Abstract: The invention relates to a washing column (T) for implementing a physical gas washing in which gas (1) is sent from the bottom to the top and washing agent (2) is sent from the top to the bottom through the washing column, whereby at least two washing sections (WS1, WS2) are arranged on top of one another in the washing column (T), the top section (WS2) of which is bounded at the bottom by a riser base (K), from which a portion of the washing agent that is charged in the upper washing section can be introduced as washing agent into the lower washing section (WS1), and another portion can be removed from the washing column (T) via a lateral drain (4). The upper washing section (WS2) is connected to the lower washing section (WS1) by an overflow (U), via which charged washing agent from the riser base (K) of the upper washing section (WS2) can be introduced into the lower washing section (WS1).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing isocyanates in particular apparatuses.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a downcomer for a gas-liquid contacting device. The downcomer may include first and second spaced apart side walls, first and second end walls, a floor, and first and second opposing discharge walls. Generally, each end wall is coupled to a respective end of the first and second side walls. Typically, the floor is coupled to the side walls and end walls, and the floor has at least one section adapted for permitting the passage of liquid there-through. The first and second opposing discharge walls can be coupled to respective first and second side walls and having respective ends below the floor.

Abstract: An in-line bubble reducer for inducing turbulent flow in a liquid fluid stream in which gaseous bubbles are entrained. The bubble reducer includes a chamber with an inlet and an outlet, an axial flow diverter for directing the fluid stream outwardly and towards a subsequent annular flow diverter. The annular flow diverter extends from an inner wall of the chamber and induces turbulent flow in the fluid stream to reduce the size of the gaseous bubbles entrained in the fluid stream.

Abstract: A process for producing carbonated water having a high concentration, inexpensively and easily, involves using a static mixer having 20 to 100 elements so as to provide a value Re×N of 100,000 to 2,000,000, in with Re represents a Reynolds number, when a mixture of water and carbonic acid gas flow in the static mixer.

Abstract: The swirling type micro-bubble generating system according to the present invention possesses a container main unit having a cylindrical space with bottom or a frusto conically shaped space, a liquid inlet provided in tangential direction on a part of circumferential surface of inner wall of the space, a gas introducing hole provided on the bottom of the cylindrical space or opening of the frusto conically shaped space, and a swirling gas-liquid mixture outlet arranged at the top of the cylindrical space or opening of the frusto conically shaped space. According to this system, it is possible to readily generate micro-bubbles in industrial scale, and the system is relatively small in size and has simple structure and can be easily manufactured. The system can be used in the applications such as purification of water quality in ponds, lakes, marshes, man-made lakes, rivers, etc.

Abstract: A fluid inlet device (1) suitable for introducing a mixture of liquid and gas into a vessel, which fluid inlet device comprises a guide member having a surface on which surface a liquid film is present during normal operation, and having a main direction of gas flow along the surface; and wherein the guide member (20) is provided with a liquid catcher channel (40) extending from an upstream position with respect to the guide member (20) to a downstream position, and wherein a virtual line along the guide member between the upstream position and the downstream position deviates from the main direction of gas flow; the use of the fluid inlet device for introducing a mixture of liquid and gas into a gas-liquid contacting vessel; and a method of retrofitting a fluid inlet device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a distribution device (1) for distributing liquid over an underlying catalyst bed comprising a horizontal collection tray (2) provided with at least one gas chimney (3) for upward or downward passage of gas and with liquid dosing nozzles (4) for downward passage of liquid, wherein the gas chimney(s) (3) and liquid doing nozzles (4) are separate from each other and do not have the same longitudinal axis, and wherein each liquid dosing nozzle (4) comprises a concentrically arranged liquid passing hole (5) and splash plate (6), wherein the splash plate (6) is located below the liquid passing hole (5) and below the collection tray (2) such that there is a free fall distance for liquid of at least 100 mm between the hole (5) and the splash plate (6). The invention further relates to a reactor for hydroprocessing comprising such distribution device (1), the use of such reactor for hydroprocessing and a process for hydrocracking or hydrotreating in such reactor.

Abstract: A de-entrainment device separates entrained liquid from vapor in a fluid stream that flows through a chimney tray in a distillation tower. The separated liquid is collected and shielded from the fluid stream to prevent re-entrainment of the liquid in the vapor flowing upward into the tower. The chimney tray includes risers with hats that have gutters to guide liquid toward the tray deck, channels to collect and drain liquid from the top of the hats to the tray deck, and baffles extending from the risers to shield the liquid collected on the tray deck from the vapor flow.

Abstract: A packing element for use in a fluidised bed includes a continuous surface with at least one recessed portion. The recessed portion has a volume in the range of 0.2 to 30% of the volume of the packing element itself.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of supplying humid air to a fuel cell is disclosed. The extremely high thermal conductivity of some graphite foams lends itself to enhance significantly the ability to humidify supply air for a fuel cell. By utilizing a high conductivity pitch-derived graphite foam, thermal conductivity being as high as 187 W/m·K, the heat from the heat source is more efficiently transferred to the water for evaporation, thus the system does not cool significantly due to the evaporation of the water and, consequently, the air reaches a higher humidity ratio.

Abstract: A method for treating domestic wastewater, in situ, in a single tank. The use of which obviates the need for traditional septic tanks as well as lessening the burden, and reliance on, central water treatment plants. The resulting water is stored for non-potable reuse, thus lessening impact on public water supplies for domestic-utility use. The method is not limited to residential use but is equally applicable to boats, recreational vehicles, hotels, resorts, clubs, rest areas, apartment complexes, and the like.

Abstract: The invention is a stackable packing element for use in degassing liquid ophthalmic lens monomer, and to a modular degasser and process, including an in-line degassing process, employing same. The stackable packing element is comprised of a body module and a removable puck component.

Abstract: An ozone water purification system is disclosed. In this system, ozonated water flow proceeds alternately upwardly and downwardly through a series of vertical tubes. In order to disturb the laminar flow within the tubes, several types of turbulence-inducing devices may be mounted within the tubes. Such a mounting may be made so that the devices are removable for cleaning. In addition, the tubes may be circularly arranged so as to conserve space.

Abstract: A trap apparatus is optimum for trapping a material gas discharged from a vapor deposition apparatus for depositing in a vapor phase thin films of high-dielectric or ferroelectric such as barium/strontium titanates on substrates. The trap apparatus is disposed downstream of a vacuum process chamber. The vacuum process chamber is for processing a substrate. The trap apparatus is for trapping a component having a low vapor pressure contained in a gas discharged from the vacuum process chamber. The trap apparatus includes a trap container for introducing the gas discharged from the vacuum process chamber, and a cooling device provided in the trap container for cooling the gas to a temperature equal to or lower than a condensing temperature of a gas component which is contained in the gas and easily liquidized.

Abstract: An evaporation device for increasing evaporation from a surface of a body of liquid, comprises at least one evaporation element having at least one evaporation surface wettable by the liquid and at least partially exposable to wind when wetted, so as to allow evaporation of the liquid from the evaporation surfaces whereby the total evaporation area of the surface of the body of liquid is increased.

Abstract: A quench zone mixing apparatus that occupies a low vertical height and has an improved mixing efficiency and fluid distribution across the catalyst surface includes a swirl chamber, a rough distribution network, and a distribution apparatus. In the swirl chamber, reactant fluid from a catalyst bed above is thoroughly mixed with a quench fluid by a swirling action. The mixed fluids exit the swirl chamber through an aperture to the rough distribution system where the fluids are radially distributed outward across the vessel to the distribution apparatus. The distribution apparatus includes a plate with a number of bubble caps and associated drip trays that multiply the liquid drip stream from the bubble caps to further symmetrically distribute the fluids across the catalyst surface. Alternatively, deflector baffles may be associated with the bubble caps to provide a wider and more uniform liquid distribution below the plate.

Abstract: The flooding capacity of a fractionation tray (2) is increased by the addition of at least one layer of low surface area grids (3) above the inlet to the downcomers (6,12) located on the tray (2). The grids (3) extend upward for a distance equal to one to four times the depth of the downcomers. The grids may rest upon the top edge of the downcomers or on the tray decking between the top portions of the downcomer sidewalls.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a gas-liquid processing apparatus having a high contact efficiency of a gas and a liquid and a high reaction efficiency at a low production cost. A static type fluid mixer includes a passage pipe for the passage of a fluid and a spiral blade body arranged in the passage pipe with the longitudinal direction substantially perpendicularly but being absent in the center portion of the passage pipe. A liquid and a gas are supplied into the static type fluid mixer and a fluid is returned from the bottom portion of the static type fluid mixer to the upper portion via the pipe for the fluid circulation. The fluid is maintained in the static type fluid mixer at a pressured state higher than the atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus for exhausting coating materials used in the process of spin coating a top surface of a wafer, the wafer having an edge and a bottom surface that is supported and rotated by a rotatable chuck attached by a shaft to a spin motor. The apparatus includes a bowl having an exhausted drain configured to receive excess liquid and vapor from the spin coating and an assembly configured to maintain the drain at a negative pressure differential relative to the bowl. In a preferred embodiment, a baffle is attached to the bottom to limit the flow of the liquid and vapor into the drain to a predetermined direction.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a gas-liquid processing apparatus having a high contact efficiency of a gas and a liquid and a high reaction efficiency at a low production cost. A static type fluid mixer includes a passage pipe for the passage of a fluid and a spiral blade body arranged in the passage pipe with the longitudinal direction substantially perpendicularly but being absent in the center portion of the passage pipe. A liquid and a gas are supplied into the static type fluid mixer and a fluid is returned from the bottom portion of the static type fluid mixer to the upper portion via the pipe for the fluid circulation. The fluid is maintained in the static type fluid mixer at a pressured state higher than the atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: Provided is a quench vessel containing at least two separate internal vessels. A receiving liquor is contained in the first internal vessel and a washing liquid bath is contained in a second internal vessel.

Abstract: A quench zone mixing apparatus that occupies a low vertical height and has an improved mixing efficiency and fluid distribution across the catalyst surface includes a swirl chamber, a rough distribution network, and a distribution apparatus. In the swirl chamber, reactant fluid from a catalyst bed above is thoroughly mixed with a quench fluid by a swirling action. The mixed fluids exit the swirl chamber through an aperture to the rough distribution system where the fluids are radially distributed outward across the vessel to the distribution apparatus. The distribution apparatus includes a plate with a number of bubble caps and associated drip trays that multiply the liquid drip stream from the bubble caps to further symmetrically distribute the fluids across the catalyst surface. The distribution apparatus can be used in the reaction vessel without the swirl chamber and rough distribution system, e.g., at the top of a vessel.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a gas-liquid processing apparatus having a high contact efficiency of a gas and a liquid and a high reaction efficiency at a low production cost. A static type fluid mixer, includes a passage pipe for the passage of a fluid and a spiral blade body arranged in the passage pipe with the longitudinal direction substantially perpendicularly but being absent in the center portion of the passage pipe. A liquid and a gas are supplied into the static type fluid mixer and a fluid is returned from the bottom portion of the static type fluid mixer to the upper portion via the pipe for the fluid circulation. The fluid is maintained in the static type fluid mixer at a pressured state higher than the atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A steam generating device particularly suitable for a steam bath body treatment. The steam generating apparatus comprises a housing (1) with a spray nozzle (2) connected to a hot water supply via a pipe (3). The housing has a water outlet (4), an air inlet (5) and a steam outlet (6) and is provided with an inner wall (7) and a lip (8, 16) for generating steam when pressurized hot water is delivered to the nozzle.

Abstract: A process for enriching a liquid with oxygen by introducing the liquid into an oxygen enriching vessel, subdividing the liquid, subjecting the interior of the vessel to an oxygen pressure of at least about 20 psi, conducting the introduced water in a substantially flowing contact with the oxygen, and recovering the water under oxygen pressure when it is to be bottled. The process is carried out in oxygen enriching apparatus having an oxygen enriching vessel, a number of horizontal trays vertically spaced apart from each other and having a central opening, a liquid supply tube ranging into the interior of the enriching vessel through the central openings, means for discharging liquid from the tube onto a tray, an oxygen supply source for providing the oxygen to the vessel, and a liquid outlet for the removal of the oxygenated liquid. The liquids oxygenated by the invention are used in various aerobic and therapeutic processes.

Abstract: The invention is a process for increasing the system thermal capability of a splash filled cooling tower where cooling water is circulated and splashed against splash bars during the cooling process. The process includes contacting the circulating water of the cooling tower with a nonionic surfactant composition in an amount effective to increase the system thermal capability of the cooling tower.

Abstract: Esterification is carried out in a column reactor (14) in which there is a plurality of esterification trays (15) each having predetermined liquid hold-up and containing a charge of a solid esterification catalyst thereon. e.g. an ion exchange resin containing a --SO.sub.3 H and/or --COOH groups. A liquid phase containing the carboxylic acid component, e.g. a fatty acid mixture, flows down the column reactor from one esterification tray to the next downward one against an upflowing alcohol vapour stream, e.g. methanol vapour. Relatively dry alcohol vapour is injected (21) into the bottom of the column reactor. Water of esterification is removed from the top of the column reactor in the vapour stream (26), whilst ester product is recovered (23) from the sump of the reactor. As the liquid flows down the trays it encounters progressively drier alocohol and the esterification equilibrium reaction is driven further and further towards 100% ester formation.

Abstract: A two-stage downflow flue gas treatment condensing heat exchanger system allows for flue gas to be passed into a two-stage housing at an upper end of the housing. The flue gas is channeled through a first stage of the housing having a first condensing heat exchanger which cools the flue gas. The flue gas is then channeled through a second stage having a second condensing heat exchanger which is located directly beneath the first stage and the first condensing heat exchanger for further cooling the flue gas. The flue gas travels in a downward direction only through the housing and exits the housing at the lower end of the housing beneath the second stage. A collection tank is located beneath the second stage of the housing for collecting liquids, condensate, particulate and reaction product.

Abstract: A steam generator for a steam bath for generating steam from hot water supplied thereto. The steam generator for a steam bath has a closed main part equipped with a hot-water supply port, an air inlet, a discharge port and a steam outlet. Hot water received from the hot-water supply port is distributed in the main part so as to contact with air coming through the air inlet, and the thus generated steam is discharged through the steam outlet. Warm water formed as a result of steam generation is discharged from the discharge port.

Abstract: A steam generator for a steam bath for generating steam from hot water supplied thereto. The steam generator for a steam bath has a closed main part equipped with a hot-water supply port, an air inlet, a discharge port and a steam outlet. Hot water received from the hot-water supply port is distributed in the main part so as to contact with air coming through the air inlet, and the thus generated steam is discharged through the steam outlet. Warm water formed as a result of steam generation is discharged from the discharge port.

Abstract: A steam generator for a steam bath for generating steam from hot water supplied thereto. The steam generator for a steam bath has a closed main part equipped with a hot-water supply port, an air inlet, a discharge port and a steam outlet. Hot water received from the hot-water supply port is distributed in the main part so as to contact with air coming through the air inlet,and the thus generated steam is discharged through the steam outlet. Warm water formed as a result of steam generation is discharged from the discharge port.

Abstract: A vortex breaker has been invented for a liquid draw off tray with horizontal liquid draw off. Liquid is removed from the sump of the tray horizontally through a port. A first vertically oriented baffle has a top edge above the port, a bottom edge below the port and a side edge adjacent the port. A second vertically oriented baffle is perpendicular to the first baffle. The second baffle has a top edge above the port and a bottom edge spaced from the sump bottom a distance to about one-half port diameter, allowing for the flow of liquid thereunder. The vortex breaker is useful for a liquid spare horizontal liquid draw off tray.

Abstract: A multiple-gas-phase liquid treatment apparatus for use, for example, as a gas dissolving apparatus, gas removing apparatus, sewage treatment apparatus, or large-quantity culture apparatus includes a hollow container, a plurality of horizontal partition plates mounted in the hollow container to define a plurality of vertically-stacked liquid treatment chambers, a pouring port for introducing liquid to be treated into an upper portion of the hollow container, a discharge port for removing treated liquid from a bottom portion of the hollow container, a gas vent port for introducing gas into the bottom portion of the hollow container, and a hollow tube connected to each horizontal partition plate and extending a predetermined distance downwardly therefrom. Liquid introduced into the top portion of the hollow container flows from one partition plate to an adjacent lower partition plate through the hollow tube in each partition plate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating well water to remove dissolved minerals and entrained gases. An aerator is disposed within a well, the aerator being located being the frost line and the water table. Water from the reservoir within the well and/or from the associated pressure tank is directed through the aerator so that the aerator will cause gases such as hydrogen sulfide to be released from the water, and will also cause dissolved iron and manganese to oxidize and precipitate out of the water so that the quality of the water within the reservoir is substantially improved. The water flow through the aerator will preferably be controlled by the operation of a solenoid operated valve which may in turn be operated by a timer to cause periodic recycling of the water through the aerator and back into the reservoir.

Abstract: A lightweight water cooling tower is formed by a fiberglass reinforced basin and fiberglass reinforced side panels. A liquid distribution system in the cooling tower is supplied with liquid by a vertically extending liquid supply pipe, and a fan is supported by the liquid supply pipe.

Abstract: A crossflow cooling tower has a number of fill structure sections which are arranged at equally spaced intervals around the entire perimeter of a central plenum that receives generally horizontal currents of air simultaneously from all of the fill structure sections and causes the air to be discharged in an upwardly direction out of the tower. In one embodiment, the tower is provided with four upright fill structure sections disposed in a square arrangement in horizontal view, and a number of the towers may be located adjacent each other in a side-by-side diamond-like arrangement so that each air inlet face of each tower readily communicates with the atmosphere.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided which achieve an advantageous effect on the flow paths of fluid flowing in a pipe, wherein such an effect makes the apparatus and method particularly useful for mixing fluids. In accordance with the invention, fluid is flowed through an apparatus which includes a pipe member comprising a first tubular portion and a second tubular portion which outwardly extends from the first portion so as to be in communication with the interior of the first portion. A plate having apertures through which fluid flows is positioned in the first tubular portion so as to extend into the second tubular portion.

Abstract: Photographic waste solution is treated by a method which comprises contacting the waste solution with air, in an especially designed treatment vessel, at a solution temperature of from about 120.degree. F. to about 140.degree. F. The air thus becomes supersaturated with the liquid in the waste, and the waste solution is thus concentrated to form a waste slurry which is transferred out into a waste storage vessel. The supersaturated air which is virtually free from waste is discharged to the atmosphere. The method is carried out in an especially constructed apparatus comprising a uniquely designed treatment vessel.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating fluids flowing at high velocity, for mass and heat transfer, for gas-liquid contacting and for contaminant particulate, mist or fume separation, including a plurality of perforated or unperforated cylinders arrayed staggered in rows perpendicular to the direction of flow of the fluid. The elements are spatially separated from each other. Diagonal by-pass flow through the array is blocked by a partition extending from each element generally parallel to the direction of flow of fluid bisecting the space between a pair of elements of an adjacent row with the elements of the pair symmetrically spaced with respect to the partition.Also, a method of removing contaminants from gas by passing the gas through this array between and injecting a liquid into the array. Capture of the contaminants by the drops is effected because of the difference in acceleration of each as the contaminated gas passes in and out of the gap between each cylinder and its adjacent partitions.

Abstract: A device is provided for scrubbing a polluted gas in which this gas passes through at least one sheet of a scrubbing liquid. The device comprises trickle walls (7) which together define a first opening (8), a first transverse wall (12) disposed beneath the first opening, and a trickle passage with a vertical axis, surrounding the first transverse wall, and limited by two confining walls (10) attached to the underside of the trickle walls on either side of the first opening. Inside the trickle passage, under the first transverse wall (12), further walls (15) are arranged defining a second opening (16), with a second transverse wall (17) being disposed beneath the second opening.

Abstract: The process selectively absorbs hydrogen sulphide from gases containing hydrogen sulphide and carbon dioxide by contacting the gas with an aqueous solution of alkanolamine in an absorber column containing a structured packing consisting of a number of corrugated plates arranged parallel to the column axis. The corrugations are angled to the column axis at an angle between 20.degree. and 70.degree. and run in opposite directions on adjacent plates. The structured packing effects a lower absorption of the carbon dioxide in the solvent than Pall rings or sieve trays so that only a small amount of carbon dioxide is co-absorbed with the hydrogen sulphide.

Abstract: A method of determining the minimum level of enrichment required to render a substantially miscible gas miscible in a liquid hydrocarbon by observing the behavior of liquid hydrocarbon droplets as they fall through samples of enriched gas of incrementally increasing levels of enrichment. The lowest level of enrichment at which the droplet is observed to dissipate in the enriched gas is the minimum level of enrichment.

Abstract: An installation for contacting a fluid with a gas is disclosed and comprises an enclosure provided in the lower part of its periphery with at least one gas inlet opening and in its upper part with at least one gas discharge opening. The contact unit is composed of a combustible material, and the unit is disposed in the enclosure above the gas inlet opening and is suspended from a framework by cables and the cables are connected by temperature responsive means adapted to cause release of the cables in response to the detection of a predetermined temperature at the most equal to the flame temperature of the contact unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stack, particularly an atmospheric cooling tower. The stack comprises a shell with double curvature and a bearing structure or seating for the shell; the shell is dissociated from the seating and presents in its lower part a rigid peripheral ring via which it rests on this seating. The invention is more particularly applicable to the production of atmospheric cooling towers.

Abstract: This invention provides for a system for the year-round aeration of lagoons, ponds, small lakes and the like, providing greatly improved circulation and saturation of effluent with dissolved oxygen, further providing advantages of portability and remote location of inlet, discharge and pump; and utilizing a device incorporating internal baffles within an adjustably inclined chute incorporating covers and discharge extension and movable mounted upon a suitable vehicle.

Abstract: Packing for fluidized bed reactors, is improved by providing alternately inclined baffles connected directly to each other or by means for connecting the said baffles into grids located in one or several levels, the said baffles forming expanding and contracting cells in the direction of the flow. The size, spacing in grids and the angle of attack of these baffles and spacing of grids are the same throughout the reactor volume when uniform distributions of the fluidizing agent and the fluidized medium are required. Alternatively, a device of this type is improved by providing variable sizes, spacing in grids, and angle of attack of these baffles and spacing of grids when specified nonuniform distributions of the flow of the fluidizing agent and the concentrations of the fluidized media are desired for particular applications.

Abstract: An apparatus for efficiently and economically cooling air by sequentially passing the air to be cooled through a chilled water heat exchanger mechanism and then through an evaporative cooler mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for efficiently and economically cooling air by sequentially passing the air to be cooled through a chilled water heat exchanger mechanism and then through an evaporative cooler mechanism.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating fluids flowing at high velocity, for mass and heat transfer, for gas-liquid contacting and for contaminant particulate, mist or fume separation, including a plurality of perforated or unperforated cylinders arrayed staggered in rows perpendicular to the direction of flow of the fluid. The elements are spatially separated from each other. Diagonal by-pass flow through the array is blocked by a partition extending from each element generally parallel to the direction of flow of fluid bisecting the space between a pair of elements of an adjacent row with the elements of the pair symmetrically spaced with respect to the partition.Also, a method of removing contaminants from gas by passing the gas through this array between and injecting a liquid into the array. Capture of the contaminants by the drops is effected because of the difference in acceleration of each as the contaminated gas passes in and out of the gap between each cylinder and its adjacent partitions.