Abstract: Described herein are methods and apparatuses for providing multiple air fragrances. In one embodiment, a multi-air fragrance system for use in a vehicle includes an air fragrance block having a plurality of cartridges for storing a plurality of fragrances and a control unit that is coupled to the air fragrance block. The control unit controls a selection of one fragrance to be distributed within an interior of the vehicle. The control unit also controls an intensity of the selected fragrance to be distributed within the interior of the vehicle. In another embodiment, a portable multi-air fragrance system provides multiple air fragrances. A control unit controls a selection and intensity of a fragrance to be distributed by the portable system.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for ionizing air includes a first reflector and a first target. The first reflector receives direct UV energy (from a UV emitter) and reflects it to form reflected UV energy. The first target has an inner face that also receives direct UV energy (from the UV emitter). The first target also has an outer face that receives the reflected UV energy from the first reflector. The faces of the first target are coated with a photo-catalytic coating. The first target may also have passages between the faces.

Abstract: By a method and a device for preventing corrosion on and in the region of a gas inlet nozzle during nitric acid condensation, contact of the condensing gas with the nozzle and with the surroundings of the nozzle are supposed to be minimized. This is achieved in that the gas inlet nozzle has a sleeve on the inside in the transition region to the interior of the condenser, by which sleeve a gas inlet orifice in the form of an annular gap is formed, whereby the annular space is provided with at least one feed opening for secondary air, so that an enveloping flow of secondary air is produced around the entering NO gas.

Abstract: A container having a plurality of walls, and at least one inlet and/or outlet, said container including an apparatus for controlling the composition of gases within the container, the apparatus including at least one sensor, at least one controller and at least one gas permeable membrane, through which membrane different gases can pass at different rates, said membrane dividing the container into a first region being for holding cargo and a second region defining a gas buffer region, and said membrane being permeable permitting for nitrogen, oxygen and carbon dioxide at different flow rates, wherein the buffer region is in communication with the ambient atmosphere through one or more vacuum pump(s).

Abstract: Provided is a fragrance device for vehicle with an aim to restrain an olfactory adaptation of an occupant, to continuously provide the occupant for a long time with changes in sensory intensity of smell caused by intermittent smell emission, and to provide the occupant for a long time with a relaxation effect due to a smell, the fragrance device for vehicle includes: a fragrance holder holding a fragrance; a blowing means for blowing air to the fragrance holder to blow a smell of the fragrance into a vehicle cabin; and a fragrance blowing control means for sequentially repeating the repeating of a predetermined cycle of blowing a smell of the fragrance and a pause predetermined times by intermittently blowing the smell at each cycle, and then the providing of a stop time for stopping the blowing out of the smell of the fragrance for a predetermined time period.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and devices for providing microbial control and/or disinfection/remediation of an environment. The methods generally comprise: generating a Purified Hydrogen Peroxide Gas (PHPG) that is substantially free of, e.g., hydration, ozone, plasma species, and/or organic species; and directing the gas comprising primarily PHPG into the environment such that the PHPG acts to provide microbial control and/or disinfection/remediation in the environment, preferably both on surfaces and in the air.

Abstract: A system and process for disinfecting rooms such as health care facility rooms with an oxygen/ozone mixture is described, which is effective to combat “superbugs” such as Clostridium difficile (C. difficile); E. coli; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA); and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE). In preferred embodiments, hydrogen peroxide is additionally used. The system and process is effective to destroy bacteria deposited on surfaces as biofilm, and, accompanied by physical agitation such as jet nozzle outlets, is effective to disinfect carpet, drapery and similar absorbent and porous surfaces.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing a UV Sterilization System are disclosed. In one embodiment, the present invention may be used as a fluorescent lamp ballast which is controlled using a non-resonant circuit that allows the ballast to lower to fifty percent the light output of the lamp while providing a corresponding fifty percent reduction in energy used.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide an air cleaning method and device that realize sufficient purification of polluted air, high-efficiency removal of germs or the like from polluted air, and has a relatively simplified structure.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are described for contacting an oxidizing solution such as an aqueous hydrogen peroxide composition of hydrogen peroxide, at least one additive that catalyzes the decomposition of the hydrogen peroxide into hydroxyl radicals, and a biocide with an atmospheric effluent containing odorous and/or noxious components. These components are absorbed by the aqueous hydrogen peroxide composition to produce an atmospheric effluent having reduced amounts of the odorous and/or noxious components. Various methods are described for adding the hydrogen peroxide, the decomposition additive, and the biocide.

Abstract: An improved method of purifying a fluid having fluid-borne contaminants I including the steps of: providing a pump (21) having an inlet (22) and an outlet (23); connecting the pump inlet to a source (24) of contaminated fluid; operating the pump at. a pressure ratio of at least 2.0 so as to sufficiently elevate the temperature of the fluid and contaminants passing through the pump, or, alternatively, operating the pump so that the outlet temperature of the fluid and contaminants passing therethrough is at least about 200° C.; and controlling the time during which the temperature of the fluid and contaminants are elevated; thereby to alter or convert substantially all of the contaminants passing through the pump.

Abstract: A method for purifying polluted air having particle phase pollutants and gaseous phase pollutants is provided. The method comprising: separately purifying and treating particle phase and gaseous phase pollutants present in the air; providing a dust cleaning apparatus, a catalytic filter core and a valve for controlling an airflow path within an air purification apparatus; controlling the airflow path for the air to bypass the catalytic filter core in a way that: if the amount of particle phase pollutants is above a predetermined value, the valve is moved to the open position to enable the air to bypass the catalyst filtering core; if the amount of particle phase pollutants is less than a predetermined value, the valve is moved to the closed position to force the air to pass through the catalyst filtering core.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are deodorizer systems and methods for making and using the same. In one embodiment, a deodorizer system comprises: a mesh, nanoparticle titania coating on the mesh, and a frame disposed around a periphery of the mesh such that the mesh is configured to be in optical communication with sunlight and for receiving contaminated gas to be deodorized. The mesh has an open area of greater than or equal to about 35%, and has greater than or equal to 6,400 openings/in2. In another embodiment, a deodorizer system comprises: a mesh disposed in a housing and for receiving contaminated gas to be deodorized, nanoparticle titania coating on the mesh, and a UV light source disposed to be in optical communication with the mesh. The mesh has an open area of greater than or equal to about 35%, and has greater than or equal to 6,400 openings/in2.

Abstract: A sterile device immersed in a sterile buffer and a method for providing same. The sterile device may be a medical device such as a biosensor having a biomolecule as a sensing element such as, for example, a glucose oxidase enzyme. The buffer may be a bicarbonate solution. Both the device and the buffer may be packaged and stored over long term while maintaining sterilization. The sterilization method may comprise a combination of gaseous, liquid and light sterilization.

Abstract: A photo-catalytic cell may produce bactericidal molecules in air by passing air across catalyst coated targets. Ultraviolet (UV) energy may be emitted from a source. A first portion of the UV energy from the source may be applied directly onto the targets. A second portion of the UV energy from the source may be reflected onto the targets.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing pollution free air to an individual includes an enclosed or semi-enclosed space or compartment for surround or partially surrounding an individual's head or upper body to separate the individual from polluted air. A filter assembly and fan forcing polluted air through the filter assembly and into the enclosure. The filter assembly includes a first filter for removing relatively large particles such as sand or dust from the polluted air while a second HAPA filter removes airborne allergens before forcing non-polluted air into the enclosed or semi-enclosed space.

Abstract: An air purification system for a structure includes a first radiation source for generating UV-B and/or UV-C radiation and having an imaginary horizontal plane intersecting with the center of the first radiation source. The system further includes a first screen facing the first radiation source for preventing UV radiation generated by the first radiation source from radiating directly outward from the air purification system into a space below the imaginary horizontal plane. A second screen, facing the first radiation source as well as the first screen, is adjustable with respect to the first radiation source and is at least partially coated with a photo-catalytic material at a surface facing the first radiation source.

Abstract: Systems, devices, methods, and compositions that improve the scent perception for a user. Improved scent perception is achieved by presenting alternating scents and by varying levels of output of scents, as well as by minimizing device clogging, thereby improving evaporation profiles.

Abstract: An air treatment system including an ozone generator and a humidifier is disclosed herein. The ozone generator and the humidifier may be configured to communicate with one another. The ozone generator and the humidifier may be configured to communicate with a communications hub. The ozone generator, the humidifier and/or the hub may be configured to communicate with other devices. Methods for using the devices and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: The airflow controlling device includes a bacteria counting portion counting bacteria of a controlled space; a first smoothing processing portion performing a first smoothing process on the bacteria count; a second smoothing processing portion performing a second smoothing process on the bacteria count; a bacteria reducing capability storing portion storing a bacteria reducing capability relative to each flow rate; a first flow rate evaluating portion selecting a flow rate matching a bacteria reducing capability compatible with an increase in a bacteria count forecasted from the processing result of the first smoothing processing portion; a second flow rate evaluating portion selecting a flow rate matching a bacteria reducing capability compatible with an increase in a bacteria count forecasted from the processing result of the second smoothing processing portion; and a flow rate determining portion selecting a flow rate into the controlled space based on the flow rates selected by the first and second flow r

Abstract: According to this invention, allergenicity in an indoor space is reduced by denaturing allergens in allergen reservoirs that are capable of producing respiratory or skin reactions and physically removing the allergens from the allergen reservoirs in the indoor space. The allergen reservoirs may also be treated with pesticides and fungicides/fungistats to prevent reinfestation of house dust mites, molds and cockroaches.

Abstract: A sterilant such as ozone used for large scale decontamination of, for example, a hospital room, may be destroyed and the room made safe, by passing the atmosphere in the room over a catalyst which is silver oxide in combination with titania. The catalyst may be readily regenerated and used again.

Abstract: A gas adsorbent which has sufficient gas adsorptivity for noxious gas components in a cigarette when brought into contact with a gas stream having a high flow rate as that when it passes through a cigarette filter, and which releases a small amount of bad odor components such as amine impurities and free noxious components which adversely affect health such as aromatic compounds derived from the gas adsorbent itself, the gas adsorbent satisfying conditions (I), (II), (IV) and (V) or conditions (I), (III), (IV) and (V), as described in the specification.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a scent, constituted of: a directional air mover arranged to produce an air flow exhibiting an angular velocity in relation to a central linear axis of the air flow; a plurality of electronically controlled scent producing elements arranged about the produced air flow, each of the plurality of electronically controlled scent producing elements distal of the directional air mover such that scent from any of the plurality of electronically controlled scent producing elements are not deposited on any surface of the directional air mover; and a control unit in communication with each of the directional air mover and the plurality of electronically controlled scent producing elements. Preferably, the plurality of electronically controlled scent producing elements is arranged radially about the central linear axis of the air flow.

Abstract: A combined ozone and ozonites generator and ozone eliminator is disclosed. The device uses different modes of operation to control generation or elimination of ozone, with some modes being used for generating ozonites, some of which are generally less reactive and provide more far reaching beneficial effects than ozone alone. The device uses 185 nm radiation to disassociate atomic oxygen leading to creation of ozone, and uses 254 nm radiation to disassociate ozone, reducing its concentration, with both processes leading to creation of ozonites. These effects are achieved by operating either lamp separately or by operating both lamps simultaneously while drawing air through a chamber containing the lamps.

Abstract: A cooking device includes a cooking chamber; a first deodorization region along which air from the cooking chamber flows and in which a plasma discharge is generated for removing odor-producing materials generated in the cooking chamber from the air; and a bypass region along which air from the cooking chamber flows to bypass the first deodorization region.

Abstract: Methods of removing odors, particularly odors within enclosed environments are provided which employ nanocrystalline metal oxide and metal hydroxide particles. The nanocrystalline particles are dispersed within an enclosed space so as to contact exposed surfaces located within the space such as walls, floors, upholstery, and the like and adsorb odor-causing materials located within the enclosed space.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for purifying polluted air consisting of particle phase pollutants and gaseous phase pollutants, the apparatus (10) comprising: a dust level sensor (23) to measure the amount of particle phase pollutants in the polluted air; a dust removal component (14) to remove the particle phase pollutants from the polluted air; a catalyst filtering core (17) to decompose the gaseous phase pollutants by chemical reaction; a valve (22) for selectively controlling a path of air flow within the apparatus (10) and is movable between an open position and closed position, the valve (22) being positioned downstream from the dust removal component (14); wherein if the amount of particle phase pollutants measured by the dust level sensor (23) is above a predetermined value, the valve (22) is moved to the open position to enable the air to bypass the catalyst filtering core (17); and if the amount of particle phase pollutants measured by the dust level sensor (23) is less than a predetermined value, the valve (22)

Abstract: An air sterilization device with low aerosol bounce includes an air conditioning pipe, a porous filter media, and a UV light generator. This porous filter media, it is secured on the fixing portion. This porous filter media has many irregularly distributed channels. The channel is coated with a coating layer having a thickness between 10 ?m to 1000 ?m sticking aerosols for avoiding bounce effect. The UV light generator can emit UV light to kill biological aerosols. It is suitable for long-term usage. So, the bounce effect of aerosols can be significantly reduced. The maintenance cost is low. The sterilization effect is excellent. Plus, the flow rate of the air conditioning system remains high.

Abstract: A scented air filters system comprising a cardboard frame wherein a porous filter media is housed for use in filtering airborne particulates from the air where ever air conditioning systems, furnaces, and evaporative cooling systems may be utilized. The filters are for use in both residential and commercial buildings. A breakably-actuated scent container is located in the squeezably-deformable cardboard frame having porous filter media. The scent containers are activated when fractured by squeezing the frame between the thumb and fingers before installing the filter in the vent housing. The scented material is scented liquid comprising oil, non-oil, granulated solids, or gel(s). Fragrance is dispersed as air flows through the filter and ducting system.

Abstract: A method and device are provided for treating flammable materials, fuels for example, by irradiation of the materials with ultra-violet radiation. In one embodiment, the apparatus suited for connection to a fuel line includes a body with centrally-formed duct and UV light sources mounted outside of the duct at upper and lower sides. It is to be appreciated that the invention has utility for many different fuel system applications, for example in aircraft, boats and in other motive vehicles. Further, the device can be conveniently mounted, if desired, on different fuel platforms including on bowsers.

Abstract: The instant invention provides methods and apparatus for disinfecting a space, e.g., a hospital room, using chlorine dioxide. One aspect of the invention provides an apparatus for disinfecting a space. The apparatus includes: a chlorine dioxide gas generator; a sensor adapted and configured to measure the relative pressure inside the space and outside the space; and a computer operatively connected to the sensor and the chlorine dioxide generator, the computer adapted and configured to control the chlorine dioxide generator to operate only when the space is under negative pressure as compared to outside the space. Another aspect of the invention provides a method of disinfecting a space. The method includes: setting an apparatus as described herein in the space; and allowing the apparatus to determine if the space is under negative pressure. If the space is under negative pressure, the apparatus generates chlorine dioxide gas to disinfect the space.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an air decontamination equipment, from both odours or pollutants, and bacterial or viral loads. More particularly, the present invention relates to a decontaminating equipment (1) for the treatment of air, comprising a shell (2) which is divided in a first and a second compartments (3, 4), which are arranged in a contiguous position in any sequence order, in the second of said compartments (3, 4) suction means (6) being arranged, in which one of said first and second compartments (3, 4) is for the antibacterial/antiviral treatment of air, and one of said first and second compartments (3, 4) is for the photocatalytic treatment of air, and comprises UV illumination means (9), said first and second compartments (3, 4) comprising a material with antibacterial and antiviral activity and a material with photocatalytic activity, respectively.

Abstract: Methods and systems for knockdown and neutralization of toxic clouds of aerosolized chemical or biological warfare (CBW) agents and toxic industrial chemicals using a non-toxic, non-corrosive aqueous decontamination formulation.

Abstract: A substrate, such as a glass, glass ceramic, ceramic or metal substrate, is provided with a thermocatalytically active coating on at least a part of the substrate surface. The thermocatalytic coating contains an inorganic lithium salt or organic lithium-containing compound in an amount that is equivalent to not less than 2 wt. % of lithium ions, based on total coating weight. The thermocatalytic coating has a glass, glass solder or sol-gel matrix in which the lithium salt or organic lithium-containing compound is introduced. Optional barrier and IR-reflecting layers are arranged between the substrate surface and the thermocatalytically active coating.

Abstract: An ultraviolet treatment chamber for treating exhaust streams, particularly those containing organic particulates, utilizes ultraviolet light energy very efficiently. This is done by setting up a circulating flow in a treatment plenum so that all of the effluent experiences a substantially uniform residence time without the need for baffles or other flow controllers that would block the ultraviolet light.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conditioning the air within an interior area, includes a fan, a first module receiving air from the fan and preferably a first liquid, and a second module receiving air from the first module and preferably including a second liquid. The modules are preferably stacked, whereby air enters the fan module on the bottom and is delivered to the environment from the second module at the top. The air flows from the fan along a pathway which prevents liquid from escaping from the modules other than as vapor entrained in the air. The first liquid is preferably an aqueous alkaline solution, and the second liquid preferably includes a disinfectant and/or a buffer to neutralize the alkaline before air is delivered to the environment. The modules may have an inner wall and an outer wall presenting a dead-air space therebetween.

Abstract: A method and system control microbes in buildings. In one embodiment, the system includes controlling microbes in a building using an air conditioning system. The air conditioning system takes air and conditions air to be introduced to the building. The system also includes a purification device disposed in the air conditioning system. The purification device includes a catalyst comprising titanium dioxide and a light disposed to emit electromagnetic radiation into the catalyst. The purification device is disposed to allow the air to flow into the purification device and contact the catalyst with a reaction producing hydrogen peroxide gas. The system also includes air conditioning ductwork in the building. Treated air including the hydrogen peroxide gas flows from the air conditioning system to the ductwork. The system also includes a vent disposed in a room of the building. The treated air flows through the ductwork to the vent and in to the room.

Abstract: Delivery mechanisms for dispersing a pathogen disinfectant liquid into the air or onto a surface are disclosed. There is an apparatus including a container comprising a sunlight-resistant compartment containing a pathogen disinfectant liquid, a propellant, and an actuator coupled to a valve for opening and closing the valve, wherein opening of the valve causes the propellant to move at least a portion of the pathogen disinfectant liquid through an orifice in the container. Also disclosed are a system and method for dispersing a pathogen disinfectant liquid into the air in an indoor environment where a pathogen disinfectant liquid is dispersed into circulating air in a HVAC system to disinfect the air in the indoor environment. Further disclosed is an apparatus for dispersing a pathogen disinfectant liquid into the air from a cartridge through the use of an automotive lighter receptacle or USB port.

Abstract: An air decontamination unit is described with a housing defining an interior, an intake and exhaust in direct communication with the interior, a blower—in operational communication with a control panel—for drawing in and moving air through the housing, which further includes a filter assembly, a UV lamp, an ozone lamp, and an ozone sensor for detecting the concentration of ozone therein—positioned in the interior of the housing, all in direct communication with the control panel.

Abstract: A breathing air purification device and method having a carbon-monoxide free sweep stream. Water vapor is removed from a compressed air stream using a membrane dryer, comprising, a membrane having a permeate portion and a non-permeate portion, a membrane housing which encases the membrane, a membrane feed inlet conduit connected to the membrane and a non-permeate gas outlet conduit fluidly connected to the non-permeate portion of the membrane. The sweep stream used to cleanse the outer permeate portion of the membrane dryer is taken from a catalyst filter. The catalyst filter includes a cartridge containing a bed of catalyst, two end pieces maintaining the cartridge within a catalyst bed housing and having outlet holes, a catalyst inlet conduit connected to the bed of catalyst and a product gas outlet conduit connected to the outlet holes. A sweep inlet tube provides a gas connection from the catalyst filter component to the permeate portion of the membrane.

Abstract: In order to remove a pathogenic effect of a microorganism in a room or a work space in a short period of time, an ion diffusing apparatus, which includes an ion generator (17, 18) for generating positive ions each including H+(H2O)m and negative ions each including O2?(H2O)n, where m and n are arbitrary integers, and a blower for delivering the positive ions and the negative ions, which are generated from the ion generator (17), from a blowout opening, is operated to widely distribute, with a high concentration, the positive ions and the negative ions in the room.

Abstract: A deodorizing catalyst showing high activity at room temperature, having great adsorption capacity, and possessing activity persistence capable of withstanding continued use; a deodorizing method using the catalyst; and a method for regenerating the catalyst are provided. The deodorizing catalyst is characterized by containing manganese oxide and a Mn—Fe complex oxide at a weight ratio in the range of 98:2 to 60:40. A honeycomb catalyst having the catalyst carried thereon is also disclosed. The deodorizing method is characterized by treating a gas containing odor components with the catalyst. The method for regenerating the catalyst involves heating the catalyst to 140 to 250° C.

Abstract: Titania is a semiconductor and photocatalyst that is also chemically inert. With its bandgap of 3.0, to activate the photocatalytic property of titania requires light of about 390 nm wavelength, which is in the ultra-violet, where sunlight is very low in intensity. A method and devices are disclosed wherein stress is induced and managed in a thin film of titania in order to shift and lower the bandgap energy into the longer wavelengths that are more abundant in sunlight. Applications of this stress-induced bandgap-shifted titania photocatalytic surface include photoelectrolysis for production of hydrogen gas from water, photovoltaics for production of electricity, and photocatalysis for detoxification and disinfection.

Abstract: An air sanitization system including a housing having an inlet and an outlet, an ozone generator disposed in the housing and positioned between the inlet and outlet, at least one fiber optic cable positioned in visible proximity to the ozone generator, a visible light detector, and a controller. The housing is configured to receive a flow of an oxygen-containing gas through the inlet, and the ozone generator generates ozone from the flow of oxygen-containing gas. The at least one fiber optic cable is configured to receive and transmit visible light from the ozone generator. The visible light detector detects an amount of visible light transmitted by the at least one fiber optic cable. The controller is in communication with the visible light detector for determining whether the amount of visible light transmitted by the at least one fiber optic cable corresponds to a failure of the ozone generator.

Abstract: A method for reducing the biological contamination of indoor air and sanitizing the walls and surfaces in a closed space, which method comprises causing a stream of air to flow upwardly through a treatment zone, and to contact, on a substantially horizontally aligned perforated surface, with a stream of brine solution having Redox potential of not less than 500 mV, whereby an active layer is formed on said horizontally aligned perforated surface, in which layer the brine and air mix, and delivering the treated air which exits said treatment zone into the space to be sanitized.

Abstract: A method for capturing airborne agents or products of agents, such as microorganisms, including viruses, and microbial antigens, toxins and allergens, comprising the formation of at least one curtain of charged particles in the form of an emulsion, a suspension or an aerosol, constantly renewing and regenerating said at least one curtain, and passing air containing airborne agents through said at least one curtain, which acting as a filter captures said agents; as well as a particle formulation for performing the method, comprising any charged particles dispersed in a liquid, including lipid-containing particles, e.g. in the form of an emulsion, or micelles, or lipid-containing particles in the form of an aerosol, or any other charged airborne particles in an aerosol.

Abstract: A mixing chamber, for the application of a disinfecting agent by vapour, exploits the combined and combined and synergistic action of the mixed product and comprises a calming zone, at least one section (15) for inletting vapour in said calming zone, at least one section (7) for outletting vapour, and for directing it to an applicator nozzle, characterized in that it comprises a spray nozzle (5) inletting a disinfecting agent under pressure in said calming zone, drawing it from a suitable tank (3).

Abstract: A system and method for purifying air via low-energy, in-situ regenerated silica-titania composites is described. The silica-titania composites can be synthesized with various pore sizes, photocatalyst loadings, and surface area, and can be applied in pellet/granular form or powdered and coated onto a surface. The system may operate with continuous UV irradiation for continuous oxidation of pollutants and inactivation of pathogens. Alternatively, the system may operate with intermittent UV irradiation, whereby pollutants are adsorbed in the absence of light, followed by oxidation of sorbed pollutants and regeneration of silica-titania composites upon irradiation with UV light. The oxidation/regeneration step may or may not incorporate sweep air. This system and method may be used for removing pollutants, such as Volatile Organic Compounds, from aircraft cabins, space exploration vehicles and architectures, mass transit vehicles, and residential and commercial buildings.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for treating indoor air, utilizing a container suitable for holding a brine solution thereinside, a porous medium rotatably mounted on, or in, said container such that a section thereof is capable of being immersed in the brine solution held inside it, rotating means mechanically coupled to said porous medium, and air streaming means capable of directing a stream of air to a surface area of said porous medium.