Abstract: On a surface on which heat is exchanged with a gas media, the heat transfer coefficient can be enhanced by directing a spray at the surface. The spray droplets can disrupt the stagnant air layer adjacent to the exchange surface, can increase the area for heat and mass transfer and can aid in carrying vapor from the gas media to the exchange surface.

Abstract: A cross-flow type cooling tower comprises a cooling tower main body, a water tank placed at the upper part of the main body, a plurality of closed type heat exchanging units arranged in the main body in substantially horizontal manner and in parallel to each other in multi-stage below the water tank, a supplying header placed near an air discharge opening of the main body, which is detachably connectable to supplying ports of the heat exchanging units, a discharge header placed near an air intake opening of the main body, which is detachably connectable to discharge ports of the heat exchanging units, wherein the water tank is divided into a first water receiving part near the air intake opening and a second water receiving part near the air discharge opening by way of a partition wall, and a switching valve is provided at at least a water feeding pipe to the second water receiving part.

Abstract: An evaporative cooler which for the purpose of cooling a fluid flowing within at least one duct (1) evaporates a substance on the outside of said duct, said substance being supplied in liquid form through at least one conduit, is characterized by at least one liquid connector (7) for controlled passage of the liquid from the conduit (6) onto the outside of said duct (1), wherein the outside of the duct (1) is covered by a porous capillary layer (2) into which the liquid connector(s) (7) open(s). The capillary layer (2) may be surrounded by a liquid barrier (3).

Abstract: A heat exchanger with a multiplicity of generally vertical heat transfer tubes has an improved liquid distribution arrangement in its upper inlet head. The liquid distribution arrangement includes a flow diverting baffle disposed within the inlet head above the tubes, a plurality of flow restricting devices inserted in the upper open ends of the tubes and a dam spaced inwardly from a peripheral region of the upper head for receiving flow from the baffle and providing an overflow reservoir surrounding the upper open tube ends for evenly distributing flow to the upper open tube ends.

Abstract: A multiple, parallel packed column vaporizer for vaporizing a chemical having a relatively low decomposition temperature includes a shell; a plurality of parallel, vertically oriented vaporization columns arranged in the shell, each vaporization column having inner walls and upper and lower open ends; a distribution assembly for distributing the chemical substantially equally to the open upper ends of the vaporization columns, which flows downwardly therein; a heat exchanger which heats the vaporization columns to provide the heat needed to vaporize the chemical therein; and a gas supply which supplies the gas to the lower ends of the vaporization columns so that the chemical is vaporized and becomes entrained in the gas and is carried upwardly out of the vaporizer.

Abstract: A process for condensing vapor or mist material onto a thin first liquid film surface, which liquid film is generated and supported on the outer surface of a porous structure. A moving condensable vapor contacts the thin liquid film and is condensed onto the liquid surface. The condensed vapor drains by gravity action into a collection zone, together with a portion of the liquid film material being entrained therein. The vapor or mist material can be either substantially immiscible or miscible in the liquid film. The first liquid is preferably provided in a closed system and is recycled at near ambient temperature and at pressure conditions sufficient to produce the thin liquid film external to the porous structure, which has a porosity of 20-80%. An apparatus including the porous structure and liquid handling system for condensing an upflowing condensable vapor is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides flat, thin and hollow heat exchanger units of synthetic resin make, each operating to have a cooling water fed thereto and air flowed horizontally in an air passage therebetween, thus realizing an indirect contact heat exchange between the air and the cooling water through both wall plates. The invention further relates to a crossflow cooling tower incorporating a wet heat exchanger or packing material and an indirect contact type heat exchanger operating on the afore-mentioned heat exchanger units.

Abstract: The vertical height requirement of a cooling tower is reduced by utilizing trapezoidal shaped fill sheets which are suspended generally in line with the entering air stream so as to form a wedge shaped plenum space beneath the lower sloped edges of the fill sheets. This enables a method of lengthening the vertical air paths through the media as distance from entry is increased thereby promoting vertical air flow near the entry.

Abstract: To produce a gas mixture by the saturation method, liquid is fed from a stock vessel to a separate reaction vessel. A carrier gas enters through a dip tube into the liquid present in the reaction vessel and is saturated by the liquid. The reaction vessel consists, for example, of quartz and is disposed in a metal block connected to a temperature control system. A level sensor fitted to the reaction vessel controls a flow regulation instrument on the liquid feed. The volume of the reaction vessel is substantially smaller than the volume of the stock vessel. Only the temperature of the reaction vessel is controlled. Temperature control of the stock vessel is not required. The saturation process in the reaction vessel takes place uniformly, independently of the temperature and the level in the stock vessel.

Abstract: A heat exchange apparatus having a first header for receiving fluid from a source, flexible thin-walled tubular plastic heat exchange elements defining a plurality of passages through a heat exchange zone and second header means for receiving fluid from said plastic heat exchange elements after passing through said heat exchange zone. Support elements are provided, supporting and rigidifying the flexible thin-walled tubular plastic heat exchange member. The plastic heat exchange element defining said plurality of passages is radially expandable by pressure of fluid from said source to avoid scale formation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for heat and mass transfer is described that is applicable to: concentration, crystallization, purification, fractionation, stripping, absorption, and/or heat exchange for liquid media; drying for solid or gel media; and temperature and humidity modification for gas media. Generally, using a moving gas, such as air at a constant and atmospheric pressure, a continual change in a vapor-liquid equilibrium is created between proximate but continually changing gas and liquid temperatures within energy transferring chambers. Chamber wetting, implemented segmentedly, allows mass transfer into and from the moving gas. A forced temperature differential in each chamber causes heat transfer between chambers by means of thermally conductive partitions. This transfer can allow condensation causing further evaporation in the opposite chamber resulting in a recycling of energy.

Abstract: A counter-flow square type cooling tower is provided with a sprinkler. The sprinkler has four horizontally extending sprinkler pipes. A plurality of water spraying openings are formed along the axial direction of each of the sprinkler pipes to spray cooling water downwardly, and at least one spraying opening is formed at the free end of each of the sprinkler pipes to spray the cooling water outwardly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for condensing flue gas in combustion plants, and an arrangement of apparatus herefor. In accordance with the invention the flue gas is cooled and humidified by bringing the gas into direct contact with water, whereafter the water vapor in the gas is cooled and condensed, the heat of condensation being recovered by indirect heat exchange. The heat of condensation is transferred partially to a heat absorbing medium, preferably return water in a district heating network, and partially to a circuit in which water is circulated within the plant, this water being used for heating and humidifying the combustion air.

Abstract: Apparatus for effecting mass transfer between liquid and gas phases includes a chamber having a tube bundle therein comprised of a plurality of spiral fluted tubes maintained in upstanding relation by transverse tube sheets. Relatively short tubular inserts cooperate with the opposite ends of the spiral fluted tubes in a manner to facilitate passage of liquid downwardly through each tube in the form of a liquid film on the interior spirally fluted tube surfaces, and enable passage of gas upwardly through each tube such that the gas directly contacts the liquid film and effects mass transfer therebetween. Inlet and outlet coolant passages enable coolant to be introduced into the chamber for removing heat of absorption from the external surfaces of the tubes.

Abstract: A tower structure for gas-liquid interaction produces rolling turbulence in a gas flow path that has low pressure drop. The structure includes a spaced plurality of vertically disposed wall members in an upwardly directed flow path, a staggered array of horizontally extending deflectors protruding from facing wall members, forming a series of converging and diverging chamber portions in which the gas flows generally perpendicular to the deflectors. Rolling turbulence is produced between apexes of the deflectors and the facing wall portions, the gas flow being offset toward opposite wall members at succeeding apexes. In one configuration, a liquid is transported within the gas flow, in contact with the gas. In anothor configuration, the liquid is separate from the gas. In a further configuration, two liquid paths are provided, one in contact with the gas, one separate from the gas.

Abstract: A plate for an evaporative heat exchanger is stamped from a laminate material comprising a thin sheet of light-weight, heat conductive, formable metal such as aluminum superimposed on and attached to a thin sheet of wicking material. Stamping the laminate material simultaneously cuts the plate into a substantially square, pre-determined size, forms a series of ribs and corresponding recesses into the plate and blanks square notches into each corner of the plate to define four edges. The ribs are spaced apart in a substantially parallel manner, appear substantially semicircular in configuration and extend longitudinally and substantially across the plate. A method to fabricate said plate is also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coil assembly for use in an evaporative parallel flow or counterflow heat exchanger wherein the heat exchanger comprises a conduit oriented in a vertical direction through which external heat exchange fluids flow in a generally vertical direction, the coil assembly being mountable within the conduit, the coil assembly comprising inlet and outlet manifolds and a plurality of tubes connecting the manifolds, the tubes including bights and segments extending generally horizontally across the conduit and connected to at least one bight, the bights being oriented vertically and connecting segments of the tube at different levels within the conduit, the bights of adjacent tubes being in contact with each other, the segments having a generally elliptical cross sectional shape such that the segments of adjacent tubes are spaced from each other in a direction generally normal to the flow direction.

Abstract: In a cooling apparatus operated by ambient air and an agent to be cooled which can have solid state at atmospherical temperatures, a housing such as a cooling tower (100) with air inlets and air closure means at the air inlets and large surface heat exchangers (3) arranged within the cooling tower (100) at its air inlets and divided into groups or sectors being in parallel connection are provided, with which the agent is cooled by the air streaming through the large surface heat exchangers (3). At least one pre-heating heat exchanger (20) is arranged in the air space (29) of each sector of the large surface heat exchangers (3), and the pre-heating heat exchangers (20) are in parallel connection with the large surface heat exchangers (3) of each sector.

Abstract: A heat and mass transfer device for transmitting heat between a fluid flowing within a pipe and a solution flowing on the outside of the pipe. The device comprises at least one vertically upright tubular pipe and a U-shaped folded metal fin strip twisted helically around the periphery of the pipe. The spacing of the fins on the pipe is such that a pulsating flow of the solution flowing on the outside of the pipe is achieved.

Abstract: A humidifier is described for use in combination with a hot air forced heating system. The humidifier consists of a main housing (water box) which maintains a constant water level from a existing water source sand controlled by a float control valve. The water is heated by a hot water heating coil. Hot air is directed into, through, and back into the main hot air stream. During this process, the hot dry air picks up moisture, becoming saturated, which is returned and mixed in the hot air supply duct, providing humidity throughout the entire system. The amount of air and humidity can be controlled by the inlet dampers, which regulates the amount of air flowing through the humidifier.

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

Abstract: A forced hot air furnace having a continuously wet recuperative heat exchanger. The recuperative heat exchanger is positioned in the hot air chamber at an upward incline from the firebox to the outside flue. Inclined positioning enables heat exchanger condensate to drain counter to combustion products. Condensate is collected in a reservoir located in the firebox. Combustion products flow over the reservoir thereby becoming elevated in dew point before entering the heat exchanger. Consequently, the amount of condensation formed in the heat exchanger is substantially increased over conventional heat exchangers. Condensate will form along the entire length of the heat exchanger resulting in all wet operation. In another embodiment, continuously wet operation is achieved without a water reservoir. In still another embodiment, the continuously wet recuperative heat exchanger is coupled to the output of a non-recuperative heat exchanger.

Abstract: A dehumidifier for compressed gas is disclosed which comprises a heat exchanger pipe, a sprinkler over the heat exchanger pipe, a sump for receiving sprinkled water, a water-supplying pipe for recycling the water from the sump to the sprinkler, an air-intake arranged at a level between the heat exchanger pipe and the sump, a forced exhaust system including a rotating fan, and a gas-liquid separator for removing moisture, oil and other floating matters from the compressed gas.

Abstract: A contact body especially for evaporative cooling of a flow of useful air by means of a flow of cooling air. The contact body is built up of layers with slots existing between the layers, which slots are passed by the two air flows separated from each other, the heat exchange being effected through the walls of the layers. The layers comprise panels rigid in shape and composed of plane plates located in parallel adjacent relationship. Arranged between the plane plates are stiffening members provided with flanges and defining the clearance between the plane plates and extending in the direction of flow of the stream of useful air. The panels are composed to a contact body by means of straight, elongated spacer members, which extend in the direction of flow of the stream of cooling air.

Abstract: A wetted wall type method of humidifying gas with a liquid which is composed, or mainly composed, of water wherein the liquid flows down a heated vertical wall to form a wetted wall and gas flows along the wetted wall in contact with the liquid on the wetted wall to increase the humidity contained in the gas, comprises supplying a greater amount of liquid than the amount of liquid used or evaporated for increasing the humidity, and recirculating the liquid which is not evaporated from an outlet of the wetted wall to a liquid supply portion, the amount of the flowing liquid being adapted to satisfy the following equation:q<5.99.times.10.sup.5 .GAMMA..sup.2.12 (1)wherein q is the heat flux in W/m.sup.2 K where W=watts, K=temperature in degrees Kelvin, and .GAMMA. is the amount of flowing water with regard to the mass of water per unit wet width in kg/ms.

Abstract: A heat exchange apparatus having a first header for receiving fluid from a source, flexible thin-walled tubular plastic heat exchange elements defining a plurality of passages through a heat exchange zone and second header means for receiving fluid from said plastic heat exchange elements after passing through said heat exchange zone. Support elements are provided, supporting and rigidifying the flexible thin-walled tubular plastic heat exchange member. The plastic heat exchange element defining said plurality of passages is radially expandable by pressure of fluid from said source to avoid scale formation.

Abstract: A closed circuit evaporative fluid cooler/evaporative condenser utilizing a cross flow water-air fluid flow relationship is provided. An evaporative liquid recirculating system includes a liquid distribution spray assembly mounted above a bundle of fill sheets. A closed circuit fluid cooling/condensing heat exchanger is supported below the bundle of fill sheets. Each heat exchanger comprises a plurality of parallel coil circuits or modules, wherein the inlet of each coil circuit is at a higher elevation adjacent the air outlet side of the heat exchanger, and the fluid outlet manifold of each coil circuit is at the lowest elevation adjacent the air inlet side of the heat exchanger. This arrangement assures the coolest liquid falling from the fill sheet assembly contacts the coil assembly containing the coolest fluid and that the coolest air entering the air inlet contacts the coil assembly portion containing the coolest fluid.

Abstract: Heat recovery from corrosive gases such as sulphurous flue gases and/or flue gases containing organic acids, said corrosive gases being conducted through a primary side of heat exchanger means (I-II) provided in a gas duct (1).Said heat exchanger means are provided with means for repeatedly applying, during normal operation of said heat exchanger means, a protective controllable thin layer to the surfaces of said heat exchanger means, at least whenever the temperature of said corrosive gases exceeds the water dew point, in order to protect said surfaces from corrosion.

Abstract: A heat exchanger comprises a plurality of coil units to form a substantially rectangular prism. Each of the coil units is supported by a pair of supporting frame members through a pair of electrically insulating spacers without direct contact with the supporting frame members.

Abstract: An improved mass transfer heat exchanger in which heat transmission surfaces are more effectively used and having excellent mass transmission characteristics. Heat transmission pipes are arranged vertically in a tank, extending through a partition board dividing the tank into upper and lower chambers. A solution lead-in pipe supplies a high-density solution to be subjected to heat exchange to the upper chamber, and a pump draws a low-density solution obtained by mass exchange out of the lower chamber and delivers a part thereof to the upper chamber. The upper and lower chambers are communicated through a return pipe which delivers to the lower chamber an intermediate-density solution obtained by mixing the high-density solution and a surplus of the low-density solution in the upper chamber. A vapor lead-in pipe supplies vapor to the lower chamber. The intermediate-density solution flows down the heat transmission pipes, passing through gaps between the partition boards and heat transmission pipes.

Abstract: A vertical shell and tube heat exchanger in which the tubes extend through oversized holes in a liquid distribution plate. Liquid flows through the holes and down each tube exterior surface as a falling film. A spacer or clip, desirably of wire, is placed in each hole around each tube to center the tube so that the film has a uniform thickness. The clip is self-locking and remains fixed securely in position.

Abstract: A heat exchanger is disclosed having a coil positioned between an outer casing member with a bottom having a sump formed therein and an inner casing member containing a rotatable shaft to which a fan is mounted. The fan has a first stage or set of blades which pushes air from the outside down over the coils and a second stage or set of blades having a pitch opposite the first set for pulling the air up through the inner casing member to exhaust. A distributor having a pump which operates on centrifugal force is also provided which draws a liquid heat transfer medium preferably water from the sump and rotates with the fan blades to effectively "sling" the medium over the coils as the fan rotates.

Abstract: A high efficiency evaporative condenser has spaced upper vapor supply and lower condensate collection headers coupled by a plurality of thin walled helical coils defining a plurality of helical flow paths. Maximum latent heat transfer is achieved by assuring rapid cleaning of liquid condensate from interior surfaces of the pipes cleaning the flow paths, continuous air-water wetting of the external surfaces and self-cleaning of the external surface of the coils defining the flow paths. Oil and condensate in the upper vapor supply header is provided with a flow path to the lower condensate collection header without lowering the heat transfer efficiency of the helical coils and vapor in the condensate header is vented to the vapor supply header to equalize pressure. A barometric leg is formed between the ends of the helical coil and condensate collection header to form a liquid column which exerts a negative pressure on the vapor in each helical path and prevent vapor lock.

Abstract: A wet atmospheric cooling tower has a vertical chimney defining an air path from air inlet openings at the lower end thereof for admitting atmospheric air to an exhaust opening at the upper end thereof, a stationary packing extending circumferentially without any gap across the air path, and a distributor for spraying water to be cooled onto the packing from above. Water is cooled down by air while it flows down across the packing. For dry air-water heat exchange air ducts extend through the packing and open into the air path in a zone which is downstream of the packing. The heat exchanger includes a two dimensional network of passages arranged to receive atmospheric air only and distributed according to a two dimensional network.

Abstract: A continuous method and apparatus for the efficient production of gaseous chlorine dioxide by the reaction between gaseous sulfur dioxide and an aqueous solution of a metallic chlorate. The chlorate solution and a highly concentrated sulfur dioxide gas are introduced into a packed columnar chamber at closely adjacent locations at the bottom of the chamber so as to flood the chamber and maximize both the contact area and contact time of the two reactants. Throughout the reaction the chamber is subjected to high vacuum imposed by an eductor which exhausts the chlorine dioxide gas and spent reactants. For use of the chlorine dioxide to produce potable water or treat foodstuffs, the chlorine dioxide and spent reactants are exhausted from the chamber separately by respective eductors substantially balanced with respect to each other to impose comparable vacuums upon the chamber.

Abstract: A method, together with suitable apparatus therefor, is provided useful in recovering heat from a high temperature cracked hydrocarbon gas, in which a liquid wash is injected into the tubes of a vertically oriented multitube transfer line heat exchanger to minimize deposition of coke. The wash liquid is introduced into a plenum chamber located above the top tube sheet and it then flows through a perforated plate. This distributes the liquid uniformly over the plate where it flows into the tubes to dissolve and/or flux condensates and coke.

Abstract: A highly portable means for warming therapeutic gas to be administered to a patient which may also humidify the therapeutic gas. The apparatus includes means for passing the therapeutic gas through an area heated by a chemical reaction which requires no outside energy source. The heated area may comprise a liquid such as water which may optionally contain other therapeutic substances, resulting in both heating and humidifying of the therapeutic gas. The chemical heating means involves mixing two or more chemicals such as a liquid chemical and a dry chemical or atmospheric air and a dry chemical to produce an exothermic reaction. The apparatus is highly portable and may be carried, for instance, in ambulances, boats, aircraft, etc., as well as at medical facilities such as hospitals. The apparatus is lightweight, cheap to construct and economically disposable after use, thus avoiding the possibility of cross-contamination and avoiding any need for cleaning.

Abstract: A bubbling evaporator comprises: a vessel (11); a partition plate (11a) for dividing the vessel (11) into an upper chamber (11b) for temporarily storing carrier gas and a lower chamber (11c) for containing liquid (2); an inlet pipe (12 or 14) for making the carrier gas blow from the upper chamber (11b) into the liquid (2) in the lower chamber (11c) through the partition plate (11a) to bubble and evaporate the liquid (2); and an outlet pipe (13) for leading the evaporated vapor together with the carrier gas to the exterior of the vessel (11). Thus, backflow of the liquid (2) to the exterior of the vessel (11) can be prevented and stable pressure of the evaporated vapor can be obtained. A method of evaporating a liquid organic metal to be used in a vapor deposition process for manufacturing semiconductor devices and the like is also disclosed.

Abstract: An absorption apparatus for use in an absorption heat pump system comprising inner and outer helically wound tubular elements. An absorbing fluid flows in the outer element while a cooling fluid flows in the inner tubular element. A plurality of gas supply means supply gas to the outer tubular element from a gas distribution manifold.

Abstract: This invention relates to shell and tube vertical falling film heat exchangers. More particularly, this invention is concered with an improved heat exchanger which has an insert or cap on the upper ends of the tubes to direct the liquid against the inner surfaces of the tubes to form a thin falling film, thereby increasing heat exchange.

Abstract: An evaporative cooler is disclosed which incorporates a media having a plurality of generally plate-like structures. The plates include a plurality of fins having slot-like depressions dimensioned thin enough to exhibit capillarity, yet thick enough to exhibit good heat transfer characteristics when filled with chilled water. The capillary slots are arranged to effect distribution of the water over substantially the entire surface of the plates forming the media.

Abstract: In an apparatus for cooling of cooling water trickler plates are arranged essentially in parallel. Along one side of each trickler plate water sprayed from the top trickles down, while the other side is kept dry. Thus a pair of adjacent trickler plates each forms a duct through which the cooling air flows. The trickler plates are provided with depressions in the wet side protruding from the dry side in order to increase the dry cooling effect with respect to the wet cooling effect.

Abstract: A steam absorber apparatus is described which consists of horizontal tubes submerged in desiccant brine with steam injected from a perforated box positioned beneath the tubes. The injected steam is absorbed into the brine, warming the brine, tubes, and water flowing within the tubes.

Abstract: An apparatus for uniformly distributing a liquid having dual gaseous and liquid phases for use with a heat exchanger is disclosed. A liquid spreading device of the apparatus includes a main pipe extending along the full length of a header of the apparatus, and a plurality of branch pipes connected to the main pipe and extending perpendicularly to the main pipe just above and along the full width of descending flow entrances of a core of the heat exchanger. Each branch pipe has a plurality of liquid spreading holes perforated in a predetermined spaced relationship at the bottom thereof. Thus, liquid can be distributed from the apparatus substantially uniformly within a deviation of, for example, .+-.10 percent.

Abstract: A combined direct and indirect media is disclosed which is formed from a plurality of plate-like structures. The plates are generally sheet-like elements having an indirect portion and a direct portion. The indirect portion includes a first indirect section, a second indirect section, and a hinge disposed between the first and second indirect sections. The first indirect section can be folded about the hinge to place the first and second sections in an opposed relation. The direct and indirect portions are configured to form the direct and indirect evaporative cooling media when a plurality of plates are arranged in an ordered array.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming an air laid, e.g., dry laid, fibrous web comprising apparatus for an defiberizing wood pulp laps, rolls or bales, preferably in a hammermill; transporting the fibers pneumatically to a forming head, and dispensing said fibers onto a foraminous support means, the aforesaid operations being carried out at conditions of high humidity such that the average fiber moisture content is at least above 2.5% by weight just prior to reaching a forming header. In the preferred embodiment air at between about 150 to about 200 F. and having a relative humidity of between about 75 to 95% is introduced to the defiberizer to provide the requisite air moisture content. If desired overly large fibers from the forming head may be recycled to the defiberizer. By practicing the invention, electrostatic charges on the fibers are reduced thereby minimizing clumping and ensuring better formation.

Abstract: A constant level of liquid carbonation is achieved irrespective of the rate at which liquid is supplied to a carbonating vessel by, respectively, establishing a thin film of liquid over refrigerated heat transfer surfaces, which may take the form of plates, and controlling, in response to the flow-rate of the liquid, the area of the heat transfer surface covered by the liquid film.

Abstract: A falling film heat exchanger having a plurality of tubes is provided with a liquid distribution member surrounding each tube which directs liquid against the tube external wall to control the falling film flow and to form uniform films on each tube. The liquid can be a feed liquid or a heat exchange liquid such as a refrigerant.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of controlling dust by enlarging and collecting dust particles through vapor nucleation and condensation. The dust particles are enlarged from sizes less than one micron to as large as ten microns. The apparatus and method can greatly improve dust control in mines and other industrial environments.

Abstract: An air conditioning system is disclosed for adjusting air temperature and humidity to a predetermined level for the air supply to a paint spray booth. The system includes a multi-section sprayed surface heat exchanger combined with a bypass passage such that a portion of the air flow to be conditioned passes through the multi-section heat exchanger and the remainder of the flow bypasses the same, and is recombined and mixed downstream with the conditioned air to produce a mixture which is at the proper dry bulb temperature and relative humidity. Each multi-section heat exchanger may be shut off to increase the proportion of bypass flow. Modulation of the cooling and heating effect of each of the heat exchangers is achieved by modulating valving controlling the flow of heating or cooling medium. Similarly, the humidification effect is controlled by valving controlling a number of water spray nozzles.