Abstract: A carbonating apparatus includes an elongated carbonation chamber defining a longitudinal axis and having an inlet end and an outlet end. A manifold assembly is provided at the inlet end of the carbonation chamber. The manifold assembly includes a manifold body having an outlet end connected to the inlet end of the carbonation chamber and an inlet end. A liquid passage and a carbon dioxide passage extend in a direction between the inlet and outlet ends of the manifold body in communication with the inlet end of the carbonation chamber. At least one check valve is disposed inside the liquid passage within the manifold body. At least one check valve is disposed inside the carbon dioxide passage within the manifold body.

Abstract: There is provided a liquid-to-gas contact device comprising: a liquid-to-gas contact medium which is a honeycomb structural body formed of a porous material including a plurality of through channels defined by a plurality of partition walls and extending through the structural body in an axial direction, and including a plurality of flow passages extending through the honeycomb structural body from an outer peripheral surface side and formed isolatedly from the through channels; and a container which includes a gas inlet, a gas outlet, a liquid supply port, a storage tank for liquid, and, if desired, a liquid discharge port and in which the liquid-to-gas contact medium is to be stored. A capillarity phenomenon function possessed by the liquid-to-gas contact medium is used to provide the device which has a superior thermal efficiency and which can be constituted to be simple and compact.

Abstract: Apparatus for dosing gaseous and/or vaporous substances An apparatus for dosing gaseous and/or vaporous substances, in particular for generating varying scents, includes a multitude of packaged storage containers (1) from which different gases and/or vapors are driven out by a carrier medium. On their inlet sides, the storage containers are connected to a common carrier medium manifold (13) via a shut-off device (4) assigned to each storage container that can be actuated, and on their outlet sides to a joint homogenization chamber (8). Both the carrier medium manifold and the homogenization chamber are connected to a carrier medium source using a regulating valve (5, 9). Check valves (6, 7) are integrated in the gas passages to the storage container and from the storage container to the homogenization chamber. A dosing apparatus designed based on this principle is characterized by low space requirements and materially separate volume flows that can be exactly timed and dosed.

Abstract: An assembly in an exchange column includes a plurality of generally vertically adjacent layers of structured packing. Each layer includes a plurality of generally horizontally adjacent structured packing elements, each of which has an upper edge and a lower edge. Each layer has a top having a plurality of the upper edges and a bottom having a plurality of the lower edges. In a first layer of packing at least one of the upper edge and the lower edge is modified on at least one element. In a second layer of the packing, located vertically adjacent the first layer, the upper edges and the lower edges are unmodified on substantially all of the elements, whereby one of the unmodified upper edge and the unmodified lower edge on at least one of the elements in the second layer is adjacent one of the modified edges in the first layer.

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 gas and heat exchange apparatus comprising 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, means for gas intake and exhaust in fluid connection with the at least one hollow member, means for draining the at least one hollow member and a means for adding liquid to the upper end of the at least one hollow member.

Abstract: A method for heating a fluid using a heating tower. The method includes the steps of drawing an air stream into the heating tower through an inlet and passing the air stream over a fill medium. The method for heating a fluid also includes passing a fluid over the fill medium along with discharging the air stream from the heating tower through an outlet. The method further includes isolating the inlet air stream from the outlet air stream.

Abstract: A liquid material evaporation apparatus including a mixing chamber, a flow control unit, a first flow passage for introducing a liquid material, a second flow passage for introducing a carrier gas connected to the mixing chamber through a first nozzle, the first nozzle inhibiting backflow from the mixing chamber into the second flow passage. A third flow passage for discharging evaporated mixed gas is connected to the mixing chamber through a second nozzle, the mixed liquid material and carrier gas being forced through the second nozzle by the flow control unit, the mixed liquid material and carrier gas depressurizing after passing through the second nozzle to evaporate into a mixed gas in the third flow passage. Heat is applied to the mixing chamber and the second and third flow passages to enhance mixing in the mixing chamber and to avoid condensation in the third flow passage.

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 fiber housing with at least one liquid inlet and at least one liquid outlet. The fiber housing is surrounding and defining an outer bound for a plurality of fibers extending longitudinally in the fiber housing, whereby longitudinally extending interspaces are provided between the fibers. 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 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: A heat exchange or mass transfer column in which the packing bed is formed from individual packing layers wherein the sheet metal plates of the packing have different thicknesses.

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: A process is proposed for the distillation or reactive distillation of a mixture that comprises 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 portable vehicle humidifier includes an enclosed container with a removable cover, the cover having a plurality of apertures formed therein to permit humid air to be released from the container. A fan is mounted over a large opening in the cover to blow air into the container. A liquid-absorptive pad is positioned within the container to prevent excess movement of water in the container, and to slowly release water vapor into air blowing across the pad. A slide plate positioned over the large opening permits adjustment of the air through the container, and the volume and velocity of humid air exhausted from the container.

Abstract: An improved random-dumped packed bed for effecting inter-phase heat and mass transfer. The packed bed is a plurality of a first packing size substantially uniformly mixed and co-mingled with a plurality of the suitable second larger packing size. The mixed bed so formed provides the additional surface area and mass transfer capacity of the plurality of the added first smaller packing size while maintaining the gas and liquid limiting flow capacity of a bed of the second larger packing size absent the smaller first packing size.

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: Methods and apparatus for processing and cooling a hot gaseous stream exiting a gasification reactor vessel at temperatures in excess of 1300° C. where the gas will come into contact with a corrosive aqueous liquid, including methods and apparatus for cooling the gaseous stream prior to quenching the gaseous stream as well as methods and apparatus for providing vessel construction able to provide for the contact of a hot gaseous stream at temperatures in excess of 1100° C. with a corrosive aqueous liquid.

Abstract: An Automated Odor Modification System 10 is provided having an electronic programmable timer 100, a container liquid level detector 150, a nozzle liquid level detector 140, a motor control circuit 108, an electric motor 126, a liquid container 200, a housing for the enclosure 300, a nozzle 230, a fan 85, and tubing 220. When 200 has sufficient liquid; 230 has insufficient liquid; 100 is set to the date and time to come on: motor 126 pumps liquid into the nozzle 230 via 220. Fan 85 is used to transfer the vapors of the odor modification liquid from 230 to the desired locations. The fan 85 keeps running until the electronic programmable timer completes its cycle. The system is designed so that if the liquid in container 200 is insufficient; the system will be deactivated until the level of the liquid therein, is brought into specification.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel improved 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.

Abstract: A biological filtration apparatus comprises: a raw water introducing section for introducing raw water as water to be processed; a biological filtration section, disposed on the lower side of the raw water introducing section, for biologically purifying/refining/filtrating the raw water so as to yield processed water; a support section, disposed on the lower side of the biological filtration section, for supporting the biological filtration section, the support section having a liquid and gas permeability; and a water collecting section, disposed on the lower side of the support section, for collecting the processed water; the biological filtration section including a packed bed comprising a hollow carrier particle, made of a resin, having a true specific gravity of at least 1.01 g/ml but less than 1.2 g/ml.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an evaporative cooler including first and second trays each having a longitudinal axis. Each tray includes a bottom wall and two side walls that project upward from the bottom wall and extend generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of each tray. Each tray also includes two end walls that project upward from the bottom wall and extend between the side walls. Each tray further includes spaced apart cooler media retaining members that are generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of each tray. The trays are positioned in an end-to-end relationship such that the longitudinal axes of the trays are generally aligned with one another, and one of the end walls of the first tray is positioned adjacent to one of the end walls of the second tray. The evaporative cooler also includes an elongated clip adapted to extend the between the adjacent end walls of the first and second trays for inhibiting water leakage between the adjacent walls.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an air treating device to be used for prevention of drying of air or cleaning of air, convenient for carrying and yet capable of humidifying the air in a room as required, by being disposed in the air feed unit of an equipment having an air delivering function and comprising diffusing pieces exposed to the delivered air as required to promote diffusion of liquid components, a diffusing piece mounting unit holding the diffusing pieces, and a mounting means for facing the diffusing pieces to the air feed unit.

Abstract: A system for capturing HAPs/VOCs from an existing or planned air stream and destroying the contaminants in the air stream by microbial degradation is disclosed. In general, the system is composed of a housing that contains a rotating drum. The drum contains a capture or filtration media through which contaminated air or vapors must pass. HAPs/VOCs in the air or vapors are filtered out and absorbed by the capture media. The rotating drum sits in a water bath that is inoculated with microorganisms that are selected to degrade the hazardous materials or pollutants removed by the capture media.

Abstract: A method for water purification in which waste water is fed into a reactor containing carriers having a biofilm which promotes a desired conversion of impurities, using carriers which are particulate elements having a larger surface than smooth elements of the same dimension and having a density in the range 0.90 to 1.20, normally 0.92 till 0.98, particularly 0.92 to 9.96 kg/dm.sup.3, wherein the carriers with biofilm are kept suspended in the water in a reactor for aerobic, anoxic or anaerobic water purification, comprising inlet and outlet tubes and optionally mixing means, and containing a large number of carriers for biofilm. This reactor is also comprised by the present invention.

Abstract: A catalytic distillation structure comprises a plurality of corrugated vertically disposed catalyst containing elements separated by inert spacing elements. The catalyst containing elements each comprise two layers of gas permeable material, such as wire mesh, joined together at regularly spaced intervals to form a single sheet having pockets disposed on the surface. A particulate catalyst is disposed within the pockets. The catalyst within the pockets provides a reaction zone where catalytic reactions may occur and the gas permeable sheets provide mass transfer surfaces to effect a fractional distillation. The spacing elements allow for a variation of the catalyst density and loading.

Abstract: A system for detecting trace concentrations of an analyte in air includes a preconcentrator for the analyte and an analyte detector. The preconcentrator includes an elongated tubular container comprising a wettable material. The wettable material is continuously wetted with an analyte-sorbing liquid which flows from one part of the container to a lower end. Sampled air flows through the container in contact with the wetted material with a swirling motion which results in efficient transfer of analyte vapors or aerosol particles to the sorbing liquid and preconcentration of traces of analyte in the liquid. The preconcentrated traces of analyte may be either detected within the container or removed therefrom for injection into a separate detection means or for subsequent analysis.

Abstract: A catalytic distillation system is provided having a first component which is a particulate catalyst useful for carrying out the desired chemical reaction and a second component which is a hollow geometric shape having openings through the outer surface to allow gas and liquid to pass therethrough. The two components are mixed to provide the desired open space and loaded into a distillation column reactor. The hollow geometric shapes provides the spacing, while the openings permit the gas and liquid to flow through, thus providing the requisite vapor liquid contact space and surfaces.

Abstract: A cryogenic air separation system using a random packing section below a section of structured packing and redistributing liquid between sets of random and structured Packing sections.

Abstract: A cartridge for an air freshener is disclosed, having a pad sealed within a housing by an air-permeable membrane. The density, permeability, and fiber characteristics of the pad and membrane are selected to achieve extended life while maintaining satisfactory air freshening performance.

Abstract: An apparatus for injecting air freshener or other airborn vapor into the air of a building, mounts to the side of a manifold or other air passageway, which is part of the building air conditioning or heating system. A solid, liquid-saturated dispersant cylinder is ultimately inserted into the passageway and removed from the passageway into a substantially sealed container by means of an electric motor drive which is controlled by a microprocessor-driven control system. The programmable control system is set to introduce the solid dispersant into the air passageway at selectable times of the day and for a set duration, but may be overridden manually in the event a party is to be held, etc.

Abstract: A device for quenching hot gases and to a method for quenching hot gases in which this device is employed. This quenching device includes a porous ceramic water distributor composed of a porous ceramic material, a water distributor plate and a means for feeding water to the water distributor plate. In operation, water is fed to the water distributor plate which then distributes water to the porous ceramic material through which the water flows. The water exiting the porous ceramic material flows down the inner wall of the quenching device.

Abstract: A vaporizing nozzle comprises a wall of porous material, for example sintered bronze, through which the liquid to be evaporated percolates. The liquid may be, for example, petrol. At the other side of the wall the liquid atomizes or vaporizes into a gas stream, for example an air stream. The nozzle therefore provides a simple and convenient way of vaporizing or atomizing a liquid within a gas stream in, for example, the vaporization of petrol into an air stream for use with internal combustion engines. The nozzle includes selectively closed machined portions for altering the flow characteristics of the material.

Abstract: An air cooling device for electric fan comprises of a front cover, a back cover and a water absorbing ceramic, in which the front cover and the back cover are screwed up together with the water absorbing ceramic squeezed in therebetween to define a water receiving space for filling therein of cooling water. The cooling water is further absorbed by the water absorbing ceramic to further let the air current which is set up by an electric fan and passes therethrough be cooling down.

Abstract: A spherical packing element for biological film processes which is formed of a flat circular base plate having a central, throughgoing opening therein, a flat and imperforate disk reinforcing plate extending along the opening and lying in a plane perpendicular to the base plate and a plurality of spaced apart, imperforate and mutually parallel circular lamellae perpendicular to both plates, traversing the opening, and spaced apart in the direction of the diameter. The packing element has a surface area of at least 250 m.sup.2 /m.sup.3, and wall thickness of the plates and lamellae are 0.1-2 mm.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing small particles from a substrate comprising a source of fluid carbon dioxide, a first means for expanding a portion of the fluid carbon dioxide into a first mixture containing gaseous carbon dioxide and fine droplets of liquid carbon dioxide, coalescing means for converting the first mixture into a second mixture containing gaseous carbon dioxide and larger liquid droplets of carbon dioxide, second expansion means for converting said second mixture into a third mixture containing solid particles of carbon dioxide and gaseous carbon dioxide, and means for directing said third mixture toward the substrate. Also disclosed are methods for removing fine particles from substrates utilizing the subject apparatus.

Abstract: A diaphragm carburetor with a fuel metering chamber designed for easy restart when hot which includes a separate escape chamber connected to the metering chamber having a second diaphragm controlled exhaust valve. The second diaphragm is subject to positive crankcase pressure during engine operation to maintain the exhaust valve closed. When the engine is stopped, the exhaust valve is opened by a spring and fuel in the metering chamber will move into the escape chamber and out of the carburetor rather than be forced into the fuel mixing passage and venturi of the carburetor. A porous absorbent material is positioned to receive the fuel leaving the open exhaust valve and to retain it until it vaporizes and dissipates through openings in the retainer atmosphere. The exhaust valve may be manually operated as an option.

Abstract: The regular packing element is formed by layers of inclined deflecting elements. The deflecting elements are arranged in criss-crossing relation to each other and provide continuous flow channels which are open at both ends. In addition, the flow channels are open laterally to the flow channels of the adjacent layers of the deflecting elements. The packing provides for an improved and accelerated mass transfer between two media flowing through the packing in countercurrent.

Abstract: Heat exchanger or heat accumulator bodies which are simple to produce. The bodies consist of a stack of extruded hollow chamber panels with plane smooth outer walls and webs that join the outer walls in a single piece. The hollow chamber panels are joined to one another in the stack on the front side by locking connections. The locking connections can be produced with an inserted electrical band heater, by glue seams, or by undercut interlockings. The hollow chamber panels are not joined to one another in the in-between areas or are not everywhere joined in the in-between areas.

Abstract: A porous structure through which at least one fluid flows, consisting of a plurality of honeycomb blocks each of which has partition walls defining a multiplicity of parallel channels. The plurality of honeycomb blocks adjacently located in stacked packings, the stacked packings being superposed on each other such that the parallel channels formed in honeycomb blocks in two superposed stacked packings communicate with each other. The parallel channels in one of the honeycomb blocks are inclined with respect to the parallel channels in the corresponding honeycomb blocks such that the honeycomb blocks cooperate to form a multiplicity of zigzag fluid passages extending through the porous structure.

Abstract: A crossflow reactor and operating technique provides a porous body of contact solids, such as a fixed catalyst bed, contained in a sloping configuration. Liquid, such as hydrocarbon oil, to be treated is applied to the bed surface and flows by gravity through the porous solid. Reactant gas flows transverse to the liquid, providing a horizontal component to the liquid to improve contact efficiency.

Abstract: Improved plastic-loop packing elements of the type comprising an approximation of a filamentous toroidal helical shape. A process and tower using the elements are also claimed.The improved packing comprises spline web means connecting adjacent loop members and a centerpost structure.

Abstract: A packing material for a packed tower through which fluids to be processed are adapted to flow in contact with each other. The packing material comprises a packing block of honeycomb structure comprising partition walls defining a multiplicity of channels which are formed in parallel to each other as fluid passages through the packing block. The packing block includes plural plane sides in which said channels are open at opposite ends thereof. At least one of these plane sides is non-orthogonal or inclined to a line of extension of the channels. This at least one non-orthogonal plane side may have a larger surface area than the rest of the plane sides of the packing block. The packing block is preferably a polyhedron having not less than eight planes sides each as viewed in elevation, so that said channels are open in non-orthogonal relation with at least two of the plane sides of the polyhedron.

Abstract: The packing can be used for mixing or for exchange processes in exchange columns. The packing comprises at least one group of layers perpendicular to the column axis which has deflecting surfaces connected to a central connecting bridge and which are bent outwardly of the bridge in alternating fashion to define a X-shape. The adjacent layers can be provided with outer bridges which are bent around to form hook-shape portions for engaging about an adjacent layer.The packing can be produced by simple stamping and bending steps.

Abstract: A packing is constructed for an apparatus for mixing or for exchange processes. The packing includes at least two zig-zag layers each of which has a number of parallel rows of substantially rectangular deflecting surfaces with alternating gaps in the inclined flanks. Bridges connect the rows of deflecting surfaces and are disposed in the troughs and at the apices of the corrugated layer.The packing can be produced by simple stamping and bending steps.

Abstract: The random or statistical packing is of hexagonal cross-section and has rectangular tongues and apertures punched out of the walls. The tongues extend towards the longitudinal axis of the packing with the opposite tongues being coplanar. The planes of the tongues are substantially parallel to the sides of the packing so that crossing channels arise for the passage of a gas. The packing has substantially the effect of a regular packing such that a satisfactory lateral distribution of liquid and gas with a relatively low pressure drop is obtained.

Abstract: A process and an arrangement for the formation of an ignitable mixture from iquid fuel and combustion air, wherein preheated combustion air is conducted with a flow chamber along a surface which is moistened with fuel for take-up of fuel. In the process and arrangement, combustion air is conveyed into the flow chamber in the flow direction of the fuel which streams off the surface moistened by the fuel under the effect of gravity. Achieved hereby is an intensive contacting between the combustion air and the fuel. The fuel is dosed in excess so as to constantly afford a sufficient quantity of fuel for vaporization. During the through flow of the combustion air, there is formed, in the contact with the fuel, a saturated fuel-air mixture in conformance with the temperature of the preheated combustion air and the temperature of the fuel.

Abstract: An apparatus for evaporating a solution in constant proportions of the ingredients, including:(a) a solution container having a neck that extends upward from the center;(b) an impregnation member to be impregnated with the solution which is made of a water-absorbing material;(c) an impregnation member support;(d) a cylindrical tubular member that is fitted over a cylindrical tube that projects upward from the center of said support to thereby define an enclosed space;(e) a feed pipe inserted through the hole made in the center of said support, the lower part of said pipe being immersed in the solution in the container and the upper part thereof being within said cylindrical tubular member; and(f) a hole or slit made in the container and the impregnation support member so as to provide a passage that communicates the atmosphere with the space formed in the container by mounting the impregnation member support on the container,the impregnation member support being in the form of a supporting plate from the cent

Abstract: The disclosed battery-powered vapor dispensing apparatus has a housing with an access opening, an air intake port, an air discharge port, and means for supporting a vaporizable product in a path between the intake and discharge ports. A structurally-integrated mechanism for creating air flow along the path, assembles as a unit with the housing. The mechanism includes a chassis and an electric motor having electrical contact lugs on one end and a shaft supporting a fan projecting from the other. The chassis comprises a base, means for mounting the motor, a battery compartment, and means for mounting two resilient wire connectors such that one portion of each is resiliently urged against a lug of the motor and a second portion of each is resiliently urged against a battery terminal.

Abstract: An apparatus 10 and method for delivering a high partial pressure of a gas into a liquid. The apparatus has a gas transfer device 12 with a housing 14 that includes upstream 16 and downstream 18 regions, between which there is located a gas-liquid contacting region 20 with contacting members 22, such as hollow microporous fibers. A reservoir 36 of gas supplies the gas at a high pressure (P) to a flask 38 of gas-depleted liquid and to the gas transfer device 12. The reservoir 36 of gas provides hydrostatic pressure for urging the liquid through the contacting members 22 and propelling the gas around the contacting members 22 so that the gas does not diffuse across the contacting members 22. The gas-enriched liquid is then ducted to a high resistance delivery channel 44 for administration to a site of interest without effervescence, bubble formation, or significant disruption of laminar flow.

Abstract: System and method for removing volatile organic compounds from water are described which comprise a substantially closed housing, a column of fluid permeable extended surface packing disposed between a pair of screens within said housing and extending substantially from the top to the bottom thereof, the packing and housing defining therebetween first and second diametrically oppositely disposed chambers (air plenums) extending generally from top to bottom of the housing, a liquid inlet and air outlet at the top of the housing and a liquid outlet and air inlet at the bottom of the housing for flowing water generally downwardly through the packing and for passing air generally upwardly through the first and second chambers within the housing, and a plurality of baffles with the housing dividing the first and second chambers into a plurality of stages for directing the generally upward flow of air in a crisscross fashion through the packing and generally perpendicularly to the generally downwardly flow of water