Abstract: A sheet for use in a heat exchange apparatus. The sheet includes a first vertical rib that extends generally parallel to the vertical axis of the heat exchange apparatus. The sheet also includes a second vertical rib that extends, substantially all the way between the first and second edges of the sheet generally parallel to the first vertical rib. The sheet further includes a first horizontal rib that extends substantially all the way between the third and fourth edges of the sheet. The sheet additionally includes a second horizontal rib that extends substantially all the way between the third and fourth edges of the sheet generally parallel to the first horizontal rib.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for the treat en of process gas from an anaerobic digestion system or a landfill gas system. In one embodiment, the system comprises a caustic scrubber including a vertical column having a top and a bottom and including a counter current flow system, wherein a process gas stream flows up vertically through the column in counter current flow to a caustic liquid solution that flows downward through the column.

Abstract: A disc assembly of an air cleaning humidifier includes a disc member provided with assembly parts formed by cutting parts of the disc member; first and second plate members respectively disposed at both sides of the disc member; at least one fixing member inserted into a corresponding one of the assembly parts between the first and second plate members to fix the disc member; and water storage parts formed in the at least one fixing member.

Abstract: A fill pack assembly and method for assembling a fill pack from individual sheets utilizes integrally bonded sheet pairs. Each sheet pair is a pair of two individual adjacent fill sheets which have been bonded together via any suitable bonding method. A plurality of the thus formed sheet pairs can then be attached together to form an entire fill pack or portion of a fill pack. Such fill packs are useful in heat exchange devices such as industrial cooling towers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a panel, comprising: two plates of substantially equal dimensions positioned on each other; which plates are connected medium-tightly to each other along their peripheral zones; which plates enclose a cavity; a feed for feeding a liquid, in particular water, into the cavity; and openings close to and along a peripheral edge of the panel for flow of the liquid out of the cavity during operation such that during operation the openings are situated close to the upper peripheral edge of the panel, wherein the liquid flows downward over at least one outer surface of the panel.

Abstract: The present invention involves a string-thick-plates pack formed of a multiplicity of string-thick-plates for application as fill media in cooling tower. The individual string-thick-plates are assembled into the fill pack by joining male and female attachment tabs on the frame of the string-thick-plates. The string-thick-plate is in a thick rectangular plate shape and consists of two vertical-string-screens on its both sides, which are fabricated by winding one long string over the rectangular frame in longitudinal direction of the string-thick-plate. Intervals between adjacent strings of the vertical-string-screens on the string-thick-plate are designed to preserve a maximum optimized surface area of the strings able to obtain a maximum cooling efficiency of the string-thick-plate. The string-thick-plates pack is designed to be installed upright and on the slant in the cooling tower of the cross-flow type and counter-flow type, respectively.

Abstract: This invention relates to a counter flow type of cooling tower generating low grade of noise, which includes: a body wherein an external air inhalation hole is formed in the lower portion and a discharge hole is formed in the upper portion; a fan that is provided in the body and absorbs external air into the body through an inhalation hole and discharges the external air to the discharge hole; an spraying nozzle that sprays coolant; an eliminator that is provided above the spraying nozzle and prevents air and water from scattering; a filler that is provided below the spraying nozzle; and a collection tank collecting the coolant that passes the filler and drops, wherein a space portion is formed between the filler and the collection tank, and the space portion formed between the filler and the collection tank further includes a noise generation restraining portion consisting of at least one noise generation restraining unit.

Abstract: A condensing system is provided. The condensing system may include baffle plate units having a substantially flat surface and openings configured for cooling fluid to flow through; and baffles attached to the baffle plate unit, the baffles oriented at an acute angle with respect to the baffle plate unit, the baffles having a flat surface and figured to diffuse a cooling fluid into a thin, turbulent film at a similar acute angle. A method of condensing a fluid is provided. The method includes defining a path for the fluid to be condensed to flow; spraying a cooling fluid against a baffle thereby creating a turbulent film of cooling fluid in the path for the fluid to be condensed and orienting some of the baffles to create a film of cooling fluid oriented in one direction and orienting other baffles to create a film of cooling fluid in a second direction wherein the path of the fluid to be condensed causes the fluid to be condensed to flow over films oriented in both the first and second directions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a system for controlling the circulation of water films on the exchange walls of an exchange surface of a cooling tower. It comprises combining a tank and a dispenser lip to ensure that the film has a specific thickness and that it adheres to the exchange wall right from the moment it starts to flow and repeatedly so, on each exchange wall. The exchange walls between air and water are horizontally sloping at a small angle, thereby ensuring that the water flows by force of gravity and, at the same time, limiting the speed increase on the plate to avoid the droplets from being pulled away by the airflow. The water films are recovered in recovery troughs perpendicular to the flow of the water films on the plates. These troughs are tilted horizontally, and enable the recovery of the water films without being crossed by the air flows.

Abstract: An apparatus for increasing the atmospheric humidity of an outdoor weathering facility for test samples in a test area (1), with a graduating unit (2) for controlling the level of the atmospheric humidity in the test area (1) by discharging an evaporated amount of fluid and with a device (4) for measuring the level of the atmospheric humidity over time during a test period.

Abstract: A wet electrostatic precipitator (1) includes an inlet (2) for receiving a gas (4) containing a pollutant, and an outlet (6) for discharging therefrom the gas (8) from which said pollutant has been at least partially removed. Nozzles (24) are operative for purposes of spraying liquid onto at least one first vertical collecting surface (30) of at least one collecting electrode (18). A liquid distributor (42) is provided for purposes of pouring liquid onto at least one second vertical collecting surface (44), said at least one second vertical collecting surface (44) being located on a further collecting electrode (36), with said further collecting electrode (36) being located downstream of said at least one collecting electrode (18). The nozzles (24) are located upstream of the liquid distributor (42), as viewed with reference to the direction of flow of the gas.

Abstract: An aerator has a sphere, several rods that project upwardly from the sphere, and a filter that sits on the rods. The rods rest on the mouth of a vessel such as a wine glass with the sphere at or below the mouth. A liquid such as wine is poured through the filter and onto the sphere to filter and aerate the liquid before the liquid settles in the vessel.

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: A gas infuser facilitates dissolving a gas into a liquid to produce a supersaturated liquid. A liquid in the infuser is spread over the surfaces of infuser structures in the infuser chamber such that the liquid forms a film on the surfaces in the presence of a pressurized gas. Preferably the liquid flows by gravity over the surfaces of the infuser structures as it flows in a cascade from an input at the top of the infuser. The infuser described herein may be used with a variety of infuser structures to provide increased surface area for the cascading flow of liquid. The liquid leaves the infuser supersaturated with the gas. The supersaturated liquid can then be used in any one of a variety of industrial type processes. The infuser is preferably a continuous flow process but may also be operated as a batch process. The gas and liquid are preferably introduced together into the infuser under pressure in a non-dissolved state or semi-dissolved state.

Abstract: A sheathing layer spans a supporting surface from which moisture is to be removed. In one exemplary system, ventilation channels extend between opposed ends of the substrate layer, communicating with an outlet opening at one end and with a duct at the opposing end which in turn communicates with an inlet opening at the same end of the substrate layer as the outlet opening. A fan is arranged to circulate air through channels from the inlet opening to the outlet opening to replace humid air in the channels with drier replacement air. In another example, a substrate layer includes ventilation channels communicating only between the supporting surface and an outlet opening. The outlet opening connects to a fan which maintains the channels at a vacuum pressure to withdraw moisture therefrom.

Abstract: A grid falling film devolatilizer including a tower housing, a liquid distributor for distributing liquid within the tower housing, and one or more internal towers arranged in the tower housing in a parallel manner, for continuously forming and regenerating a large surface of film material using liquid from the liquid distributor. Each internal tower has (i) a round, square or rectangle cross section, (ii) four corners, (iii) four pillars standing at the four corners of the internal tower, respectively, and (iv) multiple grid trays supported within the internal tower and numbering between 2 to 500. Each pair of neighboring grid plates having an interval in the range of about 20 to 500 mm. Also, each grid tray includes a pair of beams, a plurality of grid bars and corresponding guide members.

Abstract: A fabric packing has a plurality of layers made of a filament of metal or plastic and includes bulges for maintaining the fabric layers at a distance. The bulges have first protuberances of generally trough-shaped configuration and second protuberances formed on the first protuberances, thereby defining respective apexes. The second protuberances are sized smaller than the first protuberances, wherein neighboring fabric layers are supported on one another via the second protuberances.

Abstract: “LIQUID OR PULP AERATION DEVICE” that projects liquid or pulp (P) through a spreading nozzle on a chain curtain (C) and captures air bubbles from the liquid or pulp (P) while the fluid outflows through the curtain links (C) by gravity forming films by virtue of an interaction of the surface strain and wettability between the three surfaces in question. As far as the outflow is concerned, these films end up interacting between themselves capturing the remaining air between them, thus forming profuse bubbles, resulting in the formation of liquid or foaming pulp (P) by virtue of the chain discharge (C).

Abstract: The present invention provides a water-flowing mechanism in a wet type electrostatic precipitator that can stably and quickly form a water film on a dust-collecting plate even at the beginning of the operation and that has an excellent adjusting function of a supplying flow-rate of washing liquid. The present invention includes a dust-collecting plate, a washing liquid supplying source to wet the dust-collecting plate, and a cylindrical member that is opened according to the shape of the upper end face of the dust-collecting plate and into which the washing liquid supplying source is inserted, wherein the horizontal cross-section of the dust-collecting plate is formed in a corrugated shape, and the lower opening of the cylindrical member is formed in a corrugated shape according to the dust-collecting plate.

Abstract: An ozone delivery system for delivering and manufacturing a measured amount of an ozone/oxygen admixture, which is able to measure, control, report and differentiate between delivered-ozone and absorbed-dose of ozone. Improved gas-fluid contacting devices that maximize gas-fluid mass transfer may be included. All gas contacting surfaces of the system, including one or more gas-fluid contacting devices are made from ozone-inert construction materials that generally do not absorb ozone or introduce amounts of contaminants or deleterious byproducts of oxidation into a fluid or non-fluid target from ozone oxidation.

Abstract: A vessel for cooling syngas comprising a syngas collection chamber and a quench chamber, wherein the syngas collection chamber has a syngas outlet which is fluidly connected with the quench chamber via a tubular diptube, wherein the syngas outlet comprises of a tubular part having a diameter which is smaller than the diameter of the tubular diptube and is co-axial with the diptube, and wherein the tubular part terminates at a point within the diptube such that an annular space is formed between the tubular part and the diptube, and wherein in the annular space a discharge conduit for a liquid water is present having a discharge opening located such to direct the liquid water along the inner wall of the diptube.

Abstract: The fine distributor for a liquid includes a primary distribution stage that has a plurality of outlet openings and a secondary distribution stage that has distribution gutters below the primary distribution stage. A mesh structure leads from the primary to the secondary distribution stage to further distribute the descending liquid laterally. One outlet opening or a group of outlet openings in the primary stage are associated with each guide mens and also a distribution gutter is associated with each guide means. Each guide means, by means of which liquid (23) can be directed from the at least one associated outlet opening to the secondary distribution stage, extends from the primary distribution stage to the associated distribution gutter and also through it and forms a drip edge (45) for the liquid supplied below the distribution gutter. Each guide means has at least partially a three-dimensional structuring and also a regular perforation.

Abstract: At least one section of structured packing where the length of the section is about 1 m to about 6 m; and where the specific surface area of the structured packing of the section is greater than 500 m2/m3, is used in a vapour/liquid contact column operating in locations where environmental conditions adversely affect steady state operation of the column to reduce maldistribution of liquid in the column under motion. The structured packing section has particular application offshore on a buoyant platform where tilt of the column out of vertical alignment due to the rolling motion of the platform can significantly affect the efficiency of the column.

Abstract: A tray deck with a distillation column comprises a sump suspended from the tray deck for receiving a liquid mixture from the tray deck, at least one vapor opening for rising vapor through the tray deck and at least one vapor baffle for receiving vapor passing through the vapor opening.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided for cooling gaseous effluent from a hydrocarbon pyrolysis furnace, the cooling conduit apparatus comprising: (i) an inner wall for contacting the effluent, the inner wall defining a bore extending a length of the cooling conduit, the inner wall including a perimeter opening along the bore; (ii) an outer wall external to the inner wall and substantially coaxial to the inner wall; (iii) a substantially annular cavity external to the inner wall and including at least a portion of the outer wall, the annular cavity fluidly and remotely connected to the perimeter opening, the annular cavity externally surrounding a perimeter of the inner wall, the annular cavity including at least a portion of the outer wall; and (iv) a peripheral channel extending around a perimeter of the inner wall, the peripheral channel providing a channel flow path that fluidly connects the annular cavity with the remotely connected perimeter opening along the perimeter of the inner wall.

Abstract: A water curtain is provided which includes a drape assembly having a drape hood, material drape, float overflow shut-off, collection return, a drainage line solenoid which preferably is electric, a drainage line, a filter, drape solenoid which preferably is electric, a drape feed line, a pump, a pump power line, an on/off switch to a power source which preferably is a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) power line for obvious safety concerns, a feed line, and a shutoff valve. The water supply may be electrically controlled by solenoid valves and has a float overflow shutoff control in some embodiments.

Abstract: A process is proposed for the distillation or reactive distillation of a mixture that includes at least one toxic component, the process being carried out in a column containing a structured packing, having at least one packing layer (1) having a lower end (2) and an upper end (3), the packing layer having an internal geometry varying over its height, in such a manner that in the distillation or reactive distillation, in a first, lower region (6) of the packing layer (1) a bubbling layer having a predominantly disperse gas phase can be established and simultaneously in a second, upper region (7) of the packing layer (1) a film flow having a predominantly continuous gas phase can be established.

Abstract: A mechanical draft cooling tower is provided. The cooling tower includes a direct cooling section having a plurality of fill sheets. Water is sprayed downwardly over the fill sheets and is collected in a collection sump. The collection sump is comprised of two end walls, two side walls, a floor and a drain. The end walls are sloped at the floor intersection. The floor is sloped to a center section where the drain is located.

Abstract: A cooling tower and/or a fan drive system are provided which enhance cooling performance, are able to reduce lateral temperature gradients at least to some degree, provide for easy removable of debris and/or provide for easy fan adjustment.

Abstract: A sheet for use in a heat exchange apparatus. The sheet includes a first vertical rib that extends in a first direction generally parallel to the vertical axis of the heat exchange apparatus, wherein said first vertical rib protrudes in a second direction out of the plane. The sheet also includes a second vertical rib that extends in the first direction along the sheet, substantially all the way between the first and second edges of the sheet generally parallel to the first vertical rib. The second vertical rib also protrudes in the second direction out of the plane. The sheet further includes a first horizontal rib that extends in a third direction along the sheet substantially all the way between the third and fourth edges of the sheet, wherein the first horizontal rib protrudes in a fourth direction opposite said second direction.

Abstract: An evaporative cooler comprises a housing having an upper surface and at least one vertical wall defining a chamber. The upper surface can include at least one opening in communication with the chamber. The evaporative cooler can also comprise at least one drain slit assembly for distributing a fluid and further comprise at least one screen. The screen can define a portion of the vertical wall. The screen can have an interior surface and an exterior surface relative to the chamber. In addition, the screen can be disposed relative to the drain slit assembly such that the drain slit assembly distributes the fluid over the screen. The screen can be configured such that the fluid forms a surface fluid layer over the surfaces of the screen. The evaporative cooler can further comprise an air conveyor disposed within the housing for drawing air through the opening and into the chamber such that the air is conveyed through the screen and the fluid layer.

Abstract: A base for a cooling tower having a fill media heat exchange system. The cooling tower, or heat transfer device, includes a plurality of heat exchanging plates positioned to form the fill media, a moisture collection area positioned under the heat exchanging plates, and a composite base supporting the heat exchanging plates and positioned substantially within the moisture collection area. The base includes a plurality of elongated supports, wherein each support includes a length, an aperture, and a plurality of openings. The aperture traverses the supports substantially parallel to the length while the openings traverse the supports substantially perpendicular to the length. The combination of the aperture and openings allows the flow of moisture and water within the moisture collection area to flow in at least two substantially perpendicular directions within the moisture collection area.

Abstract: A fabric packing has a plurality of layers made of a filament of metal or plastic and includes bulges for maintaining the fabric layers at a distance. The bulges have first protuberances of generally trough-shaped configuration and second protuberances formed on the first protuberances, thereby defining respective apexes. The second protuberances are sized smaller than the first protuberances, wherein neighboring fabric layers are supported on one another via the second protuberances.

Abstract: An assembly in an exchange column includes a plurality of generally vertically adjacent layers of structured packing. Each layer includes a plurality of generally horizontally adjacent structured packing elements, each of which has an upper edge and a lower edge. Each layer has a top having a plurality of the upper edges and a bottom having a plurality of the lower edges. In a first layer of packing at least one of the upper edge and the lower edge is modified on at least one element. In a second layer of the packing, located vertically adjacent the first layer, the upper edges and the lower edges are unmodified on substantially all of the elements, whereby one of the unmodified upper edge and the unmodified lower edge on at least one of the elements in the second layer is adjacent one of the modified edges in the first layer.

Abstract: The invention concerns inserts in the moist/wet region of cooling towers, which essentially consist of plastic. An additive that prevents or considerably reduces soiling through the formation and buildup on the inserts during subsequent use is added to the plastic.

Abstract: A cooling tower and/or a fan drive system are provided which enhance cooling performance, are able to reduce lateral temperature gradients at least to some degree, provide for easy removable of debris and/or provide for easy fan adjustment.

Abstract: A method and corresponding apparatus for an oval carbonator employ an oblong housing to provide an improved gas/water interaction area within the confines of the carbonator. The increased cross sectional area provides a larger water surface area, whereby an increased amount of the pressurized gas is exposed to the increased surface area. Further advantages of the oval carbonator include a simplification of the tubing bundles that are cast into the cold plate. The oval carbonator consolidates the volumes previously used by the carbonator, thereby allowing the tubing bundles to be consolidated. Consolidation of this type translates into reduced manufacturing time and increased savings due to the simplified design.

Abstract: A method for heating a fluid using a heating tower. The method includes the steps of drawing an air stream into the heating tower through an inlet and passing the air stream over a fill medium. The method for heating a fluid also includes passing a fluid over the fill medium along with discharging the air stream from the heating tower through an outlet. The method further includes isolating the inlet air stream from the outlet air stream.

Abstract: A cooling tower having a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger includes at least one heat exchanger pack having a generally diamond shape. The heat exchanger pack includes a first set of passageways for receiving a stream of warm, water laden air and a second set of passageways for receiving ambient air. The first set of passageways and second set of passageways are separate. Cooling tower configurations including the heat exchanger pack are disclosed for achieving effluent plume abatement, and capture of a portion of the effluent for replacement back into the cooling tower reservoir or as a source of purified water.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for gasifying a liquid wherein a liquid feedstock (2) to be gasified is passed down a surface (8) in the presence of a gas and into standing liquid (6), the surface having at least one change in gradient (8a, 8b) to provide a surface for the development of turbulence which is essential in drawing gas into the liquid.

Abstract: Filtration-function-equipped cooling water equipment that includes: filtration equipment connected to water-purifying, oxygen-supply-capable cooling water equipment, wherein the filtration equipment includes a filtration space for a filter, wherein the water-purifying, oxygen-supply-capable cooling water equipment comprises a cooling oxidation unit disposed inside of a tank body and comprising a honeycombed or latticed porous material, wherein the filtration-function-equipped cooling water equipment operates to enlarge a contact area between water and air when untreated water drips onto the cooling oxidation unit and flows through the cooling oxidation unit while forced air flows in a counter current against the flow of water in the cooling oxidation unit, thereby facilitating solubility of oxygen in the untreated water and augmenting a cooling capability due to evaporation provided by the water-purifying, oxygen-supply-capable cooling water equipment.

Abstract: An ultra low flow liquid distributor generates a very thin yet continuous liquid film over the entire width of a transfer surface. The ultra low flow liquid distributor includes a liquid supply system starting from a common main supply, which is split by repetitive bifurcations into a multitude of liquid sub-mains, until eventually each liquid supply sub-main feeds into one of the many liquid outlet openings. In this the liquid outlet openings are arranged above the liquid supply system, which automatically ensures self-priming.

Abstract: A diffusion driven desalination apparatus and related method includes structure for receiving a heated water stream and creating at least one region having a thin film of water and structure for forcing a low humidity air stream over the thin film of water, wherein water from the thin film of water evaporates and diffuses into the air stream to create a humidified air stream. A diffusion tower including at least one plenum can be used to create and transfer the humidified air stream. At least one condenser, such as a direct contact condenser, condenses the humidified air stream, wherein purified water is produced. Waste heat from a power plant can be used to provide the heated water stream and power plants can use the waste heat generated to inexpensively provide purified water.

Abstract: A heat transfer core for a water-cooling tower has a film fill sheet made from formed resin. The sheet then has a pattern of buttons, channels, dimples, and spacers formed on one surface of the sheet. Along the edges of the sheet, stiffening bars with spacers are formed. The sheets are positioned upright, spaced horizontally between the upper heated water and the lower cooled water reservoirs for a generally horizontal flow of cooling air across films of water flowing downwardly over the film fill sheets. The buttons, channels, and dimples direct water across the sheet to flow down in a meandering manner and to increase the length of time for water to descend the sheet and thereby maximize cooling.

Abstract: A heater exchanger used to condense a refrigerant in a refrigeration system. The heat exchanger is designed to perform a heat exchanging operation by the use of latent heat of water vaporization, thus having improved heat exchanging efficiency as well as a reduced size. The heat exchanger includes an upper header having a refrigerant inlet port and distributing a refrigerant introduced into the upper header through the refrigerant inlet port, a plurality of heat exchanging tubes connected at upper ends thereof to the upper header and extending in a vertical direction, a lower header connected to lower ends of the heat exchanging tubes and gathering the refrigerant flowing from the heat exchanging tubes, with a refrigerant outlet port formed in the lower header, and a water supply unit assembled with upper portions of external surfaces of the heat exchanging tubes, and feeding water to the tubes to cause water to flow along the external surfaces of the tubes.

Abstract: An apparatus for contacting large volumes of gas and liquid together on a microscope scale for mass transfer or transport processes wherein the contact between liquid and gas occurs at the interfaces of a multitude of gas bubbles. Multiple porous tubes assembled in a bundle inside a pressure vessel terminate at each end in a tube sheet. A thin film helical liquid flow is introduced into the inside of each porous tube around and along its inside wall. Gas is sparged into the porous media and the liquid film so that an annular two phase flow with a uniform distribution of tiny gas bubbles results. The gas flow is segregated from the liquid flow without first passing through the porous media and through the liquid film. Nozzles at the lower end of the tubes divert liquid flow to a vessel and redirect the gas flow in a countercurrent direction.

Abstract: Atomization and vaporization of spray in a fuel supply system is promoted at the time of cold startup and the amount of fuel depositing on the inner wall of the intake manifold is reduced, thereby ensuring improved startability of an internal combustion engine of a car, reduced fuel costs and improved purification of exhaust gas. A very fine groove is formed on a heat transfer surface in a fuel vaporization promoting apparatus, wherein this groove is shaped in such a way that fuel is dispersed by the surface tension of the heat transfer surface and the fuel. This configuration ensures uniform dispersion of fuel on the heat transfer surface and effective promotion of vaporization.

Abstract: Provided are a method and an apparatus for cooling a high-temperature exhaust gas, capable of cooling effectively the high-temperature exhaust gas with a small amount of water, as well as, a combustion treatment equipment provided with the cooling apparatus. According to this method, a water curtain is formed orthogonal to the flow of the exhaust gas within a passage through which the high-temperature exhaust gas flows, and the high-temperature exhaust gas is allowed to pass through the water curtain to be cooled thereby. The cooling apparatus is provided with cylindrical cooling chamber (53) having at an upper position a high-temperature exhaust gas inlet (51) and at a lower position a cooled exhaust gas outlet (52); and a plurality of water spray pipes (54) arranged near the high-temperature exhaust gas inlet.

Abstract: An ultra low flow liquid distributor generates a very thin yet continuous liquid film over the entire width of a transfer surface. The ultra low flow liquid distributor includes a liquid supply system starting from a common main supply, which is split by repetitive bifurcations into a multitude of liquid sub-mains, until eventually each liquid supply sub-main feeds into one of the many liquid outlet openings. In this the liquid outlet openings are arranged above the liquid supply system, which automatically ensures self-priming.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process and apparatus for conducting bio-oxidation processes for the extraction of metals from metal containing materials in which aeration means, preferably a diffuser means, is employed within a bio-oxidation reactor to maintain bacterial viability and suspension of metal containing materials by introduction of an oxygen containing gas to a non-mechanically agitated reactor.