Abstract: The invention concerns a method consisting: in passing the sea water through an electrically conductive catalyst (10), arranged in the cathode section of an electrolytic cell (1), comprising a cathode section (3) and an anode section (4) provided with, the former, with at least one cathode (11a, . . . ) and, the latter, with at least one anode (18) and separated by a wall (2) permeable only to the cations and in circulating, in the anode section (4), a conductive aqueous solution of a particular anolyte; in providing an electric voltage between the cathode and the anode of the cell (1) while maintaining the contents of the cathode and the anode sections at specific potentials, so as to produce, in the cathode section, consumption of oxygen dissolved in the treated water and in decomposing, in the anode section, an appropriate amount of solution for ensuring the electroneutrality of the treated water.

Abstract: A magnetic processing treatment facility is disclosed for subjecting a fluid flow to magnetic energy. The facility is integrated into agricultural spray apparatus and is effective in increasing the water solubility of chemical agents such as herbicides, pesticides, fertilizer, nutrient liquids and other liquids for agricultural use that are dispersed as a spray solution over an application area. The magnetically treated chemical solution also exhibits enhanced activity in terms of crop growth and pesticide and weed control. The treatment facility utilizes a magnetic core device having a resident permanent magnet for generating a magnetic field that is applied to a fluid volume passing through the device.

Abstract: The invention relates to purification of waste waters and may be used for water purification from heavy non-ferrous metals, chrome and organic impurities, as well as for separation of impurities from solution. The method is performed by electric coagulation with 3-phase alternating current having a current density of at least 3.0 A/dm2 using a coagulator that is provided with at least one mobile electrode disposed between at least two immobile electrodes.

Abstract: Apparatus for the destruction of inactivation of microbes by subjecting them to a high potential gradient. The apparatus includes a processing chamber containing spaced apart electrodes, at least one solid insulating barrier dividing the space within the chamber, the barrier having at least one passageway such that no fluid can pass through the chamber without flowing through the passageway, and a voltage source for providing a pulse of voltage.

Abstract: In an apparatus for treating liquid with electromagnetic flux, one or more coils surrounding a liquid conducting pipe are excited by a switching circuit including a triode switch turned on and off in response to the voltage applied to the coil or coils in such a way that during each operative half cycle of the supply voltage a current is conducted through the coils during an initial portion of the half cycle and then at a substantial time before the end of the half cycle, the switch is turned to an open condition causing the current built up in the coils to be taken up by a series resonant circuit, formed by the inductance of the coil or coils an associated given capacitance and the power supply, to produce a ringing current in and a ringing voltage across each coil and consequent ringing electromagnetic flux in the liquid passing through the pipe. The apparatus may have either a half wave or full wave mode of operation.

Abstract: A device and method are disclosed which activate aqueous liquids, particularly water, and liquid polymers, resulting in enhanced properties in chemical and biological processes in which the activated liquids are used. The device includes a liquid reservoir; an activation body formed of a polymeric matrix containing a number of finely divided materials, with the body disposed in a strong (2,500-25,000 Oersted) magnetic field and responsive to visible electromagnetic radiation having a frequency of 7.2-7.8 Hz and a wavelength of 400-800 nm, and with one end disposed proximate to the surface of the liquid; and an electrical circuit adjacent the other end of the body, activating diodes to emit flashes of light having that wavelength and frequency, so that the materials and the polymeric body are energized and emit low frequency oscillations, which activate the liquid contained in the reservoir. Polymers include polyurethanes and epoxies.

Abstract: A filter which can be cleaned in situ consists of a filter membrane (33), and fluid permeable electrodes (34, 35). The membrane may be one of the electrodes, or may be electrically non-conducting but integral with or in contact with one of the electrodes (34). The electrodes (34, 35) are separated from each other only by a fluid permeable electrically insulating sheet. This sheet may be less than 1 mm thick, and may be the filter membrane (33). The filter is cleaned by periodic brief applications of electric current between the electrodes (34, 35) so that gas is generated electrolytically, and the close spacing of the electrodes (34, 35) reduces the electric power required.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method of providing a water-based fluid with active hydrogen having selected characteristics including providing at least one material (10) having selected characteristics and supply of hydrogen atoms from at least one material (10) to fluid, whereby the fluid receives hydrogen atoms from the material (10), which hydrogen atoms have the selected characteristics.

Abstract: A system and method for generating ozone for use in open or closed loop process applications using a fluid, such as water, as a primary process medium, including: a water storage tank, supplied by a water supply line, for temporarily storing water for treatment and subsequent use in a process; an electromagnetic flux unit connected to the water supply line for exposing water supplied to the tank to an electromagnetic field thereby magnetically polarizing contaminants and dissolved solids present in the water; an apparatus for producing highly pure oxygen from ambient air for use as a feed gas in generating ozone; a corona discharge ozone generator for producing high purity ozone from a highly pure oxygen feed gas; an impeller apparatus, including a rapidly rotating shear impeller, for injecting ozone, created by the ozone generator, into water wherein the ozone is absorbed thus yielding a substantially high level of dissolved ozone gas in a given volume of water; an apparatus for measuring the concentration o

Abstract: Apparatus and method for separating a charged substance from a conductive fluid in which the conductive fluid is transported to a charged substance separation assembly where an electrostatic field is imposed to separate the charged substance from the fluid which passes through a porous separator and is collected.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying microwaves to flowable materials within a centrifuge are disclosed. The simultaneous application of microwaves and centrifugation to flowable materials may be utilized to rapidly separate immiscible components from emulsions and dispersions. Microwaves are guided along a waveguide structure within the centrifuge. A meandering path for the waveguide is chosen through the interior of the centrifuge and through the flowable material being centrifuged. Gradual variation in the radial distance of the waveguide from the axis of the centrifuge produces a gradual filling of the cross-section of the waveguide along its length, forming a gentle microwave beach within the waveguide. Excellent microwave coupling and power deposition into the flowable material results. There is no need to contain the flowable material behind a dielectric barrier, normally placed between the incident microwaves and the flowable material, since confinement is provided by centrifugal forces.

Abstract: A process and system for converting petroleum residue ("resid") into a liquid product and a solid product. The resid is first mixed with a solvent having a generally nonpolar molecular character. A strong electric field is then applied to the mixture to agglomerate the asphaltenes and other large molecules in the resid. The agglomerates are then separated from the remaining liquid, thereby producing liquid and solid products. The liquid product is useful as a feedstock for petrochemicals and transportation fuels, and the solid product is suitable for combustion as a coal substitute. A portion of the liquid product may be recycled as the solvent.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for treating a organically contaminated inorganic liquid or gas with an electron beam are described. The organically contaminated inorganic liquid or gas is introduced into a reaction chamber that is positioned so that the organically contaminated inorganic liquid or gas will be exposed to the electron beam. In the case of the gas, the reaction chamber includes a liquid medium. The process continues by generating a gaseous phase by exposing the organically contaminated inorganic liquid or the liquid medium including the organically contaminated inorganic gas to an electron beam; and recirculating the gaseous phase into the organically contaminated inorganic liquid or into the liquid medium including the organically contaminated inorganic gas. The treatment of the gas and liquid phase with the electron beam in this manner accomplishes the complete oxidation of the contaminating organic species.

Abstract: By applying two or more electrical fields (DC, AC, pulsed) of different characteristics to an electrode array on e.g. the wall of a treatment cell, particles suspended in liquid in the cell may be manipulated as desired on a microscopic scale, in particular by exploiting the dielectrophoretic properties of the particles. The particles may be solid, semi-solid or liquid, and may be of simple materials or may be biological particles such as whole cells or fragments thereof.

Abstract: A method for forming a chemically-ordered ferromagnetic or antiferromagnetic metal alloy film allows the temperature and/or time required for annealing to be reduced. The ferromagnetic or antiferromagnetic metal alloy film is dosed with hydrogen either during or subsequent to deposition of the film on a substrate. The metal alloy film is then heated to desorb the hydrogen atoms from the metal alloy. In one embodiment for dosing the metal alloy film with hydrogen a transition metal of the type that catalyzes the dissociative chemisorption of H.sub.2, such as palladium (Pd), is deposited as a film in contact with the metal alloy film. The Pd film is then heated and while at an elevated temperature, it is exposed to H.sub.2 gas. The H.sub.2 becomes dissociated into hydrogen atoms and the hydrogen atoms become chemically absorbed by the Pd film. During subsequent cooling of the Pd film hydrogen atoms in the Pd film become absorbed into the metal alloy film.

Abstract: A process for the production of paper by mixing an aqueous phase comprising white water with cellulose containing fibres, and optional fillers, in a mixing stage to form an aqueous suspension, draining the suspension in the presence of a drainage or retention aid to form a fibre containing sheet or web and white water, and recirculating at least part of the white water to the mixing stage, whereby at least part of the white water is subject to electrodialysis before the mixing stage.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a condensation resin of low catalyst content from a ketone and an aldehyde comprising reacting the ketone and aldehyde in a polycondensation reaction in an aqueous medium in the presence of a basic catalyst to form the resin, which is contaminated with alkali ions from the basic catalyst, and then exposing the resin to an electrical field in a cell demarcated by ion-selective membranes permeable to the alkali ions whereby alkali ions are caused to migrate out of the resin through the membranes. Also, a process for the removal of alkali from condensation resins as described above.

Abstract: A method for use in electrically forming dispersions of a nonconducting fluid in a conductive medium that minimizes power consumption, gas generation, and sparking between the electrode of the nozzle and the conductive medium. The method utilizes a nozzle having a passageway, the wall of which serves as the nozzle electrode, for the transport of the nonconducting fluid into the conductive medium. A second passageway provides for the transport of a flowing low conductivity buffer fluid which results in a region of the low conductivity buffer fluid immediately adjacent the outlet from the first passageway to create the necessary protection from high current drain and sparking. An electrical potential difference applied between the nozzle electrode and an electrode in contact with the conductive medium causes formation of small droplets or bubbles of the nonconducting fluid within the conductive medium.

Abstract: The process includes the steps of: a) contacting a liquid containing mRNA with an insoluble support having DNA probes attached thereto via the 5' -terminus thereof whereby the MRNA is hybridized to said probes and hence to said support; b) removing said liquid; and c) adding enzymes and nucleotides in solution whereby the probe functions as a primer to produce single stranded cDNA on the mRNA probe. The probe DNA may be oligo-dT or a specific DNA sequence, such as one that is complementary to a conserved region in a class of mRNA molecules. The insoluble support comprises magnetic particles which are monodisperse polymer particles comprising superparamagnetic iron oxide, a coating to reduce non-specific binding and a substituent for attaching an oligonucleotide.

Abstract: A descaling device for neutralizing and preventing formation of calcium carbonate or other scale in a water conduit includes an electromagnetic coil adjacent the conduit and a power supply for the coil. The power supply generates a complex triangular waveform output signal that varies continuously in frequency and amplitude. The output is applied across the ends of the coil creating time varying magnetic and electric fields. The fields physically interact with molecules in water flowing in the conduit to neutralize existing scale and prevent formation of new scale.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating heavy metal ions from a processing solution includes a filter. A cylindrical separating member divides the filter into two discrete compartments, an inner cylindrical portion and an outer annular portion concentrically arranged outside the inner cylindrical portion. The separating member is made of chemical and heat resistant material. The processing solution is made to flow through the inner portion in one direction and a gas is made to flow through the outer portion in the opposite direction. The flowing has negatively charges the separating member, which results in formation of an electrical double layer on the surface where the processing solution contacts the separating member. The heavy metal ions in the processing solution, which ions are positively charged, are attracted and adsorbed to the negatively charged separating member, thus removing the heavy metal ions from the processing solution.

Abstract: Magnetic porous inorganic siliceous materials having a particle size of about 1 to about 200 microns useful as solid supports in various chromatography, immunoassays, synthesis and other separation and purification procedures is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of separating a material from a liquid sample comprising:providing a system for material separation having a stationary phase having a metalloporphyrin coordination compound or a metallophthalocyanine coordination compound or a mixture thereof;oxidizing or reducing the coordination compound, respectively, to an oxidized or reduced state at which the material will bind to the compound;applying a source of electric potential to the system; andcontacting the oxidized or reduced coordination compound with a liquid sample containing the material under conditions effective to separate the material from the liquid.

Abstract: A fluid treatment device, especially for reducing or removing the effects of hard water, has a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a cavity extending between the inlet and the outlet. A dielectric channel separator (preferably of plastics material, more preferably PTFE) is located in the cavity between the inlet and the outlet and extends at least part way along the cavity. The dielectric channel separator divides thecavity into a plurality of elongate channels which are mutually coextensive for at least part of their length in the direction of fluid flow from the inlet to the outlet and are at least partially bounded by dielectric material. A metallic channel separator, preferably of zinc, can also be provided to provide a degree of protection against corrosion. The channel separators are preferably configured to encourage turbulence in the fluid flowing through the device.

Abstract: A waste water treatment system is illustrated which can be configured to be portable and which minimizes the addition of solids to be disposed of through the use of ozone for contaminant reduction to basic elements after the pH value of the waste water to be treated is properly adjusted. This ozone in one stage is combined with ultrasound to cause coagulation and precipitation. In another stage, ozone and ultraviolet light are used in a reduction process. Ion alignment using a magnetic field and an electrochemical flocculation process to which the waste water is subjected causes further coagulation and precipitation. As designed, the system can operate continuously with redundancy at appropriate points so that removal of solids from the filtration units can occur simultaneous with the overall decontamination process.

Abstract: Device for separating a mixture consisting of at least a continuous phase (I) and of at least a conducting disperse phase (II) in the form of particles such as drops in the continuous phase, the two phases having different densities. The device includes at least two substantially cylindrical parts (1, 3) fitted into each other which delimit an annular zone (5), introducing means (6, 7) for introducing the mixture to be separated at the periphery of the outer tubular part (1), arranged so as to communicate a rotational motion to the mixture, means for applying between the two parts (1, 3) a potential difference capable of causing the particles of the disperse phase (II) to coalesce, receiving and decanting means (4), means (8, 9) for discharging the two phases (I) and (II) at least partly separated on account of the differentiated motion of the particles which have coalesced and means for establishing a circulation of the mixture.

Abstract: An apparatus for the electrolytic treatment of liquid waste streams and a method for treating waste streams using the apparatus. The apparatus includes improved design to maximize the efficiency of electrolytic treatment of the waste stream.

Abstract: Methods are described for the separation of cells of different types using dielectrophoresis; for the electrochemical selection of cells by the dielectrophoretic attraction of ligand bearing cells into contact with an electrode bearing a complimentary ligand; and for the fusion of an individually isolated cell with another cell or a vector using dielectrophoresis to manipulate the cells or the cell and the vector into juxtaposition so that they may be fused.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a technique of removing metal contained in a solution through chelation, which makes it possible to preclude undesired aggregation and permit effective aggregation through an aggregating process. A surface active agent containing a hydrophobic group, a hydrophilic group and a chelating group is added to the solution to be processed, and subsequently an aggregating process is carried out. The chelating group chelates metal, the hydrophilic group prevents undesired aggregation, and the hydrophobic group is effectively aggregated in the aggregating process. Various uses are possible by selecting the charge of ligand.

Abstract: An ionic liquid-channel charge-coupled device that separates ions in a liquid sample according to ion mobility characteristics includes a channel having an inner wall that has a matrix liquid disposed within. An insulating material surrounds the channel, and an introduction element introduces a liquid sample into the channel. The sample is preferably a liquid solution that has at least one ionic specie present in the solution. The device further includes a gating element that establishes at least one charge packet in the channel in response to an externally applied input signal, and a transport element that induces the charge packet to migrate through the channel. The gate element can be a plurality of spaced-apart, electrically conductive, gate structures that are alternately disposable between a high voltage state and a low voltage state. The transport element further includes an application element that applies a variable voltage to the gating element.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a flow-through, electric, double-layer capacitor providing for a high, steady rate of removal of ionic substances and amenable to commercial scale application and a method of treating fluids using the flow-through electric double-layer capacitor. The invention is a planar, flow-through, electric, double-layer capacitor comprising a separator (1) consisting in an electrically-insulating, porous, flow-through sheet, activated carbon layers (2, 2), each comprising a high specific surface area activated carbon as a main component, collectors (3, 3) disposed externally of the active carbon layers (2, 2), and retaining plates (4, 4) disposed externally of the collectors (3, 3).

Abstract: The method and apparatus of the present invention feature the use of and electric current to induce movement of bacteria in situ to degrade contaminants in aquifers.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for decaffeinating a liquid, especially brewed coffee in which caffeine is removed by imposing an electrostatic field in counteracting relationship to the flow of the coffee and drawing the caffeine to and retaining the caffeine on an ionic resin.