Abstract: An apparatus for effecting gas-liquid contact in a system in which the liquid is the continuous phase, the apparatus consisting of a vertical column fitted with a series of perforated trays. The perforated trays provide openings near the edges of the trays or between the trays and the inside of the column wall for the transport of liquid. The trays also include a downwardfacing flange at or near the tray edge to establish and maintain a gas cushion under the tray, the height of the flange being between 5-50% of the tray-to-tray spacing The trays further including an upwardly-facing rim on the top side of the tray within which are provided perforations designed for gas flow, the height of the rim being between 5-50% of the tray-to-tray spacing. Between adjacent trays is provided a generally cylindrical tube having a diameter smaller than that of the downwards-facing flange and larger than the upwards-facing rim, the height of the cylinder being 40-80% of the distance between two successive trays.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing solvents, utilizing a solvent removal unit equipped with an upper liquid supporting member provided with a bottom portion which supports the solvent suspension and which is provided with an opened hole, and a lower liquid supporting member provided at a lower side and at a distance from said upper liquid supporting member, such that the solvent suspension is dropped from the upper liquid supporting member to the lower liquid supporting member, and that the solvent suspension is brought into contact with a gaseous phase while it is being dropped.

Abstract: A gas-liquid dispersion device to be installed in a system in which a liquid flows forming a continuous phase and a gas flows upward includes a perforated plate which is so mounted as to interrupt a gas-liquid passage, in which a mixed phase of the gas and liquid is produced. A separated liquid-conducting channel extending from the perforated plate toward its gas inflow opening side is formed in such a way that a gas-liquid passage is divided into a liquid-conducting portion and a gas-dispersing portion. When the mixed phase of the gas and liquid is supplied to the gas-liquid dispersion device, a gas phase accumulates on the gas inflow opening side of the gas-liquid dispersion device and creates a gas pocket, whereby pulsation of gas and liquid flows can be prevented. As a result, the gas passes upward through individual through holes (excluding the liquid-conducting channel) made in the perforated plate while the liquid passes through the liquid-conducting channel in a stable manner.

Abstract: Device and application thereof for distributing a multiphase mixture having at least one gas phase including, e.g., hydrogen in part and at least one liquid phase, the mixture being in a downward flow through at least one bed of granular solids, the device including, at least one distributor plate located above one of the beds of granular solids at a distance "d", and several mixing channels of the liquid and gas phases of the mixture. Each of the channels has at least one upper passage section and at least one lower passage section allowing communication between the mixture formed in the mixing channels with a bed of granular solids. The mixing channels are provided on at least part of their height with one or more lateral passage sections, the upper passage section allowing the majority of the gas phase of the mixture to pass and the lateral passage sections allowing passage of the liquid phase and/or at least part of the gas phase inside the mixing channels.

Abstract: A dual flow mass transfer process is provided which employs a dual flow mass transfer tray having perforations, at least some of which are provided with vapor flow deflectors to deflect the flow of vapor rising through the perforations to give the vapor flow an increased horizontal component.

Abstract: An improvement in a center inlet type scrubber that retrofit the scrubber with a perforated tray made up of rectangular or partially rectangular sections supported on beam supports in the annulus of the scrubber. The supports can be modified to form turning vanes or additional turning vanes can be employed. One or more perforated trays may be installed in the annulus to help correct the problem.

Abstract: A water purification system which filters particulates from the water and treats organic contaminats with ozone. The incoming contaminated water flow is divided, with half passing through each of two filter and ozone contact systems. Initially, each stream is passed though a sand separation device to remove large high density particulate mater, then through a multi-stage filter arrangement incorporating disposable filter cartridges. Ozone is injected into each stream leaving the filter system. The flow passes through elongated plug-flow tubing to assure optimum water/ozone contact, then enters a multi-compartment secondary contactor having a series of perforated baffle plates through which the water flows to assure complete ozone/water contact. Finally, each stream passes through a final filter stage, then the streams are combined and pass to storage or a purified water outlet.

Abstract: A gas liquid contact structure having a plurality of corrugated woven wire sheets alternated with rigid support members to separate and support the woven wire sheets. The vees or peaks of the corrugations are aligned and oriented in the same direction with the rigid support members separating and preventing the corrugations from nesting together.

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: Structured packing for mass-exchange or energy-exchange processes uses a stack of parallel, flat sheets forming flat channels therebetween. A number of tabs extends between adjacent pairs of sheets to form both bridges for fluid flow and spacers for structural rigidity of the packing. Some of the tabs serve predominantly to divert fluid over the entire surface of a given sheet to prevent so-called channeling, while other tabs are disposed to predominantly enhance fluid transfer between the adjacent sheets. Fluid communication between both sides of each sheet is facilitated due to perforations caused by the manufacturing of the tabs. The design allows for the use of very thin sheets resulting in a light-weight packing assembly.

Abstract: A liquid distributor tray for a distillation column for distributing a descending liquid phase to be contacted with an ascending vapor phase within the distillation column. A tray is provided for collecting the descending liquid phase and has rows of apertures for downward passage of the descending liquid phase. Rows of vapor risers are located between the rows of apertures for a passage of the ascending vapor phase, and an upward direction through the tray. Rows of elongated liquid collectors are located above the rows of vapor risers and between the rows of apertures for collecting all or part of the descending liquid phase before the descending liquid phase reaches the tray. Rows of elongated liquid collectors provided with slots or openings are provided for collecting and then redistributing the descending liquid phase caught in the liquid collectors over a central region of the tray. Such redistribution prevents replication of maldistribution throughout the column.

Abstract: A process for enriching a liquid with oxygen which includes the steps of: introducing a liquid and oxygen into a liquid and oxygen mixer and mixing the liquid with oxygen therein; introducing the liquid into a sealed enriching vessel containing a plurality of plates or trays, and flowing it gradually downwardly; subjecting the interior of the vessel to an oxygen pressure sufficient to enrich the liquid with oxygen; conducting the introduced liquid in a substantially flowing contact with the oxygen, whereby the liquid is enriched with oxygen; and recovering all of the oxygen-enriched liquid.

Abstract: The invention is a device for distributing a multiphase mixture having at least one gas phase and at least one liquid phase in which the mixture flows downwardly through at least one bed of granular solids. The device includes at least one distributor plate located above one of the at least one bed of granular solids at a distance "d" defining a space with "d" ranging from 0 to 5 cm.

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: Column tray for a mass transfer column, in particular one provided with a support ring at the circumference, which tray has support elements and tray plates arranged side by side on the support elements and having passages, in particular holes, valves or bubble caps, wherein the majority, preferably the total number, of tray plates are connected liquid-tight, preferably welded, to the support elements or the support ring, in particular in discrete area elements; the majority, preferably the total number, of support elements are connected liquid-tight, preferably welded, to one another and to the column wall or the support ring, in particular in discrete area elements; and in addition the majority, preferably the total number, of adjacent tray plates and support elements are separated from one another and from the column wall or the support ring by gaps having a width of from 1 to 15 mm, preferably from 1 to 7 mm.

Abstract: A vessel arrangement and process for contacting a fluid reactant with a particulate catalyst in a plurality of flow channels and discharging fluid and particles from the flow channels. The particles are discharged axially from the bottom of the flow channels into an unconfined bed of particles. Fluid is discharged in a transverse direction through the sides of the flow channels and across screen openings located a short distance above the channel outlets. A plurality of chambers, additional particulate material or baffles regulate fluid flow through sections of the screens and prevent excessive fluid velocity in any section from holding up particle flow through the flow channels. The reactor arrangement and process of this invention is a particularly useful for arrangements that may be used to operate a reactor under isothermal or other controlled temperature conditions where a heat transfer fluid surrounds a plurality of tubular conduits or multiple flow channels that confine the particles and fluid.

Abstract: An improved packing body is formed by forming a first end wall of a perforated strip into an interior convolution surrounded by a peripheral convolution containing the second end wall of the strip. The convolution may be in spiral form or concentric polygons such as cylinders joined by connector segments. Baffle elements can project from the surface of the strip at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the packing body. Tapered strip with the large end wall disposed to the interior can be bent into a shape approaching spherical.

Abstract: High capacity, low cost fractionation trays are formed from a number of adjacent triangular (v-shaped) downcomer modules. The trays are free of the horizontal perforated decking surface of conventional trays. The downcomer modules have perforations only in a bottom region for liquid passage and in an upper region for vapor passage, with the central portion of the two inclined downcomer sidewalls being imperforate. The difference in elevation between the bottom region and upper region is considerably larger than a ripple tray. A layer of packing material may be provided close to or adjacent the bottom surface of the tray.

Abstract: A fluid heat exchange apparatus is disclosed that can be used as an absorber in an absorption cooling system. The compact absorber design uses an accordion fin assembly to direct solution downward through the absorber on a plurality of alternatively angled fins. The alternatively angled fins cause the solution to collect at each level against a thermally conductive surface. Each fin includes a plurality of house-shaped perforations that allow the solution to spill over onto the next level fin. The house-shaped perforations also allow the vapor to flow upward in effective counterflow with the solution.

Abstract: A system for removing hazardous contaminants such as radon gas and volatile synthetic organic chemicals from domestic water supplies includes a perforated, horizontally-oriented tray which is baffled to define a curved (e.g., serpentine, spiral) liquid flow path. Contaminated water is distributed upon a portion of the tray and flows as directed by the baffles to a downcomer and into a storage tank. Air is blown into the storage tank, which is located below the perforated tray, and up through the perforations. The forced air causes the water flowing across the tray to froth, and evaporates the contaminants out of the frothing water. The forced air, carrying the volatilized contaminants, is then vented outside the home.

Abstract: A method and a device for wet desulfurization of flue gas to remove a sulfur dioxide(SO.sub.2) contained in flue gas discharged from thermal power stations and boilers are disclosed. In the method the device with a gas layered sieve plate for wet desulfurization of flue gas, an absorbing liquid improves reacting conditions by effecting it own circulation without using additional power due to the structural characteristics possessed by the device and flue gas is treated very satisfactorily thanks to high gas-liquid contact efficiency. In order to minimize power consumption and the size of the device but promote desulfurization to an unusual degree, an absorber is divided into an upper froth layer and a lower liquid layer by a single-stage gas dispersing plate with a large number of gas ejection holes bored therein.

Abstract: A photocatalytic oxidation and ozone catalyst system utilizes ultraviolet light and ozone in the treatment of waste and wastewater to destroy pathogens and to break down most hydrocarbons and other chemicals into non-hazardous forms. The wastewater enters the system for initial treatment and is also pumped through the venturi loop and is exposed to ultraviolet light. The ozone interacts at the venturi before the ultraviolet light is being used as a catalyst by the ultraviolet light to break apart the double bonds of ketones, aldehydes, esters, and carboxylic acids. Following initial treatment, the wastewater is pumped into the pressurized ozone enhancement vessel where vapor oxidation of the polluting chemicals occurs. The enhancement vessel comprises a liquid spray component and a series of ozone resonator plates having ozone distribution manifolds that spray the wastewater with ozone. The plates have angular channels formed therein through which the wastewater passes.

Abstract: A flat structural element has a plurality of openings which are distributed according to a predetermined pattern for use in packings. Every opening is delimited by the edges, which extend at an angle to each other or are curved. The structural element is made from two or more adjacent strips of flat material which are connected to each other with butt or overlapping connections.

Abstract: High capacity, low cost fractionation trays are formed from a number of adjacent triangular (v-shaped) downcomer modules. The trays are free of the horizontal perforated decking surface of conventional trays. The downcomer modules have perforations only in a bottom region for liquid passage and in an upper region for vapor passage, with the central portion of the two inclined downcomer sidewalls being imperforate. The difference in elevation between the bottom region and upper region is considerably larger than a ripple tray. A layer of packing material may be provided close to or adjacent the bottom surface of the tray.

Abstract: A reactor arrangement and process for contacting a fluid reactant with a particulate catalyst in a plurality of flow channels and discharging converted reactant fluid and particles from the flow channels. The particles are discharged axially from the bottom of the flow channels into an unconfined bed of particles. Reactants are discharged in a transverse direction through the sides of the flow channels and across screen openings located a short distance above the channel outlets. A plurality of chambers regulate fluid flow through sections of the screens and prevent excessive fluid velocity in any section from holding up particle flow through the flow channels. The reactor arrangement and process of this invention is particularly useful for arrangements that may be used to operate a reactor under isothermal or other controlled temperature controlled conditions where a heat transfer fluid surrounds a plurality of tubular conduits or multiple flow channels that confine the particles and reactants.

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: An integrated spray header tray assembly (18) for a wet flue gas desulfurization spray tower (10) wherein a series of spray headers (22) having opposed nozzles (26) for desulfurizing spray are located along a perforated plate (24) acting as one set of baffles (30) while a second set of baffles (32) positioned perpendicularly thereto forms a baffled tray with the perforated plate (24) and headers (22) while allowing the introduction of desulfurizing spray from the header nozzles (22) parallel to the perforated tray (24).

Abstract: A distribution element is provided which may be used in packed columns to redistribute the gas and liquid flow evenly across the column. Most simply the element comprises a corrugated plate having openings only at the peaks and valleys of the corrugation. There are no openings in the sloped sides of the corrugations. The distribution element is spaced within the packing to most advantageously utilize the redistribution characteristics of the element for a given system.

Abstract: An air stripper assembly includes a housing having at least one sieve tray operatively positioned therein. Each sieve tray is selectively removable from the housing. If more than one sieve tray is positioned within the housing, each is removable without a need to change orientation of any other sieve tray positioned within the housing. Thus, an operator can easily clean and maintain a selected sieve tray, without disassembling the entire assembly or affecting the location of other sieve trays.

Abstract: In a non-agitated, countercurrent flow type liquid-liquid contacting tower, trays consisting of column plates and dams are installed horizontally inside the tower shell alternately in vertical direction with a suitable interval. The column plate share a part of the cross-section of the tower to provide a flow channel or channels for the liquids, and the dam extends from the end of the column plate vertically downward and has openings near the column plate. The liquid-liquid contactor has high contacting efficiency, and thus relatively small sized apparatus can have a large treatment capacity. Because the apparatus has no moving element, maintenance is easy.

Abstract: An improved packing body is formed by forming a first end wall of a perforated strip into an interior convolution surrounded by a peripheral convolution containing the second end wall of the strip. The convolutions may be in spiral form or concentric polygons such as cylinders joined by connector segments. Baffle elements can project from the surface of the strip at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the packing body. Tapered strips with the large end wall disposed to the interior can be bent into a shape approaching spherical.

Abstract: A distributor system for uniformly directing vapor and liquid across the surface of a fixed bed of solids in a downflow reactor comprising a distributor tray, and a plurality of open-ended downpipes extending through the tray. A first array of the downpipes has a plurality of vertically spaced elevations of holes above the level of the tray. A second array of the downpipes has at least one elevation of holes at substantially the same height above the level of the tray as one of the upper elevations of holes in the first array of the downpipes. But, the second array has no elevation of holes corresponding to the lowermost elevation of holes, and possibly other lower elevations of holes, in the first array of downpipes. The absence of the lowermost holes in the second array of downpipes causes the liquid flow rate through the distributor tray at a given liquid height to be reduced when that liquid height falls below the elevation of the holes second from the bottom in the first array.

Abstract: The invention pertains to the removal of volatile organic compounds (VOC), generally speaking from industrial fluids, but with special emphasis on water. The dominant feature of the invention is to resort to physical processes such as stripping, absorption and flash evaporation. so that no environmentally undesirable by-products will be formed. Basically the process achieves in one single tower structure air stripping of the contaminated fluid (water) and subsequent removal of the contaminants from the spent stripping air by controlled and special contacting of the contaminated air with certain low volatility solvents in film tray contacting equipment, which can be used with special advantages to permit removal of the VOC from the spent air, as well as for the recovery of the VOC from the VOC-rich solvents.

Abstract: A combination splash/trickle pack for an evaporative cooler, which comprises packing elements 10,12 made from expanded metal or plastics sheets. The packing elements 10,12 are arranged such that in use they form a stack of packing elements within the cooler with the width and length of the packing elements determining the width and depth of the pack. Each of a plurality of the elements 10,12 has an inclined surface with an angle of inclination which varies so that in use a first region of the surface is sufficiently inclined to the horizontal to serve as a trickle surface and a second region of the surface is sufficiently close to the horizontal to serve as a splash surface.

Abstract: High capacity, low cost fractionation trays comprise a flat perforated decking surface sectioned into parallel contacting areas by triangular downcomers. The bottom edges of two inclined sidewalls join together to form V-shaped downcomers having a limited number of perforations in their sidewalls to allow downward liquid passage. An imperforate zone is present in the central region of each sidewall. A layer of packing material may be provided close to or adjacent the bottom surface of the tray. The packing is located in the disengagement zone under the tray but does not extend downward to the next tray below.

Abstract: A foam generator is provided for in-line installation within a surface tubing network. The generator has a foaming chamber with a plurality of permeable screens positioned in series along a continuous flowpath through the foaming chamber. The screens are separated from one another by spacers that define the radial boundaries of the flowpath. According to one embodiment, the screens and spacers are mounted in a cartridge that fits into the foaming chamber to maintain proper screen alignment and facilitate removal of the screens from the chamber for maintenance. In an alternate embodiment, the screens and spacers are mounted directly in the chamber. In both embodiments, the screens are aligned orthogonal to the flowpath enabling the generator to produce a properly textured foam from shear-sensitive fluids with relatively little shear degradation.

Abstract: The invention improves the performance of fractionation trays and comprises placing a bed-like layer of packing material closely adjacent the bottom surface of the tray. The packing is located in the so-called "disengagement" zone under the tray and does not extend down to the tray below. Means are provided to spread liquid from the tray above onto the packing material.

Abstract: A gas-liquid contact system for absorption of gaseous contaminants in an absorptive liquid where contact is attained by a controlled flow relationship between the gas and the liquid forming a fluidized liquid mass for intimate contact between the two.

Abstract: A system for removing hazardous contaminants such as radon gas and volatile synthetic organic chemicals from domestic water supplies includes a perforated, horizontally-oriented tray which is baffled to define a curved (e.g., serpentine, spiral) liquid flow path. Contaminated water is distributed upon a portion of the tray and flows as directed by the baffles to a downcomer and into a storage tank. Air is blown into the storage tank, which is located below the perforated tray, and up through the perforations. The forced air causes the water flowing across the tray to froth, and evaporates the contaminants out of the frothing water. The forced air, carrying the volatilized contaminants, is then vented outside the home.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mixing concurrently downwardly flowing fluids is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a tray extending horizontally across a cross-section of a mixing chamber and having an aperture in the middle. A cap having a pair of opposing openings covers the aperture. Fluids pass through the openings into a pan adjacent a downstream portion of the mixing chamber and spaced below the tray. A tube encircling the aperture is disposed between the cap and the pan. The tube has notches cut into the lower wall to allow the fluids to enter the pan. Radially spaced risers extending from the bottom of the pan provide fluid communication to a downstream portion of the mixing chamber. The risers have upper ends which are above the notches and spaced below the tray. The mixing apparatus can be used between two catalyst beds in a vertical, fixed-bed reactor, wherein a hot, mixed-phase effluent stream is quenched with a hydrogen-rich gas in hydrodesulfurization, hydrocracking, and like processes.

Abstract: An apparatus for solvent extraction processes utilizing countercurrent flow of streams of an aqueous phase and an organic phase, such as the Purex process for uranium recovery. The invention comprises contouring the fluid passing orifices in the column phase dispersing perforated plates to impede droplet coalescence of the dispersed phase.

Abstract: A multi-gas-phase settling tank has a plurality of containers mounted upside down in vertical spaced relation at fixed intervals for holding a predetermined quantity of gas under water. Each container has a flat horizontal wall, side walls extending downwardly therefrom, a vent port in the flat horizontal wall and a hollow projection extending downwardly from the vent port for a shorter distance than the height of the side walls. The containers can be mounted at their corners in relation to each other or on inner walls of a settling tank.

Abstract: A column for removing a gas from a gas-containing liquid using a stripping gas has an enclosed shell having a side wall defining an inner periphery and a top and a bottom. A gas containing liquid inlet is provided proximate at the top of the shell for introducing a gas-containing liquid into the column. At least two adjacent parallel spaced apart substantially planar sieve plates, each sieve plate being oriented transverse the side wall of the shell and having an edge conforming substantially to the inner periphery of shell, are provided within the shell. The seive plates are perforated to facilitate the passing of the gas-containing liquid therethrough. A stripping gas inlet causes a stripping gas to flow between the adjacent sieve plates. Baffles are provided between adjacent sieve plates for directing the stripping gas to flow in a torturous path, the path being parallel to and between planes formed by the sieve plates.

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: A system for removing hazardous contaminants such as radon gas and volatile synthetic organic chemicals from domestic water supplies includes a perforated, horizontally-oriented tray which is baffled to define a curved (e.g., serpentine, spiral) liquid flow path. Contaminated water is distributed upon a portion of the tray and flows as directed by the baffles to a downcomer and into a storage tank. Air is blown into the storage tank, which is located below the perforated tray, and up through the perforations. The forced air causes the water flowing across the tray to froth, and evaporates the contaminants out of the frothing water. The forced air, carrying the volatilized contaminants, is then vented outside the home.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for the catalytic treatment of hydrocarbon oils comprising the use of by-pass means allowing the transport of oil inside the reactor from above the uppermost catalyst bed to outlet means without contacting catalytic material during transport.

Abstract: The disclosure herein describes a bioreactor for the biochemical treatment of liquids containing organic matter. It comprises a container with an inlet for receiving liquid to be treated with at least one horizontal plate to support a bed of microorganism cells which react with the organic matter to form a volatile gas. An aperture is provided in the plate to provide liquid flow communication between upper and lower compartments on either sides of the plate. A blockage element extends over the aperture to prevent the liquid and the microorganism cells from returning through the aperture to the lower compartment. An outlet is provided for releasing the gas from the container while a further outlet is used for releasing treated liquid.

Abstract: A fill assembly comprising an apertured fill member of generally inverted V-shape, and a tray member which receives the bottoms of the side walls of the fill. The fill and tray are formed with cooperating flange members, with the flanges of the tray defining grooves which function to constrain laterally outward movement of the legs of the fill. Deformation of the fill under loading is thereby prevented.

Abstract: A gas-liquid contact apparatus of the kind in which a plurality of substantially horizontal trays are arranged one above another in closely spaced relationship and intended to carry a relatively thin liquid film. Each tray is provided with a plurality of integral, downwardly extending chimneys that have been formed from the material of the tray itself. The chimneys, as viewed in vertical diametrical cross-section, blend into a substantially planar portion of the tray by an integral connecting portion having a radius of curvature in the range of substantially 0.75 millimeter to substantially 10 millimeters. The planar portion has a thickness in the substantially 0.25 millimeter to substantially 2.0 millimeters.

Abstract: A system for removing hazardous contaminants such as radon gas and volatile synthetic organic chemicals from domestic water supplies includes a perforated, horizontally-oriented tray which is baffled to define a curved (e.g., serpentine, spiral) liquid flow path. Contaminated water is distributed upon a portion of the tray and flows as directed by the baffles to a downcomer and into a storage tank. Air is blown into the storage tank, which is located below the perforated tray, and up through the perforations. The forced air causes the water flowing across the tray to froth, and evaporates the contaminants out of the frothing water. The forced air, carrying the volatilized contaminants, is then vented outside the home.