Abstract:
A reactor including a rotatable disc (3) having first (5, 19) and second (20, 30) surfaces. Reactant (15) is supplied to the first surface (5, 19) by way of a feed (4), the disc (3) is rotated at high speed, and the reactant (15) forms a film (17) on the surface (5, 19). As the reactant (15) traverses the surface (5, 19) of the disc (3), it undergoes chemical or physical processes before being thrown from the periphery of the disc (3) into collector means (7). Means for supplying a heat transfer fluid (35) to the second surface (20, 30) are also provided so as to allow the first surface (5, 19) and hence the reactant (15) to be cooled or heated.
Abstract:
A reactor including a rotatable disc (3) having a surface (5) onto which reactant (15) is supplied by way of a feed (4). The disc (3) is rotated at high speed, and the reactant (15) spills over the surface (5) so as to form a film (17). A shear member (18, 20) is mounted close to the surface (5) so as to contact the film (17) during operation of the reactor, thereby applying a shearing force to the reactant (15) so as to aid mixing.
Abstract:
A bilayer of polymer film arranged in a manner to create respective flow paths for a first and second gaseous or liquid fluid, wherein the ratio of the surface area of polymer film adapted to contact and thereby isolate both fluids to the total matrix volume is in excess of 700 m.sup.2 /m.sup.3, processes for the preparation thereof, heat exchangers comprising such bilayers and uses thereof.
Abstract:
A vapor compression heat pump is described which comprises an evaporator, a compressor and a condenser and in which at least the evaporator or the condenser is in the form of one or more rotatable plates across the thickness of which plate(s) a heat transfer takes place. Such a heat pump can be designed in compact form.
Abstract:
One or more components of a fluid fossil fuel are separated by subjecting the fluid fossil fuel to a centrifugal force in a rotor. A lighter component is withdrawn from adjacent the axis of the rotor and a heavier component is withdrawn from adjacent its periphery. Thus crude oil may be stabilized or dehydrated or natural gas may be dried by this method.
Abstract:
In a centrifugal mass transfer device comprising a rotary annular permeable element, annular plates are mounted adjacent the radially inner or outer face of the permeable element and gaseous or liquid material flowing from the permeable element across one surface of the annular plates is cooled or heated by a heat exchange fluid on the opposite surface of the plates. In this way condensed or vaporized material is returned to the permeable element.
Abstract:
A reactor including a rotatable disc (3) having a trough (13) in an upper surface (5) thereof. Reactant (15) is supplied to the trough (13) by way of a feed (4), the disc (3) is rotated at high speed, and the reactant (15) spills out of the trough (13) so as to form a film (17) on the surface (5). As the reactant (15) traverses the surface (5) of the disc (3), it undergoes chemical or physical processes before being thrown from the periphery of the disc (3) into collector means (7).
Abstract:
A reactor including a rotatable disc (3) having a trough (13) in an upper surface (5) thereof. Reactant (15) is supplied to the trough (13) by way or a feed (4), the disc (3) is rotated at high speed, and the reactant (15) spills out of the trough (13) so as to form a film (17) on the surface (5). As the reactant (15) traverses the surface (5) of the disc (3), it undergoes chemical or physical process before being thrown from the periphery of the disc (3) into collector means (7).
Abstract:
An evaporator comprises a plurality of substantially parallel plates mounted for rotation about a common axis and in which provision is made for a condensible vapor to flow across a first face of each of said plates and for a liquid, at least a portion of which is to be evaporated, to flow across the second face of each of said plate, which plates are arranged to be rotatable at such a mean acceleration, measured in a radial direction with respect to said axis of rotation, greater than the acceleration due to gravity, said first face of each of said plates has a surface designed to discourage formation of a continuous liquid film thereon. The evaporator may be used to concentrate solutions, e.g. of depleted brine or aqueous caustic soda.
Abstract:
A rotary device comprising a rotor which comprises (i) a first annular compartment in which is disposed a permeable element, and (ii) a second annular compartment and which is adapted such that a liquid to be degassed flows radially outwards, in counter-current flow to a displacing gas, as a continuous phase, through the pores of the permeable element and then radially inwards through the second compartment to be discharged from the rotor adjacent the axis of rotation thereof. The device is particularly suitable for the deaeration of water.