Abstract: Packing elements typically used in columns to enhance chemical reactions are illustrated. The packing element may be shaped as a sphere, ellipsoid or any shape of a revolution of a conic. Alternate embodiments illustrated may have faces analogous to crystal shapes. The packing elements have various shapes of drip points. The construction of the element is such that pieces can be folded thus saving assembly time and cleaning time.

Abstract: A structured packing element has at least one edge adapted to intermesh with an edge of at least one other structured packing element. The structured packing elements may be used in a packed section in an exchange column which includes: a first layer of structured packing including a first structured packing element having an upper edge adapted to intermesh with a generally vertically adjacent lower edge of a second structured packing element; and a second layer of structured packing located above the first layer of structured packing, the second layer including the second structured packing element having the lower edge adapted to intermesh with the generally vertically adjacent upper edge of the first structured packing element. The upper edge of the first structured packing element intermeshes with the lower edge of the second structured packing element.

Abstract: A humidifier for fuel cell of the present invention comprises a hollow fiber membrane module in which a hollow fiber membrane bundle, comprising hollow fiber membranes bundled together, is accommodated inside a housing. The module comprises an entrance head which supplies off-gas inside the hollow fiber membranes, an exit head which converges off-gas, which has passed through the hollow fiber membranes, at another end of the hollow fiber membrane module, and an exhaust exit which exhausts liquid, accumulated in the entrance head. According to this humidifier, it is possible to prevent the hollow fiber membranes from becoming blocked by water.

Abstract: A diffusion driven desalination apparatus and related method includes structure for receiving a heated water stream and creating at least one region having a thin film of water and structure for forcing a low humidity air stream over the thin film of water, wherein water from the thin film of water evaporates and diffuses into the air stream to create a humidified air stream. A diffusion tower including at least one plenum can be used to create and transfer the humidified air stream. At least one condenser, such as a direct contact condenser, condenses the humidified air stream, wherein purified water is produced. Waste heat from a power plant can be used to provide the heated water stream and power plants can use the waste heat generated to inexpensively provide purified water.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved ceramic packing element having the basic shape of a cylinder with an aspect ratio, defined by the diameter to length dimensions that is from 2.7 to 4.5.

Abstract: An adaptable evaporative element for a humidifier or the like is described. The evaporative element having separable layers, such that the thickness of the evaporative element is adaptable by varying said evaporative element between a separated and an unseparated configuration. An alternate embodiment uses removable fasteners attachable to the ends of a cuttable strip of evaporative layers to form a circular evaporative element. The evaporative element is adaptable between an uncut and one of a plurality of cut configurations. The evaporative element optionally includes an air filter media attached to its exterior.

Abstract: A device or apparatus for contacting a liquid with a gas is provided. The device or apparatus has at least one gas inlet for introducing the gas into the liquid and a fibre housing with at least one liquid inlet and at least one liquid outlet. The fibre housing is surrounding and defining an outer bound for a plurality of fibres extending longitudinally in the fibre housing, whereby longitudinally extending interspaces are provided between the fibres. These interspaces thereby define flow passages for the liquid and gas. There is also provided a system and a method for contacting a liquid with a gas.

Abstract: A dispensing system for a volatile liquid, comprises a motorized fan adapted to generate an air stream and a capillary member having a body, in which a portion of the body is positioned within the air stream when the fan is activated. The portion of the body of the capillary member is impervious to passage of the air stream through the body in a direction of the air stream. The portion of the body is positioned in the air stream such that the air stream passes unobstructed over opposing surfaces of the capillary member aligned generally transverse to the direction of the air stream.

Abstract: A structured packing element includes a means for intermeshing at least one edge of the structured packing element with an adjacent edge of another structured packing element. The structured packing elements may be used in a packed section in an exchange column which includes: a first layer of structured packing including a first structured packing element having an upper edge adapted to intermesh with a generally vertically adjacent lower edge of a second structured packing element; and a second layer of structured packing located above the first layer of structured packing, the second layer including the second structured packing element having the lower edge adapted to intermesh with the generally vertically adjacent upper edge of the first structured packing element. The upper edge of the first structured packing element intermeshes with the lower edge of the second structured packing element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a strip, made from a sheet material, for a packing module for treatment of liquids, comprising corrugations, which are mainly oriented at an inclination to the direction of flow of said liquid, when the strip is in an approximately vertical plane with the edges thereof approximately horizontal. The strip comprises openings (44) with extended edges. The direction of the edges on the lower section of the openings and the natural direction of flow (S) of the liquid on at least 75% of the length of the edges of said lower section form an included angle of between 0° and 20°. The above finds application in air distillation columns.

Abstract: The present invention involves a fill consisting of a plurality of plates that are preassembled into fill packs for application as fill media in cooling towers. A unique spacing and fastening system is employed to assemble individual plates into fill packs. The spacing system of the current invention utilizes a tube or rod which traverses apertures in the plates of the fill pack. The tube or rod is flattened or expanded in the area between the fill plates, thus locking the fill plates in place. The spacing system of the current invention provides substantially complete adjustability of the pitch of the fill plates. Alternatively, plate spacing can be effected by employing integral protrusions which bond to adjacent plates. The plates are designed to deploy a large amount of surface area in a compact volume and to allow free flow of fluids through the media. The plates utilize a ribbed structure which creates a relatively high strength-to-weight ratio for the individual plates.

Abstract: A structured packing element comprising layers of corrugated and planar sheets is formed by winding at least one corrugated sheet and at least one planar sheet together in a spiral fashion. The resulting structured packing element may be used in a distillation column for air separation applications.

Abstract: A mass transfer column is provided with an external shell defining an internal region. Packing elements are positioned within the internal region of the mass transfer column. The packing elements have one or more plates formed from sheet material that has been shaped to form a plurality of corrugations on each side of the plate as a series of peaks separated by valleys. A plurality of apertures are arranged across at least a portion of the plate and a plurality of tangs extend outwardly from the surface of the plate surrounding at least some of the apertures. At least some of the outwardly extending tangs are deformed toward the plate.

Abstract: The present Invention relates to a humidifier that has a housing defining a chamber having at least one open end. The housing is provided with a gas inlet connectable in fluid communication with a source of gas having a first moisture content, and a gas outlet connectable with a passageway for the withdrawal of a gas having a second moisture content greater than the first moisture content. The humidifier also has at least one fluid distributing portion disposed within the at least one open end of the housing to continuously distribute a fluid within the chamber, and at least one baffle disposed within the housing to define a flow path for the gas to be humidified. During operation, the gas absorbs at least a portion of the fluid as the fluid is being continuously distributed in the chamber thereby increasing the moisture content of the gas as it travels from the gas inlet towards the gas outlet.

Abstract: A packing assembly for a column comprises a cage element which carried a packing element. The packing element comprises a first plurality of parallel plates and a second plurality of parallel plates. The first plurality of parallel plates have peripheries which enable them to be accommodated within a sphere. The second plurality of parallel plates interconnect the first plurality of parallel plates and are positioned normally to the first plurality of parallel plates. The second plurality of parallel plates have peripheries which enable them to also be accommodated within the sphere. The packing element is housed in a spherical cage element which possesses a crush strength sufficient to withstand crushing forces to be encountered when the packing assembly is deployed in a column. The packing element self-orients in the column during use to reduce pressure drop and improve performance during the course of operations.

Abstract: This column includes at least one exchange section (5, 9, 10, 11) defined between an associated upper liquid distributor (4, 6, 7, 8) and a lower fluid inlet/outlet (21, 23) or an associated lower liquid distributor (7, 8), the exchange section including an upper portion (5A, 9A) and, under it, another portion (5B, 9B, 10B, 11B) preferably of the conventional type. The upper packing portion of at least one packing section includes a packing module having less transfer units than a packing module of the conventional packing portion of the same section. Application to double columns for air distillation.

Abstract: Column packing elements comprise and preferably consist of two individual components, namely a strong and rigid “outside” cage, and an “inside” variable component preferably formed of a monofilament and/or mono-multi-filament fibers, which can be varied to produce a significant increase in surface area of the known art in random packings.

Abstract: The invention relates to supported catalysts consisting of an active material on an inert support in the shape of rings, wherein the rings have one or more notches in the upper and/or lower flat side of the ring.

Abstract: The method provides for introducing gas, preferably CO2, into a liquid by means of a mixer. The arrangement includes a mixer (2), which is comprised of several mixing elements. Gas and liquid are mixed by the mixing elements. The individual mixing elements may have different sizes depending on the task at hand.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved ceramic packing element having the basic shape of a cylinder with an aspect ratio, defined by the diameter to length dimensions that is from 2.7 to 4.5.

Abstract: When carrying out a liquid-phase reaction by using a heterogeneous catalyst, the separation of the heterogeneous catalyst and the reaction liquid is carried out certainly and effectively. A reaction method involves carrying out a reaction in liquid phase by using a heterogeneous catalyst particle 30 in a reactor 10, and comprises the steps of: (a) allowing a reaction liquid 40 supplied into the reactor 10 from such as a supplying inlet 12 to react in the presence of the heterogeneous catalyst particle 30, and (b) passing the resultant reaction liquid 40 containing the heterogeneous catalyst particle 30 through a line screen 20 having an opening width where the heterogeneous catalyst particle 30 is not allowed to pass substantially, and then extracting the reaction liquid 40 separated from the heterogeneous catalyst particle 30 from the reactor 10 by way of such as an extracting outlet 14.

Abstract: Disclosed are dual chambered bubbler designs for use with solid organometallic source material for chemical vapor phase deposition systems, and a method for transporting a carrier gas saturated with source material for delivery into such systems.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel improved plastic packing element having the basic shape of a polygon with arches formed around the periphery by deforming the edge area in one direction and an area axially within the edge area to form arches projecting in the opposite direction and providing an axially located aperture. Such packing elements can be conveniently formed using a simple cutting and stamping operation or, more preferably, by an injection molding process.

Abstract: A fluid contacting device including a bundle of notched and precontoured strips which are notched periodically at edges and shaped by giving proper orientation (twist) so that the liquid trickling down the strip flows and spreads on the contoured roughened surface simultaneously alternating back and forth on the two opposite sides of the strip and intermixing from one strip to adjoining ones through plurality of contact points achieved with haystack bundle like winding of alternately inclined strips around equipment axis to achieve intimate contact between trickling film and other phase traveling in the twisting channels.

Abstract: A structured packing element comprising layers of corrugated and planar sheets is formed by winding at least one corrugated sheet and at least one planar sheet together in a spiral fashion. The resulting structured packing element may be used in a distillation column for air separation applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wash column for material and/or energy exchange between media, especially between a liquid trickling down and a gas or a lighter liquid rising in a counter-current. The invention especially relates to a novel structural packing that comprises liquid guide elements (19) in the form of wires or threads that form substantially rhomboid masses with vertical axes in imaginary surfaces (21) and that surround, for example in a polygonal grid, substantially free, vertical flow channels (22) for the counter-flowing gas. The nodes (18) of the liquid guide elements (19) are located at the respective points of intersection of a horizontal cross-section grid. The distance between the guide elements or the size of the meshes is chosen such that the liquid does not form film curtains and flows off only in defined flows, linearly along the guide elements (19).

Abstract: An adaptable evaporative element for a humidifier or the like is described. It includes an evaporative element having at least one fold, such that the size of the evaporative element is adaptable by varying said evaporative element between a folded and an unfolded configuration.

Abstract: A structured packing having a surface area density in the range of about 500 m2/m3 to about 675 m2/m3 includes a plurality of corrugated plates disposed in vertically parallel relation. Each plate has at least one aperture and a plurality of regularly spaced and substantially parallel corrugations disposed in crisscrossing relation to the corrugations of an adjacent plate. The apertures have an equivalent diameter of less than about 4 millimeters but greater than about 2 millimeters. The corrugations have a corrugation angle (&agr;) relative to horizontal in the range of about 40° to about 60°. Each corrugation, when approximated to be substantially a triangular cross-section, has an included angle (&bgr;) defined by two sides of the corrugation in the range of about 90° to about 100°. The structured packing is used in exchange columns for exchanging heat and/or mass between a first phase and a second phase in processes such as cryogenic air separation.

Abstract: A hollow, saddle-shaped packing structure 14 includes a pair of porous outer and inner semi-cylindrical side walls 22, 34 that are spaced from one another to define an interior space 40, and a particulate catalyst component 20 retained in the interior space between the side walls. The packing structure may be formed by a pair of saddle-shaped shell elements 16, 18, each of which presents one of the side walls and a pair of radially opposed laterally extending flanges 26, 38. The flanges are connected together by tabs 30, 32, welding, or the like, and the interior space between axially spaced marginal edges 24, 36 of the outer and inner shell elements is closed off to retain the particulate catalyst component between the side walls.

Abstract: A packing element is provided for use in a mass transfer tower or a heat sink. The packing element is in the form of a saddle shaped member having a configuration generally corresponding to a portion of a toroid generated by rotating a plane closed curve about an axis that is coplanar with and spaced from the curve. The curve has inner and outer surface generating segments. The inner segment is closer to the axis than the outer segment. The outer segment is essentially w-shaped. The member has respective inner and outer surface portions which correspond in transverse cross-sectional shape to the shape of said segments. In one form of the invention, the inner segment is essentially w-shaped and complementary to said outer segment, whereby the element itself is essentially w-shaped in transverse cross-sectional configuration.

Abstract: The invention concerns a packing module (2) comprising an assembly of deflectors (7, 9, 11) which define a set of horizontal layers of fixed mixing ventilators (3, 4, 5). In at least one axial end zone (6) of the module, the deflectors constitute transition deflectors (9, 11) defining at least one layer of fixed transition ventilators (4, 5) whereof the mixing effect is reduced relative to that of the layers (3) located in the current part of the module. The invention is useful for air distillation columns.

Abstract: A biological filter element includes a support element of generally ellipsoidal configuration. The support element has two opposite polar regions and includes a medial ring intermediate the two opposite polar regions and a plurality of arcuate ribs extending from the medial ring to each polar region. Adjacent arcuate ribs are angularly spaced to provide access to an interior space of the support element. A cohesive body of biologically active material surrounds the support element and penetrates the interior space of the support element.

Abstract: A layer of mixed-resistance structured packing includes: a first structured packing having a first packing resistance; and a second structured packing generally horizontally adjacent the first structured packing, the second structured packing having a second packing resistance different than the first packing resistance. The layer of mixed-resistance structured packing is used in exchange columns for exchanging heat and/or mass between a first phase and a second phase in processes such as cryogenic air separation. Use of the layer of mixed-resistance structured packing reduces HETP (height equivalent to a theoretical plate) in the exchange columns and processes. A method also is provided for assembling the layer of mixed-resistance structured packing in an exchange column.

Abstract: An ordered column packing—in the form of packing layers containing flow channels (2)—has a foil-like material (1) with a fine structuring (10). The foil-like material is profiled with concave structure elements (3b; minus sign −) and convex structure elements (3a; plus sign +) in an alternating arrangement. An average distance “a” exists between centers of adjacent concave and convex structure elements respectively. This average distance “a” is substantially smaller than a distance between centerlines (20) of adjacent flow passages. The foil-like material has a second fine structuring in the form of regularly arranged apertures (5). An average distance “b” between centers of adjacent apertures is smaller than the average distance “a”, preferably smaller by at least 50%; and edges (51, 52) of the apertures have in each case a shape including convex and concave locations (6a, 6b).

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a packing made of a three-dimensional net-like structure which constitutes an internal structure of device which performs material transfer, heat exchange or mixing between gases, liquids or gas and liquid, the internal structure being divided in a plurality of chambers or channels connected to one another is provided. The three-dimensional net-like structure is made of a plurality of unit structures which are arranged continuously in vertical and horizontal directions of the three-dimensional net-like structure. Each of the unit structures is formed by converging and dispersion of three or four line elements. The method comprises a step of forming a converging section of the unit structure where the three or four line elements converge by binding the three or four line elements together.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a packing made of a three-dimensional netlike structure which constitutes an internal structure of device which performs material transfer, heat exchange or mixing between gases, liquids or gas and liquid, the internal structure being divided in a plurality of chambers or channels connected to one another is provided. The three-dimensional net-like structure is made of a plurality of unit structures which are arranged continuously in vertical and horizontal directions of the three-dimensional net-like structure. Each of the unit structures is formed by converging and dispersion of three or four line elements. The method comprises a step of forming a converging section of the unit structure where the three or four line elements converge by binding the three or four line elements together.

Abstract: A layer of mixed-resistance structured packing includes: a first structured packing having a first packing resistance; and a second structured packing generally horizontally adjacent the first structured packing, the second structured packing having a second packing resistance different than the first packing resistance. The layer of mixed-resistance structured packing is used in exchange columns for exchanging heat and/or mass between a first phase and a second phase in processes such as cryogenic air separation. Use of the layer of mixed-resistance structured packing reduces HETP (height equivalent to a theoretical plate) in the exchange columns and processes. A method also is provided for assembling the layer of mixed-resistance structured packing in an exchange column.

Abstract: A packing for a mass transfer column for absorption, desorption, rectification or extraction processes, includes a packing bed having a packing element, a tubular shrink film shrunk onto at least a portion of a periphery of the packing element, and a baffle arranged at the periphery of the packing element to prevent a wall effect in the column. The baffle has a conical edge which extends outwardly with respect to the shrink film and is made of plastic.

Abstract: A method and device are provided for preventing the habituation of a fragrance composition. The method and device are adapted to provide to a space, which it is desired to fragrance, a continuous supply of a first fragrance composition and a periodic supply of a second fragrance composition. The fragrance composition(s) may be vaporized by heating and may include deodorant and/or insecticidal compounds.

Abstract: An evaporative process employing an undulating flexible membrane (4) as an evaporative surface onto which a vaporizing gas (2) such as, but not limited to, air, contacts a liquid solution (1, 5) such as, but not limited to, water, and evaporation occurs. The membrane (4) is supported (3) with sufficient laxity to permit wavelike undulating motion of the membrane brought about primarily by the evaporative airflow (2) itself. The differential flexing and motion of the undulating membrane (4) results in a breaking and peeling away of any normally fouling scaling or plugging solids which have precipitated or accumulated on the membrane surface (4). The undulation of the flexible membrane (4) thereby providing a self cleaning action. The self cleaning action of the membrane (4) assures successful application to evaporative processes with solutions (1, 5) which are prone to scaling, fouling, plugging or solutes buildup.

Abstract: A process for effecting mass transfer between liquid phase and a gaseous phase in a filled-type column having an external shell which accommodates at least one filler-containing basket wherethrough the phases are caused to flow in countercurrent relationship. The process advantageously includes the step of feeding the gaseous phase to the at least one basket through a gas-permeable surface thereof which is larger than the basket cross-section, preferably in a prevailing radial flow direction.

Abstract: A gas/liquid contact media for use in an evaporative cooler has a fibrous material structure impregnated with a polymer-based continous phase designed to have solubility and interfacial tension properties that promote intimate wetting with in-service water while inhibiting scale deposition, and an overall cationic charge on the polymer to repel positively charged particles or ions in the water in order to further prevent scale build-up on the media.

Abstract: A plurality of smaller mass transfer or exchange columns are provided within a larger column and are filled with packing to facilitate contact between fluids flowing within the smaller columns. The smaller columns are positioned in parallel and contacting relationship and preferably fill substantially the entire cross section of the larger column. At least some of the smaller columns share a common external wall. Structured packing fills the smaller columns to facilitate interaction between fluids flowing countercurrently within the smaller columns.

Abstract: An adaptable evaporative element for a humidifier or the like is described. It includes an evaporative element having a fold, such that the size of said evaporative element is adaptable by varying said evaporative element between a folded and an unfolded configuration. Alternate embodiments use a hinge over a portion of the thickness of the evaporative element, separable layers or an attached cutting guide as additional means of adapting the evaporative element.

Abstract: A layer of mixed-resistance structured packing includes: a first structured packing having a first packing resistance; and a second structured packing generally horizontally adjacent the first structured packing, the second structured packing having a second packing resistance different than the first packing resistance. The layer of mixed-resistance structured packing is used in exchange columns for exchanging heat and/or mass between a first phase and a second phase in processes such as cryogenic air separation. Use of the layer of mixed-resistance structured packing reduces HETP (height equivalent to a theoretical plate) in the exchange columns and processes. A method also is provided for assembling the layer of mixed-resistance structured packing in an exchange column.

Abstract: An air treatment unit for treatment of an air stream, including a pad having a multitude of narrow air-flow channels, the walls of which are formed by corrugated sheets of a stiff material, the sheets being positioned and fixed generally in parallel planes next to each other in such a way that, as seen from an inlet side of the pad to an outlet side thereof, the channels formed by the corrugations of any two sheets located next to each other extend in two different directions the vertical plane of the respective sheet. At least in a central region of the pad, all sheets are positioned obliquely sideways, whereby all channels extend obliquely sideways relative to inlet and outlet surfaces of the pad.

Abstract: A fluid contacting device comprising of a bundle of notched and precontoured strips which are notched periodically at edges and shaped by giving proper orientation (twist) so that the liquid trickling down the strip flows and spreads on the contoured roughened surface simultaneously alternating back and forth on the two opposite sides of the strip and intermixing from one strip to adjoining ones through plurality of contact points achieved with haystack bundle like winding of alternately inclined strips around equipment axis to achieve intimate contact between trickling film and other phase traveling in the twisting channels.

Abstract: This column includes at least one exchange section (5, 9, 10, 11) defined between an associated upper liquid distributor (4, 6, 7, 8) and a lower fluid inlet/outlet (21, 23) or an associated lower liquid distributor (7, 8), the exchange section including an upper portion (5A, 9A) and, under it, another portion (5B, 9B, 10B, 11B) preferably of the conventional type. The upper packing portion of at least one packing section includes a packing module having less transfer units than a packing module of the conventional packing portion of the same section. Application to double columns for air distillation.

Abstract: A packing material unit for liquid-gas contact apparatus which has a first plurality and a second plurality of loops (15) being at a first angle (loop 15) or a second angle (loops 15′ and 15″), respectively, the second angle being the opposite of the first angle, with the first loops and the second loops alternating, and an interior support for maintaining the loops of at their respective angles. The loops have an interior point and an exterior point, and an interior support connects the interior points. There is also an exterior ring (25) for connecting the exterior points of the loops. The loops, interior support, and exterior ring also have a plurality of protuberances (35, 65, 95).

Abstract: A humidifier for fuel cell of the present invention comprises a hollow fiber membrane module in which a hollow fiber membrane bundle, comprising hollow fiber membranes bundled together, is accommodated inside a housing. The module comprises an entrance head which supplies off-gas inside the hollow fiber membranes, an exit head which converges off-gas, which has passed through the hollow fiber membranes, at another end of the hollow fiber membrane module, and an exhaust exit which exhausts liquid, accumulated in the entrance head. According to this humidifier, it is possible to prevent the hollow fiber membranes from becoming blocked by water.