Abstract: A mixing chamber for an air-conditioning system including a cylindrical vessel having a plurality of inlet ports provided at an axial end portion for introducing cool air from an air-conditioning unit and warm air from passenger compartments. The vessel is further provided at the other axial end portion with outlet ports. The inlet and outlet ports are oriented in a tangential direction with respect to the vessel to thereby form a spiral air flow in the vessel. The vessel has a water capturing ring located along the inner wall surface of the vessel to prevent film of water on the inner wall surface of the vessel from flowing toward the outlet ports. A water drawing slit is formed in the vessel to open to the inner wall surface at a side of the water capturing ring adjacent to the inlet ports to discharge the water accumulated at this side of the ring.

Abstract: A method of controlling climate in an interior of a vehicle, which method comprises the steps of measuring air temperature in the vehicle interior and outside of the vehicle, measuring relative humidity in the vehicle interior and outside of the vehicle, and controlling air flow from outside of the vehicle into the vehicle interior in accordance with the measured temperatures and humidities.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes a turboexpander coupled with a compressor in place of the Joules-Thomson expansion valve in a conventional refrigeration to achieve higher efficiency. More specifically the refrigeration is used in removing condensable hydrocarbons or chemical vapors from air which has been contaminated during loading and unloading at bulk plants. The more efficient turboexpansion cycle allows the use of saturated lower aliphatic hydrocarbons, such as ethane as refrigerant, the use of which would be precluded from normal Joules-Thomson expansion cycles. The turboexpander work is used to drive a compressor which partially recompresses the expanded refrigerant gas, providing an essentially isentropic expansion. Because the turboexpander and the compressor operate on the same fluid, the mass flows through both are equal thereby alleviating control and loading problems.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to remove liquid from a chamber (B) of sub-atmospheric pressure in an air conditioning system wherein a liquid removal conduit (28) is connected to communicate with a chamber of sub-atmospheric pressure and with a condensate disposal place. Air at a pressure above ambient pressure, is delivered through an air line (30) into the flow control (10) between the chamber of sub-atmospheric pressure and the condensate disposal place. The flow rate of air into the liquid removal conduit (10) is controlled to permit flow of liquid through the conduit toward the condensate disposal place while preventing flow of gas through the conduit toward the chamber (A) of sub-atmospheric pressure. The flow rate of gas is controlled by a valve (48) in an air line (30) connected to the conduit (28) and by forming a tortuous path 50(a), 50(b), 50(c), and 50(d) in the flow control (10) to induce a loss in gas pressure without restricting flow of liquid.

Abstract: An improved self-contained air drying unit utilizes a single fan to draw air across an aftercooler, a condenser and a reheater, all of which are located within a single housing.

Abstract: A device for low temperature refrigerative drying of compressed air and other gases includes a gas/gas heat exchanger in one passage of which a gas to be dried is pre-refrigerated by heat exchange with gas which has already been refrigeratively dried. The pre-refrigerated gas is then passed through a trap to remove liquid therefrom and then selectively supplied to a gas passage in one of a pair, or more, of evaporators wherein the gas is refrigeratively dried at low temperature by heat exchange with a refrigerant, after which the refrigeratively dried gas is circulated through the other passage of the gas/gas heat exchanger and then discharged for use. Each evaporator is provided with a refrigerant circuit selectively supplied from a refrigerant gas condenser unit with high pressure refrigerant via an expansion valve for refrigerative drying or with warm refrigerant via an unfreezing valve for melting frozen condensate in the evaporator.

Abstract: An air-conditioning apparatus includes an air-conditioner and an oxygen ratio increasing device. The air-conditioner has an indoor unit having an indoor heat exchanger and arranged in a room to be air-conditioned, and an outdoor unit having an outdoor heat exchanger and arranged outdoors. These units are connected to each other through a coolant pipe. The increasing device has an oxygen ratio increasing mechanism for producing oxygen-ratio increased air having a high oxygen concentration, and an air supply pipe for supplying the produced oxygen-ratio increased air into the room. The mechanism is arranged in the outdoor unit, and includes an adsorbing material for adsorbing nitrogen in air to produce the oxygen-ratio increased air and an air compressor for supplying air to the air supply pipe through the adsorbing material.

Abstract: An improved water precipitator which provides a water supply over an extended surface area of land in a high temperature region by condensing water on piping chilled by a refrigerant circulating within the piping.

Abstract: An air conditioner dehumidifier comprising coil portions cooled for example by chilled water or refrigerant. Under part load conditions, restriction of coolant flow below peak load flow, or its total elimination, is limited to some only of the coil portions, while the remainder may receive as much or more coolant flow as at peak load conditions. The relatively unrestricted coolant flow through this remainder can be greater than that under peak load conditions due to more pump output being available to supply the reduced active size of the coil.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the simultaneous exchange of heat and matter through a porous wall. A relatively hot gaseous mixture of two constituents passes through an exchange compartment by flowing along the first surface of a porous wall and is progressively cooled, which causes the condensation of a fraction of said mixture. This fraction is vaporized on the second surface of the wall in contact with a relatively cold gas. This process is useful for the fractionation of a mixture of two constituents of a gas, for example, of a mixture of pentane and heptane.

Abstract: A method of controlling a refrigeration compressor involves momentarily energizing the compressor after extended off periods. When the temperature of a comfort zone remains below its set point temperature for an extended period, such as at night, periodically energizing the compressor for brief periods improves the confort level of the zone.

Abstract: A temperature and humidity control system for natatoriums. The system provides a constant volume of air circulation which is used to control temperature and humidity in the natatorium while inhibiting the accumulation of moisture on the surfaces defining the natatorium. Usually, ambient air is introduced into the system and moisture latent air discharged from the system under controlled conditions. When the humidity of the ambient air is too great the system operates in a self-contained cycle. Return air from the natatorium flowing through the system is treated to maximize its relative humidity. Subsequently, it flows across a cooling coil. This cooled air flows through a heat exchange module where it is placed in exchange relationship with the air being drawn from the natatorium. It cools the air drawn from the natatorium to maximize its relative humidity and this air in turn flows across the refrigeration coil removing substantial quantities of moisture.

Abstract: A videotape storage cabinet is disclosed which includes a housing having a base portion supporting a videotape cooling compartment, a heat sink compartment, and a top, the top for supporting the videotape user equipment. A temperature controlled thermoelectric heat pump is mounted between the compartments with a cold sink and a heat sink extending into the cooling and heating compartments, respectively. The cold sink provides videotape bins designed to support videotapes individually for cooling by the cold sink. A drawer is provided in the cooling compartment for a drying agent. The drying agent may be in either packaged form or bulk form for placement in the drawer. The drying agent is to control the moisture content of the cold air in the cooling compartment.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for a cooling device for the removal of water vapor from measuring gases that provides for the separate circulation of the measuring gas and the refrigerant between which heat exchange contact is maintained by a liquid heat transfer medium.

Abstract: A system for automatically controlling the buoyancy of a lighter-than-air craft by condensing water ballast from engine exhaust gases.

Abstract: An improved desiccant air conditioning system includes at least one heat exchanging desiccant bed having desiccant material surfaces defining air passageways through the desiccant bed. The desiccant material surfaces adsorb moisture from building air during an adsorption phase and desorb moisture into exhaust air during a desorption phase. The heat exchanging desiccant bed is formed with refrigerant circulating channels or tubes in heat exchange relationship with the desiccant material surfaces. A heat pump system is also provided including an evaporator, compressor, condenser, and metering device operatively coupled by a refrigerant circulating line for evaporation of refrigerant and transfer of heat to the refrigerant from air in the evaporator air passageways during a coincident adsorption/evaporation phase and for condensation of refrigerant and transfer of heat from the refrigerant to air in the condenser air passageways during a coincident desportion/condensation phase.

Abstract: A refrigeration-type dehumidifying system includes a rotary dehumidifier having a dehumidifying chamber, a defrost chamber and a cooling chamber radially formed within a casing and a dehumidifier wheel with plural heat-exchanger blades rotatably mounted in the casing to rotatively pass the three chambers whereby upon the counterclockwise rotation of the wheel, a dehumidifying air stream is directed into the dehumidifying chamber to deposit its lading moisture on the cooled wheel blades which in turn is defrosted when heated in the defrost chamber and further cooled in the cooling chamber to operate the dehumidification recirculatively.

Abstract: A refrigeration system control method and apparatus for minimizing off cycle losses during a cooling mode of operation of a refrigeration system having an indoor coil, an indoor coil fan, an outdoor coil, an outdoor coil fan, a refrigerant line between one end of the indoor coil and one end of the outdoor coil, a valve in the refrigerant line and a compressor apparatus connecting the other end of the indoor coil to the other end of the outdoor coil includes the steps of sensing the humidity of an indoor space to be cooled by the refrigeration system to determine whether the sensed humidity is below a preset humidity setpoint level or above the preset humidity level, and controlling an energization of an indoor coil fan during a time period starting with an energization of the compressor apparatus and ending after the deenergization of the compressor apparatus and having a fan energization duration during the time period dependent on the sensed humidity.

Abstract: An apparatus for dehumidification and cooling of moist air for use in ventilation and air - conditioning applications comprises two fixed bed sorption dehumidification-heat recovery units equipped with a valving system permitting continuous countercurrent cyclic operation removing moisture and sorption heat from the treated moist outdoor air to provide dehumidified and cool fresh air. Additional cooling of the treated fresh air if desired may be achieved in a conventional direct evaporative cooler. Released sorption heat is recovered and used in reactivation of the spent sorbent material with the required additional heat being provided by fossil fuel, solar or waste heat energy sources. Small amount of electric power is used for operation of two air blowers that provide also balanced ventilation of the air conditioned space. Cooling COP of the apparatus is higher than that of the prior art systems.

Abstract: A device is provided for producing a cold treatment gas from nitrogen and air for the cryotherapy of rheumatic diseases in which liquid nitrogen vaporizes and is mixed in the desired ratio with the dry air which is at a higher pressure. The device includes a vessel for the storage of the liquid nitrogen which has a capacity for carrying out at least one or more treatments. Heat exchanging apparatuses are installed in the vessel for channeling a portion of the air which is at a higher pressure. A blending intersection for blending vaporized nitrogen, cooled air and non-cooled air is attached to the vessel. A blower is provided with a dryer having an outlet pipe which branches to a connection with the blending intersection and to a connection with the heat exchanging apparatus.

Abstract: A system for conditioning the air in an enclosure, such as a greenhouse, uses low grade heat contained in a liquid, e.g., condenser cooling water that is normally discharged downstream of a power plant. The system includes an indirect contact heat exchanger with a heat exchange surface having one side contacted by the fluid, and a direct contact air-brine heat exchanger associated with the enclosure including a blower for exchanging air between the enclosure and the air-brine heat exchanger. The system also includes a pump for exchanging brine between the direct contact heat exchanger and the other side of the heat exchange surface of said indirect contact heat exchanger. Thus, an efficient indirect, liquid-to-liquid heat exchange operation takes place between the brine and the low grade heated liquid; and an efficient direct, air-brine heat exchange operation takes place to heat the air in the enclosure without increasing its humidity.

Abstract: An air drying system for pneumatic circuits to provide compressed air at working pressure having a dew point which is below the temperature of the circuits. In one embodiment, the system has an air intake for accepting ambient air having an initial water vapor content, a compressor for over-compressing or highly compressing the air to a pressure which is greater than that necessary for operation of the pneumatic circuit, a heat exchanger which cools the highly compressed air below the dew point thereof to cause some of the water vapor to precipitate, and a regulator to expand the air, resulting in substantially unsaturated compressed air at a relatively moderate working pressure. In the preferred embodiment, the system is on a motor vehicle and the compressed air is cooled by the large volume of combustion air to the engine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for heating, cooling and dehumidifying the enclosure air from an indoor swimming pool while simultaneously heating or cooling the pool water. The system includes a water to air heat pump and an air to air heat pump with the water coil of the water to air heat pump arranged in heat exchange relation to the pool water and the air coil from the water to air heat pump, together with the two air coils from the air to air heat pump, arranged such that the enclosure air first passes over one air coil of the air to air heat pump, thereafter passes over the air coil of the water to air heat pump, and thereafter passes over the second air coil of the air to air heat pump prior to being reintroduced into the enclosure.

Abstract: A condenser receives hot compressed refrigerant from the heat pump compressor and transfers heat to water in water heater, refrigerant flows from the condenser through a pressure reducer to an evaporator coil in which baffles define first and second air flow paths across the coil parallel to the coil gradient. In one path the temperature of air flowing across the coil is reduced while the air gives up heat to the refrigerant. The other air flow path heats air passing across the coil. A multiplicity of pressure reducers are provided in the coil to progressively drop the temperature of the refrigerant from one end of the coil to the other. A supplemental coil can be used in conjunction with the second air flow path to heat air further. The supplemental coil may receive hot refrigerant directly from the condenser.

Abstract: Air drying apparatus wherein input air to be dried is passed through an air tube which contains a smaller refrigerant tube, with precooled air from the air tube being forced by baffles to flow along a tortuous path over the exterior of the air tube. The baffles being truncated discs positioned in the shell so that alternating baffles have the truncations facing in opposite directions.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for dehumidification of compressed air. The improved heat exchanger employs an air-to-air heat exchanger portion and a air-to-refrigerant heat exchanger portion that are arranged substantially parallel and coextensive. Each of these heat exchanger portions are made up of a plurality of tube units, each tube unit having three concentric tubes. The tubes terminate at each end in separate header units. Incoming air is passed co-currently in the air-to-air heat exchanger portion with air that has been dehumidified, whereupon a precooling stage is achieved. This precooled air is then passed countercurrently to refrigerant in the air-to-refrigerant portion of the heat exchanger for causing condensation of moisture therein. This cool air is passed through a moisture separator, with the dehumidified air being recycled through the air-to-air heat exchanger portion prior to use, as set forth above. The components are fabricated from standard tubing elements.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus is disclosed for rapidly cooling and simultaneously maintaining a high moisture content in freshly slaughtered meat products and the like placed in a controlled environment chamber through which preconditioned air is circulated. This is achieved by limiting the air temperature rise by utilizing air flow rates past the product at a level such as to cause the air to increase in temperature from entry into the chamber to exit from the chamber by no more than approximately two degrees F. and by providing a cooling apparatus which reduces the temperature of the air while removing free water from it yet is capable of maintaining the relative humidity of the air at no less than ninety percent.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and an apparatus for cooling a gas, for example compressed air, which is dried and thereafter fed into an evaporator (1) for cooling therein by means of a first refrigerant, which is cooled by means of a cooler (10) and fed into the evaporator (1) via cooling in an exchanger (15), in which the first refrigerant is cooled by means of a second refrigerant which, in its turn, is cooled by means of a second cooler (18).

Abstract: Outdoors and indoors air streams are induced to travel in opposite directions through the adjacent passages of a plate-fin heat exchanger. A water stream is simultaneously induced to circulate through the passages occupied by the cooler of the air streams. Heat is transferred across adjacent passages, causing vaporization of a portion of the water stream into its accompanying air stream, thus keeping the cooler stream saturated with water vapor. The hotter air stream is cooled and dehumified while the cooler one increases in temperature and humidity content. Very close temperature approaches can thus be achieved at the heat exchanger, with the resultant economies in the energy requirements for ventilation.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for use with a pressurized fluid having a three-section sealing baffle between the inlet and outlet which improves efficiency by causing the fluid to flow more evenly and reducing the tendency of the fluid to recirculate or flow in eddies.

Abstract: An air-distributing system including a compressor for supplying compressed air to an outlet connected to a distributing conduit includes a condensing mechanism between the compressor and the distributing conduit for removing moisture from the compressed air. The condensing mechanism consists of an elongated chamber that has an inlet and an outlet adjacent the upper end with a tube extending from the inlet below the outlet and having a throttling valve at the lower end which produces expansion of the compressed air resulting in cooling within a condensing can where the cooling results in condensation on the surface of the condenser. The air flow is reversed by a funnel arrangement at the lower end of the condenser can and flows past the tube having the incoming, hotter compressed air to withdraw heat therefrom before entering into the distributing conduit.

Abstract: A device for generating a dry, cold air flow in the treatment of rheumatic diseases includes a cyclone separator as its heat exchange device. The intake line of the cyclone separator is connected to the outlet line of the blower means of a line in which the cryogenic liquefied gas feed ends. The outlet opening of the cyclone generator has attached to it an insulated flexible hose.

Abstract: A two stage cooling system in which the first stage's cooling affect is transferred to the second stage through direct contact with an oil-like material. The oil-like material is cooled by direct contact with water which has been evaporatively cooled. The oil-like material is then utilized to cool the air stream prior to the second stage evaporative cooling. The use of an oil-like material in the first cooling stage of evaporative cooling allows a relatively dry air stream to be produced so as to fully capitalize upon the evaporative cooling affect of the second stage cooler.

Abstract: An aircraft cabin air conditioning system with an air mixing/water separation manifold providing accelerated mixing and attendant removal of water droplets, ice and snow so as to save fuel and to reduce maintenance requirements through lowering the temperature and reducing the supply rate of fresh input ventilation/pressurization air with make-ups of ventilation air requirements met by recirculation of cabin air through the manifold where such mixing and water removal occurs.

Abstract: The system comprises a sequential set of heat exchangers, wherethrough a gaseous mixtures to be treated is forced to flow.An initial length of the set provides for the cooling of the mixture by means of a refrigerating system such that the condensable products are liquefied and recovered; thereafter, residual purified air is heated by the heat generated in the codenser of the refrigerating system operating as a heat pump.The system is specially useful for purifying the effluents of dry-cleaning plants utilizing chlorinated solvents.

Abstract: A compressor system is disclosed for the intake of ambient air having a given amount of moisture or water vapor therein. A compressor compresses the ambient air to a superatmospheric pressure level. The pressurized air discharged from the compressor is run through an intercooler so as to reduce both the temperature of the compressed air and the water vapor therein. The reduced water vapor (i.e., dry) air is then supplied to various respiratory health care apparatus and excess dry air is returned to the inlet of the compressor.

Abstract: A dehumidifier for converting warm moist air to dry cool air. The dehumidifier includes a fan for delivering warm moist air to a plenum chamber, a dehumidifier chamber mounted adjacent to and communicating with the plenum chamber and provided with a condensing surface, a device for supplying a refrigerant to the dehumidifier chamber, and a structure for supplying short bursts of heat to the condensing surface. The condensing surface can be tapered or straight lengthwise and can be of any cross-sectional shape. Further, the condensing surface can comprise a plurality of air passages, again tapered or straight and of any cross-sectional shape.

Abstract: A method for dehydration of natural gas is provided wherein well head gas is supplied to a three-phase inlet separator, the vapor mixture of natural gas and water removed from that inlet separator means is supplied to a turboexpander, and the resulting refrigerated mixture of natural gas and condensed water vapor is supplied to a multi-phase outlet separator. The turboexpander may have integral means for subsequent compression of the refrigerated mixture and may be coupled through reduction gears to a means for generating electricity. A portion of the refrigerated mixture may be connected to a heat exchanger for cooling the well head natural gas prior to entry into the inlet separator. The flow of refrigerated mixture to this heat exchanger may be controlled by a temperature sensitive valve downstream of the heat exchanger. Methanol may be injected into the vapor mixture prior to entry into the turboexpander.

Abstract: A gas condenser apparatus and method is described employing two heat exchanger stages for condensing water vapor and other contaminates, such as organic solvents, out of hot air or other treated gas by means of a cooling gas which is provided by feeding back the treated gas through the cooling passages of such heat exchanger stages after removal of the water and solvents. The heat exchangers are of the counterflow type so that the treated gas and the cooling gas flow in opposite directions therethrough. Preferably, water vapor is removed from the treated gas by condensing it in the first stage and the solvents are removed by condensing them in the second stage thereby separating the condensed water and solvents. Auxiliary cooling coils are provided at the input of the first stage and at the output of the second stage for further cooling of the treated gas.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus are provided for drying polish or brightener applied to fingernails. A compact housing is provided with an opening for receiving the hand of the user, and a thermoelectric refrigeration unit is provided within the housing for cooling the air below ambient temperature. Air is recirculated by a fan in a portion of the housing, and a deflector directs the cool air away from the opening and onto the fingernails.

Abstract: An aircraft cabin humidification system for humidifying an air mass within the cabin. The system comprises:(a) means for ventilating the cabin with a ram air stream;(b) means for humidifying the air of the ram air stream so as to maintain a desired level of humidity within the cabin;(c) means for exhausting at least a portion of said air from the cabin;(d) removal means for at least partially removing moisture from the air removed from the cabin;(e) recycle means for recycling at least a portion of the moisture from the exhausted air; and(f) humidification means for humidifying the cabin by adding at least a portion of the removed moisture to the cabin.A method for ventilating an aircraft cabin comprising the steps of:(a) injecting ram air into the cabin;(b) humidifying the ram air by injecting moisture therein;(c) exhausting air from said cabin;(d) removing moisture from the exhausted air of step (c);(e) recycling the removed moisture of step (d); and(f) reinjecting the removed moisture into the ram air.

Abstract: The air-conditioning apparatus automatically selects one of three operational modes and operates at one of three operational zones defined by a combination of the temperature and the humidity to establish thermally comfortable conditions. In the cooling zone, the air conditioning apparatus operates to control the temperature to lower the temperature; in a dehumidifying zone it operates to control the humidity to lower the humidity; in a fan zone it operates to stir the air to maintain thermally comfortable conditions. The air conditioning apparatus includes an operational mode controller which senses the temperature and humidity and changes the operational mode based upon the sensed temperature and the sensed humidity.

Abstract: The invention refers to heat transformation process and apparatus for air-conditioning in rooms for a great number of living creatures, particularly buildings for animal breeding, from which the foul air is let out and the fresh air is let in instead, further the breath produced in condensed at a temperature below dew point.The essence of the process according to the present invention is that the temperature of the heat quantity that released in the course of condensation is increased, in a manner known per se, to a level higher than that of the room and the part of the heat quantity that released in the course of condensation, not radiated to the environment is let into a heat absorption medium, then it is utilized in a manner known per se.The essence of the apparatus according to the present invention is that its heat absorber is a thermal pump, preferably the evaporator of a compressor-type cooling circle, and the compressor-type cooling circle comprises an exothermic unit, preferably a condenser.

Abstract: Method for controlling humidity levels of internal ambient air for aircraft, utilizing air water separation devices for dehumidification strategically located so as to dehumidify ambient air prior to exhausting the air overboard from the aircraft. At least a portion of the water so recovered is utilized in fluid or vapor form to maintain desired humidity levels on the aircraft.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for recovering atmospheric moisture utilizing a wind driven electrical generator for powering a mechanical refrigeration system for condensing atmospheric moisture. A housing is provided forming an atmospheric duct with a turbine mounted therein and drivingly connected to the electrical generator. The refrigeration system includes an evaporator positioned in the atmospheric duct whereon water vapor is condensed. In the practice of the method for recovering atmospheric moisture, electrical current is generated from wind and powers the refrigeration system which includes the evaporator. Atmospheric moisture is condensed on the evaporator and collected.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the atmosphere in a controlled environment including passing air into a cooling means to remove humidity and back into the environment and exchanging heat from the air entering the cooling means to the air exiting the cooling means, to increase dehumidification by a cooling recovery process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel vapor condensor apparatus and method for continuously stripping condensate from a supply of compressed gas using the cold weather approach. One or more condensing assemblies are employed, each one of which includes spaced apart inner and outer tubular sections which extend between the top and bottom of the assembly ends. The inner tubular section defines a first passageway for the passage of a heat-exchange cooling fluid therethrough. A second passageway through which the compressed gas passes is defined by the spacing between the inner and outer tubular sections. Condensate discharge means is located at the bottom end of the assembly for exhausting the condensate which forms in the second passageway.

Abstract: An air cooling and water condensate removal panel has at least two interconnected capillary systems close to a plate having cooling means for removing heat from the plate. The first capillary system exists in a porous, thin outer layer having a very fine capillary structure which presents a cool, wettable surface upon which moisture in the air condenses. The outer layer is maintained cool by the cold plate. The condensate water soaks through the thin porous outer layer and is drawn into the interconnected second capillary system. The second capillary system is substantially coarser than the first system to cause the water to be drawn away more rapidly than the condensate can form upon the outer surface. The water in the coarser capillary system is drawn into a discharge pipe, preferably by employing a pump to maintain a mild vacuum in the pipe.

Abstract: A solid methyl cellulose desiccant wherein from about 0.6 to 1.8, preferably 0.9 to 1.5 of the available hydroxyl groups of the anhydroglucose units of the cellulose entity have been replaced by methyl, or methyl and hydroxy alkyl or carboxy alkyl groups, if any, containing from 2 to about 4 carbon atoms, e.g. hydroxy ethyl, hydroxy propyl, carboxyl methyl and the like. In the solid methyl cellulose desiccant, at least one of the substituting groups must be methyl, with the remainder of the substituting groups, if any, hydroxy alkyl or carboxy alkyl, or both; preferably carboxy methyl, if any. At least one-half of the substituting groups are methyl, and preferably at least two-thirds of the substituting groups are methyl; the balance of the substituting groups, if any, being hydroxy alkyl or carboxy alkyl groups.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for extracting potable water are disclosed in preferred form as extracting drinking water from moisture-laden air at atmospheric temperature through the use of a heat exchanger at or near subsurface temperature which is in air communication with the atmosphere for allowing atmospheric moisture-laden air to enter, pass through, cool, arrive at its dew point, allow the moisture in the air to precipitate out, and allow the air to pass outward to the atmosphere again. Suitable apparatus may be provided to restrict air flow and allow sufficient residence time of the air in the heat exchanger to allow sufficient precipitation. Further, filtration may be provided on the air input and a means for creating a movement pressure, in the preferred form of a turbine, may be provided on the output. The water from the system of the present invention may then be collected and provided for human consumption in conventional manner.