Abstract: The invention relates to the development of a carrier material providing high surface area for biofilm formation in wastewater treatment plants and a carrier material surface modification method for accelerating and enriching biofilm formation.

Abstract: Gas/liquid separation column, containing a device for dispensing a liquid, intended for a gas/liquid separation column, comprising: a plate, in which several orifices are arranged, through which the liquid is able to leave the dispensing device; a plurality of stacks extending from the plate, each stack being configured to be followed by the gas; a plurality of plugging means respectively arranged at one end of one of the stacks, each plugging means having a gutter shape allowing a first portion of the liquid to be collected; a plurality of troughs for directly collecting a second portion of the liquid, at least one part of the orifices being distributed in the base of said troughs, each plugging means comprising a first open longitudinal end and a second closed longitudinal end.

Abstract: A packing system includes a first packing element layer including a plurality of blades and a second packing element layer including a plurality of blades. The packing system includes intra-layer variation and/or inter-layer variation. Intra-layer variation includes (i) varying spacing between blades within the first and/or the second packing element layer, (ii) varying sizes of the blades within the first and/or the second packing element layer, and/or (iii) varying angle of inclination of the blades within the first and/or second packing element layer. Inter-layer variation includes the blades of the first packing layer having a first spacing, a first size and a first angle of inclination, and the blades of the second packing layer having a second spacing, a second size, and a second angle of inclination. The second spacing, size, and/or angle of inclination is different from the first spacing, size, and/or angle of inclination.

Abstract: A device (1) for cleaning a liquid (3) contaminated with oil, comprising a filling (7) made of a material that absorbs the oil (2), which filling is located inside a container (4) and is arranged between an inlet and an outlet (5, 6) of the container (4). According to the invention, the absorption property and handling of the filling (7) is increased by virtue of the fact that the filling is formed by a package-type tangle of keratin structures (8) that are randomly arranged and stochastically distributed in all three dimensions, which in the operating state of the device (1), comprise a closed container edge (9) between the inlet and the outlet (5, 6), and rest thereon in a liquid-tight manner.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an efficient mass-transfer separation bulk filler structure, which includes a bulk filler body with closely-fit multilayer structures, wherein an annular wall surface of the bulk, filler body has a corrugated angle group. A lower portion of the bulk filler body is of a bell-mouth shape. Three passages with a same sectional area are formed inside the bulk filler body. The present invention has the characteristics of small pressure drop, large specific surface area, low liquid holdup and large void ratio. The annular wall surface is provided with the corrugated angle group to increase the disturbance and reduce a double-membrane thickness of vapor and liquid phase mass-transfer resistance, thereby improving the mass-transfer coefficient and separation efficiency. Meanwhile, by adopting the bell-mouth shape, the stability and natural stacking regularity of the bulk filler can be improved.

Abstract: Structured elements with capabilities for stream flow division and distribution and mitigation of undesired species that exceed those of conventionally available materials are provided. The structured elements provide increased opportunities for surface attraction, retention and coalescence of undesired species in a process stream. The functional contact surfaces of the structured elements can include one or more of the faces of cells, the surfaces of struts connecting cells, the surfaces of nodes connecting struts, and the surfaces of asperities or irregularities caused by channels, flutes, spikes, fibrils or filaments in or on the material surfaces.

Abstract: Packing element for heat and/or mass transfer, including a plurality of circumferentially spaced panel shaped wall members, each wall member extending radially outward from an inner end extending along a central axis of the packing element to an outer edge opposite to the inner end and at least part of the outer edge extending along a surface of revolution having the central axis as an axis of revolution.

Abstract: An evaporative HVAC apparatus is disclosed for use in a vehicle air conditioning system. In at least one embodiment, the apparatus provides a housing positioned substantially in front of a vehicle evaporator and having an inner surface that defines an air passage extending therethrough. At least one thermal core is positioned within the housing. The at least one thermal core comprises at least one absorbent wicking layer sandwiched between a pair of substantially planar thermal layers. At least one fluid line is in fluid communication with the at least one wicking layer.

Abstract: An evaporative HVAC apparatus is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the apparatus provides an at least one housing having an inner surface that defines a substantially tubular-shaped air passage extending therethrough. An absorbent wicking layer is formed immediately adjacent to at least a portion of the inner surface of the housing, and a thermal layer is formed immediately adjacent to an inner surface of the wicking layer. The housing also provides an at least one fluid inlet aperture through which a fluid line extends a distance into the housing so as to be in fluid communication with the wicking layer. Thus, a fluid is selectively delivered to the wicking layer through the fluid line which, in turn, permeates the thermal layer and evaporates into the air located immediately adjacent an exposed inner surface of the thermal layer, thereby affecting the temperature of the air moving through the air passage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a separation method of separating (A) and (B), comprising: a step of separating at least either an active hydrogen-containing compound (A) or a compound (B) that reversibly reacts with (A) from a mixture containing (A) and (B) by distillation in a multistage distillation column; and a step of supplying the mixture to an inactive region formed within the multistage distillation column.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for reducing maldistribution of liquids and vapors in packed towers. An exemplary separation system includes a separation tower including at least two packed beds, and a vapor redistribution plate disposed between two sequentially disposed packed beds, wherein the vapor redistribution plate is configured to mix a vapor from a lower packed bed before introducing the vapor into an upper packed bed.

Abstract: An evaporative HVAC apparatus is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the apparatus provides an at least one absorbent wicking layer having a first surface and an opposing second surface, and an at least one thermal layer also having a first surface and an opposing second surface. The second surface of the at least one thermal layer is formed immediately adjacent to the first surface of the at least one wicking layer. An at least one fluid line is in fluid communication with the at least one wicking layer. Thus, a fluid is selectively delivered to the wicking layer through the at least one fluid line which, in turn, permeates the at least one thermal layer and evaporates into the air located immediately adjacent the exposed first surface of the at least one thermal layer, thereby affecting the temperature of the air.

Abstract: A volatile material dispenser includes a housing and a dispensing mechanism disposed within the housing for emitting a volatile material. A faceplate is attached to the housing and provides an aesthetically pleasing look to the volatile material dispenser.

Abstract: A method of installing a vaporizer in a remote manufacturing yard is provided. The method can include the steps of obtaining a lower stage and an upper stage of a vaporizer; obtaining a first column section and a second column section; installing the lower stage to a bottom head such that the lower stage is in fluid communication with an inner volume of the bottom head; installing the first column section over and around the lower stage and fitting and welding a bottom of the first column section to the bottom head; installing the upper stage; and installing the second column section and fitting and welding a bottom of the second course to the first course.

Abstract: An evaporative HVAC apparatus is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the apparatus provides an at least one housing having an inner surface that defines a substantially tubular-shaped air passage extending therethrough. An absorbent wicking layer is formed immediately adjacent to at least a portion of the inner surface of the housing, and a thermal layer is formed immediately adjacent to an inner surface of the wicking layer. The housing also provides an at least one fluid inlet aperture through which a fluid line extends a distance into the housing so as to be in fluid communication with the wicking layer. Thus, a fluid is selectively delivered to the wicking layer through the fluid line which, in turn, permeates the thermal layer and evaporates into the air located immediately adjacent an exposed inner surface of the thermal layer, thereby affecting the temperature of the air moving through the air passage.

Abstract: An evaporative chiller utilizes an evaporative-cooled gypsum-ceramic casting to chill air passing through a passageway formed within the casting. Placed within an outer housing, the gypsum-ceramic casting has an outer wicking layer that maintains water saturation of the casting. Nano-evaporation from the casting surface into the air passageway cools the casting. Water is provided to the wicking layer from a supply connected to the outer housing. The chiller may be placed in-line within air ductwork, and blowers may be used to enhance the flow of air to be chilled through the evaporative chiller passageway.

Abstract: A foam generation apparatus is claimed. The apparatus includes a housing defining an interior portion and two ports disposed on an exterior surface of the housing. One of the ports is adapted to receive chemical into the interior portion of the housing, and another of the ports is adapted to receive compressed air into the interior portion of the housing. The apparatus also includes coarse threads integrally molded at a top portion of the housing. Finally, the apparatus includes an insert that includes a cap, a rod extending from an interior portion of the cap, and one or more agitation balls affixed to the rod. Like the housing, the cap also includes coarse threads formed therein. As such, the insert is disposed within the housing and secured to the housing by way of the coarse threads of the insert and the housing.

Abstract: Reactor bed component includes a foundation grate, a rigid structure and a fastener. The foundation grate has support plates spaced apart from each other by a distance and having a height with each support plate disposed at an angle. The rigid structure has first structure plates spaced apart by a multiple of the distance and disposed at the angle, and second structure plates secured to and disposed at an opposing angle. Each second structure plate has a horizontal extent to engage an upper edge of a corresponding support plate, and a number of the first structure plates have a length extending below the horizontal extent in overlapping relation with adjacent support plates to prevent horizontal movement of the rigid structure relative the foundation grate in a first direction. The fastener is disposed to secure the rigid structure to the grate against movement in a second direction opposite the first direction.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for conditioning an air flow(2) comprising a humidifying apparatus (5) having humidifying elements(6), which are arranged in the air flow (2) to be humidified in the humidifying apparatus(5), can be loaded with pressurized water, and are made of a fluid-permeable, porous, preferably hydrophilic material. In order to increase the efficiency of the humidification of the air flow(2) in the humidifying apparatus (5), the humidifying elements(6) of the humidifying apparatus(5) loaded with pressurized water are designed with regard to the cross-section thereof in such a way that the peripheral surface or outer surface of the humidifying elements exposed to the air flow(2) to be humidified can be uniformly contacted by the air flow (2) to be humidified over the entire circumference of the humidifying elements.

Abstract: Fill material for a direct contact heat exchanger wherein the fill material has flow pathways bounded by an array of linear elements, namely a mesh. The invention intentionally uses surface tension and capillary action to anchor the fluid/fluid interface in a desired location. The heat exchanger is wick or collector in direct contact with the fill material (matrix) to extract fluid without formation of large droplets. The mesh is made from a neutrally wetting material.

Abstract: A foam generating apparatus provides a high-quality mixing of solution and air to produce foam without restricting the flow of liquid through apparatus. An air manifold has passages allowing the flow of water or solution through the apparatus and also features apertures that introduce pressurized air in a parallel flow with the water or solution introduced into the exit chamber. The cross-sectional area of the passages is at least as great as the water or solution inlet, and thus the device does not significantly restrict flow of liquid, even in the case where a straight flow of water or solution without mixed air is desired.

Abstract: A foam generation apparatus is claimed. The apparatus includes a housing defining an interior portion and two ports disposed on an exterior surface of the housing. One of the ports is adapted to receive chemical into the interior portion of the housing, and another of the ports is adapted to receive compressed air into the interior portion of the housing. The apparatus also includes coarse threads integrally molded at a top portion of the housing. Finally, the apparatus includes an insert that includes a cap, a rod extending from an interior portion of the cap, and one or more agitation balls affixed to the rod. Like the housing, the cap also includes coarse threads formed therein. As such, the insert is disposed within the housing and secured to the housing by way of the coarse threads of the insert and the housing.

Abstract: A contactor configured for use in a dehumidification system is provided including a plurality of contact modules. Each contact module has a porous sidewall that defines an internal space through which a hygroscopic material flows. Adjacent contact modules are fluidly coupled to form a multipass flow path for the hygroscopic material through the contactor.

Abstract: “LIQUID OR PULP AERATION DEVICE” that projects liquid or pulp (P) through a spreading nozzle on a chain curtain (C) and captures air bubbles from the liquid or pulp (P) while the fluid outflows through the curtain links (C) by gravity forming films by virtue of an interaction of the surface strain and wettability between the three surfaces in question. As far as the outflow is concerned, these films end up interacting between themselves capturing the remaining air between them, thus forming profuse bubbles, resulting in the formation of liquid or foaming pulp (P) by virtue of the chain discharge (C).

Abstract: The proposed invention relates to a gas/liquid contacting vessel (100) for treatment of a gas stream at varying mass flow rates, said vessel comprising at least two distinct gas/liquid contacting compartments (101a, 101b) separated from each other by a substantially vertical partition (102), each compartment having a gas inlet (104a, 104b) and a liquid outlet (110a, 110b) near a bottom end thereof and a gas outlet (106a, 106b) and a liquid inlet (108a, 108b) near a top end thereof, and a mass transfer device (111a, 111b) arranged between said bottom end and top end, wherein one of said compartments is operable for gas/liquid contacting independently of another of said compartments. The proposed invention further relates to a flue gas treatment system for removal of carbon dioxide (CO2) from a flue gas using a liquid absorbent and to a power plant comprising such a gas/liquid contacting vessel or flue gas treatment system.

Abstract: An assembly for evaporation and dispensing of a volatile liquid. The assembly includes an emanator element and a body member. The emanator element has an open structure with a high surface area and is made of a material that is able to absorb and evaporate volatile liquids. The body member includes a tubular portion which has an interior wall for receiving the emanator element, the latter possibly being therein spaced from the interior wall to allow air flow therethrough. A reservoir of volatile liquid and a wicking member are also provided with the wicking element extending from the emanator element into the volatile liquid. The assembly is further associated with an air moving component for directing air flow though the tubular portion and around and through the open structure of the emanator element, thus carrying evaporated liquid volatiles out of the body member.

Abstract: A cross-corrugated structure packing module is provided for use in mass transfer or heat exchange columns and has particular applicability in severe service applications in which fouling, coking, and erosion are of concern. The structured packing module has a plurality of upright, parallel-extending, corrugated plates. Spacer elements are used to maintain the corrugations of adjacent plates in spaced apart relationship to reduce the opportunity for solids to accumulate on the surfaces of the plates. The plates are also free of apertures or surface treatments that would increase the opportunity for solids to accumulate on the plates.

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 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 cross-corrugated structure packing module is provided for use in mass transfer or heat exchange columns and has particular applicability in severe service applications in which fouling, coking, and erosion are of concern. The structured packing module has a plurality of upright, parallel-extending, corrugated plates. Spacer elements are used to maintain the corrugations of adjacent plates in spaced apart relationship to reduce the opportunity for solids to accumulate on the surfaces of the plates. The plates are also free of apertures or surface treatments that would increase the opportunity for solids to accumulate on the plates.

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.

Abstract: A structured packing for a reactor is formed from a metal sheet to promote heat and mass transfer near the wall of the reactor. The structured packing causes lateral flow of fluids flowing through the packing such that jet impingement of at least one reactor wall is promoted. The packing may be used in a cylindrical, annular or plate-type reactor, e.g., a catalytic reactor, or a heat exchanger.

Abstract: A humidifier including a housing which is used to receive a humidifier module. The housing can be connected by the housing cover and is provided with at least one first sealing element, which seals the humidifier module in relation to the housing. The humidifier module is arranged in an axially displaceable manner on the first sealing element.

Abstract: A carbon foam evaporator is described which can be used in a wide variety of operating conditions. The evaporator utilizes a carbon foam with a bi-model pore distribution. The carbon foam is thermally stable up to temperatures of at least 300° C., is rigid, and has a compressive strength of at least 100 psi. The carbon foam is also resistant to chemical attacks.

Abstract: Advanced wicking structures and methods utilizing these structures are described. The use of advanced wicking structures can promote rapid mass transfer while maintaining high capillary pressure through the use of small pores. Particularly improved results in fluid contacting processes can be achieved by enhanced mixing within a wicking layer within a microchannel.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention there is provided a gas scrubbing system for removing contaminants from a flow of fluid, comprising a container having an interior volume, an inlet for receiving the flow of fluid and an outlet for dispensing the stream of fluid, a treatment liquid, a porous medium positioned in the interior volume, between the inlet and outlet, said porous medium providing a high surface area to facilitate chemical interactions between the fluid flow and the treatment liquid and means to apply the treatment liquid onto the porous medium. A contact cell aspect of the porous medium and a method aspect are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a packing structure (1) for a fluid exchange column, the packing structure defining an exchange surface for at least one down-flowing liquid phase that is to be put into intimate contact with at least one up-flowing gas phase, the structure including a volume formed by a plurality of rows of bundles of tubes (10), each bundle having four tubes (10a-10d) respectively oriented along four directions (D10a-D10d) forming an angle relative to the axis of the structure, the plurality of tubes forming a plurality of passages opening out to the outside surface of the structure (1).

Abstract: At least one section of structured packing where the length of the section is about 1 m to about 6 m; and where the specific surface area of the structured packing of the section is greater than 500 m2/m3, is used in a vapour/liquid contact column operating in locations where environmental conditions adversely affect steady state operation of the column to reduce maldistribution of liquid in the column under motion. The structured packing section has particular application offshore on a buoyant platform where tilt of the column out of vertical alignment due to the rolling motion of the platform can significantly affect the efficiency of the column.

Abstract: Particular embodiments disclosed herein relate to methods, compositions, and systems relating generally to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, and more specifically, to HVAC systems that transfer sensible and/or latent energy between air streams, humidify and/or dehumidify air streams. In certain embodiments, a polymeric membrane is utilized for fluid exchange, with or without an additional support. Certain embodiments allow for individual regulation of air temperature and humidity.

Abstract: Packing elements typically used in columns to enhance chemical reactions are illustrated. The packing element may be shaped as a sphere, ellipsoid, any shape of a revolution of a conic, and made of polygonal elements of various numbers of sides. Alternate embodiments illustrated may have faces analogous to crystal shapes, or large number of sides of same or variable dimensions. 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: The invention relates to an air treatment device using a volatile treating agent contained inside a permeable container (1), particularly applicable to a ventilating, heating and/or air conditioning installation. The treating agent is a liquid packaged inside a cohesive spongy body (2) occupying the available volume of a chamber (3) formed by an internal hollow of the container (1).

Abstract: The invention provides novel ceramic mass transfer packing elements with physical characteristics that maximize efficiency of mass transfer and minimize pressure drop when randomly dumped in a chemical reactor. In some embodiments, the elements may have: a ratio of surface area of the interaction zone to surface area of the flow through zone between 1:0.5 and 1:3; and the interaction zone surface area occupies between 45% and 70% of the open face surface area.

Abstract: A process is proposed for the distillation or reactive distillation of a mixture that includes at least one toxic component, the process being carried out in a column containing a structured packing, having at least one packing layer (1) having a lower end (2) and an upper end (3), the packing layer having an internal geometry varying over its height, in such a manner that in the distillation or reactive distillation, in a first, lower region (6) of the packing layer (1) a bubbling layer having a predominantly disperse gas phase can be established and simultaneously in a second, upper region (7) of the packing layer (1) a film flow having a predominantly continuous gas phase can be established.

Abstract: A divided wall exchange column includes a dividing wall strengthened by stiffening members and/or a double wall design to better withstand pressure differentials and minimize temperature differentials. When a double wall is used, cost of manufacture and installation is minimized by reducing the manufacturing tolerances required while providing a design robust in construction, installation, and operation. When structured packing is used, the stiffening members, combined with positioning the layers of packing at preferred angles relative to the dividing wall, result in minimal interference with the heat and/or mass transfer process while minimizing the complexity of manufacture and construction of the packing. Further, by positioning the top layer of structured packing at other preferred angles relative to the dividing wall, a simplified liquid distributor design may be used in the divided wall exchange column while the layers below may still be orientated as described above with all the associated benefits.

Abstract: A gas and heat exchange apparatus including at least one substantially vertical elongate hollow member, a plurality of internal members spaced inside the at least one hollow member, each internal member having at least one opening, structure for gas intake and exhaust in fluid connection with the at least one hollow member, structure for draining the at least one hollow member and a structure for adding liquid to the upper end of the at least one hollow member.

Abstract: A cooling tower and/or a fan drive system are provided which enhance cooling performance, are able to reduce lateral temperature gradients at least to some degree, provide for easy removable of debris and/or provide for easy fan adjustment.

Abstract: A divided wall exchange column includes a dividing wall strengthened by stiffening members and/or a double wall design to better withstand pressure differentials and minimize temperature differentials. When a double wall is used, cost of manufacture and installation is minimized by reducing the manufacturing tolerances required while providing a design robust in construction, installation, and operation. When structured packing is used, the stiffening members, combined with positioning the layers of packing at preferred angles relative to the dividing wall, result in minimal interference with the heat and/or mass transfer process while minimizing the complexity of manufacture and construction of the packing. Further, by positioning the top layer of structured packing at other preferred angles relative to the dividing wall, a simplified liquid distributor design may be used in the divided wall exchange column while the layers below may still be orientated as described above with all the associated benefits.