(DE3634377-C)      A charge of loose material, esp. for composting, is permeated by gas arising from multiple slots or holes in a supporting distributor plate (13) formed as a layer of bricks (14) with aligned bores (15) delivering the gas from a main feed pipe (36).    An inlet chamber (25) between feed pipe and a collector conduit (16) extending round at least the major area of the plate holds a sprayer (34) to moisten incoming gas (esp. air) with water pumped from a reservoir (31). Each exit from the inlet chamber is at higher level than the inlet for raw gas. The plate (13) as a whole is inclined so that surplus water from the charge can run away freely.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Suitable for gas purificn. and for the composting of organic wastes, with applied air (oxygen) and moisture. Ventilation, moistening and removal of any surplus water all utilise the same channels.    (US4786297-A)      A gas distribution system comprises a plate adapted to support bulk material with gas ducts extending through the plate. A number of exit apertures in the gas ducts are provided for entry into the bulk material. Connected to the ducts is a collecting channel, an inlet chamber, a raw gas inlet line to the inlet chamber and a raw gas inlet line between inlet chamber and collecting chamber are further provided. A reservoir for liq. in the inlet chamber and a spray with noides above the reservoir for wetting the raw gas are provided with a pump.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Supply, distribution, ventilation, humidification and drainage of gas to a bulk material is provided using the same channel system. (9pp)d    (US4874133-A)      A block which forms a long gas duct when combined with similar blocks has a gas channel extending between two opposite faces, one face being flat and the other having a recess extending from thee channel to the upper surface of the block.    When a flat face of one block abuts a recesses face of another, the recess forms a gas passage radial w.r.t. the channel. Pref. the recess is as wide as the channel.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   An assembly of blocks forms a gas distributor plate in microbial gas cleaning appts. (9pp)