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.

Abstract: Countercurrent flow absorber and desorber devices are provided for use in absorption cycle refrigeration systems and thermal boosting systems. The devices have increased residence time and surface area resulting in improved heat and mass transfer characteristics. The apparatuses may be incorporated into open cycle thermal boosting systems in which steam serves both as the refrigerant vapor which is supplied to the absorber section and as the supply of heat to drive the desorber section of the system.

Abstract: A wet surface air cooling system is disclosed and includes a primary cooling unit having a bundle of heat exchanger tubes. Water is directed over the bundle of heat exchanger tubes and is collected in a collection basin. A secondary cooling tower is provided and a closed circulatory loop draws a portion of the water from the collection basin and directs the water to the secondary cooling tower to increase the cooling capacity of the system. The secondary cooling tower is rendered operative automatically upon sensing a particular temperature of the water in the circulation system of the primary cooling unit.

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. In one embodiment, the slot-like depressions of adjoining plates are alternately spaced, and aligning projections are provided to align adjoining plates with respect to each other.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to heat exchange apparatus in which a cooling tower having coils carrying heated water from a facility in a closed circuit system are mounted such that the coils, by means of multi-directional thermal expansion, crack scale and other film from the surface thereof. The improvement is directed to the internal flow path of heated fluid in the closed circuit which includes turbulator means to enhance agitation and vibration of the coils thereby increasing efficiency and avoiding the build-up of the scale on the smooth external surfaces of the cooling coils. The cooling tower may include a turbine driven fan which utilizes as a motive fluid water for cooling and washing the coils of scale.

Abstract: The invention relates to a low pressure heat exchanger for use in an environment where metal parts would be subject to corrosion or scaling comprising a plurality of vertically disposed mutually parallel membranes acting as heat transfer surfaces and including fluid distributors and dispensing nozzles disposed near the top edge of the membranes so as to distribute hot liquid as a falling film down the membrane surface. From a second distributor set, a second liquid may be passed down the opposite surface of each membrane to provide liquid-to-liquid heat transfer. A draft producing device is employed to either allow a gas to flow directly over the heat transfer membrane or over the second liquid as it falls down the membrane surface to obtain a liquid-to-gas heat transfer or evaporative cooling of the second liquid.

Abstract: A counterflow evaporative heat exchanger employs parallel vertical uninterrupted coil containing sections having the sides thereof arranged to increase the area of liquid contact within the tubes, the smooth flow of a liquid film on the outside of the tubes, and to increase the impingement of gases against the outsides of the tubes thereby providing smooth liquid flow the full vertical length of each section and permitting the use of maximum air velocity with turbulence but with a minimum of liquid entrainment in the gas stream, thereby enhancing cooling of the internal liquid and reducing the space required for the coil assembly.

Abstract: Respiratory gas is delivered to a patient enclosure past a variably heated surface over which a film of water migrates and whose wetness is visible through a transparent cover which is recessed at the water film side to define water inlet, gas flow, and excess water removal paths.

Abstract: A wet/dry steam condenser in accordance with the present invention includes two spaced-apart, vertically aligned groups of heat pipes with each group having the lower, evaporator sections of their respective heat pipes exposed to the interior of an associated, longitudinally extending steam-receiving plenum. The upper condensing section of each heat pipe is cooled by a fan-induced air flow and has a portion that is finned. The other portion of the condensing section of each pipe is cooled by deluge water from either a flood water trough and/or a spray-head assembly in addition to being cooled by a fan-induced air flow.

Abstract: Heat transfer and exchange apparatus having a plurality of double-sheeted wettable flow-through pockets suspended from an overhead liquid supplying support in spaced apart and essentially parallel relationship. A downwardly flowing liquid curtain exists within the innerspace of each of the pockets, the liquid curtain bonding the wettable side-forming sheets of each pocket together through cohesive, adhesive and pressure forces. Flow characteristics within the liquid curtain automatically adjust to create a condition of zero pressure differential across each of the wettable sheets which form a pocket pair so that pressure inside and outside the pocket are equal at all unconfined points over the surfaces of the sheets irrespective of flow rate, temperature viscosity, density or composition of the liquid curtain.

Abstract: An improvement in a radiation boiler for cooling a gas stream containing solid and molten particles wherein gas is introduced vertically via a gas feed at the top of a radiation boiler having a cooled gas outlet and a water bath disposed at the bottom thereof for removing the particles after they have been solidified and cooled. Between the gas feed and the water bath are disposed at least two concentrically arranged cylindrical tubular heat exchange elements vertically disposed in the boiler and forming at least one annular passage therebetween. The passage through the innermost heat exchange element is in fluid flow registry and fluid flow communication with the gas feed.

Abstract: Methane is produced from peat by solubilizing the phenolic polymers therein, and oxidizing the solute to produce short chain molecules. The short chain molecules are fermented to produce a gas that this scrubbed to remove CO.sub.2 to produce methane. Solubilizing takes place in a vertically oriented pressurized vessel that is circular in cross-section and divided into a number of regular vertically elongated compartments, each comprising a circular sector in cross-section, and extending the majority the height of the vessel. Slurried peat is fed into the top of one compartment while another compartment is being emptied from the bottom, the compartment being filled or emptied being progressively changed in response to rotation of a central shaft in the vessel. Oxidation of solubilized peat takes place in a structure that transports the solubilized peat in a substantially vertical wave path from an inlet to an outlet with oxygen being introduced at the bottoms of segments of the wave path, and CO.sub.

Abstract: A gas scrubber particularly adapted to purify a gas obtained by vaporization of a fluidizing content of wet organic wastes, comprising an upstream precipitation duct section and a downstream sedimentation section with water jets to enhance precipitation in the upstream duct section.

Abstract: Countercurrent flow absorber and desorber devices are provided for use in absorption cycle refrigeration systems and thermal boosting systems. The devices have increased residence time and surface area resulting in improved heat and mass transfer characteristics. The apparatuses may be incorporated into open cycle thermal boosting systems in which steam serves both as the refrigerant vapor which is supplied to the absorber section and as the supply of heat to drive the desorber section of the system.

Abstract: An absorber intercooler having a heat exchanger formed integrally therein. The absorber intercooler includes a cylindrical outer casing having a tube bundle disposed longitudinally therein. Inlet and outlet ports are provided in the cylindrical casing to allow for the flow of refrigerant around the tube bundle. Upper and lower end plates, having a plurality of openings therein, seal the upper and lower ends of the bundle. A liquid inlet pipe provides a flow of liquid absorbent through the upper end plate into the tube bundle. A vapor inlet pipe provides a flow of vapor into the bottom of the intercooler, and the vapor flows through a central opening in the lower end plate into a centrally disposed vapor flow pipe. The vapor flows upwardly therein through the upper end plate. A cap is provided on the upper end of the vapor flow pipe to prevent liquid absorbent from flowing down into the pipe, and also provides for an even radial distribution of the vapors at the cap.

Abstract: An improved device for the distribution of liquids in a vertical heat-exchange apparatus which has reeds mounted on the top ends of vertical tubes to spread a liquid in film form over the internal surface of each tube of the tube bundle. The reeds of the invention are closed at their tops instead of being open as was common in conventional practice, and the reeds have an array of circumferential perforations near their closed tops for venting off gases and vapors which evolve from said liquid, while tangential perforations extend through the peripheral surface of the reeds in intermediate sections thereof. The pressure drop of gases and vapors can be adjusted within a wide range and corrosion in the top portion of the tubes is very efficiently prevented.

Abstract: An externally cooled, absorption engine apparatus and method, the apparatus including a closed cycle system having a first fluid and a second fluid, the first fluid constituting a working fluid and having a relatively lower boiling point while the second fluid constitutes a solvent for the first fluid and has a relatively higher boiling point and a relatively high degree of absorptivity for the first fluid. The apparatus further includes a distillation column, a superheater, a mechanical expansion engine, an externally cooled absorption column, and heat exchange apparatus. The distillation column separates the first fluid or working fluid from the solvent with heat energy supplied by an external combustion source and the superheater increases the thermal energy thereof prior to passing the working fluid through the mechanical expansion engine. The mechanical expansion engine converts thermal engine in the working fluid vapor to mechanical energy.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved waste heat disposal process characterized primarily by splitting the total cooling load between two or more open-looped evaporative cooling circuits, staging the circuits in series such that each successive circuit has a greater dissolved solids carrying capacity than the preceding one, using the brine blown down from a preceding circuit as the coolant circulated within the next succeeding one, and treating only the blowdown from one circuit to the relatively greater extent necessary to accommodate the increased solids-carrying capacity of the next. The invention also includes the feature of essentially staging the heat load by dividing same into two or more parts and handling the different parts by separate and distinct evaporative cooling loops.

Abstract: A regenative absorption engine apparatus and method, the apparatus including a closed cycle system having a first fluid and a second fluid, the first fluid having a relatively lower boiling point, the second fluid having a relatively higher boiling point and also a relatively high degree of absorptivity for the first fluid. The apparatus further includes a distillation column, a superheater, a mechanical expansion engine, an absorption column, and heat exchange apparatus. The distillation column is used to separate the first fluid from the second fluid with heat while the superheater increases the thermal energy of the first fluid prior to passing the first fluid through the mechanical expansion engine. The mechanical expansion engine converts thermal energy in the first fluid to mechanical energy. The backpressure in the first fluid on the downstream side of the mechanical expansion engine is lowered by absorbing the first fluid with the second fluid in the absorption column.

Abstract: An improved method of exchanging heat between combustion gases from combustion of fossil fuel with air and a fluid to be heated is obtained by initially introducing into the exhaust gases a volatile medium to be vaporized by said gases and subsequently condensing the vaporized medium by cooling the obtained mixture of combustion gases and vaporized medium to a temperature below the dew point. The cooling is performed by the fluid to be heated. The new method reduces the contents of polluting ingredients in the exhaust combustion gases and will keep the heat exchange structures clean.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for maintaining the desired temperature of a fluid, or more specifically, to reducing the temperature of the fluid to a desired level. The apparatus generally relates to one including a heat exchange coil through which the fluid to be cooled passes and over which an air stream is moved to absorb heat from the coil. In such an arrangement, it is common to increase the heat transfer efficiency of the coil by maintaining the same in a wet condition by means of a water spray or cascade, for example. In this manner, evaporation of the water causes an accelerated transfer of heat from the fluid in the coil for a given amount of air flow thereover than would be the case if the coil surface was not drenched. The present invention is directed to the disposition of a propeller air moving means sufficiently downstream of the cooling coil so as to be substantially free of air flow obstructions.

Abstract: An air cooled heat exchanger provided with water distribution means for wetting the surfaces of air flow passages with a thin film of water, which by evaporation enhances the cooling of a fluid. The fluid flows through the heat exchanger in passages arranged in generally parallel, spaced apart layers. A series of metallic fin sheets, extending between the layers, maintain the separation between the layers and define a plurality of air passages. Water is distributed into the air passages as a liquid through slot means disposed on the edge of the layers, at the side where the air stream enters the heat exchanger. The air stream causes the water to spread in a thin film over the surfaces of the air passages, resulting in improved cooling of the fluid by evaporation of the water. Provision is made for collecting any excess water at the side of the heat exchanger where the air stream exits.

Abstract: A wet/dry cooling tower wherein a liquid to-be-cooled is flowed along channels of a corrugated open surface or the like, which surface is swept by cooling air. The amount of the surface covered by the liquid is kept small compared to the dry part thereof so that said dry part acts as a fin for the wet part for heat dissipation.

Abstract: Intimate contacting of plural, physically disparate phases is achieved by establishing a current of axially extending, axially symmetrical helical flow of a first phase; separately establishing a current of coaxially extending, rectilinear flow of a physically disparate second phase, the currents of said first and said second phases being maintained physically separated from each other; circulating and directing said currents which comprise the plural phases to a zone of restricted flow passage with respect to said helical flow, whereby said plural currents converge and are intimately, homogeneously admixed and whereas such zone of convergence the momentum of the first phase helical flow is at least 100 times greater than the momentum of the second phase, coaxial rectilinear flow; and thence abruptly changing the velocity field of at least one of said plural phases, while at the same time maintaining the general direction of flow of said admixed plural phases, and whereby phase separation of the product of ad

Abstract: Intimate contacting of plural, physically disparate phases is achieved by establishing a current of axially extending, axially symmetrical helical flow of a first phase; separately establishing a current of coaxially extending, rectilinear flow of a physically disparate second phase, the currents of said first and said second phases being maintained physically separated from each other; circulating and directing said currents which comprise the plural phases to a zone of restricted flow passage with respect to said helical flow, whereby said plural currents converge and are intimately, homogeneously admixed and whereat such zone of convergence the momentum of the first phase helical flow is at least 100 times greater than the momentum of the second phase, coaxial rectilinear flow such as to effect atomization via transfer of momentum, and ultimately effecting phase separation of the product of admixture.

Abstract: An extremely simple and inexpensive heat exchanger utilizing evaporative cooling for heat removal but avoiding the entrainment of unwanted moisture in the cooled air delivered to the living area or other space being cooled.

Abstract: Heat exchange units are disclosed for exchanging heat between at least one fluid, for example water, and a gas, for example air, comprising at least one battery of heat exchange tubes which are parallel to each other and extend generally vertically and in which circulates one of the fluids. The gas, such as air, passes between the tubes of the battery generally transversely of the heat exchange tubes, and means are provided for selectively spraying a liquid on the heat exchanger tubes. The heat exchange units may be employed in atmospheric natural draft, or forced draft coolers, or cooling towers, or combinations of such draft-producing means may be employed in a single cooling tower.

Abstract: Enclosed temperatures are modulated by water heated by solar energy and cooled to ambient air. Control means include moving exterior insulation, enclosing or exposing the water, using forced air, and providing special means for heat storage and transfer. Water ponds horizontally disposed atop the enclosure, or in floor plenums and frequently in direct thermal exchange with underlying space, or water circulating in walls by thermosiphon action may be used separately or in combinations with the control means.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of high molecular weight linear polyesters which are derived from dicarboxylic acids or their ester-forming derivatives and from diols, by condensing polyester precondensates, having a relative viscosity of at least 1.05, at from 270.degree. to 340.degree. C. under reduced pressure, the condensation being started at from 290.degree. to 340.degree. C. and the temperature being lowered as the condensation progresses, the final temperature being at least 10.degree. C. above the melting point of the particular polyester produced, and an apparatus for carrying out the process.

Abstract: A rotor film apparatus for processes with participation of liquid and gas having a casing, at least one refluxing stage arranged rotatably in said casing, and an appliance for delivering liquid to the refluxing stage. The refluxing stage is formed by at least one trough curved into a spiral which uncoils from the axis of the refluxing stage. The hollow of the trough is located at the concave side of the spiral. As the portions of the trough depart gradually from the axis of the refluxing stage, they are displaced in one direction parallel to the axis so that the refluxing stage as a whole is shaped like a bowl.

Abstract: A water-containing pond for collecting solar energy for utilization in a process for recovering potable water from non-potable water and/or for the generation of power. The solar pond is designed to increase the quantity and efficiency of water evaporation, from heated pond water, into a heated flowing air stream. Construction in such that there is afforded an increase in the absorptivity/emissivity (a/e) ratio with respect to the incidence of solar radiation.

Abstract: Enclosed temperatures are modulated by water heated by solar energy and cooled to ambient air. Control means include moving exterior insulation, enclosing or exposing the water, using forced air, and providing special means for heat storage and transfer. Water ponds horizontally disposed atop the enclosure, or in floor plenums and frequently in direct thermal exchange with underlying space, or water circulating in walls by thermosiphon action may be used separately or in combinations with the control means.

Abstract: Aqueous glycol solutions, used for example, in the de-icing of heat exchange surfaces used in defogging systems, are regenerated by freeze crystallization, the ice being separated with relatively little loss of glycol.

Abstract: A method of controlling the delivery-point temperature and vapor level of a gas which is conveyed through a delivery line from a heater/humidifier to a delivery point. The method is particularly applicable to apparatus for use in the medical field and it involves heating and humidifying the gas to a temperature T.sub.1 and to a vapor level W.sub.1 of less than 100% saturation, and controlling the temperature of the gas in the delivery line to provide for a lower temperature T.sub.2 which corresponds to a selected higher vapor level W.sub.2 at the delivery point.

Abstract: Apparatus for humidifying a gas stream comprises a transparent reservoir having a top cap and connected via a float controlled valve chamber beneath to a humidifying chamber. The valve maintains a desired water level in the humidification chamber which has a heated floor and gas inlet and outlet ports in its top. Gas flowing between the ports is humidified to a figure approaching 80% and has its temperature raised to a higher temperature than is required at a point of use. The humidified gas flows through a hose which controls the cooling of the humidified gas so that 100% saturation cannot occur until the gas reaches the outlet of the delivery hose at the point of use. The temperatures of the hose and humidification chamber are separately controlled by their own control loops. The float chamber, reservoir and humidification chamber are made of the transparent material and the float and humidification chambers share a common metallic base which is readily detachable for cleaning.

Abstract: In a humidifying and heating apparatus for respiratory gas, a transformer for inductively heating a humidifying liquid is provided in a housing having a socket, whilst a vessel for containing the liquid is made as a separable sterilizable or disposable unit through which the respiratory gas can be passed and which has a plug connector releasably engaged in the socket. The secondary transformer winding is in the form of a plate which is disposed in the plug connector and comprises an upper portion in contact with the liquid and a lower portion straddling the transformer core.

Abstract: A vacuum pump of the liquid vortex type including a closed tank and a helical rotor for operation below the level of liquid therein is provided with a readily demountable rotor unit mounted exteriorly of the tank and having its enclosing shroud opening into the tank. Servicing, including that for removal of scale is greatly facilitated. In addition the pump is provided with a system of ultrasonic vibration elements whereby the accumulation of scale is inhibited or greatly reduced.

Abstract: A novel distillation tray useful as a horizontally disposed internal for a distillation column, especially a cryogenic distillation column, has a set of parallel horizontal pipes spaced from one another to support a pool of down-flowing liquid and to provide passage of up-flowing vapor through the spaces. At each end the pipes are connected to and communicate with a manifold. A number of these trays in a vertically tiered array are connected to one another as an assembly in the column. The assembly of the trays is provided by the manifolds at the two ends of the sets of pipes. In one construction the manifold for one set of pipes has an upward vertical extension that is also one manifold of the adjacent upper tray, while the other manifold for the first set of pipes has a downward vertical extension that is also one manifold of the adjacent lower tray.

Abstract: A heat sensitive liquid is vaporized with minimum degradation by introducing it via an atomizer into an enclosed space together with a heated gas under pressure, and so that the gas circulates past heaters which are screened from the atomizer. Useful for vaporizing adipic acid into ammonia gas.