Abstract: A cooling water circulation apparatus is capable of limiting attachment of microorganisms and scale in an environmentally friendly manner. An electrolytic device 10 is provided on a cooling water circulation route R1. In the arrangement, mineral contents such as calcium ions and magnesium ions contained in cooling water W are deposited as scale S on an electrode 12A or 12B in an electrolytic step, thereby enabling the mineral contents to be removed from the cooling water W. Even if the hardness of the cooling water W is increased by evaporation of the water with elapse of time, the hardness can be reduced by the electrolytic processing. Thus, the deposition of the scale S in the circulation route R1 can be reduced. Further, the scale S deposited on the electrode 12A or 12B can be easily separated by operating while reversing the polarities of the electrodes 12A and 12B at predetermined time intervals.

Abstract: The method for producing a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery of the invention includes: (a) a step of preparing an electrode mixture slurry, (b) an ionization step of oxidizing and ionizing a metal impurity present in the electrode mixture slurry, and (c) a step of producing an electrode by using the electrode mixture slurry after the ionization step. In the invention, when the electrode mixture is in the form of a slurry, the metal impurity contained in the electrode mixture is ionized to minimize the amount of the impurity. Therefore, the invention can provide a highly reliable non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery while minimizing a decrease in production yield by the metal impurity.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing salt water and/or solutions containing salt water with RF energy. Exemplary systems and methods may use RF energy to combust salt water, to produce hydrogen from salt water or solutions containing salt water, to volatilize a secondary fuel present in solutions containing salt water, to produce and combust hydrogen obtained from salt water or solutions containing salt water, to volatilize and combust secondary fuel sources present in solutions containing salt water, to desalinate seawater, and/or to carry out the electrolysis of water are presented.

Abstract: Contaminants are removed from raw water or discharge water from plants, such as sewerage and industrial plants, by applying direct current through an array of spaced, alternately charged electrodes to eliminate or minimize clogging of the electrodes with precipitated contaminants. Polarity may be switched periodically to assist in eliminating or minimizing clogging. In illustrated embodiments, electrode arrays are contained in housings of dielectric material to form modules, To increase processing capacity, the modules are arranged in parallel arrays. Alternatively, a single module is scaled up for large or industrial applications or scaled down for personal use. Instead of housing the electrode arrays in modules through which liquid passes, the electrode arrays for some batch applications are dipped in the water or aqueous solutions.

Abstract: Systems and methods for electrochemically oxidizing components of a test-sensor reagent prior to deposition on a test sensor comprise at least a first electrode and a second electrode for contacting the test-sensor reagent. The first electrode and the second electrode may have hollow interior portions for contacting the test-sensor reagent to produce a modified test-sensor reagent having a reduced background current.

Abstract: Methods for the reductive post-treatment of NaCl-containing solutions, wherein such methods comprise: providing a NaCl-containing solution obtained from an anode side of an NaCl electrolysis cell, the solution comprising reducible components; and subjecting the solution to cathodic electrochemical reduction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spacer textile (1) including a top textile (2), a bottom textile (3) and a spacer layer (5), wherein the top textile (2) and the bottom textile (3) are connected together by the spacer layer (5). The top textile (2), the bottom textile (3) and the spacer layer (5) are monofilament fibers from inert fluorocarbons. The invention relates additionally to the use of the spacer textile (1) according to the invention as at least in part sheathing of an electrode (13, 14) in an electroplating bath (11), as a lining of operating, bearing and/or transport surfaces (31), or as filter or support material in chemically aggressive media.

Abstract: An electrolyte system includes a reactor having a pair of electrodes that may sorb ions from an electrolyte. The electrolyte system also includes at least one power supply in electrical communication with the reactor. The at least one power supply may supply a DC signal and an AC signal to the pair of electrodes during sorption of the ions. In addition, the power supply may supply only the AC signal to the pair of electrodes during desorption of the ions.

Abstract: A capacitive deionization apparatus, wherein a spacing distance between electrodes of cells is uniformly maintained and a flow in the cells is optimized to improve efficiency of the deionization apparatus and contact resistance between a carbon material and a collector is reduce to improve electrical conductivity, is disclosed. The capacitive deionization apparatus which includes a plurality of electrode modules, each having a collector and electrodes disposed on upper and lower surfaces of the collector to electrically and chemically remove ions from liquid, includes a plurality of plates made of a stiff material are alternately stacked with the electrode modules such that the electrode modules are spaced at specific intervals, wherein the collector and the electrodes are pressed by a pair of adjacent plates among the plurality of plates to maintain a contact therebetween.

Abstract: Devices and methods for extraction, identification, authentication, and quantification of one or more covert markers in a material are disclosed. An extraction system includes a first plug flow mixer for mixing a first fluid bearing a marker and transfer agent into a plug flow. The mixing and flowing of the immiscible liquids causes transfer of the marker from the fluid to the transfer agent. A splitter having filters of different surface energies separates the two immiscible liquids, the transfer agent bearing the marker. A second plug flow can be used to transfer the marker to a second transfer agent. The transferred marker is detected to authenticate the original fluid. The marker can be further isolated, activated, or reacted to perform detection, identification or authentication. With the device, a number of independent processing and analytic steps are combined onto a single, portable unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for reducing an oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) of an electrochemically activated liquid. The ORP is reduced by emitting ions from an ion generator into the electrochemically activated liquid, wherein the ions have a charge polarity that is opposite to the ORP of the liquid.

Abstract: An electrolytic method for extracting components from subsurface strata including providing a carrier fluid; providing a pair of electrodes within a container, the container having a first outlet located proximal to a first electrode of the pair of electrodes and a second outlet located proximal to a second electrode of the pair of electrodes; flowing the carrier fluid through the container; applying a potential to the pair of electrodes to produce a first ionized carrier fluid and a second ionized carrier fluid in the container; removing the first ionized carrier fluid from the container through their respective outlets; injecting one of the first ionized carrier fluid and the second ionized carrier fluid into the subsurface strata to release the components; and recovering one of the first ionized carrier fluid and second ionized carrier fluid and components from the subsurface strata.

Abstract: This discovery is storable, pre-nascent iodine that activates and: produces nascent iodine over a two-to-three-hour period within the body when diluted in water and consumed. The iodine is in a low concentration in a tincture of grain alcohol. A quantity of tincture is submerged in a glass container in an electrolytic bath between two electrodes and subjected to a specific amperage for a period of time. This action causes the diatomic bond of the iodine molecule to be broken with the iodine atom receiving excitation energy from the magnetic field. When diluted and consumed into the body, the nascent iodine is able to produce significant beneficial effects in the body.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided, which includes an electrolysis cell, a liquid flow path that passes through the electrolysis cell, and an indicator light. The indicator light is illuminated as a function of an operating characteristic of the electrolysis cell and luminous flux radiated from the light illuminates liquid along at least a portion of the flow path.

Abstract: Bare aluminum baffles are adapted for resist stripping chambers and include an outer aluminum oxide layer, which can be a native aluminum oxide layer or a layer formed by chemically treating a new or used bare aluminum baffle to form a thin outer aluminum oxide layer.

Abstract: The invention is directed to processes and apparatuses for the production of chemical compounds, in particular fermentation products. According to the invention there is provided a process for the production of one or more chemical substances, which process comprises a fermentation step, wherein said substances are formed; and a separation step, wherein at least one pair of electrodes is used to induce a precipitation of said substances, which pair comprises at least one precipitation electrode and at least one counter electrode, through which an electric current is directed is used to precipitate said one or more substances.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides an ultrasensitive and selective system and method for detecting reactants of the chemical/biochemical reaction catalyzed by an oxidoreductase, such as glucose and ethanol, at a concentration level down to zepto molar (10?21 M). In embodiments, the invention provides an ampyometric immuno-sensing system comprising a working electrode, an oxidoreductase, and an external voltage generator, wherein the oxidoreductase is immobilized on the working electrode; and the voltage generator generates a voltage to induce an electric field that permeates at least a portion of the interface between the oxidoreductase and the working electrode. The ultrasensitivity of the system and method is believed to be caused by the electrical field, which enhances the quantum mechanical tunneling effect in the interface, and therefore facilitates the interfacial electron transfer between the oxidoreductase and the working electrode.

Abstract: A process has been developed to selectively dissociate target molecules into component products compositionally distinct from the target molecule, wherein the bonds of the target molecule do not reform because the components are no longer reactive with each other. Dissociation is affected by treating the target molecule with light at a frequency and intensity, alone or in combination with a catalyst in an amount effective to selectively break bonds within the target molecule. Dissociation does not result in re-association into the target molecule by the reverse process, and does not produce component products which have a change in oxidation number or state incorporated oxygen or other additives because the process does not proceed via a typical reduction-oxidation mechanism. Target molecules include ammonia for waste reclamation and treatment, PCB remediation, and targeted drug delivery.

Abstract: A highly stable aqueous solution having a molecular cluster with dimensions which are small enough to ensure substantial chemical-physical stability thereof for a relatively long time. To prepare the solution a fluid treatment device is used, which comprises at least one chamber (7) and at least one anode (4) and one cathode (3) arranged in the chamber (7). The anode (4) and cathode (3) are at least partly made of a first metallic material. At least one of the at least one cathode (3) and anode (4) comprises a coating of nanoparticles (5) of a second metallic material.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of an aqueous stream containing both anionic and cationic species is provided. The method comprises the following steps. Circulating water continuously through an essentially closed loop, the loop incorporating an ion adsorption unit which, in turn, comprises a water permeable layer of an ion adsorbing material. Feeding an aqueous solution containing the anionic and the cationic species to the essentially closed loop. Passing the circulating water, including the aqueous solution containing the ionic and the cationic species, through the ion adsorbing material in the ion adsorption unit in a continuous manner. While at the same time applying an electric potential across the thickness of the layer of ion adsorbing material and removing from the ion adsorption unit more concentrated aqueous solutions of the separate ionic species. Discharging each of the aqueous solutions from the ion adsorption unit.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide a membrane treatment method and a membrane treatment apparatus for ballast water using a membrane module, which are capable of inhibiting the formation of scale on the membrane surface to reduce fouling, using a simple installation. [Means for Solving the Problem] The membrane treatment method and the membrane treatment apparatus for ballast water using a membrane module according to the invention, having a membrane treatment tank 2 and a membrane module 1 provided in the tank for continuously performing filtration while ballast water is being passed thereto as raw water; wherein a positive electrode and a negative electrode are provided in the membrane treatment tank 2 so as to come into contact with raw water in the tank, and a current passing means is provided in the tank for applying a voltage between the electrodes.

Abstract: Provided is a method for performing etching process or film forming process to a substrate W whereupon a prescribed pattern is formed with an opening. The method is provided with a step of mixing a liquid and a gas, at least one of which contains a component that contributes to the etching process or the film forming process, and generating charged nano-bubbles 85 having a diameter smaller than that of the opening formed on the semiconductor substrate W; a step of forming an electric field to attract the nano-bubbles onto the surface of the substrate W; and a step of performing the process by supplying the substrate with the liquid containing the nano-bubbles 85 while forming the electric field.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for recovering acids from mixtures containing them, in particular organic acids and amino acids, such as acids produced by fermentation in a fermentation broth. The process of the invention comprises contacting a loaded extractant with a solution containing hydroxide ions in the presence of at least one cathode and at least one anode, wherein said hydroxide ions are produced by using said cathode, whereby said acid is converted to its anionic form, by which it can be removed from said extractant and can migrate in the direction of the anode.

Abstract: A method for cleaning anode media, the method comprising removing the anode media from an electroplating system, and removing scale coatings from substrates of the anode media by vibrational polishing the anode media with abrasive particles.

Abstract: A method, a system and a kit for removing colloid contaminants from a fluid by destabilization thereof with addition of kinetic energy thereto is provided, the method to overcome the energetic barrier preventing an efficient fluid-solid separation comprises injecting the colloidal fluid containing contaminants in an electrolytic system including an electrocoagulation module comprising an anode and a cathode, the anode and the cathode being adapted to be electrically connected to perform electrolysis of the fluid, providing an electric current, between the anode and the cathode, to form electro-coagulated contaminants flocs in the agitated fluid, separating the electro-coagulated flocs from the fluid, and extracting the fluid from the electrolytic system.

Abstract: A process for the absorption of one or more gas(es) selected from the group consisting of carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide from a fluid, the process including: providing a fluid containing the selected gas(es); and an ionic liquid absorbent, the absorbent including the components: one or more anions; one or more metal species; and optionally one or more organic cations; and optionally one or more ligands; the absorbent components being selected such that the absorbent is in a liquid state at the operating temperature and pressure of the process; with the provisos that: when the anion contains in the same molecular entity: both an amine functional group and a sulfonate functional group; both an amine functional group and a carboxylate functional group; both a phosphine functional group and a sulfonate functional group; or both a phosphine functional group and a carboxylate functional group, the metal species is not an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal; the

Abstract: An electrode is formed using a sanding mechanism to condition the surface of the electrode for electrochemical purposes. Hazardous particles emitted during sanding are captured using jetted liquid, and may be recycled for later use. The sanded surface provides increased electrode lifespan and lead oxide adherence.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for electrochemically regulating the pH of a fluid includes: an ion-exchange material; an anode chamber having a surface defined by a surface of the ion-exchange material and an anode electrode disposed along an edge of the surface of the anode chamber; and a cathode chamber having a surface defined by an opposite surface of the ion-exchange material and a cathode electrode disposed along an edge of the surface of the cathode chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are for disinfection and purification of a liquid, gaseous or solid phase, or a mixture thereof. The apparatus includes: a central electrode, a dielectric layer adjacent to the electrode, a first area adjacent to the dielectric layer, and is configured to introduce a first medium into the first area, a second area adjacent to the first area. The apparatus is also configured to introduce a second medium into the second area, and for creating a plasma in the first medium, while the first medium is present in the first area, by applying a voltage between the first electrode and a second electrode. An injector injects the plasma into the second area, in order to be mixed with the second medium.

Abstract: The present electrolytic system and method for extracting components includes a means for providing a carrier fluid; a means for providing a pair of electrodes interposed by a permeable membrane to create a first channel and a second channel; a means for flowing the carrier fluid through the first and second channel; a means for applying a voltage to the pair of electrodes to produce a first ionized carrier fluid in the first channel and a second ionized carrier fluid in the second channel; a means for injecting at least one of the first ionized carrier fluid and the second ionized carrier fluid into the subsurface reservoir to release the components; and a means for recovering the at least one of the first ionized carrier fluid and the second ionized carrier fluid and the components from a subsurface strata or ex-situ mineral deposit.

Abstract: In order to remove treatment liquid (21) from a planar material to be treated (10), which is transported in an assembly for the electrolytic or wet-chemical treatment of the material to be treated (10), or to promote the exchange of material on the surface of the material to be treated (10), a roll with a roll surface (4, 14) is provided. The roll surface (4, 14) is arranged relative to a transport path of the material to be treated (10) so that a gap (8, 18) remains between the roll surface (4, 14) and a useful region of the material to be treated (10) opposing the roll surface (4, 14), which extends over the useful region. The roll is driven rotatably so that at the gap (8, 18) a relative speed is produced between the roll surface (4, 14) and the material to be treated (10).

Abstract: Enhanced contaminant degradation systems via rapid transfer of electrons in an environment or matrix through bioelectrochemical electron transfer circuitry, electron transfer conduit and conductive materials. Specialized circuitry may be used with respect to the anode, cathode, and transmission line design including floating cathodes, anchored anodes, and the like.

Abstract: An apparatus for synergistically combining a plasma with a comminution means such as a fluid kinetic energy mill (jet mill), preferably in a single reactor and/or in a single process step is provided by the present invention. Within the apparatus of the invention potential energy is converted into kinetic energy and subsequently into angular momentum by means of wave energy, for comminuting, reacting and separation of feed materials. Methods of use of the apparatus in the practice of various processes are also provided by the present invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and devices for the decontamination of fluid, particularly the removal of heavy metals and/or arsenic and/or their compounds from water, by means of electrolysis, wherein the water to be purified subjected to electrodes of different polarities. The invention can include means for control of the pH of the fluid. The invention can also include control systems that allow self-cleaning of electrodes, self-cleaning of filters, and automatic monitoring of maintenance conditions.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to MEMS-based medical devices including a flexible housing that forms a chamber for encapsulating a fluid or liquid. The devices also include encapsulated electrodes, portions of which are exposed to the fluid or liquid within the chamber for sensing and/or physical actuation (controlled movement). Such medical devices can function specifically as: contact force sensors; and/or out-of-plane actuators. Device function is enabled by the encapsulation of liquid within the microchamber. Depending on the kind of electrical input applied, the encapsulated electrodes can function as electrochemical sensing elements; and/or electrolytic generation electrodes. Devices according to the present disclosure can have a fluidic coupling to the external environment or can be isolated. Fluidic isolation from the surrounding environment can be accomplished by the inclusion of an annular-plate stiction valve within the device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to apparatus and methods for separating and extracting one or more desired elements and/or compounds from a source feedstock comprising the steps of providing a cavitation-assisted electrolytic purification apparatus comprising an electrolyte and a source feedstock in a reaction zone; introducing oxidizing agents and reducing agents to the source feedstock; causing an electric current to flow through the reaction zone; causing cavitation within the reaction zone; and optionally modifying the temperature of the reaction zone.

Abstract: Flow-through capacitors are provided with one or more charge barrier layers. Ions trapped in the pore volume of flow-through capacitors cause inefficiencies as these ions are expelled during the charge cycle into the purification path. A charge barrier layer holds these pore volume ions to one side of a desired flow stream, thereby increasing the efficiency with which the flow-through capacitor purifies or concentrates ions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cavitation and electrocoagulation reactor comprising a hollow cylindrical cathode having a cylindrical anode coaxially disposed therein to form an annular interelectrode gap between the contact surfaces. An inlet sleeve and an outlet sleeve disposed in the respective inlet and outlet of the cathode and abutting against opposite ends of the anode seal the interelectrode gap from the respective inlet and outlet of the cathode. A set of channels disposed in the wall of the inlet sleeve connect the inlet to the interelectrode gap. Similarly, a set of openings disposed in the outlet sleeve connect the interelectrode gap to the cathode outlet. An electrical source has first and second terminals respectively connected to the anode and the cathode. The method for removing contaminants from a contaminated fluid flow involves the simultaneous application of hydrodynamic cavitation and electrocoagulation to the contaminated fluid flow.

Abstract: A sulfuric acid electrolyte is produced efficiently as a functional solution and persulfuric acid produced by electrolysis is supplied efficiently to a use side while suppressing self-decomposition thereof.

Abstract: A method and system for purifying liquid is disclosed that includes combining powdered metal particles with the fluid to be treated. The mixture of powdered metal particles and liquid to be treated is then passed through an electrolytic cell. The cells forms ions which attach to contaminants in the liquid and are subsequently separated out from the liquid using conventional solid/liquid separation techniques.

Abstract: A method and system for purifying liquid is disclosed that includes combining powdered metal particles with the fluid to be treated. The mixture of powdered metal particles or metal and liquid to be treated is then passed through an electrolytic cell. The cell forms multivalent ions which attach to contaminants in the liquid and are subsequently separated out from the liquid using conventional solid/liquid separation techniques. The multivalent ions may also be formed from thin strips of aluminum or formed by pressing layers of powdered metallic particles together and installing in the electrolytic cell between two cathodes, the powdered metal electrode being the anode.

Abstract: There is described a method for forming an emulsion (1) containing at least one dispersed phase (3) and a continuous phase (2) in a fluidic microsystem (100), said method comprising the steps: forming flows (4, 5) of different liquids which flow towards a dispersion region (10), and forming the emulsion (1) from the liquids in the dispersion region (10), wherein the flows (4, 5) run through a common channel (20) to the dispersion region (10) and the flows (4, 5) are arranged next to one another relative to a first reference direction, and wherein the emulsion (1) is produced as the liquids flow through a cross-sectional widening (11) provided in the dispersion region (10), at which the cross section of the channel (20) widens in a second reference direction different from the first reference direction. A fluidic microsystem for forming an emulsion (1) containing a continuous phase (2) and at least one dispersed phase (3) is also described. A fusion of droplets in electric fields is also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for activating a diamond-based electrode, which includes a step consisting in subjecting, in the presence of an aqueous solution containing an ionic electrolyte, said electrode to an alternately cathodic and anodic polarization potential, of increasing amplitude so as to obtain an anodic and cathodic current density of between 10 ?A/cm2 and 1 mA/cm2. The present invention also relates to a diamond-based electrode activated by said process and to the uses thereof.

Abstract: A cell for use in an electrolysis unit includes a back wall, a side wall extending upwardly from and around a periphery of the back wall to define an inner region of the cell, an electrode disposed on the back wall within the inner region to divide at least a portion of the inner region into first and second regions is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the processing of fluids and/or their carriers. Carriers may comprise pipes, tubes and the like or reservoirs for the distribution and/or storage of fluids. In one form, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus that is suitable for use in the treatment of various fluids, such as water, by introducing at least one chemically active metal into the water and its carriers for disinfection of the water in a controlled manner. The invention also relates to a biasing means for displacement of an electrode arrangement to allow for the introduction of ions into a fluid at a controlled or easily monitored rate that is commensurate with the amount of fluid flow.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for a low maintenance, high reliability on-site electrolytic generator incorporating automatic cell monitoring for contaminant film buildup, as well as automatically removing or cleaning the contaminant film. This method and apparatus preferably does not require human intervention to clean.

Abstract: An electrochemical desalination system includes a first and a second electrochemical device and a controller. The first and second electrochemical devices each comprises a electrochemical desalination module comprising at least one pair of electrodes and a compartment between each pair of electrodes for receiving an electrolyte solution. Each of the first and second electrochemical desalination devices comprises a plurality of successive operation cycles. Each cycle comprises a charging mode of operation for charging each pair of electrodes and for adsorbing ions in the electrolyte solution on the electrodes, and a discharging mode of operation for discharging the pair of electrodes and for desorbing ions from the pair of electrodes. The controller is configured to control the system that the first and second electrochemical desalination devices have interleaved charging and discharging modes of operation.

Abstract: The present invention describes an electrochemical cell, comprising at least an anode half-cell with an anode, a cathode half-cell with a cathode, and an ion exchange membrane arranged between the anode half-cell and the cathode half-cell, the anode and/or the cathode is a gas diffusion electrode. And a gap is provided between the gas diffusion electrode and the ion exchange membrane, and the half-cell with the gas diffusion electrode has an electrolyte feed and an electrolyte discharge as well as a gas inlet and a gas outlet. The electrochemical cell preferably has an electrolyte feed that is hermetically connected to the gap.

Abstract: The present teachings relate to systems and methods for oxidizing a sensor having a substrate, an electrode in contact with the substrate, and an electrolytic material in contact with the electrode, where oxidizing includes applying an oxidizing potential (between approximately 350 mV and 700 mV) to the electrode. In some embodiments, the methods and systems include hydrating the sensor by applying a hydrating potential (between approximately 0 mV and ?500 mV) to the electrode. In some embodiments, the applied potential can vary cyclically between an oxidizing and hydrating potential.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods pertaining to an axial-flow electrolytic sump for operation in low to medium conductivity hard water. The axial-flow electrolytic sump can include easily replaceable components providing for ease of maintenance, low-cost replacement, and the lowest impact to the environment for the service life of the system. In general, the axial-flow electrolytic sump can comprise a removable/replaceable electrode cartridge that is operably enclosed in a sump housing.