Abstract: It has been discovered that the efficiency of asphalt blow stills (reactor columns) can be improved by filling the blow still with various types of packing material, such as metal or glass spheres (or other rigid materials). The packing material acts to reduce air bubble size and improve the dispersion of the air bubbles throughout the asphalt. This increases the total surface area per unit volume of the air bubbles and promotes a faster processing time. The packing material also increases the contact time between the air bubbles and the asphalt which further results in improved efficiency and reduced blow times. This is beneficial because faster processing times can be achieved resulting in more efficient use of equipment, higher levels of productivity, lower energy requirements, cost savings, reduced blow loss, and reduced thermal history to which the asphalt is exposed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a filler component based on the Internet of Things (IoT). The filler component includes a main board, a first piece, a second piece, an accessory piece, a plurality of first through holes, and a plurality of second through holes. The main board includes a first curved surface and a second curved surface arranged opposite to each other and that are configured to form a double elliptical cross structure having a cavity. The first piece, the second piece, and the accessory piece are respectively fixed in the cavity of the main board. The first and second pieces are perpendicular to each other, and the accessory piece is parallel to the second piece and perpendicular to the first piece. The plurality of first through holes is arranged on the main board; the plurality of second through holes is arranged on the first piece and/or second piece.

Abstract: A packing for gas-liquid contact has at least one packing element of a thin layer shape, placed in a standing position. The packing element has a main body portion having a planar liquid film-forming surface extending along a liquid flow direction, and at least one wall portion provided to stand relative to the liquid film-forming surface and extending along the liquid flow direction. The wall portion has a side surface inclined at a predetermined angle to the liquid film-forming surface in a surface position of a liquid film to be formed by a liquid on the liquid film-forming surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reactor system for extracting iodine from an aqueous brine, including: a water heater (2); a tank for storing an oxidizing agent (6); means for carrying out iodine oxidation (8); a desorber (5); an absorption column (15); a crystallizer (19); an iodine melting node (21); and a sublimator (22).

Abstract: An improved heat exchanger suitable for use as a pre-cooler in an internal combustion engine exhaust gas recirculation system includes an inner heat exchange tube for exchanging heat between a gas and a coolant. A tubular outer body surrounds at least part of the inner heat exchange tube. Coolant flows through a cavity formed between the outer surface of the inner heat exchange tube and the inner surface of the tubular outer body, cooling the gas flowing through the inner heat exchange tube. The inner heat exchange tube surrounds a rolled, cylindrically-shaped corrugated sheet of material forming a plurality of fins. At least one of the fins is in contact with an inner surface of the inner heat exchange tube. The tubular outer body surrounds two or more inner heat exchange tubes, each inner heat exchange tube surrounding a respective plurality of fins.

Abstract: A tower packing element (100), a tower packing (300), a packing tower, and a mixer including the tower packing element (100) are provided. The tower packing element (100) are manufactured by a deformed plate and includes a plurality of strip assemblies (10) arranged along a longitudinal direction of the tower packing element (100) and a connecting plate portion (20) connected between adjacent strip assemblies (10). Each of the strip assemblies (10) defines a central passage (30) therein, and the central passage (30) is extended in a lateral direction of the tower packing element (100). The connecting plate portion (20) is extended along the lateral direction of the tower packing element (100). The adjacent strip assemblies (10) and the connecting plate portion (20) connected therebetween define a side passage (40) parallel to the central passage (30).

Abstract: A tower packing element (100), a tower packing (300), a packing tower, and a mixer including the tower packing element (100) are provided. The tower packing element (100) is manufactured by a deformed plate and includes a plurality of strip assemblies (10) arranged along a longitudinal direction of the tower packing element (100) and a connecting plate portion (20) connected between adjacent strip assemblies (10). Each of the strip assemblies (10) defines a central passage (30) therein, and the central passage (30) is extended in a lateral direction of the tower packing element (100). The connecting plate portion (20) is extended along the lateral direction of the tower packing element (100). The adjacent strip assemblies (10) and the connecting plate portion (20) connected therebetween define a side passage (40) parallel to the central passage (30).

Abstract: One embodiment provides a wine aerating device, including: a funnel-shaped container comprising a bottom that is provided with an outlet aperture having a predetermined size, wherein said funnel-shaped container is at least partially filled with a multitude of substantially spherical elements for breaking up and diverting a flow of wine streaming from the top to the bottom of said funnel-shaped container, each of said substantially spherical elements having a size significantly smaller than the size of said outlet aperture, and wherein a non-spherical element having a size greater than the size of said outlet aperture is placed upon said outlet aperture to partially block it, thereby preventing said spherical or nearly-spherical elements to pass through said outlet aperture while allowing the passage of wine through said outlet aperture and increasing the wine's turbulent motion and oxigenation while coming out of said funnel-shaped container. Other aspects are described and claimed.

Abstract: A carrier element (1; 10; 20) for growth of biofilm thereon is designed for free-flowing in liquid to be purified and has surfaces (3; 13) for biofilm growth which are protected from the abrasion from other carrier elements or surfaces in a container containing the liquid to be purified by ridges (4; 12) having a height corresponding to a desired thickness of a biofilm intended to grow on the protected surfaces (3; 13). The ratio between the surfaces (3; 13) for biofilm growth and the area of the ridges ranges from 1:1 to 1:20.

Abstract: A radiation detector can include a logic element configured to determine a depth of interaction based on a decay time corresponding to a radiation event and a constituent concentration profile of a radiation-sensing member. In another aspect, a method of detecting radiation can include determining a depth of interaction based on a decay time corresponding to a radiation event and a constituent concentration profile of a radiation-sensing member. The radiation detector and method can be useful in applications where depth of interaction is significant. The radiation-sensing member may include a variety of different materials, and is particularly well suited for alkali metal halides.

Abstract: A quenching cell including an enclosure containing at least one element for stirring a quenching gas at a pressure greater than 0.4 MPa and a synchronous electric motor capable of rotating the stirring element.

Abstract: A floating media filter including a filter housing with an influent conduit extending into the filter housing, the influent conduit having at least one outflow aperture positioned below an effluent outlet of the filter housing. A floating media is positioned in the filter housing and forms a media bed when the filter is in a filtration stage, the media bed having a lower surface and an upper surface defining a filtration zone between the lower and upper media bed surfaces during the filtration stage. A diffuser trough is positioned in the filter housing such that (i) the lower surface of the media bed, when the filter is in the filtration stage, is below an upper edge of the diffuser trough, and (ii) the outflow aperture of the influent conduit is positioned sufficiently close to a surface of the diffuser trough such that influent flow, during the filtration stage, is initially directed against and/or along the surface of the diffuser trough, and then redirected in a path into the media bed.

Abstract: A cooling tower with a hot water distribution system includes a distribution lateral disposed above a hot water basin. The distribution lateral discharges fluid into the hot water basin, which in turn, releases the fluid through a plurality of orifices. As the fluid is released, it falls on heat-exchanging fill material that assists in increasing the cooling rate of the fluid. The distribution lateral is configured structurally to discharge the fluid through a plurality of outlets at one or more angles (as compared to the horizontal) into the hot water basins. In one embodiment, the outlets are arranged into one or more rows that extend along a substantial length of the distribution lateral. Discharging the fluid in this manner enhances and promotes a more even fluid flow within the hot water basin, which results in a more even fluid flow over and onto the fill material, thereby increasing thermal efficiency.

Abstract: A floating media filter including a filter housing having an influent inlet and an effluent outlet. A floating media is positioned in the housing and forms a static media bed when the filter is in a filtration stage. A diffuser trough is positioned in the filter housing such that the lower surface of the media bed, when the filter is in the filtration stage, is below the upper edge of the diffuser trough. A backwashing mechanism causes dispersion of the media bed during the backwashing stage.

Abstract: A fluid solids contacting device comprising a vessel; a first grid assembly section which comprises a plurality of horizontal chords spaced horizontally apart from each other and a plurality of grid platforms inserted between the horizontal chords; wherein each horizontal chord comprises a structural member with sufficient mechanical strength to withstand fluidized forces in the vessel; a plurality of chairs attached to an inside surface of the vessel and spaced circumferentially apart to support the structural member; and wherein each structural member is supported on one or more of the plurality of chairs is provided.

Abstract: A contactor for a heat and/or material exchange column includes an arrangement of two structured packings developing different geometric surface areas and having parallel principal directions. A heat exchange column, a floating structure including such a contactor, and the use of a column equipped with such a contactor are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed RH generators include a lower component having a first chamber and an upper component including a second chamber, the upper component being coupled to the lower component to couple the first chamber to the second chamber. The first chamber is configured to contain liquid water and generate 100% RH, while the second chamber is configured to contain salt and generate a second RH less than 100% RH. A first membrane is positioned between the first chamber and the second chamber to allow water vapor to pass between the first and second chambers while blocking liquid water, the salt, and other larger molecules. The upper component is couplable to an RH probe with a second membrane separating the second chamber from the RH probe, which allows water vapor to pass between the second chamber and the RH probe to expose the RH probe to the second RH.

Abstract: A packing element (1) for use in mass and/or heat transfer processes through which at least one liquid may flow, wherein the packing element (1): has an outer surface (2) comprising three or more outer arched rib elements (21) and two outer connecting edge elements (22), optionally has an inner surface (3) comprising optional inner arched rib elements (31), wherein the element 1 is substantially spherical or substantially ellipsoidal, and wherein the outer connecting edge elements (22) and the outer arched rib elements (21) and optional inner arched rib elements (31) are embodied such that the total projected area (4) of the packing element (1) when viewed in any direction (7), preferably a radial direction (5) or optional axial direction (6), is partially open due to the presence of an open projected area (41), wherein it is open to an extent that ranges from about 15 to about 50, preferably about 17 to about 40, more preferably about 18 to about 35, most preferably about 20 to about 30% of the total project

Abstract: In an apparatus for foaming a liquid with an aerating device by which the liquid can be aerated, an outlet arrangement which is in communication with the aerating device via a conduit and a pump arranged in the conduit for transporting the aerated liquid from the aerating device to the outlet arrangement, at least one flow resistor is provided in the conduit or the outlet arrangement which includes a plurality of adjacent resistor elements of an elastic material which are movable relative to one another and between which there are passages through which the aerated liquid is forced whereby a high quality stable foam is generated and a pump control arrangement is provided for maintaining the aerated liquid under pressure.

Abstract: A corrugated packing grid with consecutively arranged wave crests and wave troughs for a structured packing, which is assembled from several packing grids, for gas-liquid contacting apparatuses, and a packing assembled from the packing grids. The packing grid and the packing have a large mass transfer area and a low pressure drop at the same time and offer a high mechanical strength. This can be achieved in that elements lie in the region of the wave troughs of the packing grid, the elements extending into the wave troughs.

Abstract: A technique for sensing involving one or more individual sensing tiles that are physically connected to a frame with electrical and communications wiring integrated into the frame and with corresponding physical, electrical and communication connectors on the tiles and the frame.

Abstract: Systems and methods for increasing the rate of evaporation for a liquid. Systems and methods include use of evaporation membranes having large surface areas exposed to the ambient environment.

Abstract: A device (1) comprises a source (20) for emitting ultraviolet light, an inlet (30) for letting in fluid to the device (1), an outlet (40) for letting out fluid from the device (1), and means (51, 52) for performing a straightening action of a flow of fluid through the device (1). The flow straightening means comprise at least one flow straightening element (51, 52) having inlet openings for letting in fluid at one side and outlet openings for letting out fluid at another side, wherein each inlet opening is in communication with a plurality of outlet openings, and wherein the element (51, 52) comprises a maze of randomly arranged, interconnected holes. In such a structure, a water element that is moving from one side of the element (51, 52) to another side may take one of various paths, as a result of which variations in inlet conditions can be dampened.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a water vapor transfer unit and a fluid flow distribution feature, the water vapor transfer unit including a first plate having a plurality of first flow channels for receiving a flow of a first fluid therein, and a second plate having a plurality of second flow channels for receiving a flow of a second fluid therein. The fluid flow distribution feature is configured to control at least one of a volume of flow of the first fluid through the first flow channels and a volume of flow of the second fluid through the second flow channels, wherein at least one of a flow distribution of the first fluid across the first plate and a flow distribution of the second fluid across the second plate is varied.

Abstract: Systems and methods for removing hydrogen sulfide from biogas resulting from anaerobic digestion of biodegradable waste utilize scrubbing vessels with pressure release devices to vent biogas when necessary to avoid over pressurization of the digesters. Use of iron containing sulfide scavengers in the digesters is avoided which avoids the disposal costs associated with iron containing sludge and the regular need to shut down the digesters to remove scale.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a diffuser for saturation of water with gas, comprising a diffusion element (1) for diffusing the gas run through the diffuser, wherein the diffusion element (1) is made of charcoal. The invention also refers to a set for saturating water with gas, as well as a method for saturation of water with gas, and the use of charcoal as a diffusion element.

Abstract: A packing element (1) for use in mass and/or heat transfer processes through which at least one liquid may flow, wherein the packing element (1): has an outer surface (2) comprising three or more outer arched rib elements (21) and two outer connecting edge elements (22), optionally has an inner surface (3) comprising optional inner arched rib elements (31), wherein the element 1 is substantially spherical or substantially ellipsoidal, and wherein the outer connecting edge elements (22) and the outer arched rib elements (21) and optional inner arched rib elements (31) are embodied such that the total projected area (4) of the packing element (1) when viewed in any direction (7), preferably a radial direction (5) or optional axial direction (6), is partially open due to the presence of an open projected area (41), wherein it is open to an extent that ranges from about 15 to about 50, preferably about 17 to about 40, more preferably about 18 to about 35, most preferably about 20 to about 30% of the total project

Abstract: Disclosed is an air conditioner. The air conditioner includes a tray in which humidifying water is stored by a predetermined height, the tray being detachably attached to a main body, a humidifying gear rotatably arranged in the tray so as to be detachably attached to the tray, a lifter provided at a periphery of the humidifying gear, the lifter being submerged under the humidifying water so as to scoop up the humidifying water during rotation of the humidifying gear, and a humidifying filter provided in the humidifying gear and spaced apart from the humidifying water such that the humidifying water is supplied from the lifter to the humidifying filter during rotation of the humidifying gear.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus for dispensing the fragrance of an odor control substance. The apparatus includes a housing defining a housing interior adapted to receive a refill component. The refill component includes a container with liquid odor control substance and a wick. The refill component is installed from the bottom into the housing for ease of servicing. A pump device in the housing dispenses a dose of the liquid odor control into a wicking area of the refill component. In another embodiment, the refill component includes the pump device. The pump device is installed into the housing when the refill component is replaced.

Abstract: A scent diffuser method and apparatus that uses a sealed dry technology scent either alone in as part of a cartridge that is inserted into a housing and wherein the sealed scent cartridge is actuated to expose it to the immediate environment thereby allowing the scent to be diffused throughout the immediate proximity. The scent is activate through the use of a fan or the application of heat through a power source. As a stand alone unit, a device using the cartridge is activatable through the depression of a knob that is powered by a spring to keep it open and closed as desired. Once open, the knob can be rotated to control the speed of scent diffusion.

Abstract: An inside regular filler layer is disposed inside a pipe where heat is exchanged between an inside and an outside of a pipe wall so as to abut an inner peripheral surface of the pipe, and an outside regular filler layer is disposed outside the pipe so as to surround the pipe and closely contact an outer peripheral surface of the pipe. The outer peripheral surface of the pipe is subjected to close contact-promoting processing in order to enhance close contacting feature between the outer peripheral surface and the outside regular filler layer. The pipe/filler unit is used for the distillation section of an internal heat exchanging type distillation column.

Abstract: A personal vapor inhaling unit is disclosed. An electronic flameless vapor inhaler unit that may simulate a cigarette has a cavity that receives a cartridge in the distal end of the inhaler unit. The cartridge brings a substance to be vaporized in contact with a wick. When the unit is activated, and the user provides suction, the substance to be vaporized is drawn out of the cartridge, through the wick, and is atomized by the wick into a cavity containing a heating element. The heating element vaporizes the atomized substance. The vapors then continue to be pulled by the user through a mouthpiece and mouthpiece cover where they may be inhaled.

Abstract: A packed tower for the absorption of water or SO3 in sulfuric acid includes a jacket and a domed grid disposed within the jacket. The domed grid is held on an L-shaped ring such that a gap is formed between an outside diameter of the domed grid and the jacket. A bed of packings is held on the domed grid through which the sulfuric acid charged from above trickles. A gas supply tube is disposed in a lower region of the tower. A gas outlet is disposed above the bed. An acid outlet is disposed in the lower region of the tower.

Abstract: A method of mass transfer includes the steps of: supplying a first fluid and a second fluid into a mass transfer apparatus, wherein the mass transfer apparatus includes a vessel which has a head region, a base region and a mass transfer region, wherein the first fluid is brought into contact with the second fluid at least in the mass transfer region, wherein the mass transfer region is arranged between the head region and the base region and the mass transfer region includes a structured packing which includes a plurality of neighboring layers of fabric which includes fiber strands of a non-metallic material. The mass transfer apparatus is operated at a fluid load of at most 3 m3/m2/h.

Abstract: A drinking container for decanting, filtering, mixing and/or aerating a beverage. The drinking container comprises a bowl having an upper opening and an aerating cell having a wall, an upper opening along the top of the cell and a plurality of openings or perforations through the wall. The cup-shaped cell has an upwardly facing hollow or concave configuration, optionally with a central upwardly extending protrusion, and is attached to and within the bowl, to decant, filter, mix and/or aerate a beverage that is poured through the bowl upper opening and into the cell upper opening, and subsequently flows through the at least one perforation into the bowl. Preferably, the drinking container is a wine glass having a base and stem supporting the bowl and the beverage is wine.

Abstract: A delivery device comprises an inlet port and an outlet port. The delivery device comprises an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber, with the outlet chamber being opposedly disposed to the inlet chamber and in fluid communication with the inlet chamber via a conical section. The outlet chamber comprises a labyrinth that is operative to prevent solid particles of a solid precursor compound contained in the delivery device from leaving the delivery device while at the same time permitting vapors of the solid precursor compound to leave the delivery device via the outlet port.

Abstract: An enclosure defines a confined space configured to store goods that can be advantageously maintained by controlling the water vapor levels to which the goods are exposed. A water vapor conversion element, at which liquid water is converted to water vapor, can be operably associated with the confined space to distribute that water vapor to the confined space. A water delivery unit is operatively associated with the water vapor conversion element and is configured to deliver water in liquid form to the water vapor conversion element. The water delivery unit can comprise a drip chamber configured to deliver the water essentially one drop at a time. The enclosure can comprise a drawer in a refrigeration appliance such as a household refrigerator. A sensor configured to determine the water vapor level present in the confined space can be operable to selectively control the distribution of water vapor to the confined space.

Abstract: An improved packing element configured to reduce or eliminate nesting between packing elements in a column.

Abstract: A cooling tower with a hot water distribution system includes a distribution lateral disposed above a hot water basin. The distribution lateral discharges fluid into the hot water basin, which in turn, releases the fluid through a plurality of orifices. As the fluid is released, it falls on heat-exchanging fill material that assists in increasing the cooling rate of the fluid. The distribution lateral is configured structurally to discharge the fluid through a plurality of outlets at one or more angles (as compared to the horizontal) into the hot water basins. In one embodiment, the outlets are arranged into one or more rows that extend along a substantial length of the distribution lateral. Discharging the fluid in this manner enhances and promotes a more even fluid flow within the hot water basin, which results in a more even fluid flow over and onto the fill material, thereby increasing thermal efficiency.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a compound includes a reservoir containing a compound to be delivered to the environment of use. The compound includes fragrances and insecticides. A compound permeable substrate includes a wick which extends from the substrate into the reservoir. A centrifugal fan is operatively associated with the compound permeable substrate to force air over the substrate when the fan is operational. A cover is disposed over the centrifugal fan in which the cover has at least one aperture on a top surface and provides for a side air passage from the centrifugal fan to the environment.

Abstract: A packing structure according to the invention for a fluid contacting column forms a volume comprising an ordered arrangement of bundles of tubes of diameter ranging between 5 and 50 mm. The walls of the tubes comprise orifices which promote circulation and mixes fluids in the structure. The orifices are inscribed in rectangles whose sides range between 2 and 45 mm, and each one of the orifices extends over a surface area greater than 2 mm2.

Abstract: A solvent based flue gas processing system for removing CO2 from a flue gas stream is described. A catalyst is provided to increase the efficiency of the solvent in capturing CO2 from the flue gas stream or in regenerating the solvent.

Abstract: A system for saturating a liquid with a gas includes a first screen box, a particulate material provided in the first screen box, a liquid inlet disposed in fluid communication with the first screen box, a second screen box disposed in fluid communication with the first screen box, a gas inlet disposed in fluid communication with the second screen box; and an outlet conduit disposed in fluid communication with the second screen box.

Abstract: A blower type chemical diffusing apparatus is small in thickness, simple in structure, and reduced in cost. The apparatus allows the chemical and a battery to be exchanged readily and facilitates electrically connecting the battery to the motor in the blower. The apparatus casing includes a first and a second side casing counterpart hinged together to allow opening and closing. The apparatus further includes a blower with a motor and fan mounted in the first casing body. A chemical cartridge is disposed between the blower and the second casing body, and contains a chemical impregnated body which includes a carrier in the form of a sheet impregnated with the chemical. The first casing body has a battery accommodating recess in which dry cells are removably accepted to drive the motor and thereby to rotate the fan. Air is thus forced to flow through the chemical cartridge.

Abstract: A solvent based flue gas processing system for removing CO2 from a flue gas stream is provided in which a catalyst coated on a support structure is provided. The catalyst selected is capable of retaining CO2, at least for a period of time, thereby increasing the residence time of CO2 and solvent.

Abstract: A system for removing unwanted contaminates from gases using a scrubber, which comprises a housing, a reaction chamber having a liquid level, an inlet connected to a source containing gases to be scrubbed with a contamination concentration greater than zero ppb to saturation. A gas exit port connected to the housing is used for evacuating scrubbed gas and a sintered permeable membrane is disposed across the reaction chamber, which provides a reaction zone in the plurality of pores when gases to be scrubbed are introduced to the membrane on a first side while the membrane is immersed in the lean liquid; and a cleaned gas on a second side wherein the clean gas initially has a drop in contamination concentration of at least 99 percent and gradually decreasing to 70 percent as additional gases to be scrubbed are introduced to the plurality of pores without replacing the lean liquid.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for removing carbon dioxide from a gas stream, comprising placing the gas stream in contact with a resin, wetting the resin with water, collecting water vapor and carbon dioxide from the resin, and separating the carbon dioxide from the water vapor. The resin may be placed in a chamber or a plurality of chambers connected in series wherein the first chamber contains resin that was first contacted by the gas, and each successive chamber contains resin which has been wetted and carbon dioxide collected from for a greater period of time than the previous chamber, and so on, until the last chamber. Secondary sorbents may be employed to further separate the carbon dioxide from the water vapor.

Abstract: A vessel comprising a bed of randomly oriented ceramic media having fluid distribution channels incorporated in the outer surface of the media is disclosed. The channels capture and redirect the fluid thereby improving distribution of the fluid in the vessel.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be an apparatus for isomerizing a hydrocarbon stream rich in a C4 hydrocarbon and/or at least one of a C5 and C6 hydrocarbon. The apparatus can include: a first drier and a second drier adapted to receive a fluid including at least one reactant; and a reaction zone communicating with the first drier to receive the fluid including at least one reactant and with the second drier to receive the regenerant. Generally, the first drier operates at a first condition to dry the fluid including at least one reactant and the second drier operates at a second condition during regeneration with a regenerant. The regenerant is displaced from the drier using a down-flow regenerant displacement assembly.

Abstract: A carbon-based biofilm carrier is formed of saturated fatty acids and saturated fatty alcohols. The carriers are shaped with a hollow center and have a length that ranges from bout 0.3 to about 1.5 times its outer diameter. The shape provides both maximum surface area and maximum protection during aerobic and anaerobic biological treatment of wastewater.