Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for processing hydrocarbon streams are provided. In an embodiment, a method for processing a hydrocarbon stream includes heating a feed stream in a convective bank. In the method, the feed stream is reacted in a first reaction zone to form a first effluent. The first effluent is heated in a first radiant cell that combusts fuel gas to heat the first effluent and forms a first exhaust gas. The method includes contacting the first exhaust gas with the convective bank to heat the feed stream.

Abstract: The method for the heat treatment of waste includes introducing the waste by into a bag and placing the bag inside an apparatus for treating waste, the apparatus including a cylindrical barrel, a removable closure lid and a bottom moveable inside the barrel, at least in the direction of the lid. After the bag has been placed in the apparatus heat treatment of waste is carried out by raising the temperature of the lid and the bottom and by providing this lid and this bottom with a hold temperature. At least during the rise in temperature of the lid and the bottom, and before the hold temperature is reached, this lid and this bottom are moved towards each other at least once. A temperature conferred on the lid differs by at most 2° C. from the temperature of the bottom.

Abstract: An exhaust purification device for vehicles comprises a connection unit, a combustion unit, a buffer unit, a filtration unit, an emission unit, and a control unit. The connection unit is adapted to be connected to an exhaust pipe of a vehicle's engine. The combustion unit includes a main housing, a fuel-atomization nozzle, and an igniter. The nozzle and the igniter are arranged in an open-end container. The nozzle is connected to a fuel tank. An air pump is connected to the open-end container. The buffer unit is provided with a temperature sensor, an exhaust-buffering mask, and a fan. The filtration unit can remove the soot contained in the exhaust gas. The emission unit includes an L-shaped porous tail pipe being sealed with a porous cover. The control unit is electrically connected with the igniter, the fuel pump, the air pump, and the temperature sensor for controlling their operations.

Abstract: An exhaust purification system of an internal combustion engine provided with an exhaust purification catalyst which reacts NOX and hydrocarbons. The exhaust purification catalyst includes an upstream side catalyst and a downstream side catalyst. The upstream side catalyst has an oxidation ability, while the downstream side catalyst carries precious metal catalyst particles on the exhaust flow surface and is formed with basic exhaust flow surface parts. The exhaust purification catalyst can make the concentration of hydrocarbons vibrate by within a predetermined range of amplitude and by within a predetermined range of period so as to partially oxidize the hydrocarbons or produce reducing intermediates at the upstream side catalyst. When the temperature of the upstream side catalyst is less than a first judgment temperature and the temperature of the downstream side catalyst is higher than a second judgment temperature, the temperature of the upstream side catalyst is made to rise.

Abstract: Provided are methods for decontamination of compartments, such as aircraft compartments and other types of compartments, and systems for implementing these methods. In some embodiments, a method involves detecting presence of one or more contaminants in a compartment. This information is used to select various decontamination conditions. In some embodiments, additional information, such as the type of the compartment (e.g., an aircraft compartment), temperature, and humidity, may be also considered while selecting the decontamination conditions. The decontamination conditions include identification of one or more decontaminating agents to be dispensed in the compartment, temperature profile of the air to be flown into the compartment, and timing of the decontaminant dispensing and air flowing operations. These conditions are selected to increase efficacy of the selected decontaminating agents with respect to the one or more detected contaminants and reduce impact on the aircraft compartment.

Abstract: It is an objective of the invention to provide a method for operating hydrogen separation devices which is capable of efficiently suppressing hydrogen embrittlement in a hydrogen separation alloy membrane and to provide a hydrogen separation device that performs favorably during repeated starting/stopping operations thereof. There is provided a method for operating a hydrogen separation device for separating hydrogen from a mixture hydrogen gas using a membrane separation technique with a hydrogen separation alloy membrane. The method comprises the successive steps of: stopping supply of the mixture hydrogen gas to the hydrogen separation alloy membrane with a temperature of the membrane within a range from 300 to 600° C.; supplying an oxidizing gas over a predetermined duration to at least an upstream side of the membrane with a temperature of the membrane within a range from 300 to 600° C.; and lowering the temperature of the membrane to below 200° C.

Abstract: The thermochemical conversion of biomass material to one or more reaction products includes generating thermal energy with at least one heat source, providing a volume of feedstock, providing a volume of supercritical fluid, transferring a portion of the generated thermal energy to the volume of supercritical fluid, transferring at least a portion of the generated thermal energy from the volume of supercritical fluid to the volume of feedstock, and performing a thermal decomposition process on the volume of feedstock with the thermal energy transferred from the volume of supercritical fluid to the volume of the feedstock in order to form at least one reaction product.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for microfluidic processing by programmably manipulating a packet. A material is introduced onto a reaction surface and compartmentalized to form a packet. A position of the packet is sensed with a position sensor. A programmable manipulation force is applied to the packet at the position. The programmable manipulation force is adjustable according to packet position by a controller. The packet is programmably moved according to the programmable manipulation force along arbitrarily chosen paths.

Abstract: A manufacturing system for producing polyolefin includes a polymerization reactor, a flash chamber, and a purge column. In certain embodiments, the purge column may receive a solids stream directly from the flash chamber. Further, the purge column may function as a feed tank for an extruder within an extrusion/loadout system. According to certain embodiments, the manufacturing system may be configured to consume less than 445 kilowatt-hours of energy per metric ton of polyolefin produced based on consumption of electricity, steam, and fuel gas.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for catalyst preparation. A system for catalyst preparation may include an agitator disposed inside a polymerization catalyst tank and configured to mix a polymerization catalyst and a solvent to generate a polymerization catalyst solution. The system may also include a heating system coupled to the polymerization catalyst tank and configured to maintain a temperature of the polymerization catalyst solution above a threshold. The system may also include a precontactor configured to receive feed streams comprising an activator and the polymerization catalyst solution from the polymerization catalyst tank to generate a catalyst complex. The system may also include a transfer line configured to transfer the catalyst complex from an outlet of the precontactor to a reactor.

Abstract: An example method includes determining that a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) component having a zeolite-based catalyst is contaminated with platinum (Pt). The method further includes elevating the temperature of the SCR component to at least 600° C. in response to the determining the catalytic component is contaminated with Pt, and maintaining the elevated temperature of the catalytic component for a predetermined time period thereby restoring reduction activity of the catalyst.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microelectronic sensor device and a method for the investigation of biological target substances (20), for example oligonucleotides like DNA fragments. In one embodiment, the device comprises a reaction surface (RS) to which target specific reactants (10) are attached and which lies between a sample chamber (SC) and an array of selectively controllable heating elements (HE). The temperature profile in the sample chamber (SC) can be controlled as desired to provide for example conditions for a PCR and/or for a controlled melting of hybridizations. The reactant (10) and/or the target substance (20) comprises a label (12) with an observable property, like fluorescence, that changes if the target substance (20) is bound to the reactant (10), said property being detected by an array of sensor elements, for example photosensors (SE).

Abstract: An intelligently controlled catalytic converter automatically monitors various operating parameters, such as water jacket temperature, catalytic input temperature, catalytic converter output temperature, oxygen level, ambient temperature, ambient humidity and/or ambient barometric air pressure, of a biofuel-fired device and automatically controls dampers, blowers and electric heaters in the device.

Abstract: Soluble or colloidal nanoparticles of molecularly imprinted polymer are produced reliably and consistently in a photoreactor with a reaction vessel (18) containing a solid phase (14) bearing immobilised template. Parameters such as temperature, fluid flows and irradiation time are controlled by a computer (52).

Abstract: The application provides a containerized gasifier plant. The containerized gasifier plant comprises a first ISO container having an interior, an exterior, and a primary container volume defined by the outer dimensions of the container; and a second ISO container having an interior, an exterior, and a secondary container volume defined by the outer dimensions of the container. A gasifier is placed within the primary container volume of first ISO container and an electric power supply unit is placed within the secondary container volume of second ISO container.

Abstract: An exhaust purification system of an internal combustion engine, having an exhaust purification catalyst in the exhaust passage of the engine of a vehicle, a fuel supply device provided in the exhaust passage upstream the exhaust purification catalyst and supplies fuel to an exhaust gas flowing into the catalyst, a heating device which heats the fuel supplied from the fuel supply device, and a controller which controls the heating device. The controller controls the heating device, when a first processing request based on a state of the exhaust purification catalyst is standing and a second processing request based on an operating state of the vehicle is not standing (t2), to a pre-heating temperature lower than an ignition threshold capable of igniting the fuel and, when the first processing request and the second processing request are standing (t3), to an ignition temperature higher than the ignition threshold.

Abstract: An apparatus for purifying a controlled-pressure environment in a chamber, including: a piece of lithium-aluminum alloy located in the chamber; an activation element arranged to impart energy to the piece of lithium-aluminum alloy to sublimate lithium from the piece of lithium-aluminum alloy; a feedback control system including a sensor system arranged to measure a condition within the chamber, and a controller in communication with the sensor and configured to control operation of the activation element according to an evaluation of the condition; and a collection plate located in the chamber and arranged to form a layer of the sublimated lithium on a surface of the collection plate.

Abstract: An electrical device for performing a particular function includes a system circuit for performing the function, and a dedicated power supply for providing power to the circuit. Both the system circuit and the power supply are hermetically sealed within a housing. The device within the housing is intended to be sterilized using high temperature, reaching a sterilization temperature. According to the invention, the device includes a thermal switch which is electrically connected between the system circuit and the power supply. With the present invention, the electrical components of a device are automatically protected from thermal damage during sterilization.

Abstract: A fluid reaction device includes a microfluidic reaction chip which accommodates a fluid, a heater, and a heat transfer facilitating layer which is interposed between the microfluidic reaction chip and the heater, the heat transfer facilitating layer has a higher thermal conductivity than air and can hold particles, wherein formation of an air layer can be prevented.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a temperature of an exhaust gas being introduced to a catalyst is provided. Using an adjustable flow controller, an adjustable amount of tempering fluid is provided to the exhaust gas prior to the exhaust gas proceeding to the catalyst. A sensor senses a parameter indicative of a temperature of the exhaust gas being introduced to the catalyst. A computer processor uses a relationship to relate the parameter to an adjustment of the adjustable flow controller that will adjust the amount of tempering fluid provided to the exhaust gas and change the temperature of the exhaust gas being introduced to the catalyst toward a target temperature. Adjustment of the adjustable flow controller is initiated by the computer processor to change the flow of the tempering fluid, and the relationship between the parameter and the adjustment of the adjustable flow controller is updated.

Abstract: A hydrogen generator of the present invention includes a reformer (16) for generating a hydrogen-containing gas through a reforming reaction using a raw material; a combustor (102a) for heating the reformer (16); a combustion air supplier (117) for supplying combustion air to the combustor (102a); and an abnormality detector (110a) for detecting an abnormality; and a controller (110) configured to control the combustion air supplier (117) such that the reformer (16) is cooled with a higher rate in an abnormal shut-down process executed after the abnormality detector (110a) detects the abnormality, than in a normal shut-down process.

Abstract: The present invention provides an all-in-one type continuous reactor for preparing a positive electrode active material for a lithium secondary battery. The continuous reactor includes a flange unit provided at one side of a cylinder; at least one reactant inlet port provided on the flange unit; a reaction product outlet port provided at the other side of the cylinder; a plurality of extra ports provided between the reactant inlet port and the reaction product outlet port; a temperature control unit disposed between an inner circumferential surface and outer circumferential surface; a pulverizing unit provided in the reactant inlet port; a flow rate sensor provided in at least one of the reactant inlet port; and a flow rate control unit configured to control the flow rate of the reactant.

Abstract: An exhaust after-treatment system for heating a sensor system attached to a diesel particulate filter for determining the condition of the diesel particulate filter is provided. The exhaust after-treatment system includes a diesel particulate filter, a sensor system, and a heating mechanism. The sensor system is configured to monitor pressure at an input end and an output end of the diesel particulate filter. The heating mechanism is in thermal contact with the sensor system. The heating mechanism is disposed downstream of an engine cooling system and enables a flow of engine coolant around the sensor system, preventing condensation and freezing of the sensor system.

Abstract: System to reduce the amount of NOx in exhaust gases of a vehicle. The system includes a storage space 1 containing an agent, a SCR catalytic converter 5, an injection module 6c to inject the agent upstream of the converter, a heat exchanger 2 containing a porous matrix, a shutter or injector 11 to control the flow rate of the agent to the exchanger, a valve 12 between the storage space and exchanger, to transfer thermal energy to gases during the starting period. The shutter or injector controls the flow of agent into the exchanger during the starting period to raise its temperature, and is closed when gases have reached a certain temperature. The valve regulates exchanger pressure during a period at operating temperature and conveys the agent to storage space when the exchanger pressure is higher than storage space pressure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for performing biological reactions in a nucleic acid sample. The device can comprise a reaction vessel receiving element that includes a plurality of reaction vessel holders and a gastight jacket or equalization plate containing a fluid changeable between liquid and gaseous states. The gastight jacket or equalization plate can be configured to provide temperature equalization among the reaction vessel holders. The reaction vessel receiving element can also include at least one Peltier element, a cooling element, and a controller configured to cycle the device through a predetermined time-temperature profile via heating and cooling.

Abstract: An apparatus to convert carbonaceous materials, particularly biomass and those biomass resources which are remotely located, into a solid material, which may be a high performance solid fuel, are presented. The apparatus provides a continuous process which can be completely powered by the energy contained in the biomass. The heat, mechanical power and electrical power are provided from the energy in the biomass, through the methods described. In this way, the apparatus is free to operate in remote locations, where no power or auxiliary fuel sources are available.

Abstract: In a computer-controlled, automated method, a nucleic acid amplification procedure is performed within a prescribed incubation temperature range within an instrument that comprises at least one thermal element situated at a first location of the instrument and an amplification incubator situated at a second, spaced-apart location of the instrument. A receptacle and its contents are exposed to the thermal element for a predetermined period of time at the first location, such that the temperature of the contents of the receptacle is adjusted to approximate the incubation temperature. The receptacle is then moved from the first location and into the amplification incubator, and, in the amplification incubator, a nucleic acid contained in the contents of the receptacle is subjected to the nucleic acid amplification procedure.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for catalyst preparation. A system for catalyst preparation may include an agitator disposed inside a polymerization catalyst tank and configured to mix a polymerization catalyst and a solvent to generate a polymerization catalyst solution. The system may also include a heating system coupled to the polymerization catalyst tank and configured to maintain a temperature of the polymerization catalyst solution above a threshold. The system may also include a precontactor configured to receive feed streams comprising an activator and the polymerization catalyst solution from the polymerization catalyst tank to generate a catalyst complex. The system may also include a transfer line configured to transfer the catalyst complex from an outlet of the precontactor to a reactor.

Abstract: Systems and methods conducive to the formation of one or more alkene hydrocarbons using a methane source and an oxidant in an oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) reaction are provided. One or more vessels each containing one or more catalyst beds containing one or more catalysts each having similar or differing chemical composition or physical form may be used. The one or more catalyst beds may be operated under a variety of conditions. At least a portion of the catalyst beds may be operated under substantially adiabatic conditions. At least a portion of the catalyst beds may be operated under substantially isothermal conditions.

Abstract: A sulfur breakthrough monitoring assembly for use in a fuel utilization system for detecting sulfur-containing compounds in desulfurized fuel, said monitoring assembly comprising: a heater for heating desulfurized fuel to a predetermined temperature, the predetermined temperature being between 450° C. and 600° C., a sulfur breakthrough detector adapted to receive heated fuel from the heater and including at least a reforming catalyst bed for reforming the heated fuel and a plurality of temperature sensors including a first temperature sensor for sensing temperature of the heated fuel before the fuel is conveyed through the reforming catalyst bed and a second temperature sensor for sensing temperature in the reforming catalyst bed, and a controller for determining whether concentration of the sulfur-containing compounds in the fuel exceeds a first predetermined concentration based on temperature outputs from the first and second temperature sensors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an analyzing apparatus (1) for analyzing a sample using a container (2) accommodating reagents sealed therein, while raising the temperature of the reagents up to a predetermined temperature. The analyzing apparatus (1) comprises a first temperature measuring means (31) for measuring temperature of the container (2), a second temperature measuring means (32) for measuring temperature around the container (2), a heater (4) for supplying heat energy to the container (2), and a controller for controlling the heater (4) based on a measurement result at the first and second measuring means (31, 32).

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to an apparatus for the preparation of a cleaning, sanitizing, or sterilizing solution. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a modular component, such as a cartridge. The cartridge may contain chemical precursors to allow the generation of chlorine dioxide. The apparatus has a fluid inlet, and separates the fluid into a first flow path, which fills a reservoir. It also has a second flow path, which is heated before passing through the cartridge to create the desired gas. The fluid output from the cartridge is then fed into the reservoir.

Abstract: A method and system for preventing exclusions in an air quality control system (AQCS) of a type having a scrubber, either a circulating fluidized bed (CFB), transport reactor (TR) or spray-dryer absorber SDA, and in all three cases with a flue gas recirculation FGR system. The invention automatically pre-heats flue gas recirculated to the input of the CFB/TR/SDA scrubber during periods of low temperature operation. The system supplements the “traditional” gas recirculation scheme with heater(s) that are used during periods of low temperature. During periods of low load conditions, the system monitors the SDA/TR/CFB inlet temperature and, when it falls below a setpoint, the control system increases the heat input of the pre-heater(s) in the FGR system in order to maintain a minimum inlet temperature.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing a hydrocarbon oil by performing a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reaction using a reactor for a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis including a reaction apparatus having a slurry containing catalyst particles and a gaseous phase located above the slurry to obtain a hydrocarbon oil, wherein the Fischer-Tropsch reaction is performed while controlling a temperature of the slurry so that a difference T2?T1 between the average temperature T1 of the slurry and a temperature T2 at the liquid level of the slurry in contact with the gaseous phase is 5 to 30° C.

Abstract: Invention presents a method of increasing the CO to H2 ratio of syngas. The method comprises passing syngas over a first rector (10) containing Cu at a first temperature effective for the reaction of CO2 within the syngas with the Cu to form copper oxide and CO. The temperature of the syngas is then reduces to a second temperature effective for the for the reaction of hydrogen within the syngas with copper oxide to form Cu and H2O. The syngas is then passed over a second rector (12) containing copper oxide so that the H2 within the syngas reacts with the copper oxide.

Abstract: Hydrogen generation assemblies, hydrogen purification devices, and their components are disclosed. In some embodiments, the devices may include a permeate frame with a membrane support structure having first and second membrane support plates that are free from perforations and that include a plurality of microgrooves configured to provide flow channels for at least part of the permeate stream. In some embodiments, the assemblies may include a return conduit fluidly connecting a buffer tank and a reformate conduit, a return valve assembly configured to manage flow in the return conduit, and a control assembly configured to operate a fuel processing assembly between run and standby modes based, at least in part, on detected pressure in the buffer tank and configured to direct the return valve assembly to allow product hydrogen stream to flow from the buffer tank to the reformate conduit when the fuel processing assembly is in the standby mode.

Abstract: A control system for controlling a machine for the temperature processing of containers for food products, having a movement element for moving containers to be processed on a movement path along which at least one temperature-processing zone is defined, the temperature-processing zone being divided into sub-zones each having a respective injection assembly for injecting processing fluid on the containers and a respective adjusting assembly for setting the temperature of the injected processing fluid. The control system is provided with a control unit coupled to the adjusting assemblies of the sub-zones for regulating the temperature of the processing fluid by performing a prediction of the output temperature of the containers located on the movement path based on a current operating condition of the machine and a past thermal trend for the containers, and controlling the adjusting assemblies based on the predicted output temperature.

Abstract: Hydrogen generation assemblies and their components are disclosed. In some embodiments, the assemblies may include a pump controller configured to select a flowrate from a plurality of flowrates based on detected pressure, and to operate the pump at the selected flowrate. In some embodiments, the assemblies may include a purge valve assembly configured to allow at least one pressurized gas to flow through a purge conduit from a pressurized gas assembly to a fuel processing assembly when power to the fuel processing assembly is interrupted. In some embodiments, the assemblies may include a damper controller configured to move a damper between fully open and closed positions based, at least in part, on detected temperature in a hydrogen-producing region. In some embodiments, the assemblies may include a reformer controller configured to operate a fuel processing assembly between run and standby modes based, at least in part, on detected pressure.

Abstract: Apparatus for conducting and monitoring chemical reactions comprises a base and a thermal cycler mounted on the base. A plurality of heat-conducting receptacles are mounted on the thermal cycler and in heat-communication therewith. Each receptacle comprises an opaque body defining a bore having an open end, a first window, and a second window. A cartridge is removably mounted on the receptacles. The cartridge comprises a plurality of light-transmitting reaction vessels, and conduits connected to the reaction vessels for processing and transferring fluid. The reaction vessels are received in the bores of the receptacles through the open ends of the bores. A light emitter is mounted on the base for illuminating the reaction vessels through the first windows of the reaction vessels. A light detector is mounted on the base for selectively receiving and detecting light emitted from the reaction vessels through the second windows of the receptacles.

Abstract: There is described herein a direct current power supply which offers improved control over an output signal. An input signal generated by an alternating current source is received and chopped by a solid state relay. The chopped signal is rectified by a bridge rectifier before being filtered by an “LC” (induction coil-capacitor) or “CLC” (capacitor-induction coil-capacitor) filter. The output signal can then be used as a direct current power supply signal. This power supply may be used in various types of ozone generation systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicular air cleaner. It is an object to provide a DOR system which can utilize a purifying function of an ozone purifying element containing an activated carbon for a long period of time. As shown in A1 and A2 of FIG. 5, in the activated carbon at an initial state, an ozone purification rate is almost the same at the same wind velocity even when a temperature condition is different, even though the ozone purification rate is changed when the wind velocity is changed. After the endurance test, the ozone purification rate is increased even at the same wind velocity when the temperature becomes high as shown in B1 and B2 of FIG. 5. Thus, the temperature condition difference affects the ozone purification rate more as the deterioration of the activated carbon continues.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting an alcohol into a fuel mixture which consists of alcohol, ether and water and is suitable for operating a combustion engine, in particular an internal combustion engine in a motor vehicle, converts the alcohol into the fuel mixture in a reactor at a suitable reaction temperature. The mixing ratio of alcohol fraction, ether fraction and water fraction in the fuel mixture is adjusted by controlling at least one reaction parameter of a reaction taking place in the reactor.

Abstract: The temperature control system is provided with a lower heat removing unit which is disposed at the bottom of a reactor inside which an exothermic reaction takes place and through which a liquid coolant is flowed, and an upper heat removing unit which is disposed in the reactor further above from the lower heat removing unit and through which the liquid coolant is flowed, recovering reaction heat inside the reactor and controlling a temperature inside the reactor. The lower heat removing unit is supplied with the liquid coolant which is adjusted for temperature by a first temperature adjustment unit, and the upper heat removing unit is supplied with the liquid coolant which is adjusted for temperature by a second temperature adjustment unit different from the first temperature adjustment unit.

Abstract: A reformer having improved performance and stability and a reformer control method, the reformer including a reforming reaction unit, a first sensor, a heat source unit, a second sensor, and a flow control unit. The reforming reaction unit converts a first fuel into a reformate. The first sensor senses a first temperature of the reformate generated from the reforming reaction unit. The heat source unit heats the reforming reaction unit with a combustion heat of a second fuel. The second sensor senses a second temperature at a fuel inlet of the heat source unit. The flow control unit controls a temperature of the reformate by regulating a flow of an oxidizer supplied to the heat source unit based on the first temperature, and controls a temperature of the heat source unit by regulating a flow of the second fuel supplied to the heat source unit based on the second temperature.

Abstract: A system and method for the treatment of biomass comprising mixing a biomass with an ionic liquid (IL) to swell the biomass and electromagnetic (EM) heating, preferably radiofrequency (RF) heating, said biomass. Additionally, a method of acidolysis of biomass comprising mixing biomass in an ionic liquid (IL) to swell the biomass; adding an acid, to lower the pH of the biomass below pH 7; applying radio frequency (RF) heating to the biomass to heat to a target temperature range; applying ultrasonic heating, electromagnetic (EM) heating, convective heating, conductive heating, or combinations thereof, to the biomass to maintain the biomass at a target temperature range; washing the treated biomass; and recovering sugars and released lignin.

Abstract: An apparatus for purifying a controlled-pressure environment in a chamber, including: a piece of lithium-aluminum alloy located in the chamber; an activation element arranged to impart energy to the piece of lithium-aluminum alloy to sublimate lithium from the piece of lithium-aluminum alloy; a feedback control system including a sensor system arranged to measure a condition within the chamber, and a controller in communication with the sensor and configured to control operation of the activation element according to an evaluation of the condition; and a collection plate located in the chamber and arranged to form a layer of the sublimated lithium on a surface of the collection plate.

Abstract: An electrical device for performing a particular function includes a system circuit for performing the function, and a dedicated power supply for providing power to the circuit. Both the system circuit and the power supply are hermetically sealed within a housing. The device within the housing is intended to be sterilized using high temperature, reaching a sterilization temperature. According to the invention, the device includes a thermal switch which is electrically connected between the system circuit and the power supply. The thermal switch is switchable between an open position wherein the system circuit is electrically isolated from the power supply and receives no power therefrom and a closed position wherein the system circuit is electrically connected to the power supply and receives power therefrom. The thermal switch switches from its closed position to its open position in response to the temperature within the housing rising to a predetermined switch-open temperature value.

Abstract: A quenching medium is delivered directly to selected regions or locations within a catalyst bed in a hydroprocessing reactor vessel in order to control the reactivity of a hydroprocess occurring in the selected regions or locations separately from other regions or locations. Temperature sensors for providing temperature indications and conduits for delivering the quench medium are distributed throughout the catalyst bed. One or more conduits can be selected for delivery of the quenching medium to selected regions or locations so that separate control of the level of reactivity in each of various regions or locations throughout the bed can be achieved.

Abstract: An engine exhaust treatment device is capable of combusting PM accumulated in a DPF or activating an exhaust purification catalyst even immediately after engine startup or at the time of light load operation. A combustible gas supply passage (8) communicates with an exhaust passage (4) on an upstream of a combustion catalyst (5). An air supply unit (9) and an ignition unit (10) are provided in this supply passage and interlocked with a control unit (11). Where a temperature of the exhaust is lower than a predetermined temperature, the control unit supplies air (12) to a combustible gas by the air supply unit (9) and causes ignition of the combustible gas by the ignition unit (10), so as to cause flame combustion of the combustible gas. The temperature of the exhaust (6) in the exhaust passage (4) is increased by heat of this flame combustion.

Abstract: An on-board Flex-Fuel H2 Generator provides devices and the methods of operating these devices to produce H2 and CO from hydrocarbons and bio-fuels. One or more parallel autothermal reformers are used to convert the fuels into H2 over the Pt group metal catalysts without external heat and power. The produced reformate is then cooled and the dry gas is compressed and stored in vessels at a pressure between 1 to 100 atmospheres. For this system, the pressure of the storage vessels and the flow control curves are used directly to control the amount of the reformers' reformate output. To improve thermal efficiency of a mobile vehicle or a distributed power generator, portion of the reformate from the storage vessels is used to mix with the primary fuels and air as part of a lean burn fuel mixture for the engine/gas turbine.