Abstract: Sample collection tubes and methods of producing the same are provided. Contemplated collection tubes comprise a tube having a separator substance disposed therein. In some aspects, the separator substance preferably maintains a predetermined flowability during irradiation or heat sterilization, and can subsequently polymerize upon exposure to a UV light or other suitable source. In other aspects, the separator substance preferably includes a soft gel component (thixotropic gel), and a photocurable sealant component that is formulated to polymerize and form a solid barrier between fractions of a liquid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a microfluidic device. The microfluidic device includes an input zone adapted to receive a carrier fluid medium and a sample in suspension in the carrier fluid medium, the sample comprising at least one population of cells or microparticles, a confinement zone adapted to confine a selected amount of the sample, and an output zone adapted to discharge the carrier fluid medium and the sample in suspension in the carrier fluid medium.

Abstract: A separator for separating a first from a second phase of a liquid in a tubular container includes a float made of elastic material having a circumferential sealing edge and at least one ballast fastened to the underside of the float. The density of the ballast is greater than the density of the float and the density of the entire separator lies in a value range between the density of the first phase and the density of the second phase of the liquid. In order to ensure an unrestricted light inflow of the liquid into volume regions of the container lying below the separator in the initial position, the float is designed disk-shaped; and that the ballast is designed in the form of a plurality of fingers extending away from the underside of the disk-shaped float, distributed at its edge.

Abstract: A magnetic filter 10 for a central heating system is disclosed, the filter 10 including a connection assembly 12, a canister 14, and a magnetic element 16, the connection assembly 12 including an inlet 24 and an outlet 26 for connection to a central heating circuit; the canister 14 having an interior separation chamber which is fluidly connected with the inlet 24 and outlet 26 for allowing fluid to flow into the inlet 24, through the separation chamber, and out of the outlet 26; and the magnetic element 16 being removably positionable on the outside of the canister 14, the canister 14 and the connection assembly 12 forming a sealed flow path comprising the inlet 24, the interior separation chamber and the outlet 26, and the connection assembly 12 further including a closable drain outlet 28b for draining fluid and magnetic particles from within the canister 14, internally of the magnetic element 16.

Abstract: Devices and methods are described for measuring formed blood component sedimentation rate. Some of the methods may use (1) centrifugal techniques for separating red blood cells from plasma and (2) video and/or still imaging capability. Both may be used alone or in combination to accelerate formed blood component sedimentation and to measure its rate. In one example, the method may advantageously enable rapid measurement of sedimentation rate using small blood sample volumes. Automated image analysis can be used to determine both sedimentation rate and hematocrit. Automated techniques may be used to compensate for effects of hematocrit on uncorrected sedimentation rate data.

Abstract: A centrifuge tube assembly which allows for a single centrifuge cycle and which permits the aspiration of fluids from multiple levels with the centrifuge tube assembly. The centrifuge tube assembly includes a vertically disposed outer containment tube having a closed lower end and an open upper end with the open upper end being closed by a cap. An elongated inner tube extends downwardly through the cap and into the interior of the outer containment tube. A generally cone-shaped disk assembly is slidably mounted on the inner tube to create a chamber above the disk assembly. An O-ring is mounted on the lower end of the disk assembly which is in yieldable engagement with the inner tube. A flapper valve is positioned in the upper end of the disk assembly. The flapper valve has a plurality of slits formed therein.

Abstract: A water area may be sheltered by installing, at an active boundary of the water area, a plurality of shields mounted on posts, each shield having a lower edge immersed in the water. Each shield may dissipate at least a portion of wave energy approaching the active boundary of the water area. One or more piers may be positioned within the sheltered water area or basin.

Abstract: An electric submersible pump (ESP) can include a shaft; an electric motor configured to rotatably drive the shaft; a housing; a stack of diffusers disposed in the housing; and impellers operatively coupled to the shaft. Various other apparatuses, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed.

Abstract: Centrifugal pump sealing surfaces are described. A multi-stage centrifugal pump includes an impeller between a first diffuser and a second diffuser, a plurality of sealing surfaces formed by at least one diffuser inlet ring of the first diffuser interspersed between at least two concentric balance rings of the impeller, and at least one annular diffuser exit skirt of the second diffuser interspersed between at least two concentric annular skirts of the impeller. A multi-stage centrifugal pump includes an impeller including a plurality of concentric annular impeller sealing surfaces mated to a plurality of concentric annular diffuser sealing surfaces, the diffuser sealing surfaces extending toward the impeller from a diffuser stacked adjacent to the impeller, wherein the impeller sealing surfaces and the diffuser sealing surfaces interlock to form a plurality of tight clearances and a tortuous leak path for well fluid lifted by the centrifugal pump.

Abstract: A water area may be sheltered by installing, at an active boundary of the water area, a plurality of shields mounted on posts, each shield having a lower edge immersed in the water. Each shield may dissipate at least a portion of wave energy approaching the active boundary of the water area. One or more piers may be positioned within the sheltered water area or basin.

Abstract: An extravasation detecting apparatus is provided which is capable of detecting at an early stage the dislodgment of a tip opening of a solution supplying tool from a blood vessel.

Abstract: A system for separating components of a composition according to density. The system includes a torque generating device, a separation device, and a housing. The separation device separates the composition into different components according to density. The housing accommodates the separation device. The housing includes a base having an interface that transfers torque from the torque generating device to the separation device, a cover, and a conduit for introducing the composition into the separation device without opening the cover.

Abstract: The present invention provides a treatment device that can greatly decrease not only an installation area but also a power cost and can further improve durability of a movable member and a treatment bag used for this treatment device. The present invention is characterized in that the inside of a water tank is partitioned into an interior space of a treatment bag main body and an exterior space in which filling water is stored by immersing a treatment bag in the water tank storing the filling water whose water level is constantly maintained, the treatment bag comprising: the treatment bag main body hermetically formed of an impermeable flexible sheet; a supply port through which a treatment target liquid is supplied into the treatment bag main body; and a discharge port through which a treated liquid is discharged to the outside.

Abstract: A treatment process for municipal, commercial, industrial, and institutional fluids containing one or more substances at a first concentration includes a contactor, an aerator, and a separator. The fluid is mixed with a powdered natural lignocellulosic material (“PNLM”), a microbial growth inoculum, and at least a portion of the fluid in the contactor to provide a mixture that includes an established, acclimated microbial growth in the fluid. The mixture is introduced to an aerator where physical binding and chemical bonding of at least some of the one or more substances to the PNLM additionally physiological uptake by microbial growth in a biosludge reduces the concentration of at least some of the one or more substances in the fluid discharged from the aerator to a second concentration. The biosludge is separated to recover at least a portion of the PNLM that is recycled to the contactor.

Abstract: A method and arrangement for separating two solutions mixed in dispersion into two solution phases in a liquid-liquid extraction separation cell. A lighter solution phase placed on the heavier solution phase is forced to flow as a thin overflow layer over the top edge of a front panel such that the dispersion thickens A rear panel is essentially parallel with the front panel so that in between the front panel and the rear panel, there is formed an uptake shaft along which the thickened dispersion can rise and be compressed.

Abstract: A method for treating wastewater containing TMAH and ammonium nitrogen includes the steps of (a) introducing a first solution which contains ammonium nitrogen but no TMAH into a single reactor with microorganisms comprising nitrifying bacteria and anammox bacteria, and denitrifying the first solution by the microorganisms under a dissolved oxygen concentration ranging from 0.1-0.5 mg/L and a pH value of 7-8; (b) when the denitrification efficiency reaches a steady state, introducing a second solution which contains ammonium nitrogen and TMAH and has a concentration of TMAH lower than 60 mg/L into the reactor; and (c) gradually increasing the concentration of TMAH in the solution to be added into the reactor for several times whenever the denitrification efficiency reaches a steady state. Accordingly, the inhibition of TMAH to the anammox bacteria can be significantly decreased, and both TMAH and the ammonium nitrogen can be treated simultaneously.

Abstract: A microfluidic device comprising a flow channel that utilizes various principles of fluid dynamics to simplify the processes of preparing a sample prior to in vitro diagnostic analysis. A flow channel wherein flow conditions result in a Reynolds number no greater than about 2000, preferably no greater than about 1000, provides enhanced separation of blood cells from a liquid medium, i.e., serum or plasma.

Abstract: A flow separation system for separating multicomponent fluids into components having different buoyancies. The system can deaerate fluids, and segregate solid particles into a channel for removal or real time particle analysis. The system can have, positioned axially within a housing, a cup shaped first member having an axial passageway and a concave inner surface, a second member with a surface that forms a gap with the first member, the gap directing the flow into at least one helical channel. The flow exits the helical channel into a separation chamber positioned between the second member and a third member and separates into spinning heavier flow portion and a more buoyant portion that is driven toward the central axis. The third member has central fluid passageway that collects the higher buoyancy fluid and least one other fluid passageway for carrying lower buoyancy fluid, with an inlet positioned radially outward of the central fluid passageway.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention disclosed is an apparatus for separating a solid material from a mixture containing oil, water, clay, sand, soil and drill cuttings. The apparatus comprise a series of processing cells and wash tanks. Hydrocyclonic devices are also used to further purify the solid mixture for disposal.

Abstract: A screening system comprises a tank (20) containing a sewage screen (30), wherein the tank is configured for attachment to a sewage channel, and to receive sewage flow from an upstream point of the channel, and then to direct the sewage flow through the sewage screen (30), and then to return the screened sewage flow back into the channel, at a downstream point, or directly to a downstream treatment, and wherein the tank (20) is configured to decrease the velocity of the sewage flow in the tank relative to the channel, such that grit can settle at the bottom of the tank, and wherein the sewage screen (30) comprises a working screening surface (31), a portion of which lies in a substantially horizontal plane, and is positioned below the invert level of the sewage channel at the upstream point, when in use. Screen and tank used within the before mentioned system as well as the method of screening sewage using the system are also disclosed.

Abstract: An oil water composite fluid separator apparatus designed for use in industrial applications in which unwanted tramp oils or other fluids, such as hydraulic oils, with specific gravity less than that of the operating fluid are required to be removed from operating fluid such as water, lubri-coolants or other liquids.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for separating bitumen froth into an upper bitumen-rich, reduced-solids layer, and a lower concentrated solids layer using a cone-bottomed, raked froth tank. The process involves introducing bitumen froth into the froth tank; rotating at least one movable picket through the bitumen froth; recovering the upper bitumen-rich, reduced-solids layer; and withdrawing the lower concentrated solids layer from the tank.

Abstract: Hydrocarbon oil obtained by Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reaction using a slurry bed reactor holding a slurry of a liquid hydrocarbon in which a catalyst is suspended; the hydrocarbon oil is fractionated into a distilled oil and a column bottom oil containing the catalyst fine powder by a rectifying column; at least part of the column bottom oil is transferred to a storage tank, and the catalyst fine powder is sedimented to the bottom of the storage tank to capture the catalyst fine powder; a residue of the column bottom oil is transferred from the rectifying column to a hydrocracker, and/or the supernatant of the column bottom oil from which the catalyst fine powder is captured by the storage tank is transferred from the storage tank to the hydrocracker; and using the hydrocracker, the residue of the column bottom oil and/or the supernatant of the column bottom oil is hydrocracked.

Abstract: A modular, portable, gravity fed clarification system includes internal surfaces which come in contact with the water to be clarified which are clad in a non-reactive plastic.

Abstract: The invention relates to a decanter (2) for separating a supernatant arranged above a sludge in a settlement tank (1), wherein a withdrawal device (5, 16) with a receiving pipe (9, 18), which extends in the manner of a T-piece approximately perpendicular to a discharge pipe (4, 17), is attached to one end of the discharge pipe (4, 17). To reduce the production cost, it is proposed in accordance with the invention for the receiving pipe (9, 18) to be a polygonal pipe produced from sheet metal.

Abstract: A device and a method for removing a liquid, foam, fat or other solid or liquid material or anything else that a user wants to remove or separate from a remaining liquid or solid that is left in a container.

Abstract: The invention provides a settling device comprising an acoustic wave generator and an inclined settling chamber. The angle ? between the acoustic wave direction and the inclined settling chamber is greater than 0 and less than 90°. The invention also provides a concentration method and a separation method using the device. The invention can be used to concentrate or separate particles such as inorganic particles, organic particles, and biological particles, for example, mammalian cells, bacteria, yeast, algae, and plant cells. The invention exhibits technical merits such as higher efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and large-scale production.

Abstract: An effluent weir system includes: one or more effluent wefts mountable within a separation tank; the effluent weir having an enclosed top portion, a bottom inlet and a discharge in fluid communication with a clear well riser; a clear well in fluid communication with the separation tank through the effluent weirs; a clear well riser with a bottom portion in fluid communication with the effluent weir discharge and a riser discharge, the riser discharge height being adjustable and including one or more sealing members. An effluent weir system may include multiple effluent weirs in fluid communication with multiple clear well risers. The effluent weir may include a peaked top portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating on skimmed oil/water picked up from a body of water to separate the oil from the water and discharge the oil-free water back into the body of water, first feeds the skimmed oil/water into a gravity settling tank wherein the oil tends to settle above the water, removing relatively oil-free water from the bottom of the tank and measuring its oil content with an oil concentration sensor, and either returning the oil/water flow to the settling tank for further processing if the measured concentration of oil exceeds predetermined limits or discharging the water back into the body of water if the oil concentration is measured to be less than the predetermined value.

Abstract: Processes and apparatus for rapidly and efficiently removing liquid from a catalyst slurry comprising catalyst particles. A decanting barrel for dewatering the catalyst slurry may comprise a barrel body having a perforated portion, a reservoir in fluid communication with the perforated portion, and an evacuation conduit in fluid communication with the reservoir. In a process for removing the liquid from the catalyst slurry, the decanting barrel may be disposed in a container, the catalyst slurry may be added to the container, the liquid may be transferred from the catalyst slurry to the reservoir via the perforated portion of the barrel body, and the liquid may be removed from the reservoir via the evacuation conduit.

Abstract: A process for treating acid mine drainage containing heavy metals and soluble contaminants is provided. In one embodiment, at least a metal cation is added to the acid mine drainage at a pre-select pH to form insoluble heavy metal complexes. In one embodiment, the metal cation is a trivalent metal ion, e.g., ferric iron such as in ferric sulfate. In another embodiment, a divalent metal ion such as in ferrous sulfate is used. After the removal of the heavy metal complexes, the effluent water is treated with at least a phosphate additive to remove remaining soluble contaminants, thus producing a treated water stream with reduced levels of contaminants.

Abstract: A fuel supply system for a vehicle with internal combustion engine features a fuel tank and a water separator integrated in the fuel tank.

Abstract: A system for separating liquids from solids comprising an immobilization unit comprising an immobilization vessel containing a bed of magnetizable material and a magnet configured to produce a magnetic field within the immobilization vessel, wherein the immobilization vessel further comprises an immobilization vessel outlet and an immobilization vessel inlet for a fluid comprising liquid and metal-containing particles.

Abstract: The present application concerns a process for the removal of hydrocarbons from an aqueous stream, which process may include conducting a phenol-containing water stream into a separation column, separating the phenol-containing water in the column using heat to form an overhead portion and a bottoms portion, and collecting the overhead portion as well as the bottoms portion. Further, the process may include adding an eluent to an aqueous stream, thereby forming an aqueous mixture, subsequently conducting the aqueous mixture into a separation vessel, wherein it is allowed to settle into two phases, which form a hydrocarbon stream and a phenol-containing water stream, subsequently collecting the hydrocarbon stream, and conducting the phenol-containing water stream to the separation column for further separation.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed herein for separating a supernate from a suspension. The apparatus consists of a sample zone, a controllable gate, and an analysis zone. The sample zone holds the suspension. The analysis zone passively transports a supernate formed from the suspension by capillary transport. A controllable gate prevents the suspension in the transport zone from flowing into the analysis zone. The controllable gate can be triggered after the supernate has separated from the suspension to allow the supernate to flow into the analysis zone.

Abstract: A gravitational settling tank including a pressure vessel which precipitates solid content contained in slurry in which coal and solvent are blended, and separates the solid-content concentrated liquid from the supernatant liquid, and a supply pipe which supplies the pressure vessel with the slurry. A main body part and a nozzle part which is connected on the downstream side of the main body part and extends horizontally are provided in the supply pipe. A plurality of holes are provided in the nozzle part. By virtue of this, agitation of the solid-content concentrated liquid which has settled in the bottom is inhibited.

Abstract: One or more dilution tubes for increasing the dilution of pulp as it enters a thickener are provided. One or more pipes, referred to here as dilution tubes, can be added to sides of a feed pipe of a thickener. One end of a dilution tube can open to a tank of the thickener, and the other end can open into the feed pipe. As pulp flows through the feed pipe, low pressure suction can be created that pulls water from the tank, through the dilution tube, and into the feed pipe. The water pulled in through the dilution tube can increase the dilution of the pulp. A highly diluted pulp can contact a flocculent efficiently and lead to a high settling rate in a thickener. Accordingly, the use of dilution tubes can increase the efficiency of a thickener.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for refining iron from high-phosphorus content iron ores. The process involves mixing a high-phosphorus iron oxide ore and an alkaline solution of pH between about 12.5 and 13.5, screening the mixture by gravity to separate an alkaline-high-phosphorus solution from a low-phosphorus iron ore; and treating the low-phosphorus iron ore with lime and a natural gas.

Abstract: A removal device for removing gas bubbles and/or dirt particles from a liquid in a liquid conduit system or for removing an undesired liquid from the liquid in the liquid conduit system includes: a housing having: an entry, at least one exit, an inner space defined by the housing, at least one tube placed within the housing, where the at least one tube extends substantially between the entry and the exit and defines a main flow channel, at least one branch flow passage located near the entry for allowing fluid communication between the main flow channel and an area outside the tube and within the inner space defined by the housing, at least one return flow passage located near the exit for allowing fluid communication between the area outside the tube and the main flow channel, at least one quiet zone formed within the inner space.

Abstract: A method and system for treatment of flow-back and produced water from a hydrocarbon well in which fracturing operations are carried out using a phase separation and creating of positive charge in the water.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to systems for separating a target analyte from a suspension. A suspension is added to a tube. A float is also added to the tube, and the tube, float, and suspension are centrifuged together, causing the constituent components of the suspension to separate into different layers along the axial length of the tube according to their specific gravities. The float has a specific gravity that positions the float at approximately the same level as a layer containing the target analyte, when the tube, float and sample are centrifuged. Prior to isolation, the material may be located between an outer surface of the float and an inner surface of the tube, or within a central bore that extends longitudinally through the float. The target analyte may then be drawn into a compartment within the float, thereby isolating the target analyte from the other suspension constituents.

Abstract: In an improved fiber-film type contactor/separator an enhanced coalescing zone is provided by the presence of a disengagement device connected to a shroud that contains a bundle of high surface area vertical hanging fibers, where the enhanced coalescing zone diverts a portion of an admixture of immiscible liquids to flow radially in a path not parallel to the vertical axis of the hanging fibers whereby the diverted portion of liquids contacts a coalescing surface to cause at least one of the liquids to coalesce into droplets. The immiscible liquids are allowed to settle into separate phase layers and first and second outlets selectively remove the higher density liquid from the lower density liquid.

Abstract: A microchip including a separation portion for separating a first component and a second component from a sample containing the first component and the second component, respectively, a first collection portion for collecting the first component, a second collection portion for collecting the second component, a first flow path for guiding the first component from the separation portion to the first collection portion, and a second flow path for guiding the second component from the separation portion to the second collection portion is provided.

Abstract: A separator system operable to use centrifugation to fractionate a multiple component material, such as a suspension including blood, comprises a buoy. The buoy can be carried in a separation container and has a tuned density that is configured to reach an equilibrium position in the multiple component material. A guide surface is carried on a buoy upper surface and is inclined to an accumulation position near a buoy perimeter. The buoy suspension fractionation system can be used in a method of isolating a fraction from a suspension, and in a method for re-suspending particulates for withdrawal.

Abstract: A mechanical separator for separating a fluid sample into first and second phases within a collection container is disclosed. The mechanical separator may have a separator body having a through-hole defined therein, with the through-hole adapted for allowing fluid to pass therethrough. The separator body includes a float, having a first density, and a ballast, having a second density greater than the first density. A portion of the float is connected to a portion of the ballast. Optionally, the float may include a first extended tab adjacent a first opening of the through-hole and a second extended tab adjacent the second opening of the through-hole. In certain configurations, the separator body also includes an extended tab band disposed about an outer surface of the float. The separator body may also include an engagement band circumferentially disposed about at least a portion of the separator body.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for separating phases of a liquid mixture or dispersion from each other. The system includes a settler system, which includes a coalescing-enhancing plate comprising a front face and rear face and a plurality of openings. The openings are configured to selectively manipulate the flux of portions of the mixture to thereby increase phase separation of the mixture.

Abstract: A door for a settling tank is provided, including a suction port for connection to a suction pipe within the settling tank; a discharge port positioned below the suction port, for connection to a discharge pipe within the settling tank, and for receiving a pipe providing discharge from a discharge source; an overflow port positioned adjacent to the suction port; and a frac fill port.

Abstract: A method for treating an organic waste, in which the organic waste is pressurized and continuously supplied to a high temperature and pressure treatment apparatus to produce a slurried material by blowing steam into the organic waste to cause a reaction while heating, pressurizing and agitating. The slurried material is dehydrated to produce a separated liquid product and a separated solid product. The separated solid product includes sufficient combustible content to produce a fuel product. The separated liquid product is purified.

Abstract: A microreactor for separating heterogeneous liquids including a series or baffles and passageways is disclosed herein along with a methods for using such microreactors, and methods for manufacturing such microreactors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for separating the liquid part from the suspended matter in a sludge supplied in a continuous flow at a flow rate of QEB=V/hour. The flow is divided into at least two partial flows which are sprayed on top of one another into a sealed chamber of volume v<V/20, simultaneously injecting air therein at a flow rate d, said chamber being kept under overpressure conditions. The suspended matter of the thus treated flow is then left to decant in a collection container, with the cake or solid part falling to the bottom and separating from the liquid part which is continuously discharged.