Abstract: A multi-stage distillation system includes multiple stages, and each stage Si includes an evaporator Ei and a condenser Ci. Each condenser includes a steam chamber in pressure-connection with a steam chamber of each evaporator of the same stage. Each evaporator has a steam chamber outlet connected to a spray inlet of the next evaporator Ei+1, and the outlet of the last evaporator En connects to the spray inlet of the first evaporator E1 with a respective fluid line to form an evaporator circuit. Each outlet of each condenser Ci connects to the one spray inlet of the previous condenser Ci?1, and the outlet of the first condenser C1 connects to the spray inlet of the last condenser Cn with a fluid line to form a condenser circuit. A steam line connects between condensers Ci+1 and Ci or between the evaporators En and E1.

Abstract: Systems for filtering water according to its isotopic forms. In some embodiments, a stream of water, such as a waste stream of water from a nuclear power plant, comprising at least two distinct isotopic forms of water may be directed into one or more filtration modules comprising a graphene oxide membrane. The graphene oxide membrane(s) may be used to separate the stream into a permeate and a retentate, wherein the permeate comprises an increased concentration of light water relative to the retentate.

Abstract: A device to promote heat exchange to/from a medical liquid includes an inlet, an outlet, and a duct adapted to contain a flow of the medical liquid. The duct is enclosed between two walls, has a planar development defining a mean plane ?, and has means for promoting turbulence in the flow of the medical liquid. At least one wall of the duct is suitable to allow a heat exchange with the flow of the medical liquid. The means for promoting turbulence has a plurality of fins, and each fin has a lenticular cross section and defines its own mean plane ?n substantially perpendicular to plane ?. A disposable cassette for use in a PD/APD treatment has a polymeric structure defining a first part, suitable for pumping and distributing the medical liquid, and a second part having the device to promote heat exchange.

Abstract: Provided is a method of manufacturing a multilayer mixed matrix membrane which includes providing a support layer, casting a hydrophilic layer on a surface of the support layer, casting a hydrophobic layer on the hydrophilic layer, and allowing the layers to form a multilayer mixed matrix membrane. Also provided is a method of manufacturing a hollow fiber composite matrix membrane which includes providing a first solution having a hydrophilic polymer, providing a second solution having a hydrophobic polymer, and extruding the first and second solutions to form a multilayer hollow fiber composite matrix membrane. Additionally, a plate-and-frame membrane module for direct contact membrane distillation using a multilayer mixed matrix membrane is provided.

Abstract: Method for the determination of the concentration of a type of specific nucleic acids (10) in a sample, wherein the sequences of the specific nucleic acid (10) at least partially match a reference sequence, and/or for the determination of the degree of the match of the sequences of specific nucleic acids (10) of a type in a sample (9) and a reference sequence, comprising the following steps: providing a first probe (1), which possesses a first oligonucleotide (3) on its surface; providing a second oligonucleotide (7), which is partially complementary to the first oligonucleotide (3) or to a first oligonucleotide adapter (20), which is partially complementary to the first oligonucleotide (3), and wherein the second oligonucleotide (7) is partially complementary to the reference sequence; combining of the first probe (1) and the second oligonucleotide (7) and—if applicable—the first oligonucleotide adapter (20) with the sample (9), wherein a specific nucleic acid (10) contained in the sample (9) can hybridize w

Abstract: A heat exchanger includes at least two manifolds which are fluidly connected to one another by multiple tubes, and a porous metal structure which at least partially surrounds the tubes. The heat exchanger has a plate-like form with a front side and a rear side. The metal structure is formed by a multiplicity of sheets which are held in each case between two adjacent tubes and, on at least one of the front and rear sides of the heat exchanger, extend across at least one adjacent tube.

Abstract: A system, method and device are disclosed for bio-processing a feed stream and providing a constant output by operating a continuous single-pass tangential-flow process. The single-pass process provides high conversion concentration while operating at relatively low feed flow rates, and the process can also be used to provide constant output diafiltration.

Abstract: A filtering device includes a housing and one or more flexible filter arrays. The flexible filter arrays can be coupled to the housing. Each flexible filter array can include a plurality of members and one or more support members. The plurality of members each can have a proximal and a distal end, the plurality of members being spaced apart by a predetermined distance. The one or more support members can be coupled to one or more of the plurality of members. Each of the plurality of members can be configured to deflect relative to the one or more support members.

Abstract: A heat exchange structure is provided, including a primary face provided with non-through holes formed in said face, the inner surface of the holes and the surface of said primary face outside the holes being covered with nanoparticles, the inside of the holes having a non-wettability property relative to a given liquid and the surface of the face between the holes having a wettability property relative to the liquid.

Abstract: A tank or bed has a plurality of sidewalls that create a bed cavity and a Fresnel panel frame that includes at least one Fresnel panel. The Fresnel panel frame may be adjacent to the bed cavity and may cover at least a portion of the bed cavity. An amount of sludge may be contained within the bed cavity. When placed in sunlight, the heat enhanced by the Fresnel panels may heat the sludge sufficiently for the sludge to be used as fertilizer.

Abstract: A method of treating sludge using solar energy is provided. The present invention utilizes a Fresnel panel frame that includes at least one Fresnel panel. The Fresnel panel may cover at least a portion of a bed cavity. An amount of waste may be placed within the bed cavity. When placed in sunlight, the heat enhanced by the Fresnel panels may heat the waste sufficiently for safe easy disposal, recycling, or for the creation of fertilizer.

Abstract: Crystalline &agr;-lactose monohydrate is recovered frown a viscous lactose-containing aqueous liquid by subjecting said liquid to simultaneous heating, removal of evaporated vapor and mechanical agitation at high shear rate to provide a crystallization promoting decrease of the viscosity of the liquid with crystals formed and suspended therein to progressively concentrate the agitated liquid and simultaneously crystallize lactose therefrom. Subsequent cooling, drying, and disintegration yield particulate &agr;-lactose monohydrate.