Abstract: A bubble counter includes a body. The body is provided with a gas inlet, a gas outlet, a cavity, a water inlet, a water inlet channel, a first check valve and a second check valve. An end of the water inlet channel is connected to the water inlet, and another end of the water inlet channel is connected to the cavity. The first check valve is arranged between the gas inlet and the cavity, and the second check valve is arranged at a connection between the water inlet channel and the cavity. The water inlet channel and the gas outlet are independent from each other. With the bubble counter, it is not required to turn off or disassemble the bubble counter, water can be added at any time and gas leakage can be prevented.

Abstract: A vacuum pump that evacuates an inside of a vacuum chamber and powder capturing devices disposed on an intake side of the vacuum pump are included. The powder capturing devices include a plurality of flow path forming units that form a continuous gas flow path from an intake unit located on the vacuum chamber side to an exhaust unit located on the vacuum pump side. The plurality of flow path forming units include a first flow path forming unit having a first catching unit that causes the powder sucked from the intake unit to collide and then catch the powder, and a second flow path forming unit having a second catching unit that causes the powder passing through the first flow path forming unit to collide and then catch the powder.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing pollution emitted by an industrial exhaust source comprises a sleeve having an interior cavity, and at least one sidewall. A sprinkler or water injection system supplies water to the interior cavity of the sleeve, and comprises an incoming water tubing assembly for water flow. At least one secondary tube connects the incoming water tubing assembly to a corresponding number of nozzles within the interior cavity, each injecting a plurality of streams or jets of water therein to cleanse out the mix of pollutants. A hole at a base of the sleeve leads to a pipe, draining the water and the mix of pollutants carried by the water. The base is circumferentially-arranged and slopes down towards the pipe. The pipe is also sloped downward, both allowing for easier flow of the water and the mix of pollutants, preventing collection of these within the base.

Abstract: Provided is a vaporizable source material container having excellent corrosion resistance. The vaporizable source material container for storing and vaporizing a metal halide for thin film deposition S includes: a container main body including a container wall; a lid body provided with a carrier gas inlet and a mixed gas outlet; fastening members for fixing the container main body with the lid body; and joint members, wherein the container wall of the container main body is fabricated of copper with 99 to 99.9999% purity, aluminum with 99 to 99.9999% purity, or titanium with 99 to 99.9999% purity, and the container main body, the lid body, the fastening members and the joint members are each treated by fluorocarbon polymer coating and/or by electrolytic polishing.

Abstract: A contact reaction tower, including: a central cylinder; and an outer cylinder. Lift pipes and a water inlet pipe(s) are installed in the central cylinder, reflux windows are formed on the wall of the central cylinder, and the water flow circulation between the central cylinder and the outer cylinder is realized through the lift pipes, the water inlet pipe(s), and the reflux windows, such that the water flow internal circulation of the whole contact reaction tower is realized. The contact reaction tower is sealed in its entirety from the outside environment, and a gas guide pipe is installed at the top of the contact reaction tower.

Abstract: A beverage carbonation system, container, carbonator and method for carbonating a beverage are provided. The beverage carbonation system has a container that is removably engageable with a carbonator. The container has a container outlet valve and a container inlet valve that are fluidly engageable with a carbonator outlet port and carbonator inlet port, respectively. At least one pump transfers liquid and carbon dioxide gas between a container chamber and a carbonation chamber when the container is engaged with the carbonator, thereby carbonating the liquid. When the container is disengaged from the carbonator, the container outlet valve and the container inlet valve are closed to fluidly seal the container containing the carbonated liquid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating natural gas comprises a contactor having a manifold for spreading gas in the contactor vessel, a plurality of perforated plates above the manifold, a spray system for spraying a treating liquid into an upwardly rising column of gas and a liquid level controller for maintaining the treating liquid above the perforated plates. Gas and liquid from the contactor pass through a cooler and are then separated. A treating liquid regeneration system receives the treating liquid and flashes the liquid at low pressure to separate hydrocarbon gases, hydrocarbon liquid and treating liquid. The treating liquid is regenerated by heating and flashing off contaminant gases and is ultimately redelivered to the contactor.

Abstract: Method and apparatus discloses a dock having a floatatable aeration system incorporated therein. The dock may be a floating or a fixed pier system having a walkway for users to move about the dock, a plurality of boat berthing slips which may be designed to accommodate one or more boats in each slip, along with individual finger-like docks disposed between each boat berthing area. Incorporated at various locations in the dock is an aeration system that includes aerators having a single or double concaved surface at the top of a fluid intake chamber for diverting aerated fluid away from the enclosure of the aerator.

Abstract: A multi-disc air diffuser according to the present invention comprises a bolt having a vent groove formed in a longitudinal direction thereof; a plurality of discs, each of the discs having a bolt joint section to be passed through the bolt, an air room for holding the air supplied through the vent groove, and a nozzle section having a plurality of nozzles which are arranged in an end part of the air room at a regular size and intervals, wherein the lower surface of each of the discs is more than the upper surface thereof and the outer circumference surface of each of the discs is formed to be inclined; and a backflow prevention section for joining to an end part of the bolt to adhere closely the discs to one another, connecting the vent groove to an air supply pipe, and having a check valve to prevent the air flowing backward from the vent groove to the air supply pipe.

Abstract: The electrical household appliance of the invention comprises a water filter suitable for use in a vacuum cleaner, said water filter comprises an inlet shaft perpendicular to the bottom surface of a water receptacle and in communication with a suction hose slot located at an emptied front part of said receptacle, said inlet shaft communicating with a top portion in the uppermost region of said water receptacle, said top portion extending parallel to the receptacle's bottom surface, said top portion further dividing into two separate tubes in the form of air exit posts at both sides of said inlet shaft, said air exit posts extending perpendicular to the receptacle's bottom surface.

Abstract: Provided is a system for dissolving gas into liquid contained within a body. The system may include a tubular body extending between a bottom end and a top end, a gas diffuser coupleable to a gas source and configured for discharging gas bubbles into the tubular body, and a liquid pump for propelling liquid within the tubular body in a downwards direction, against uprising gas bubbles, where the liquid egresses at the bottom end of the tubular body.

Abstract: A system for mixing and mixing processes and structures are disclosed. In addition a nozzle used for mixing is disclosed.

Abstract: The integrated aeration system utilizes a water pump for aeration. Ambient air/gas is entrained by a circulating water jet induced by the pump. The circulating water jet enters a sealed tank. The entrained gas is broken into bubbles after the impingement between the jet and a receiving pool occurs, aerating the receiving pool by water jet spray. The entrained gas/air builds up headspace pressure above the water pool, the headspace pressure being measured by a pressure gauge. The trapped air above the water pool is released when the headspace pressure increases to reach a desired value to aerate a separate tank/container as a diffused aeration or any other aeration process.

Abstract: A system & Method for Preventing Scaling in a Flue Gas Desulphurization System is provided. The system includes an injector configured to direct a barrier fluid toward a surface that is otherwise susceptible to scaling when it comes in contact with super-saturated alkaline solutions such as slurry used to capture CO2 from a flue gas stream.

Abstract: A method of scrubbing flue gas includes introducing flue gas comprising an acidic gas through an inlet into a tower; spraying an acid-absorptive fluid into the tower such that the acid-absorptive fluid contacts the flue gas; accumulating the acid-absorptive fluid in a recycle tank portion of the tower; and introducing an oxygen-containing gas into the acid-absorptive fluid in the recycle tank portion of the tower, wherein the oxygen-containing gas is introduced through at least one opening of an aerator, each of the at least one openings are positioned to release the oxygen-containing gas at least at a distance greater than or equal to a predetermined radial distance from the flue gas inlet, the predetermined radial distance being equal to at least 10% of a diameter of the recycle tank portion of the tower.

Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for saturating a gas with a liquid-borne compound. A bubbler container may be configured to contain a carrier liquid, which comprises a desired compound. The container may comprise at least one channeling plane, disposed between the top and bottom of the container, which may be configured to allow gas bubbles to travel through a circuitous, channeling route. The gas can be introduced to the container at a bottom portion of the container, into the carrier liquid comprising the compound. Carrier gas bubbles formed in the liquid may be forced to travel the channeling route to a top portion of the container, where gas saturated with the compound may be collected.

Abstract: A system & Method for Preventing Scaling in a Flue Gas Desulphurization System is provided. The system includes an injector configured to direct a barrier fluid toward a surface that is otherwise susceptible to scaling when it comes in contact with super-saturated alkaline solutions such as slurry used to capture CO2 from a flue gas stream.

Abstract: A system for mixing and mixing processes and structures are disclosed. In addition a nozzle used for mixing is disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus 100 for scrubbing flue gas 122, the apparatus 100 including a tower 140 having an inlet 120 receiving a flow of flue gas 122 and a recycle tank portion 142; a fluid 162 disposed in the recycle tank portion 142; and an aerator 150 having at least one opening 152 for introduction of an oxygen-containing gas 154 into the fluid 162, wherein the at least one opening 152 is positioned to release the oxygen-containing gas 154 at least at a distance greater than or equal to a predetermined radial distance F from the inlet 120, the predetermined radial distance F being equal to at least 10% of a diameter of the recycle tank portion 142.

Abstract: An air stripper in the form of an submerged gas evaporator or a submerged gas reactor that includes a vessel, a gas delivery tube partially disposed within the vessel to deliver a gas into the vessel and a contaminated liquid inlet that provides a contaminated liquid to the vessel at a rate sufficient to maintain a controlled constant level of process fluid within the vessel. A weir is disposed within the vessel adjacent the gas delivery tube to form a first fluid circulation path between a first weir end and a wall of the vessel and a second fluid circulation path between a second weir end and an upper end of the vessel. During operation, gas introduced through the tube mixes with the process fluid and the combined gas and fluid flow at a high rate with a high degree of turbulence along the first and second circulation paths defined around the weir, thereby promoting vigorous mixing and intimate contact between the gas and the process fluid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating natural gas comprises a contactor having a manifold for spreading gas in the contactor vessel, a plurality of perforated plates above the manifold, a spray system for spraying a treating liquid into an upwardly rising column of gas and a liquid level controller for maintaining the treating liquid above the perforated plates. Gas and liquid from the contactor pass through a cooler and are then separated. A treating liquid regeneration system receives the treating liquid and flashes the liquid at low pressure to separate hydrocarbon gases, hydrocarbon liquid and treating liquid. The treating liquid is regenerated by heating and flashing off contaminant gases and is ultimately redelivered to the contactor.

Abstract: The invention concerns a water treatment method including a step of clarification, followed by an ozonization step and at least one filtration step, wherein after the clarification step (1), one fraction of the main stream of water is diverted (9); said diverted fraction of water is circulated counter-current (7) to an ozone-rich carrier gas, and the ozone-enriched fraction of water is diluted in the main stream.

Abstract: A counter current supersaturation oxygenation system preferably includes a down flow tube, an upflow tube and a gas diffuser. The gas diffuser preferably includes a porous tube and a support frame. The porous tube is preferably wrapped in a spiral from a bottom of the support frame to a top of the support frame. A non-porous gas supply hose is connected to the porous tube. The gas diffuser is suspended inside the down flow tube at substantially a bottom thereof. One end of the upflow tube is connected to substantially a bottom of the down flow tube. A second embodiment of the counter current supersaturation oxygenation system preferably includes a down flow tube, the gas diffuser and a buoyant platform. A stream of liquid becomes oxygenated by passing down the down flow tube. The oxygenated liquid may flow up the upflow tube or down to any appropriate destination.

Abstract: A counter current supersaturation oxygenation system preferably includes a down flow tube, an upflow tube and a gas diffuser. The gas diffuser preferably includes a porous tube and a support frame. The porous tube is preferably wrapped in a spiral from a bottom of the support frame to a top of the support frame. A non-porous gas supply hose is connected to the porous tube. The gas diffuser is suspended inside the down flow tube at substantially a bottom thereof. One end of the upflow tube is connected to substantially a bottom of the down flow tube. A second embodiment of the counter current supersaturation oxygenation system preferably includes a down flow tube, the gas diffuser and a buoyant platform. A stream of liquid becomes oxygenated by passing down the down flow tube. The oxygenated liquid may flow up the upflow tube or down to any appropriate destination.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating natural gas comprises a contactor having a manifold for spreading gas in the contactor vessel, a plurality of perforated plates above the manifold, a spray system for spraying a treating liquid into an upwardly rising column of gas and a liquid level controller for maintaining the treating liquid above the perforated plates. Gas and liquid from the contactor pass through a cooler and are then separated. A treating liquid regeneration system receives the treating liquid and flashes the liquid at low pressure to separate hydrocarbon gases, hydrocarbon liquid and treating liquid. The treating liquid is regenerated by heating and flashing off contaminant gases and is ultimately redelivered to the contactor.

Abstract: This invention relates to a vapor or liquid phase reagent dispensing apparatus that may be used for dispensing vapor or liquid phase reagents such as precursors for deposition of materials in the manufacture of semiconductor materials and devices. The vapor phase reagent dispensing apparatus has a single port capable of receiving a carrier gas and dispensing a vapor phase reagent. The liquid phase reagent dispensing apparatus has a single port capable of receiving an inert gas and dispensing a liquid phase reagent.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a direct methanol fuel cell system. More particularly, the present invention provides a water controller system constructed such that water generated from a cathode of the direct methanol fuel cell system and carbon dioxide and an unreacted methanol solution generated from an anode of the direct methanol fuel cell system are introduced into the water controller system, the carbon dioxide is discharged out of the water controller system, and the methanol solution is circulated to the corresponding electrode so as to reuse the methanol solution, and a fuel cell system including the water controller system. The water controller system for fuel cells according to the present invention has the effects of reusing water and an unreacted methanol solution discharged from the fuel cell, minimizing the amount of methanol evaporated and discharged, and accurately controlling the water level of the water controller.

Abstract: A device and methods related to the same are provided for the treatment of exhaust gases. An exhaust gas treatment device is provided comprising a tank, a liquid bath, and a scrubber unit, the exhaust gas being passed through the liquid bath to treat the gas of exhaust products and through a scrubber unit to scrub the treated gas and remove any entrained bath therefrom on a plurality of condensing surfaces. The condensate of entrained gas may be collected and recirculated to the liquid bath in the tank. The exhaust gas may be delivered to the tank for passing it through the liquid bath and through a filter for the removal of exhaust products prior to being expelled through an exhaust port into the atmosphere. The liquid bath may comprise a solution of one or more organic solvents selected to configure the bath to remove exhaust products as desired.

Abstract: A reaction vessel for entraining ozone gas in an aqueous ozone solution for an industrial cleaning system is described. The reaction vessel includes a conical-shaped surface having two or more edges. The conical-shaped surface defines a generally hollow interior, and the two or more edges are in contact with the generally hollow interior. An inlet port is in fluidic communication with a supply of an aqueous ozone solution to supply the aqueous ozone solution to the conical-shaped surface. Nozzles are in fluidic communication with a supply of water, and the nozzles direct the water under pressure at the conical-shaped surface, and the water mixes with the aqueous ozone solution from the inlet port. An outlet is in fluidic communication with the industrial cleaning system. The reaction vessel may receive the aqueous ozone solution from an injector.

Abstract: Nanometer sized particles containing titanium and platinum are prepared by a sonochemical process. Compounds of the metals are dissolved, suspended, or diluted in a low vapor pressure liquid medium, preferably at a sub-ambient temperature. A reducing gas is bubbled through the liquid as it is subjected to cavitation to affect the reductive decomposition of the metal compounds. Titanium and platinum are co-precipitated in very small particles.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gas-liquid contact system. The system includes a vessel arranged approximately perpendicular to the ground in a longitudinal direction, a static fluid mixer in the vessel having a passage tube and a spiral blade provided in the passage tube, a gas supplier supplying gas having foreign substances to the static fluid mixer from a lower end of the vessel, a gas discharger discharging the gas passed through the static fluid mixer from an upper end of the vessel, a first liquid supplier supplying liquid to the static fluid mixer, and a liquid discharger discharging the liquid supplied from the first liquid supplier outside of the vessel. In the system, the gas supplier includes a gas generator generating gas, a pipe connecting the gas generator with the vessel, a blowing device provided in the pipe, and a second liquid supplier supplying liquid to the pipe between the gas generator and the blowing device.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for carrying out a cavitation induced reaction comprising a reaction chamber for a liquid reaction medium, means for producing cavitation in the liquid reaction medium, at least one reactant inlet to the reaction chamber, an inert gas inlet conduit with a sparger for injecting a flowing stream of dry inert gas into the reaction chamber, a venting outlet for removal of a stream of the inert gas from the reaction chamber, and a recirculation conduit for re-circulating a stream of the inert gas from the venting outlet to the inert gas inlet conduit.

Abstract: The subject of this invention is a submerged airlift pump using multiple concentric pipes with diameters that increase as they near the water surface. Water initially accelerated into the lowest pipe section is progressively decelerated in subsequent pipe sections, increasing the residence time of the bubbles and hence the total driving force of the pump. Pipe proportions are optimized with gas flows to maximize total pump discharge at extremely low pumping-heads, resulting in ultra-high pumping efficiencies. This device can be used to promote circulation of large volumes of deep pond water, deficient in oxygen, to the surface, creating an increase in the exchange of gases between the atmosphere and water with minimal energy requirements.

Abstract: A catalytic hydrocracking reactor vessel for the conversion of a hydrogen gas and fossil fuel feedstream to light liquid hydrocarbons. The reactor vessel comprises reactor cup riser with a helical cyclonic separator conduit for separating a liquid and vapor product stream to provide an essentially vapor-free liquid recycle stream, a grid plate bubble cap with a tapered bell cap wall housing having serrated edges for producing small hydrogen bubbles of increased total surface area of bubbles at lower pressure drop, optionally a feedstream inlet pipe sparger containing rows of downward directed slots for even distribution of the feedstream across the cross-sectional area of the reactor and providing free drain of solid particles from the sparger, and optionally a liquid recycle inlet distributor containing vertically curved plates for creating a whirling motion in the liquid recycle stream for better mixing with the feedstream with minimal solids settling.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a supporting structure of a single tube drift generator. Supporting brackets (9) are formed by integrating fixed plates (8) extending generally through the overall length of a tube body (2) of a single tube drift generator (1) with support leg members (7) extending in the axial direction of the single tube drift generator (1). The supporting brackets have right and left side frames (9a) and (9b) integrally forming the fixed plates (8) with the support leg members (7) and the cushioning material (9c) provided between the pair of right and left side frames (9a) and (9b). A plurality of support brackets (9) are disposed on the side surface of the tube body (2) of the drift generator (1), and the tube body (2) of the drift generator (1) is connected, through generally the overall length thereof, to the fixed plates (8) of the support brackets (9).

Abstract: Radioactive laundry liquid wastes are supplied in a liquid waste heating vessel. Hydrogen peroxide and an alkali solution are supplied to the liquid waste heating vessel. The pH of the radioactive laundry liquid wastes is adjusted to 7 or higher by the alkali solution. The radioactive laundry liquid wastes are heated to 50° C. or higher by a heating device and introduced to first and second aeration vessels. The temperature is controlled by a device in accordance with the value measured by a thermometer. Ozone is supplied from an ozone generator by way of an ozone gas discharge port to the first aeration vessel. Ozone discharged from the first aeration vessel is introduced from the ozone gas discharge port to the second aeration vessel. Therefore, the amount of ozone dissolved into the radioactive laundry liquid wastes is increased so that the amount of hydroxy radicals formed for decomposing organic substances increases, since the laundry liquid wastes are heated to 50° C.

Abstract: A novel flow deflector employed in a fluidized bed reactor for olefin polymerization is disclosed, which is installed on the entry conduit of the reactor, comprising an annular plate and a cone plate and providing at least three paths for the recycle stream to enter the mixing chamber, thereby permitting all the liquid and/or solid material to achieve a more complete and uniform mixing.

Abstract: A microporous diffuser includes a first elongated member including at least one sidewall having a plurality of microscopic openings. The sidewall defines an interior hollow portion of the member. The diffuser has a second elongated member having a second sidewall having a plurality of microscopic openings, the second member being disposed through the hollow region of the first member. The diffuser includes an end cap to seal a first end of the microporous diffuser and an inlet cap disposed at a second end of microporous diffuser for receiving inlet fittings.

Abstract: A gas humidifier provides a continuous flow of gas through two stages of bubbling with an intermediate heating stage. Gas is introduced into an enclosure containing a quantity of bulk water by pumping the gas into a gas entry pipe or tube. The gas exits the gas entry pipe to bubble up through a bubbling evaporator. At the water surface of the bubbling evaporator, a heating element heats the gas-vapor mixture. The heated gas-vapor mixture then bubbles up through the bulk water, and the temperature of the bulk water determines the thermal cycles of the heating element. The gas-vapor mixture bubbles up through the bulk water, reaching saturation at the dew point. The saturated gas is then directed from the humidifier for use.

Abstract: A fluid contactor is taught for mixing and reacting of fluids. Mixing is enhanced by providing a suitable residence time and suitable surface area contact by forming eddy flow within the fluid and thereby the formation of vortexes. Such a contactor does not require the use of mechanical mixers. The contact chamber of the present invention can enhance chemical modification by use of chemical modifiers such as ultraviolet lamps, by allowing the positioning of such modifiers adjacent the vortexes.

Abstract: Waste carbon dioxide gas discharged in large quantities from stationary gas generating facilities such as thermal power plants, is dissolved in sea water and isolated deep in the sea to prevent global warming. A vessel is installed in the sea or at the water surface or in the vicinity thereof. A pipe forming a short leg is open at a lower end, functions as a dissolving pipe, and is equipped with a device for blowing a water-soluble gas. A pipe forming a long leg is open at a lower end portion and functions as a sinking pipe. The pipe forming a short leg and the pipe forming a long leg are connected through the vessel, and undissolved gas is diffused into the atmosphere or into the sea from the liquid surface within the vessel.

Abstract: Waste carbon dioxide gas discharged in large quantities from stationary gas generating facilities such as thermal power plants, is dissolved in sea water and isolated deep in the sea to prevent global warming. A vessel is installed in the sea or at the water surface or in the vicinity thereof. A pipe forming a short leg is open at a lower end, functions as a dissolving pipe, and is equipped with a device for blowing a water-soluble gas. A pipe forming a long leg is open at a lower end portion and functions as a sinking pipe. The pipe forming a short leg and the pipe forming a long leg are connected through the vessel, and undissolved gas is diffused into the atmosphere or into the sea from the liquid surface within the vessel.

Abstract: A gas and liquid contacting apparatus, illuminated, with circulation, and a method, are disclosed. To remove a trace component from a mixture of gases, for example to remove carbon dioxide from air, the inefficiency of attempting to dissolve all of the gas mixture followed by desorption of the non target components is overcome by injecting small bubbles (5) into a liquid filled chamber (1) which is inclined at an angle and has an abrupt change in cross section (2) & (3). The target component diffuses out of the small bubbles. The small bubbles, substantially relieved of the target component, are collected in a gas trap (4) created by the inclination and dimension change of the chamber. Large bubbles (8) escaping from the gas trap via an upper riser (9) to a reservoir (10) assist with the circulation of the contents of the system. A return tube (11) connecting the reservoir to the bottom end of the chamber completes the circuit.

Abstract: A delivery system and method for providing a gaseous chemical is provided. The system comprises a single bubbler 12 having a chamber 13 for containing a liquid chemical, at least one inlet tube 14 for providing a carrier gas to said chamber, and one outlet tube 16 for providing the gaseous chemical. A liquid chemical supply line 25 conveys the liquid chemical to said chamber. A bubbler is in contact with weight measuring device 24 for weighing the bubbler and generating an output signal responsive to the measured weight. A liquid chemical controller 20 is operatively coupled to said bubbler and said supply line for filling and continuously maintaining a preselected level of the liquid chemical in said chamber responsive to said output signal.

Abstract: Intimate contact of water with a treatment gas is achieved by mixing the gas and water co-currently in a conduit containing static mixers, and directing the conduit into a gas contact apparatus that contains coaxial inner and outer tanks, the inner tank being open within, and shorter than, the outer tank, leaving a head space above the top of the inner tank. The conduit discharges the gas-water mixture at the base of the interior of the inner tank, permitting the water to flow upward through the annular space between the inner tank and the conduit, then over the weir formed by the open upper end of the inner tank and downward through the annular space between the inner and outer tanks. Gas is separated from the water at the head space, and treated degasified water leaves the apparatus at the base of the outer tank.

Abstract: The outer surfaces of hollow fiber membranes in a skein, or a bank or cassette of stacked skeins, are kept essentially free of solids by maintaining a substantially uniform flow of a stream of coarse bubbles through each of plural orifices in an aerator disposed beneath the fibers. Aerators for skeins used in microfiltration of wastewater in a tank are periodically flushed by injecting flushing air into permeate returned to the tank over a short period. The air is injected into returning permeate for less than 1 minute, preferably less than 20 sec so as to produce discrete masses of water which are flowed laterally through the body of the aerator, cleaning its walls and maintaining the orifices essentially free from plugging.

Abstract: A method of maintaining carbon dioxide concentration in an aqueous solution containing the same, which entails introducing an amount of a gas into the aqueous solution sufficient to maintain a desired level of carbon dioxide in the aqueous solution,the gas containing from about 25-100% by volume of argon and from about 0-75% by volume of a carrier gas therefor.

Abstract: An improved espresso/cappuccino machine and methods which comprise a crema device downstream of the coffee filter for producing consistent and rich crema on top of the espresso and an automatic milk frothier for producing a predetermined amount of visually appealing foamy head for the milk, both in a manner that is independent of the operators' skill. The crema device comprises an expandable opening for forming a stream or jet of espresso, a crema chamber having keeping means for maintaining an amount of espresso in the chamber during the brewing process, and an arrangement that allows the jet of espresso to plunge directly into the espresso maintained in the chamber thereby producing the crema.

Abstract: A chimney smoke scrubber for use with stoves and fireplaces includes a chimney cap enclosure secured atop the chimney or flue pipe of the combustion unit. The combustion gases from the enclosure are deliver through a duct to a smoke scrubber assembly. The scrubber assembly includes a tank holding a charge of water, with flow space above the water surface for smoke to pass. A stack extends upwardly from the flow space of the tank to release the flue gas to atmosphere. The upper end of the stack includes outlet holes or a screen, and a stack cap having an interior deflector. A nozzle is disposed within the stack and directed to emit a controlled spray upwardly to impinge on the deflector cap. The spray and the deflected water form a curtain of water that cascades downwardly past the outlet holes or screen, so that the smoke and gases must pass through the water cascade as they are discharged.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for removing SO.sub.2 from low-volume gas streams containing high concentrations of SO.sub.2 includes a tank scrubber containing an aqueous SO.sub.2 absorbent and an impeller. The tank scrubber has an unpartitioned vessel. The impeller includes a vertical rotating shaft having an upper and lower impeller. The lower impeller serves to agitate the SO.sub.2 absorbent. The upper impeller includes a shroud thereby directing the absorbent and gas outwardly toward the wall of the scrubber. The gas is injected into the absorbent at a point below the shrouded impeller. The shroud prevents gas bypass and thereby promotes gas-liquid mixing and, consequently, markedly improves SO.sub.2 removal efficiency.