Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to foam generation and provide a novel and non-obvious insert for a foam generation apparatus. In an embodiment of the invention, an insert for a foam generator includes a cylindrical cage and a multiplicity of fins extending from an interior portion of the cage towards a longitudinal axis of the cage, and at an inclined angle relative to the axis. The insert further includes at least one pad contacting the interior portion of the cage in a volume defined by opposing sets of the fins and the interior portion of the cage.

The present invention discloses a microchannel mixer, comprising a microchannel component and a shell, wherein the microchannel component is fixed inside the shell, wherein an inlet is provided at one end of the shell for feeding liquid and gas phase materials, and an outlet is provided at the other end for discharging the mixed material; said microchannel component comprises multiple stacked sheets and several layers of oleophilic and/or hydrophilic fiber filaments filled in the crevices between adjacent sheets, wherein the fiber filaments form several microchannels between them, and the fiber filaments are clamped and fixed by the sheets. The present invention also discloses a heavy oil hydrogenation reaction system comprising the above-mentioned microchannel mixer and a heavy oil hydrogenation process.

A foam/liquid applicator system for an automated carwash has at least one foam generator with a first end, a second end, a first input for receiving air, and a second input for receiving a detergent mixture. The foam generator transforms the air and the detergent mixture into foam. A light chamber is attached to the first end of said foam generator and receives the foam formed in the foam generator, the light chamber has a plurality of openings for dispensing. A light bar is disposed in the light chamber and has a plurality of lights for illuminating the foam as it is expelled via the openings.

A pressurized container assembly includes a pressurized container, a valve, and a shearing chamber. A flowable product and propellant are also provided within the container. The propellant is substantially non-soluble in the flowable product. Methods of producing a foamed flowable product using shearing chambers are also disclosed.