socket formed in the wall of the conduit. The probe comprises a plane quartz window at one end and an ultra-violet sensor tube at the other end. Radiation from the window passes through an iris, whose size and position are chosen so that the source projects an image through the iris which is at least twice the size of the sensitive area on the sensor. In order to minimize inconsistencies due to faulty positioning of the sensor tube, the axis of the tube is preferably at right angles to the axis of the source. The output of the sensor is connected with a logic circuit which has means for providing a multi-state indication of radiation within the conduit.

Abstract: A tubular gaseous discharge lamp such as an ultraviolet or fluorescent lamp is provided which includes a hollow cylinder which is connected to a pair of end caps on each of which there is mounted an electrode. The first electrode is connected to an insulated or Teflon coated wire which is disposed along the outside surface of the cylinder and passes through the end cap which supports the second electrode. The second electrode is connected to a second insulated or Teflon coated wire which projects from the second end cap. The wires facilitate connection of the ultraviolet lamp to a source of electrical power which is located at one end of the lamp.In an alternative embodiment of the invention two or more ultraviolet lamps are inserted into a hollow quartz tube, thereby providing an ultraviolet light source of extended length, or two or more fluorescent lamps may be used in single end application.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device including a combination of a porous filter and ultraviolet light source, that is for purifying fluid media. The porous filter filtering out particles suspended in the fluid medium and the ultraviolet germicidal lamp killing germs in the fluid medium are arranged in a combination in such a way that the porous filter distributes the fluid flow in a pattern that exposes the fluid medium to the germicidal radiation uniformly and thoroughly, while the ultraviolet germidical light destroys the bacteria and other germs contaminating the fluid medium, and at the same time cleans the porous filter continuously by oxidizing the organic particles clogging the porous filter wherein the oxidizing process utilizes oxygen naturally dissolved in the fluid medium or that artificially injected into the fluid medium.

Abstract: A water purifier unit mounted on the outlet end of a faucet includes a housing defining an inlet port, a labyrinth flow passage, and an output port. The flow passage communicates between the inlet and outlet ports, with the housing carrying a wall formed of ultraviolet-transmissive material adjacent to the labyrinth flow passage. An ultraviolet radiation source is positioned to irradiate the labyrinth flow passage through the wall. In the illustrative embodiment, means are provided for mounting the unit with the inlet port directly connected to the outlet of the faucet.

Abstract: Apparatus for destroying microorganisms by irradiation with ultra-violet light from a UV-lamp in a major irradiation chamber. The major chamber is divided into minor chambers by means of partition walls. The walls are provided with through-flow openings at their alternate ends whereby the bacteria-carrying medium is conducted reciprocatingly along the UV-lamp and thereby subjected to intensive radiation therefrom over a relatively long period of time.

Abstract: A device for filtering and sterilizing potable water for household use which may be connected in the water line at a faucet or ahead of the automatic ice-making mechanism of a refrigerator. The water is purified in two stages: The first stage uses an activated carbon filter to remove solid particles, dissolved gases and colloidal particles from the water; the second state uses intensive ultraviolet radiation provided by a mercury vapor lamp to kill essentially all bacteria, viruses and any other organisms which are not trapped by the activated carbon filter. The lamp is mounted concentrically within a cylindrical tube having a water inlet at one end and an outlet at the other end, so that the water is sterilized as it passes through the annular chamber defined by the lamp and the outer wall of the cylindrical tube. A solenoid-activated shut-off valve cuts off the water flow from the device whenever a control circuit detects a failure of the lamp or a loss of line power.

Abstract: A monitoring port for use in measuring the intensity of the ultraviolet radiation within an ultraviolet water purification system. A UV transparent transmitting member is sealably mounted for inward, outward, and rotational movement movement with respect to a UV lamp. A locking arrangement including a tapered elastomeric gripping member and a tapered metal tightening member assures that the transmitting member may be locked in place at any desired distance from the surface of the UV lamp. A positioning arrangement such as distance indicator or a series of positions stops, may be employed to facilitate the positioning of the transmitting member at any of the selected distances.

Abstract: A water sterilization system includes a sterilizer having a plastic housing and a sheath inside the housing which transmits untraviolet light from an enclosed lamp. The housing is protected from uv degradation by means of a reflective liner. A fail-safe control mechanism is provided which includes a normally closed water valve held open by a stallable electric motor electrically in series with a photoresistor which senses the ultraviolet light.

Abstract: For ultraviolet purification or sterilization of fluids, particularly waste water, lamp sections, each composed of opposed pairs of fluid impermeable light unit receiving sockets and lamp units therebetween are provided. Each lamp section consists of an inner, elongate, cylindrical ultraviolet ray emitting lamp and an outer, coaxial and substantially co-extensive cylindrical sleeve, arranged in parallel rows. Due to its immersion capability, the array of rows of lamps can be fluid immersed in either an open or closed system. Moreover, lamp withdrawal, fluid impermeable closure means is provided on at least one of each pair of sockets to facilitate lamp withdrawal in the event of burnout. Each row of lamps can also be modularized to facilitate easy removal of a malfunctioning row of lamps without having to shut down or remove the entire device from its fluid environment.

Abstract: An ultraviolet sterilization and disinfection system for fluids which includes apparatus for sensing selected operating characteristics such as physical characteristics of the fluid to be disinfected or sterilized and the operating conditions of the ultraviolet sources proportioning these variable and generally non-linear parameters and modifying such factors as fluid flow, ultraviolet energy imparted to the fluid to insure destruction of selected organisms without the use of excessive energy. Control may also be provided for the admission of selected quantities of disinfecting chemicals such as chlorine to the fluid.

Abstract: Method of and apparatus for killing microorganisms in a substance, characterized by the step of conjointly generating a magnetic field and an electrohydraulic discharge and subjecting every differential volume of the substance to the combined physical magnetic field and the electrohydraulic discharge of lethal intensity at least once. The physical magnetic field is at least of a sufficient intensity to contain and direct the electrohydraulic discharge and preferably, is itself of lethal intensity. The pulsed magnetic field and the electrohydraulic discharge are repeated at a frequency proportional to the rate of flow of the substance through a volumetric region into which the magnetic field is passed and within which the electrohydraulic discharge electrodes are located. Also discussed are preferred embodiments, in which the substance is a liquid-like substance, such as sewage, chemical waste, liquid mining material, etc.

Abstract: An irradiator of the type using a radioactive material as a source of radiation is combined with a gaseous liquid contact chamber. The irradiator has a casing having an input and output therefrom and a plurality of connected chambers formed in the casing and separated by walls having an opening therethrough. A plurality of gamma radiation sources are located in a plurality of the chambers, thus forming a plurality of irradiation chambers. At least one of the chambers is a gas treatment chamber having a gas input line connected thereto to provide gas liquid contact in the gas treatment chamber. The walls between the irradiation chambers and the gas treatment chambers are made of a gamma radiation blocking material, such as lead or concrete. Gas escape lines are provided for preventing the build up of gas in the chambers, so that a fluid can be treated through a series of irradiation gas contact treatments. Gas lines can also be provided directly into the irradiation chambers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for the purification of water by ultraviolet radiation.A pipe traversed by the liquid to be purified contains an ultraviolet lamp and an electrovalve electrically connected in series with the lamp and placed upstream of the latter. The resistance of the electrovalve is substantially equal to the load impedance of the lamp, the assembly being supplied with power by a solar collector.Application to the purification of water.

Abstract: An ultraviolet sterilization and disinfection system for fluids which includes apparatus for sensing selected operating characteristics such as physical characteristics of the fluid to be disinfected or sterilized and the operating conditions of the ultraviolet sources proportioning these variable and generally non-linear parameters and modifying such factors as fluid flow, ultraviolet energy imparted to the fluid to insure destruction of selected organisms without the use of excessive energy. Control may also be provided for the admission of selected quantities of disinfecting chemicals such as chlorine to the fluid.

Abstract: A water treating method is disclosed. Water stored in a container is circulated through an external passageway and subjected to ultraviolet radiation and biological oxidation treatment, whereupon the growth of undesired aquatic chlorophyceae and microorganisms is inhibited and at the same time, organic matter is decomposed and removed, thereby maintaining a low COD level and clarifying water in the container. This method is particularly useful for keeping water in a container clean.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing an ionized gas by exposure to a source of alpha radiation. Propelled gas from a blower is selectively subjected to controlled humidity and temperature. The gas is then passed over a source of alpha radiation. Thereafter the radioactivity of the gas is removed by suitable shielding. The resulting ionized gas is useful for restoring or improving the edibility and taste of liquid and solid food products.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for purifying secondary waste water effluent by ultraviolet radiation, wherein a plurality of ultraviolet lamps are concentrically mounted within support jackets arranged in parallel and which extend transversely across the fluid flow path of the waste water to be treated, adjacent jackets being spaced less than about one half inch apart so that none of the waste water is more than about one quarter inch away from a jacket as it flows past the lamps, and wherein the number of lamps is selected to satisfy the equation:3.ltoreq.X(l)/V.ltoreq.5where X is the number of lamps, l is the usable arc length of the lamps in inches, and V is the volume flow rate in gallons per minute.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing microorganisms from passing from outside into sterile closed systems containing sterile water or other fluids for general or biomedical use.

Abstract: An ultraviolet sterilization and disinfection system for fluids which includes apparatus for sensing selected operating characteristics such as physical characteristics of the fluid to be disinfected or sterilized and the operating conditions of the ultraviolet sources proportioning these variable and generally non-linear parameters and modifying such factors as fluid flow, ultraviolet energy imparted to the fluid to insure destruction of selected organisms without the use of excessive energy. Control may also be provided for the admission of selected quantities of disinfecting chemicals such as chlorine to the fluid.

Abstract: A device for the sterilization of liquids by means of ultraviolet radiation whereby a low-pressure high-current mercury vapor lamp is used with a discharge tube as the radiation source wherein the cooling of the lamp is effected by means of an air flow circulating in the device and adjustment of the mercury vapor pressure by heating the cooled air in a heating device and the heating of a cecum-shaped piece of tubing with this heated air. In order to reduce the energy consumption during this heating phase, a mechanism is provided in the device in order to lead a first portion of the cooled air flow directly to the discharge tube of the lamp. A second portion of the cooled air flow, which is smaller in comparison with the first portion, is heated by the heating device and led to the cecum.

Abstract: An irradiation apparatus is disclosed in which a low-pressure mercury lamp having a flat, elongated lamp tube is provided that is suitable for high intensity photochemical disinfecting and sterilization of materials. The irradiation apparatus includes a flat outer envelope, surrounding the lamp tube and ducts positioned along the narrow sides of the lamp tube to permit cooling of the apparatus and optionally the efficient generation of ozone. Various structures into which the apparatus may be incorporated for the immersion irradiation of fluids are also disclosed.

Abstract: Water stored in a container is circulated through an external passageway and subjected to ultraviolet radiation, whereupon undesired aquatic chlorophyceae are eliminated by inhibiting their growth. The water is circulated at such a rate that at least half the volume of water in the container is circulated per hour.

Abstract: Various embodiments of photoreactors are disclosed which have at least two irradiation chambers with a window therebetween. Ultraviolet radiation is introduced into one of the chambers at a side opposite the window so that it passes through that chamber, through the window and into the other chamber. The fluid medium to be purified is passed through the chambers and subjected to the radiation while in the chambers. The flow of the medium is through the chambers in series in some embodiments and in parallel in others. An embodiment is disclosed wherein a recirculation line is established around the reactor with the recirculation being continuous or intermittent. When intermittent the purified fluid medium also is drawn off intermittently, between the periods of recirculation. In some embodiments the amount of radiation traversing all the chambers is monitored. If the monitored amount drops below a given amount, the apparatus is shut down.

Abstract: A water treating method is disclosed. Water stored in a container is circulated through an external passageway and subjected to ultraviolet radiation and biological oxidation treatment, whereupon the growth of undesired aquatic chlorophyceae and microorganisms is inhibited and at the same time, organic matter is decomposed and removed, thereby maintaining a low COD level and clarifying water in the container. This method is particularly useful for keeping water in a container clean.

Abstract: Various embodiments of photoreactors are disclosed which have at least two irradiation chambers with a window therebetween. Ultraviolet radiation is introduced into one of the chambers at a side opposite the window so that it passes through that chamber, through the window and into the other chamber. The fluid medium to be purified is passed through the chambers and subjected to the radiation while in the chambers. The flow of the medium is through the chambers in series. The chambers are optimized in depth with respect to efficiency in terms of the flow-dose rate. In a two chamber photoreactor traversed by parallel radiation the maximum is at a total absorption of about 70 percent and at an absorption of about 27 percent in the chamber immediately adjacent to the radiation source. In an annular two chamber photoreactor with an elongate radiation source extending along the axis thereof the corresponding data are 45 to 65 percent and 16 to 25 percent, respectively.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for producing and maintaining high purity water of a quality suitable for delicate laboratory analysis work.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the amount of carbon and other organics in an aqueous solution is disclosed. A novel multistage reactor employs ultraviolet radiation to promote oxidation of a test sample. Oxygen and an oxidizing agent such as sodium persulfate are introduced into the solution prior to irradiation. The mixture is brought into direct contact with an ultraviolet lamp in each stage of the reactor. The design of the multistage reactor permits the desired chemical reaction to be optimized over interferring reactions.An inorganic carbon scrubber assembly is also disclosed for operation in a total organic carbon mode.

Abstract: The purification apparatus includes UV-tubes and secures a continuous and uniform disinfection or purification, respectively, of a flowing medium such as water, independent which portion of the space containing the UV-tubes is flowed through by such medium. The purification apparatus comprises a cylindrical pressure vessel with two chambers arranged on top of each other and separated from each other by a partition wall. The lower chamber comprises an inlet opening for the medium which is to be purified. The cylindrical upper chamber communicates with the lower chamber by inlet parts for the medium arranged on the partition wall and arranged groupwise along various concentric circles, each having a different radius.

Abstract: Various embodiments of photoreactors are disclosed which have at least two irradiation chambers with a window therebetween. Ultraviolet radiation is introduced into one of the chambers at a side opposite the window so that it passes through that chamber, through the window and into the other chamber. The fluid medium to be purified is passed through the chambers and subjected to the radiation while in the chambers. The flow of the medium is through the chambers in series in some embodiments and in parallel in others. An embodiment is disclosed wherein a recirculation line is established around the reactor with the recirculation being continuous or intermittent. When intermittent the purified fluid medium also is drawn off intermittently, between the periods of recirculation. In some embodiments the amount of radiation traversing all the chambers is monitored. If the monitored amount drops below a given amount, the apparatus is shut down.

Abstract: A disposable liquid sterilizer unit incorporates an ultra-violet tube designed to generate radiation at approximately 2537 Angstroms. The unit comprises an elongated cylindrical plastic jacket opaque to ultra-violet radiation concentrically mounted about the tube to provide a chamber between the jacket and the tube for the flow of liquid to be exposed to radiation generated by the tube. The tube extends beyond the ends of the jacket and includes electrical connectors at each end for removably mounting the unit to make electrical connection with electrical connections in a casing. A seal is provided adjacent each end of the jacket against liquid flow from the chamber between the tube and the walls of the jacket to the exterior of the jacket. Inlet and outlet connections for the flow of water to and from the chamber are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for sterilizing liquids by means of ultraviolet rays, using as the radiation source a low pressure, high current, mercury vapor lamp (UV lamp) which is provided with an appendix-shaped piece of tube (appendix) located on the discharge tube. In order to be able to regulate the temperature of the appendix in a defined manner even while the lamp is in operation and in order to achieve longer life of the UV lamp, an airstream circulating through the apparatus is used to cool the UV lamp. This airstream follows a path such that the air warmed on the discharge tube travels past the electrode bulbs of the UV lamp to the outer wall of the pipeline, through which pipeline the liquid to be sterilized flows. The air which has cooled on the outer wall of the pipeline is then returned to the UV lamp and must be at a temperature which is lower than the operating temperature of the appendix, so that the temperature of the latter can be regulated in a defined manner by means of a heater.

Abstract: An ultraviolet water purifier for destroying harmful water-born algae, bacteria, fungus, yeasts and viruses includes a main receptacle which is molded into a shape representative of a boat and may be mounted to the side wall of an aquarium and an ultraviolet light fixture disposed over the open top of the main receptacle for directing ultraviolet radiation into the water which passes through the main receptacle beneath the ultraviolet light fixture. The main receptacle includes a plurality of various sized apertures and corresponding plug members for sealing the apertures closed. Inasmuch as the various plugs are removable, the selection of which apertures to leave open and which apertures to close depends upon the particular flow pattern through the main receptacle which is desired. The main receptacle is divided into three different chambers with a flow passageway adjacent the bottom surface of the main receptacle communicating between each pair of adjacent chambers.

Abstract: Apparatus for contacting contaminated water with ultra-violet light to eliminate potentially harmful organisms as well as to provide air cooling necessary for efficient operation of the UV lamp and simultaneous production of ozone in the apparatus for secondary disinfection of the water, the water after treatment by the ultraviolet light being discharged into a water storage tank, and the irradiated air that contains the ozone being discharged into the tank into contact with the water for carrying out the secondary disinfection.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for treating a fluid hydrocarbon fuel for retarding the agglomeration between particles thereof and for retarding the growth of bacteria and fungi therein. The process includes the steps of transporting a plurality of unit volumes of said fluid hydrocarbon fuel through an irradiating location and irradiating each unit of the plurality of unit volumes at the irradiating location with either neutron or gamma radiation. An apparatus for treating the fluid hydrocarbon fuels with the nuclear radiation also is provided. The apparatus includes a generally conical central irradiating cavity which is surrounded by a spiral outer irradiating cavity. The fluid hydrocarbon fuel is transported through the cavities while being irradiated by the nuclear radiation.

Abstract: An ozone generating apparatus which comprises a plurality of chambers filled with an adsorbent, wherein a wet raw air is fed through one of the chambers filled with the adsorbent to adsorb moisture to form a dry air and the dry air is fed into an ozonizer to convert it into a dry ozone-containing air, and all or part of the dry ozone-containing air is fed into the other chamber filled with the adsorbent to purge water adsorbed on the adsorbent and to discharge it as a wet ozone containing air. The valves are then switched to feed the wet air to the other chamber filled with the adsorbent, whereby the moisture is adsorbed and the dry ozone-containing air fed from the ozonizer is fed into the former chamber filled with the adsorbent to reactivate the adsorbent and to discharge it as the wet ozone-containing air. The cycle is continuously repeated by switching valves.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the quantity of asphalt ingredient in an asphalt compound in an apparatus for mixing asphalt ingredient and an aggregate to form the asphalt compound including a neutronic line which reacts with a hydrogen atom of the asphalt ingredient in such a manner as to decrease the energy in the neutronic line so as to detect the quantity of asphalt ingredient in the asphalt compound, a continuous conveying means for supplying asphalt compound to the neutronic line and a means responsive to the neutronic line for automatically adjusting the amount of asphalt ingredient in the asphalt compound whereby the amount of asphalt ingredient in the asphalt compound is maintained at a standard value.

Abstract: An apparatus for sterilizing fluids comprises a radiation chamber which comprises a source of ultraviolet radiation; a housing surrounding said source and including an inner casing permeable to ultraviolet radiation and bounding a channel with said source, and an outer casing surrounding said inner casing and forming a treating space therewith; a conduit for conducting a stream of gas containing molecular oxygen through said channel for exposure to said ultraviolet radiation to produce an ozone-enriched gas; a conduit for conducting a fluid through said treating space so as to become sterilized by the ultraviolet radiation; and a conduit for introducing at least a portion of said ozone-enriched gas from said channel into said treating space to become united with said fluid, whereby said introduced portion of ozone-enriched gas is again exposed to ultraviolet radiation in order to produce an increased content of ozone in said ozone-enriched gas and an additional sterilizing effect is produced in said fluid.

Abstract: The apparatus is provided with a screening chamber filled with a radiation-screening liquid above the irradiation chamber in which a tubular radiation source carrier is mounted. The screening chamber is sealed off from the irradiation chamber while orifices are formed in the support member of the carrier to permit loading and unloading of the carrier with the radiation sources. These sources may be stored in a pit adjacent the irradiation chamber and submerged in the screening liquid.

Abstract: A disposable liquid sterilizer unit incorporating an ultra-violet tube designed to generate radiation at approximately 2537 Angstroms. The unit comprises an elongated cylindrical plastic jacket opaque to ultra-violet radiation concentrically mounted about the tube to provide a chamber between the jacket and the tube for the flow of liquid to be exposed to radiation generated by the tube. The tube extends beyond the ends of the jacket and includes electrical connectors at each end for removably mounting the unit to make electrical connection with electrical connections in a casing. A seal is provided adjacent each end of the jacket against liquid flow from the chamber between the tube and the walls of the jacket to the exterior of the jacket. Inlet and outlet connections for the flow of water to and from the chamber are provided as well as a viewport through the plastic jacket. The jacket includes a central portion and two integral injection moulded end portions fixed to the central portion by an adhesive.

Abstract: A unitary device for purifying water and other fluids embodying an annular filter surrounding an elongate tube which in turn surrounds and cooperates with an elongate ultraviolet lamp to form a flow channel for fluid to be irradiated. Fluid passing through the filter is conveyed through the flow channel along the length of the lamp to effect sterilization. The lamp is encased in a film of material having non-stick characteristics with respect to the fluid being treated, such as fluorinated ethylene propylene, to prevent buildup of scale and other contamination on the surface of the lamp which would otherwise reduce transmission of ultraviolet rays to the fluid. The lamp assembly is constructed as a replaceable removable unit which is adapted to be mounted in reversed endwise position to accommodate the device for different types of installations.

Abstract: A system for irradiating flowable material has an irradiation chamber; inlet and outlet conduits for introducing the flowable material into and discharging it from the irradiation chamber. The latter includes a spiral passage for guiding the flowable material in a spiral path from the inlet conduit to the outlet conduit. A radiation source is supported within the irradiation chamber in the zone of the spiral passage for irradiating the material flowing therethrough.

Abstract: Enhanced efficiency of an ultra-violet water sterilization device is assured by disposing a diffuser plate constructed of vanes at one end of a sterilization device so that the liquid flows by the vanes, to become turbulent and is directed into a rotational, non channeled path through a sterilization flux such that the flow of incremental fluid through the device becomes essentially constant and predictable so that the exposure of incremental fluid to the sterilization flux can be controlled to ensure bacteria kill.

Abstract: In order to efficiently irradiate a flowable material with high energy electrons, a hollow body is disposed in a container for the material and the material is caused to flow in the form of a thin layer across a surface of the body from or to the interior of the container while the material flowing across the body surface is irradiated.

Abstract: Improved gas venting from radioactive-material containers which utilizes the passageways between interbonded impervious laminae.

Abstract: A sample of hot fluid under pressure circulating in a main circuit is admitted into a cavity formed within a sampling unit. The temperature and pressure of the fluid within the cavity are brought to the same conditions as in the main circuit and the cavity is then isolated after thermal stabilization of the main circuit. The sampling unit is isolated, then cooled in order to reduce the pressure within the cavity. A supporting shield which normally covers a thin window formed in the bottom cavity wall is withdrawn by sliding and the fluid is analyzed across the window.

Abstract: An electronic air purifying method and apparatus whereby the air to be purified is introduced into the apparatus and oxygen molecules of said air are first transformed into the allotropic form of oxygen by a low pressure mercury ultra violet radiating device and then said allotropic form of oxygen is decomposed to nascent oxygen by heat. The so created nascent oxygen oxidizing instantaneously impurities contained in the air moving through the air purifying apparatus.