Abstract: The invention improves the performance of fractionation trays and comprises placing a bed-like layer of packing material closely adjacent the bottom surface of the tray. The packing is located in the so-called "disengagement" zone under the tray and does not extend down to the tray below. Means are provided to spread liquid from the tray above onto the packing material.

Abstract: A system for removing volatile constituents (e.g., hydrocarbons) from a liquid (e.g., water) containing the same by which there is a continuous countercurrent contact between the liquid and a forced air flow. Water collected in a reservoir is continuously pumped to the top of a stripping tower where it is dispersed downwardly over packing material. A blower forces air upwardly in the tower so as to remove the volatile constituents that exit the tower with the exit air. Since the water flow is continuous, multiple passes occur through the tower to enhance separation efficiency. Water from the base of the tower returns to the reservoir via overflow from a standpipe. A lower liquid level sensor in the reservoir initiates operation of the water pump to the tower, and an upper liquid level sensor initiates operations of another pump for pressure discharge from the base of the tower to an exterior site.

Abstract: An evaporative cooling system for buildings comprising means to draw air from the building, air ingress means having air permeable pads in an opening in the building, and water supply means to supply water to fogger nozzles which direct a water vapor fog toward the external surface of the pads, thus cooling the air drawn through the pads. The fogger nozzles are connected to interconnected water conduits, one of which is independently operated from the others such that it will only operate in cases of extreme temperature, to insure that the pads will not be oversaturated. Preferably, the water conduits are controlled by a thermostat responsive to the internal building temperature, while the independent conduit is controlled by a second thermostat responsive to the external ambient temperature.

Abstract: A vapor horn-packing bed assembly for a chemical process tower incorporating a plurality of directional flow vanes within a 360 degree annular housing. A structured packing bed is disposed centrally of the annular housing and the vapor horn is disposed in flow communication with the packing bed wherein discharged vapor will ascend therethrough. The vapor horn includes a plurality of equally spaced flow vanes positioned for intercepting and diverting the vapor flow downwardly within the tower for generating a substantially homogenous vapor region beneath the packing bed. The homogenous vapor generated by such a vapor horn will comprise a turbulent, gaseous region having sufficiently uniform kinetic energy to present a substantially even ascension front into the packing bed of the vapor horn assembly and other packing beds thereabove.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for diffusing a liquid condensate return stream in an industrial steam condenser to reduce erosion and corrosion on the condenser structure. One or more diffuser screens are located intermediate a sparger nozzle and a condenser structure to diffuse the condensate screen prior to impact on the condenser structure.

Abstract: A distributor for distributing sulphuric acid on a packed tower. The distributor has an array of horizontal parallel distributing pipes in a single horizontal plane spanning a tower containing a packing and located above the packing. The pipes extend through the tower shell at one end and are accessible through a clean-out port at the other end. Feed enters the pipes at one end and the clean-out port at the other end permits cleaning without entering the tower. There are holes in the pipes arranged in a number of rows each angled downwardly. Each hole has a simple corrosion resistant insert to protect against hole erosion.

Abstract: A self-cleaning, hydrodynamic fume scrubber for scrubbing a gaseous phase effluent with a scrubbing liquid, includes an inlet stage for receiving the particulate laden gaseous effluent. A negative pressure stage creates suction by spraying a first pressurized component of the scrubbing liquid into a stream of the effluent passing from the inlet stage. A main scrubbing chamber includes at least one hydrodynamic spray assembly driven by a second pressurized component of the scrubbing liquid; a filter media layer disposed below the spray assembly for filtering and mixing the effluent gas and scrubbing liquid; a scrubbing liquid, scrubbed gas separation region below the filter media for separating and discharging scrubbed gas effluent collected therein; a splash plate or diverter plate at the lower boundary of the separation region; and, a scrubbing liquid reservoir below the splash plate in a lowermost region of the chamber for receiving excess scrubbing liquid.

Abstract: The diagnostic circuit comprises a comparator having a first input connected to the power device and a second input connected to a reference voltage generator. A signal generator is connected to the output of comparator so as to generate a diagnostic signal when comparator detects a current in the power device which is higher than a preset value corresponding to said reference voltage. A thermal protection unit sensitive to the temperature of the power device acts on the reference voltage generator so as to reduce the value of said reference voltage in response to an increase in the temperature beyond a preset limit.

Abstract: A non-circulating water system for use in evaporative coolers which incorporates a timing means in conjunction with a valve means, to control the flow of water to the pads. It applies measured amounts of water to the pad and allows measured amounts of time between applications so that most of the water is used in the evaporation process and minimal amounts of water are discharged though a drain. Domestic water line pressure is used to transfer water to the pads, eliminating the need for reservoir water, float valve, pump and overflow pipe. The cycle of the timing means may be varied dependent on moisture or temperature conditions sensed in the pad.

Abstract: In a process for cleaning, cleaning a packed column utilized in a gas scrubbing operation wherein the packing is obstructed by solids formed during the scrubbing step, the obstructions are removed in a maximally economical fashion and without interrupting of normal operation. The packed column contains at least n, wherein n>1, superimposed packed beds spatially separated from one another. During cleaning, the lowermost up to maximally the (n-1)th packed bed are flooded with scrubbing agent. Preferably, the packed column is used for scrubbing H.sub.2 S out of a feedgas mixture with an oxidative scrubbing agent wherein sulfur is formed during the scrubbing operation and deposited in the packed beds.

Abstract: A modular air scrubber system is provided for removal of pollutants from air and includes a plurality of modular scrubbing towers adapted for side-by-side interconnection to provide multiple stage filtering of air to be treated, each tower having a lower reservoir portion for a scrubber solution, and an upper portion containing contact media, each modular tower also provided with air inlets outlets and scrubber solution inlets and outlets.A specific arrangement of these modules adapted to accommodate a counterflow arrangement of air and scrubber solution for the removal of hydrogen sulfide from air is disclosed, in conjunction with a scrubber solution feed and control unit.

Abstract: A continuous reactor system useful for treating petroleum oil in a multi-phase fixed bed catalytic reactor comprising a system for:feeding the oil and a reactant gas at production flow rates above a first bed of porous solid catalyst particles under conversion conditions for cocurrent downward flow therethrough, collecting and withdrawing the treated oil from the first bed and redistributing at least a portion of the treated oil to at least one succeeding catalyst bed while permitting the gaseous phase to flow directly to the succeeding lower catalyst bed, recycling a quantity of treated oil collected below a catalyst bed and reapplying the treated oil at a preceding redistribution zone above the bed from which treated oil is collected, whereby the total of oil production flow rate and recycled treated oil flow rate is maintained at a predetermined minimum sufficient to effect uniform catalyst wetting. This technique is useful for hydrodewaxing of oils over zeolite catalysts.

Abstract: In a solid state relay circuit including a power semiconductor for switching power to a load circuit and having circuitry for disabling the power semiconductor to protect against current overload or short circuits, such disabling means including a silicon controlled rectifier for short circuiting the input to the power semiconductor, apparatus for sensing the presence of transient voltages in the load circuit, and apparatus for disabling any short circuit caused by the silicon controlled rectifier due to such voltage transients.

Abstract: A liquid distribution device for more uniformly distributing a liquid to packed beds is composed of a box-pipe distributor, for the delivery of liquid to a pan distributor having a deck and risers postioned on the deck, with ells contained in the risers. The ells direct liquid axially through the risers so that gas/liquid interaction is minimized. The pan distributor also includes a plurality of holes positioned about the risers and a set of wall-ells about the periphery of the pan for more completely and uniformly distributing a liquid to packed beds positioned beneath the liquid distribution device.

Abstract: An effluent treatment apparatus adapted for conditioning an effluent stream within a treatment zone is comprised of an injection system which includes at least one injection nozzle having a flexible discharge tube with an effective length at least equal to the characteristic wavelength for flexural resonant vibration thereof when pressurized fluid issues therefrom. The injection nozzle(s) preferably include(s) a length of elastomeric tubing as the discharge conduit, capable of providing a high flow rate of a conditioning agent to the treatment apparatus while delivering same in a relatively finely divided state. The conditioning agents may be delivered to a treatment zone within the apparatus in a generally concurrent, generally countercurrent, or generally transverse direction with respect to the flow of effluent to be conditioned. A recirculating system for the conditioning agent may be employed.

Abstract: Uniform flow distributor for trickle bed flow through a bed of solid catalyst particles. The reactants include constituents of a liquid and vapor mixture. A corrugated distributor acts to form pools of the liquid at normal minimum rate of flow and the vapor flows past the liquid pools to form a uniform mixture in the bed of catalyst particles.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for cleaning dirty gases using an apparatus comprising a particulate bed through which the dirty gases pass upwardly without being fluidized while a wash liquid descends through the bed .Clean gas supplied to a small region below the bed passes through a channel within the bed. Bed particles, preferably hollow spheres of polypropylene, are entrained in the clean gas and are transported by it to the top of the particulate bed. By this transportation, clogging, dense packing of bed material, and channel formation within the bed, are avoided.

Abstract: A fuel saving system for a gasoline engine including a chamber for mixing air and gas and passing the vaporized fuel into an intake manifold to create a better balanced fuel mixture in the engine combustion chambers. The mixing chamber draws air from the engine's vacuum, passing it through an elastic porous element where raw gas is sprayed directly on the element and vapor is drawn off and passed into the intake manifold where it is mixed with air.

Abstract: An air humidifier having a humidifier element provided with an air passage constructed by a water-absorbable material. The air is humidified as it flows through the air passage in the humidifier element.

Abstract: A cooling tower includes a heat and mass transfer section which is formed by layers of interlocked open-celled tiles. Each tile includes a pair of corner projections and a pair of recessed portions, and the corner projections of each tile fit into and are interlocked with the recessed portions of adjacent tiles.

Abstract: A method for recovering hydrocarbon and hydrocarbon derived solvents from solvent laden air. This method includes the steps of moving the solvent laden air through a first chamber; moving a film of liquid coolant, which liquid coolant is cooled to a temperature at least as low as 20.degree. F. and is immiscible with the solvent to be recovered, over plates located in the first chamber in contact with the solvent laden air, thereby condensing the solvent on the film of liquid coolant moving over the plates; collecting the immiscible liquid coolant and condensed solvent; and separating the immiscible liquid coolant from the condensed solvent. The liquid coolant may be moved through the first chamber in a direction counter to the direction of movement of the solvent laden air. The solvent may be a dry cleaning solvent and the liquid coolant may be a brine solution. More specifically, the solvent may be perchloroethylene and the liquid coolant may be a brine solution of calcium chloride.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and process for separating and removing chemical impurities from air which impurities are difficult to absorb. The apparatus for carrying out the process of the present invention comprises a reaction tower (11, 51, 91) into which the air-gas mixture is fed, aperture means (35, 74, 96) in a wall (16, 60, 98) of the tower, at least one filter means (12, 52, 92) carried in the reaction tower, means for distributing (13, 58, 93) an absorbent medium onto the filter, collecting means (14, 54, 94) beneath the filter for collection of the absorbent medium passing through the filter, and fan means (15, 55, 95) provided in the aperture for creating a flow of air through the reaction tower for the separation of substantially all of the impurities therefrom.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved mass transfer or gas-liquid contact device having a specially contoured grid member(s) interposed in the gas flow of the device. Ideally the grid member(s) has a cross-sectional profile which equals the sum of the theoretical velocity pressure profile of the gas flowing in an open vessel and the static and dynamic heads of the contacting liquid. An additional depth is added to the grid approximately 5 to 40% more, to create an energy imbalance in favor of the introduced liquid, thereby allowing it to drain. In existing vessels where it is desirable to replace prior art devices with an apparatus embodying the present invention, a plurality of grid modules may be employed, each module including a shaped grid or grid pair approximating the velocity profile of the gas stream in each.

Abstract: Jet venturi apparatus for absorbing a gas by washing liquid provided with stack of packings extending across the throat.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing solvents from air, for example, from the air discharged from a paint spraybooth, includes an air duct through which solvent laden air is arranged to flow. A plurality of coalescer pads each having an extended surface area extend across the duct. A plurality of spray nozzles for spraying an absorption liquid such as oil are arranged upstream of each pad and have a spray pattern which impinges over substantially all of the upstream external surface of the respective pad. As the pressure drop experienced by the air flowing through the pads is low the apparatus enables efficient solvent removal and yet has a lower power requirement.

Abstract: A water spray cooler with a pair of water collecting mesh structures and having a water spraying nozzle assembly disposed therebetween. Air entering the cooler is directed through the mesh structures and towards a cooler outlet port. The entering air is cooled as it passes through a cool water spray from the nozzle assembly and through the mesh structures which have collected water.

Abstract: Aqueous ammonium phosphate solutions can be produced using an apparatus comprising: a fluid reactor having a plurality of inlets at one end thereof suitable for the admission of phosphoric acid, ammonia and water, the inlets being so positioned as to provide for rapid ammoniation of the phosphoric acid with the evolution of heat, to produce a reaction product mixture containing a liquid portion and steam, the fluid reactor having an exit for the expulsion of the reaction products mixture at the other end thereof, by steam generated by the heat liberated in the ammoniation process; a columnar vessel having an outlet at one end and, at the other end, enclosing the exit of the fluid reactor, a plurality of barriers obturating the columnar vessel in a spaced-apart relationship, and having a plurality of apertures therein for the passage of reaction products mixture therethrough; an inlet quench device connected to the columnar vessel for introduction therein of a liquid aqueous quenching fluid; and, a device in c

Abstract: This invention relates to dumped packings for use in gas/liquid contact apparatus and analogous apparatus. The dumped packings consist of a plurality of packing elements of specific configuration to provide packings with good characteristics in use. Each element consists of a generally elongate curved or polygonal base member which is substantially flat transversely but extends 90.degree. to 270.degree. about the notional axis of the curve or polygon to form an open shape extending generally in a plane perpendicular to that notional axis. The base member includes one or more elongate apertures bridged by elongate bridges integral with the base member and of opposite sense curvature. This construction gives packing elements which combine high strength with good mass transfer performance.

Abstract: Three-dimensional exchange element for heat exchange units for gas/liquid systems which consists of filaments with a diameter of 0.1 to 2.5 mm, such filaments, which are welded together at their interlacing points, being arranged in a level plane showing equidistantly spaced hump-like projections.

Abstract: A randomly packed bed in a tower or column to prevent nesting of the packing elements and to improve physical stability and efficiency. Each packing element is a curved strip with reinforcing ribs and with one or more integral tabs or tongues depending downwardly from slots spaced longitudinally of the strips. Multiple rows with slots may be provided along the strip. The strips are perforated throughout their entire area to provide improved drainage and improved interlocking and improved internal liquid distribution in the packed bed. Point-to-point contact between packing elements, substantially non-varying resistance to fluids flowing and improved mass transfer performance resulting from a more uniform packing density are assured.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-stage hydrogen water isotopic exchange column suitable for use in producing heavy water. It comprises, at each stage, an overlying vapor-and-water contact bed, an underlying catalyst bed and means for collecting the water dripping from the overlying contact bed and guiding to and sprinkling the water on the upper-surface of the vapor-and-water contact bed of the lower adjacent stage.The vapor-and-water contact bed consists of a closely compacted fine network structure, and the water dripping from an overlying contact bed is transferred through the catalyst bed via water channel and is sprinkled over the upper-surface of the vapor-and-water contact bed of the lower adjacent stage. With this arrangement a multi-stage exchange column according to this invention is guaranteed little amount of gas pressure loss and elimination of water splashing which otherwise would be caused by increasing the flow rate of hydrogen gas.

Abstract: A dumped packing for use in gas liquid contact apparatus is provided of the type where the packing comprises a perforated base member which curves around a notional axis to define a space which is partially enclosed by the base member. There is at least one oppositely directed curved bridging member carried by the base member, and preferably formed therefrom, which extends clear of the base member into the space. In the present invention the base member cooperates with the bridging member to bound a space having dimensions roughly equal when measured along lines at right angles to each other. In a preferred form the base member has the general shape of an ellipse and portions of the bridge member are cut therefrom to form fingers which extend into the interior of the space defined by the base member and the bridge member.

Abstract: A randomly packed bed in a tower or column to prevent nesting of the packing elements and to improve physical stability and efficiency. Each packing element is a curved strip with one or more integral tabs or tongues depending downwardly from slots spaced longitudinally of the strips. Single or multiple rows and slots may be provided along the strip. Point-to-point contact between packing elements and substantially non-varying resistance to fluids flowing and improved mass transfer performance resulting from a more uniform packing density is assured.

Abstract: A modular packing element of generally pismatic or rectangular shape having a continuous side wall formed of rolled sheet material having both surfaces formed with an array of elongated, thin protrusions in the form of needles, cones, spikes, or the like, of various lengths, extending both inwardly and outwardly.

Abstract: A sprinkling device for absorption towers comprising collectors for feeding sprinkling troughs of rectangular section with an acid and also constituting a support structure for the troughs. The collectors rest on a tower jacket by supports placed in cavities in the jacket. The sprinkling troughs contain sprinkling tubes and are fastened to the side walls of the collectors by flange joints. The outflow of liquid from the collectors to the individual sprinkling troughs is controlled by diaphragms situated where the liquid leaves the collectors and flows towards the troughs.

Abstract: The packing is U-shaped in cross-section and comprises a double-curved bight portion which is arcuate in longitudinal section and in cross-section. Two transversely spaced apart, corrugated side wall portions extend along and merge into said bight portion on one side thereof and are formed with corrugations which extend in their longitudinal direction to and merge into said bight portion and have a crest-to-trough height in excess of the wall thickness of said side wall portions. The bight portion is concave in cross-section on the side on which said side wall portions are disposed and is concave in longitudinal section on the opposite side.

Abstract: A turbulent transport contactor is formed by a contacting zone or section with means to introduce lightweight elements and gas at high velocity adjacent one end. Liquid is also introduced to the zone. The high velocity gas entrains the liquid and the lightweight elements and transports them through the contact zone. Means are provided to de-entrain the lightweight elements and a significant portion of said liquid at the end of the contact zone remote from said one end and to return the lightweight elements to said one end for re-introduction into the zone.

Abstract: Dust filter equipment includes a fibrous mat filter (37) having a low fibre density and a low loft so that when water is fed onto the filter it saturates the filter throughout its thickness and flows freely down the filter to form an effectively continuous body of water having a thickness virtually equal to the thickness of the mat filter.

Abstract: A packed column comprising a bed of bodies of fibrous material for the interphase transfer of mass and/or heat and the separation of solids or immiscible phases from fluids. Each body is of generally cylindrical form and includes a centrally disposed axial support from which a large number of fibers extend radially, the fibers being secured to the support. The bodies are disposed in the bed at random and interlocked with each other. The density of the fibers in count per unit volume varies from point to point in the packing body and in the bed. The volume of each body is small compared to the volume of the bed. In mass and/or heat transfer with this bed a liquid is distributed over the top of the bed and trickles downwardly through the packing in a multitude of irregular paths while the gas is projected upwardly through the bed. The gas contacts the liquid over a very large surface area for an extended time interval and effective mass and/or heat transfer between the gas and liquid takes place.

Abstract: A cooling tower has a plurality of cooling regions with each cooling region being constructed in a cross flow or counter flow configuration for allowing air to pass into the path of falling water within that region. Each region contains a fill bundle composed of twisted fill elements. Each fill element consists of an elongated substantially flat member which is twisted normally about its longitudinal axis. A plurality of the fill elements are connected in rows and placed in the path of the air circulation. Alternate rows will be offset from adjacent rows disposing the elements at apices of an isosceles triangle pattern to obtain equal spacing between adjacent elements and create a circuitous route through which the cooling air must pass. The spiral configuration of the elements provides centrifugal action which disperses the water and air from one element to adjacent elements, thus providing more intimate contact between the water and the cooling air.

Abstract: A gas scrubbing plant having a gas scrubbing stage, a washing liquid separating stage and a stage for washing out suspended matter therebetween. This latter stage includes a plurality of gas baffles which accelerates the gas and then decelerates it while liquid is introduced into the gas baffles as the gas passes therethrough. Each baffle has an inner conical member surrounded by an outer member to define therebetween an annular passage with diverges at an angle of between 10.degree. and 90.degree. from the inlet adjacent the apex of the conical member to the outlet from the baffle, the cross-sectional area of the annular passage decreasing in the direction of gas flow and then increasing towards the outlet.

Abstract: A randomly packed bed in a tower or column to prevent nesting of the packing elements and to improve physical stability and efficiency. Each packing element is a curved strip with one or more integral tabs or tongues depending downwardly from slots spaced longitudinally of the strips. Single or multiple rows and slots may be provided along the strip. Point-to-point contact between packing elements and substantially non-varying resistance to fluids flowing and improved mass transfer performance resulting from a more uniform packing density is assured.

Abstract: A filter media for scrubbers includes a plurality of spherical bodies made of a liquid wettable material shaped in a latticework jacket having a great circular ring from which extend arcuate bars terminating near the poles of the spherical body so formed. Spaced axially extending bars extend from the arcuate bars and terminate within the body at free ends. The arcuate bars have a cross section which tapers inwardly toward the center of the body to provide maximum capture of liquid droplets.

Abstract: A packing element for a fluid-fluid, fluid-solid, contacting de-entrainment or reaction apparatus is made from wire using two or more parallel wires which are loosely twisted together, the twisted bundle then being wound into a helix, and the helix then being twisted about a second pair of heavier gauge wires which form a core, so that the individual loops of the helix are spaced helically about the central core, the individual wires being slightly separated from one another to form gaps which can be bridged by a liquid, and encourage capillary flow so as to wet the whole of the packing area.

Abstract: An improved packing element for a fluid-fluid contact apparatus is formed from pieces of sheet material; the elements contain a pair of curved strips connected together at their ends by a pair of generally coplanar bridge members.

Abstract: An apparatus for reacting phosphoric acid and ammonia to form a molten reaction mixture, to which water can be added to produce an ammonium polyphosphate product, comprises:(A) fluid reactor means having a plurality of inlet means suitable for administration of reactants and positioned to provide for rapid ammoniation of the phosphoric acid with evolution of heat and aperatures to the other end providing exit means for the reaction mixture, said reactor means being adapted to the expulsion of the reaction mixture by steam generated in situ;(B) means for separating the steam from the liquid product solution and removal of said steam from the apparatus; and(C) columnar vessel means having outlet means at one end and enclosing at the other end the exit means of said fluid reactor means and a plurality of barrier means partially blocking said columnar vessel means in spaced-apart relationship and having aperatures therein for passage of reaction product therethrough and inlet means suitable for introduction of a

Abstract: This invention relates to a scrubber for removing or neutralizing pollutants from air or other gaseous media by means of water and/or suitable chemicals. The construction embodying the invention is simple, compact and susceptible to prefabrication and provides means to confine or restrict the flow of polluted material through random paths. The polluted air is forced into a jet or jets of scrubbing fluid, such as water or a chemical, then along a plurality of separated paths within which are located movable flexible scrubber belts and small spheres of plastic or other materials, preferably hollow and light. There is also provided for some cyclone action prior to discharge from the scrubber. The nature of the scrubber is such as to permit the use of metal or plastics and can be made in different sizes and shapes. An additional group of hollow plastic spheres may be provided for condensing scrubout liquid or vapors from scrubbed gaseous material after the scrubbing operation.

Abstract: The inclusion of 15 to 35% by weight of very fine alumina to a clay and flux containing mix for the manufacture of ceramic saddles, for use as tower packing, results in highly acid resistant packing elements.

Abstract: In an integrated coal gasification power plant, a humidifier is provided for transferring as vapor, from the aqueous blowdown liquid into relatively dry air, both (I) at least a portion of the water contained in the aqueous liquid and (II) at least a portion of the volatile hydrocarbons therein. The resulting humidified air is advantageously employed as at least a portion of the hot air and water vapor included in the blast gas supplied via a boost compressor to the gasifier.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus for refining platinum group metal concentrates and the separation therefrom of silver and of the majority of base metals which are present with them. In more detail, the apparatus comprises means for reacting together gaseous hydrogen and chlorine so as to produce a flame and means for passing into the reaction zone of the said flame the said mineral concentrate in finely divided particulate form.The apparatus comprises a tubular burner having a hydrogen-chlorine flame discharging into an inner heat resistant tube, means for the passage of the said mineral concentrates in particulate form through the reaction zone of the hydrogen chlorine flame, means for maintaining the reaction zone of the flame at a temperature within the range 900.degree. C. to 2500.degree. C. and means for scrubbing the reaction products after passage through the flame with an aqueous solution.