Methods and systems for separating a first metal from a metal-containing feed stream are provided. The method can include applying solar energy, for example, by focusing one or more mirrors in one or more heliostats, to heat a metal-containing feed stream in a heating zone to a first temperature to produce a first vapor including the first metal. The first vapor can be condensed in a condensation zone to produce a first liquid including the first metal, and the first liquid can be collected. The system can include a separation unit include a heating zone in fluid communication with a condensation zone and a means for applying solar energy to heat a metal-containing feed stream disposed in the heating zone.

The water-dispensing method for furniture incorporates a water recovery process, a water STT process, and a discharge process. The water recovery process: a) converts water contained in a gas phase in the atmosphere into water in a liquid phase; b) initially treats the converted liquid phase water to remove microorganisms and other chemical contaminations; and c) transports the initially treated liquid phase water to the water STT process. The water STT process: a) receives and stores the initially treated (liquid phase) water from the water recovery process; b) subsequently treats the stored water with a final treatment to remove microorganisms and other chemical contaminations; and, c) transports the treated stored water to the discharge process. The discharge process: a) receives the water from the water STT process after the final treatment; and, b) controls the discharge of the water received from the water STT process.

A drying apparatus for use in drying of a person's body by a forced airflow includes a body, a bar supported by and movable relative to the body, an air inlet to receive surrounding air into the body as inlet air, an air outlet, and a convolute portion at an air inlet flow path to capture liquid received in the inlet air.

An atmospheric water generator apparatus. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a fluid cooling device. A water condensing surface is thermally connected to the fluid cooling device, the water condensing surface having a superhydrophobic condensing surface, a highly hydrophobic condensing surface, a superhydrophilic condensing surface, a highly hydrophilic condensing surface, or a combination thereof. An air-cooled heat rejection device is in fluid communication with a fluid cooling device. An air fan is configured to induce airflow across the water condensing surface in order to condense and extract water from the atmosphere.

An atmospheric water generator apparatus. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a fluid cooling device. A water condensing surface is thermally connected to the fluid cooling device, the water condensing surface having a superhydrophobic condensing surface, a highly hydrophobic condensing surface, a superhydrophilic condensing surface, a highly hydrophilic condensing surface, or a combination thereof. An air-cooled heat rejection device is in fluid communication with a fluid cooling device. An air fan is configured to induce airflow across the water condensing surface in order to condense and extract water from the atmosphere.

Disclosed is a shell-and-tube heat exchanger type with a tube bundle and has a redistribution chamber connected to tubes of the tube bundle and to a duct. The duct extends between the redistribution chamber and the shell.

A plant for preparing a purified isomeric methylene diphenyl diisocyanate monomer from a mixture of different isomeric monomers is disclosed herein. The plant can comprise a distillation apparatus, which comprises: a) a distillation column including a structured packing, b) a source for a mixture of different isomeric methylene diphenyl diisocyanate monomers, c) an evaporator, d) an overhead vapor condenser, e) optionally, an overhead vacuum system and f) a flow-controlled reflux system. The overhead vapor condenser comprises a shell and tube arrangement and is embodied so as to directly subcool the condensate to less than 47° C. The flow-controlled reflux system comprises a heater, which is embodied so as to reheat a partial stream of the condensate formed in the overhead vapor condenser up to 190° C.

A condensation management apparatus comprises a first microstructured film having channels arranged to condense water and move it with capillary action to a gutter-type assembly. The condensation management apparatus may be utilized on substantially vertical or substantially horizontal surfaces.

The apparatus comprises a first air duct with a first opening and a second opening, in the first air duct are: a cooler, a first suction device and at least part of a sorption heat exchanger having an integrated heating and/or an upstream device for preheating the incoming air. An element for collecting condensed water is also included. The apparatus also comprises a recuperative heat exchanger, which is positioned in the first air duct between the cooler and the sorption exchanger and simultaneously also between the cooler and the second opening. The recuperative heat exchanger has at least two internal conduits connected in such manner, that the first of these internal conduits air-interconnects the sorption exchanger and the cooler and that the second of these internal conduits air-interconnects the cooler and the second opening. The first and second internal conduits of the recuperative heat exchanger are in mutual thermal contact. The sorption exchanger is also air-interconnected to the first opening.

The vehicular water-dispensing method incorporates a water recovery process, a water STT process, and a discharge process. The water recovery process: a) converts water contained in a gas phase in the atmosphere into water in a liquid phase; b) initially treats the converted liquid phase water to remove microorganisms and other chemical contaminations; and c) transports the initially treated liquid phase water to the water STT process. The water STT process: a) receives and stores the initially treated (liquid phase) water from the water recovery process; b) subsequently treats the stored water with a final treatment to remove microorganisms and other chemical contaminations; and, c) transports the treated stored water to the discharge process. The discharge process: a) receives the water from the water STT process after the final treatment; and, b) controls the discharge of the water received from the water