Patent ID: 7966841
Filing Date: 2011-06-28
Classification: F24F,F28D,F28F

Abstract:
1. A heat and mass exchanger for exchanging heat and mass between a gas and a liquid comprising: a plurality of substantially parallel tubes arranged in spaced apart relationship including at least one upper tube which is above and spaced apart from at least one lower tube, said tubes having an outer surface; spaced apart fins each having respective top and bottom edge portions positioned in a space between adjacent upper and lower tubes, wherein the top edge portion is proximate to the upper tube and the bottom edge portion is proximate to the lower tube, said spaced apart fins being oriented at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tubes and comprising at least one surface in contact with the gas; said at least one surface of the spaced apart fins adapted to provide at least one pathway for the liquid to flow by gravity in a continuous flow covering substantially the entire surface thereof from the upper to the lower tubes without forming droplets, and to channel at least a substantial portion of the liquid to flow onto the outer surface of the plurality of substantially parallel tubes; a liquid supply assembly for delivering the liquid in a continuous flow to the tubes and fins; and means for internally heating or cooling at least some of the tubes.