Abstract: Processes for making toners, and in particular, emulsion aggregation (EA) toners. These toners exhibit a low melt temperature while simultaneously exhibiting excellent relative humidity sensitivity regarding charging properties. In embodiments, the process comprises the preparation of the latex emulsion comprising high ratio resin compositions by injection of steam and neutralization agent vapors into the latex emulsion.

Abstract: A resin production apparatus of the present invention includes: a reactor vessel having a vessel main body which polymerizes an ingredient to produce a thermoplastic synthetic resin which solidifies at room temperature and storing the synthetic resin in the molten state, an output mechanism disposed at a bottom part of the vessel main body, which outputs the synthetic resin in the molten state, and a temperature adjustment mechanism which adjusts temperatures of the vessel main body and the output mechanism so as to maintain the molten state of the synthetic resin; a cooling mechanism arranged below the reactor vessel, which continuously cools and solidifies the synthetic resin output from the output mechanism; and a crushing mechanism which crushes the synthetic resin fed out from the cooling mechanism.

Abstract: Polyester compositions described herein have properties which are particularly suitable for extrusion blow molding (EBM). These properties relate primarily to the rate of crystallization and melt strength or melt viscosity. Articles prepared from the polyester compositions exhibit good clarity, aesthetics, and other physical properties. The polyester compositions also exhibit broad molecular weight distribution (MWD), resulting in improved processability and melt strength. The crystallization rate allows for good drying characteristics while also enabling the use of regrind. In addition, the compositions exhibit improved recyclability, such as in existing PET recycling streams. In one aspect, articles are prepared in an extrusion blow molding method by combining a dry first polyester copolymer component, a dry second polyester component, and a chain extender to form a feed material suitable for extrusion blow molding.

Abstract: The present invention describes methods and apparatuses for the synthesis of 5-(chloromethyl)-2-furaldehyde (CMF) from saccharides in pure or crude form, the method comprising: (a) continuously contacting saccharides in pure or crude form, hydrochloric acid, and an organic solvent, by way of a continuous, biphasic-flow reactor assembly at a temperature from about 60 degrees C. to about 200 degrees C. and pressures from about 1 atmosphere to about 20 atmospheres, such that CMF is produced; (b) separating 5-(chloromethyl)-2-furaldehyde by liquid/liquid and solid/liquid phase separation; (c) producing at least five kilograms per day with at least 50% yield. Embodiments of the present invention can produce CMF in a continuous fashion, with high yield and without degradation of CMF to such side products as 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural (HMF), 2-(2-hydroxyacetyl)furan (HAF) and levulinic acid (LA).

Abstract: Apparatus and process for gas phase polymerisation of olefins. The apparatus includes (a) a reaction zone having a grid at its base, (b) an inlet located in the lower half of the reaction zone for introducing a reaction gas to the reaction zone, (c) an outlet located in the upper half of the reaction zone for removing the reaction gas from the reaction zone, and (d) a solids separation unit having an inlet fluidly connected to the outlet for removing the reaction gas from the reaction zone. The inlet of the solids separation unit is located at a vertical height lower than the outlet for removal of reaction gas from the reaction zone and such that the angle to the horizontal of a straight line drawn between the inlet of the solids separation unit and the outlet for removal of reaction gas from the reaction zone is greater than 20°.

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: Some embodiments of the present invention provide components for a serpentine fluid reactor which is optimized for one or more objective functions of interest such as pressure drop, erosion rate, fouling, coke deposition and operating costs. The components are designed by computer modeling the components individually and collectively in which the cross section of flow path is substantially circular under industrial conditions to validate the model design and its operation. Then iteratively the component designs are deformed and the operation of the deformed part(s) is modeled and compared to values obtained with other deformed models until the value of the objective function is optimized (e.g. at an extreme) or the change in the objective function is approaching zero.

Abstract: A device for controlling temperature in a reaction chamber is disclosed. The device comprises: a bladder assembly comprising a housing dimensioned to hold a reaction chamber disposed within an interior volume of the housing; and a first temperature-control bladder disposed within the housing, the first temperature-control bladder is configured to receive a temperature-control fluid and comprises a flexible, heat conductive surface that comes in contact with at least a portion of an exterior surface of the reaction chamber after receiving the temperature-control fluid. Also disclosed are a bladder thermal cycler, a temperature-control bladder assembly and methods for producing a thermal cycle in a reaction chamber.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the maintenance of active chromium-based catalysts and their use in polymerization processes are described. In one embodiment, a system for the introduction of multiple polymerization components to activate a chromium based catalyst within a mix tank is described. Other described features may include materials and methods to purify the liquid medium of a catalyst slurry so that the catalyst slurry maintains a high level of activity. The active chromium-based catalyst may provide polyolefins with a number of desirable properties in a reliable, consistent, and predictable manner.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for recovering polymer from a a gas phase reactor having a distribution plate via an outlet vessel comprising at least one apparatus for the breakup of polymeric agglomerates, the apparatus further comprising a feed pipe connecting the gas phase reactor and the outlet vessel a return gas line connecting the gas phase reactor and the outlet vessel, means for varying the flow rate through the return gas line from the outlet vessel to the gas phase reactor, and means for varying the outlet rate of polymer product from the outlet vessel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reactor (10) and a process for continuous polymerization, where the reactor (10) has an essentially tubular reactor housing (16). The reactor housing (16) has a drive (38) which runs along the geometric central axis (12) in the flow direction (22) and is configured as a central shaft. A rotatably arranged scraper or wiper (36) is provided within the reactor housing (16); the scraper or wiper (36) has at least one scraper or wiper blade (42) to run along an interior side (44) of the reactor housing (16). The rotational movement of the scraper or wiper (36) results in radial mixing of a stream within the reactor housing (16) which dominates gravity effects and, by virtue of shaping of the scrapers or wipers, optionally makes plug flow or backflow within the reactor (10) possible.

Abstract: Provided is a stirred tank polymerization reactor system having a reactor tank, a stirring assembly including a rotatable shaft that extends through a wall of the tank, and a triple barrier mechanical seal. The mechanical seal includes an outer cylinder mounted in the wall of the tank, an inner cylinder that is rotatable relative to the outer cylinder and connected to the shaft, and first, second, and third fluid barrier seals mounted between the outer and inner cylinders at different positions along the axis of rotation of the inner cylinder. First and second sources of pressurized barrier fluid are connected between the first and second pressure fluid barrier seals and the second and third barrier seals, respectively. The three barrier seals advantageously “step down” the differential pressure experienced by the uppermost barrier seals, substantially reducing mechanical stresses experienced by the annular sealing rings and seats.

Abstract: A reaction device having improved temperature control precision and reduced usage of heat transfer medium. The device includes a heat transfer medium circulation tube in contact with an outer wall of a reaction vessel containing a reaction liquid. The device has an inlet for the liquid heat transfer medium at the lower end portion of the heat transfer medium circulation tube, and an outlet for the heat transfer medium. Gaps between the heat transfer medium circulation tube and the reaction vessel outer wall include a filler in which a liquid can flow inside the filler. The outlet is formed so that the liquid heat transfer medium is discharged toward the filler. A member presses the heat transfer medium circulation tube against the outer wall of the reaction vessel. An outer vessel hermetically covers the outer circumference of the reaction vessel.

Abstract: Process for discharging polyolefin particles from a gas-phase polymerization reactor of a pressure from 1.0 MPa to 10 MPa to a discharge vessel of a pressure from 0.1 MPa to 1.0 MPa wherein the discharging is carried out discontinuously through at least two discharge lines in which the polyolefin particles are transported horizontally or upwards, process for polymerizing olefins at temperatures of from 30° C. to 160° C. and pressures of from 1.

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: Sterilizable separator tubes and methods of utilization of same are presented. Methods include providing a separator tube containing a separator substance that can be polymerized to a desired hardness following sterilization using radical generating radiation. The separator substance is formulated to have a density between that of the average densities of separable fractions derived from a sample fluid such as blood, and to be flowable. Upon centrifugation of a separator tube containing a fluid sample, the separator substance forms a barrier between the fractions. The barrier subsequently hardens to form a solid barrier when triggered by a suitable energy source.

Abstract: Polymerization reactor systems providing real-time control of the average particle size of catalyst system components are disclosed. Methods for operating such polymerization reactor systems also are described.

Abstract: A reactor system including an enclosed pressure relief system and/or a control system. The enclosed pressure relief system including a slurry separation system communicatively coupled with a pressure relief valve coupled to a loop reactor such that activation of the pressure relief valve results in discharge of a slurry from the loop reactor to the slurry separation system, wherein the slurry separation system is capable of separating solid and liquid components from gas components of the slurry and transmitting the gas components to a flare via a flare header.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a SCC with improved mobility of material to be removed due to a wider distance between the upper stages than a distance between the lower stages.

Abstract: A method for producing thermoplastic elastomer is disclosed and comprises the step of: blending a mixture including particles of vulcanized rubber material and a molten thermoplastic material such that the rubber material is subjected to mechanical shearing forces and the surfaces of the rubber particles undergo homolytic bond scission to form chains of free radicals which cross-link with the thermoplastic material. Apparatus for carrying out the method, elastomers produced by the method and articles produced from the elastomers are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for producing polymeric particles with pre-designed size, shape, morphology and composition, and more particularly the present invention uses a microfluidic polymerization reactor for producing same. The present invention disclosed herein provides a process for producing polymer particles with pre-selected shapes. The method includes injecting a first fluid comprising a polymerizable constituent with a controlled flow rate into a microfluidic channel and injecting a second fluid with a controlled flow rate into the microfluidic channel in which the second fluid mixes with the first fluid, the second fluid being immiscible with the first fluid so that the first fluid forms into droplets in the microfluidic channel. The microfluidic channel has pre-selected dimensions to give droplets of pre-selected size, morphology and shape.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the continuous production of a polymer by radical polymerization, wherein at least three materials are mixed with microstructures in one or more mixers and are then polymerized in at least one reaction zone.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reactor assembly for the production of polymers including a fluidized bed reactor (1) comprising a bottom zone (5), a middle zone (6) and an upper zone (7), an inlet (8) for the fluidization gas located in the bottom zone (5), an outlet (9) for the fluidization gas located in the upper zone (7); the outlet (9) for the fluidization gas being coupled with the fluidized bed reactor (1) via inlet (8); the equivalent cross-sectional diameter of the bottom zone (5) being monotonically increasing with respect to the flow direction of the fluidization gas through the fluidized bed reactor; the middle zone (6) having an essentially constant equivalent cross-sectional diameter with respect to the flow direction of the fluidization gas through the fluidized bed reactor; the equivalent cross-sectional diameter of the upper zone (7) being monotonically decreasing with respect to the flow direction of the fluidization gas through the fluidized bed reactor; wherein that the ratio of the height of

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing water-absorbing polymer particles, comprising thermal postcrosslinking in a contact dryer having external heated outer surfaces.

Abstract: Reactor assembly for the production of polymers including a fluidized bed reactor (1) comprising a bottom zone (5), a middle zone (6) and an upper zone (7), an inlet (8) for the fluidization gas located in the bottom zone (5), an outlet (9) for the fluidization gas located in the upper zone (7); the outlet (9) for the fluidization gas being coupled with the fluidized bed reactor (1) via inlet (8) via a gas circulation line; means for separation of solids from gas (2) being connected to said gas circulation line; the equivalent cross-sectional diameter of the upper zone (7) being monotonically decreasing with respect to the flow direction of the fluidization gas through the fluidized bed reactor; the middle zone (6) having an essentially constant equivalent cross-sectional diameter with respect to the flow direction of the fluidization gas through the fluidized bed reactor; the equivalent cross-sectional diameter of the bottom zone (5) being monotonically increasing with respect to the flow direction of the fl

Abstract: A process for producing water-absorbing polymer particles by polymerizing an aqueous monomer solution in a kneader having at least two shafts in axially parallel rotation, wherein the reaction mixture is transported in axial direction and the region at the start of the kneader is trace-heated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and apparatus for preparing an ethylene polymer by free radical polymerization under ultra-high pressure. The polymerization is carried out in an autoclave reactor in the presence of a free radical initiator. The autoclave reactor is characterized by having one or more elongated baffles affixed to the interior reactor wall.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices, assemblies, and systems are provided, as are methods of manipulating micro-sized samples of fluids. Microfluidic devices having a plurality of specialized processing features are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a high molecular weight polyethylene terephthalate (PET) via a solid state polymerization system. The method comprises using an acid catalyst to effectuate the conversion of acetaldehyde present within the system to 2-methyl-1,3-dioxolane, which can be readily removed. The invention also relates to PET prepared via this process, which can advantageously exhibit low levels of acetaldehyde.

Abstract: A process for recycling solvent used in an ethylene-based polymerization comprising: passing a solvent stream which has been used in a first ethylene-based solvent polymerization reactor through an online purification bed to produce a recycle solvent stream, wherein the solvent stream prior to being passed through the online purification bed comprises solvent, ethylene, hydrogen, polymerization by-products and optionally comonomer; and passing the recycle solvent stream from the online purification bed to a second ethylene-based solvent polymerization reactor; wherein the second ethylene-based solvent polymerization reactor exhibits a catalyst efficiency dip of less than or equal to 20% for no longer than a forty-eight hour period following a swap of the online purification bed to a regenerated purification bed which contains an adsorbent having low reactivity to alkenes is provided.

Abstract: A process for polymerization of a diene is provided. The process comprises: a) reacting the diene with hydrogen peroxide in a hydrophilic organic solvent in the presence of water to obtain a polymerization reaction mixture; b) contacting the polymerization reaction mixture with water having a temperature of from 20 to 80° C. to form a mixture having an organic phase and an aqueous phase; c) removing unreacted gaseous diene from the water mixture obtained in b); d) separating the aqueous phase comprising the hydrophilic solvent from the organic phase of the water mixture; and e) distilling volatile materials from the separated organic phase from d) to obtain the polymerization product; wherein a temperature of the reaction a) is from 50-150° C.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method to prepare a polylactic acid comprising the steps of: performing a ring opening polymerization using a catalyst and either a catalyst killer compound or an endcapping additive to obtain a raw polylactic acid of MW greater than 10,000 g/mol, purifying the raw polylactic acid by removing and separating low boiling compounds comprising lactide and impurities from the raw polylactic acid by devolatization of the low boiling compounds as a gas phase stream, purifying the lactide from the devolatization and removing the impurities from the gas phase stream of evaporated low boiling compounds by means of condensing the evaporated gas phase stream to give a condensed stream and a subsequent melt crystallization of the condensed stream, wherein the lactide is purified and the removed impurities include a catalyst residue and a compound containing at least one hydroxyl group such that the purified lactide is polymerized by feeding it back into the ring opening polymerization.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and process for the gas phase polymerisation of olefins, the apparatus comprising: a) a reaction zone comprising a grid at its base, b) an inlet located in the lower half of the reaction zone for introduction of a reaction gas to the reaction zone, c) an outlet located in the upper half of the reaction zone for removal of the reaction gas from the reaction zone, and d) a solids separation unit having an inlet fluidly connected to the outlet for removal of the reaction gas from the reaction zone, characterised in that the inlet of the solids separation unit is located at a vertical height lower than the outlet for removal of reaction gas from the reaction zone and such that the angle to the horizontal of a straight line drawn between the inlet of the solids separation unit and the outlet for removal of reaction gas from the reaction zone is greater than 20°.

Abstract: A device for controlling temperature in a reaction chamber is disclosed. The device comprises: a bladder assembly comprising a housing dimensioned to hold a reaction chamber disposed within an interior volume of the housing; and a first temperature-control bladder disposed within the housing, the first temperature-control bladder is configured to receive a temperature-control fluid and comprises a flexible, heat conductive surface that comes in contact with at least a portion of an exterior surface of the reaction chamber after receiving the temperature-control fluid. Also disclosed are a bladder thermal cycler, a temperature-control bladder assembly and methods for producing a thermal cycle in a reaction chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatuses and processes for manufacturing polymers of thiophene, benzothiophene, and their alkylated derivatives. A process for manufacturing polymers that includes isolating a sulfur-containing heterocyclic hydrocarbon from cracked naphtha and reacting the sulfur-containing heterocyclic hydrocarbon with a super acid to produce a polymer.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide a system and method for separation within a polymer production process. Specifically, a flashline heater configured according to present embodiments may provide more time than is required for complete vaporization of liquid hydrocarbons that are not entrained within a polymer fluff produced within a polymerization reactor. Such extra time may allow for liquid hydrocarbons that are entrained within the polymer fluff to be vaporized.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include processing steps and subsystems, within automated-biopolymer-synthesis systems and within other automated systems for organic-chemistry-based processing, for removing reagent solutions and solvents from reaction chambers following various synthetic reaction steps and washing steps undertaken during biopolymer synthesis. Embodiments of the present invention employ any of various different types of liquid-absorbing materials to wick, or remove by capillary action, liquids from reaction chambers. Wicking-based methods and subcomponents of the present invention remove significantly greater fractions of solutions from reaction chambers than conventional methods and subsystems and, in addition, are mechanically simpler and produce fewer deleterious side effects than currently used methods and subsystems.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making silicone-in-water emulsions comprising high viscosity silicone polymers is provided. In various aspects, polyorganosiloxanes are polymerized into high viscosity silicone polymers then emulsified in a continuous process, wherein the process is carried out using a single apparatus. In some aspects, the provided apparatus is an extruder for polymerizing polyorganosiloxanes into high viscosity silicone polymers and then emulsifying such polymers.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for producing an aromatic polyester, comprising a reactor, a rectifying column, a distillation pipe for feeding distillate gas from the reactor to the rectifying column, and a liquid returning pipe for returning reflux liquid from the rectifying column to a reactor, wherein the ratio of (b) the inside diameter of pipe of the liquid returning pipe to (a) the maximum inside diameter of drum of the reactor, (b)/(a), is 0.012 to 0.12. The production apparatus has an efficient rectifying effect and is suitable for producing an aromatic polyester having an excellent heat resistance and color tone efficiently with good polymerizability and at low cost.

Abstract: A method of treating a polymerization reactor effluent stream comprising recovering the reactor effluent stream from the polymerization reactor, flashing the reactor effluent stream to form a flash gas stream, separating the flash gas stream into a first top stream, a first bottom stream, and a side stream, wherein the side stream substantially comprises hexane, separating the first top stream into a second top stream and a second bottom stream, wherein the second bottom stream substantially comprises isobutane, and separating the second top stream into a third top stream and a third bottom stream; wherein the third top stream substantially comprises ethylene, and wherein the third bottom stream is substantially free of olefins.

Abstract: Processes and apparatus for purifying brine are provided including (1) providing an aqueous brine solution comprising one or more inorganic salts and one or more organic compounds and (2) conducting at least one unit operation for removing organic compounds from the brine solution to obtain a purified brine solution.

Abstract: An olefin polymerization reactor is provided with a first cylinder extending vertically; a first tapered cylindrical member placed in the first cylinder, having the inner diameter decreasing progressively downward, and having a gas inlet orifice at a bottom end thereof; a first liquid supplying part supplying a liquid so that the liquid may come into contact with an outer surface of the first tapered cylindrical member; and a gas supplying part supplying an olefin-containing gas through the gas inlet orifice into a first reaction region surrounded by an inner surface of the first tapered cylindrical member and an inner surface of the first cylinder above the first tapered cylindrical member, to form a spouted bed in the first reaction region.

Abstract: Provided are apparatus and methods relating to the finishing line of a continuous solution polymerization plant. In one aspect, an apparatus includes a pelletizer having cooling liquid, e.g., water or aqueous solution, into which is added a pelletization aid. In another aspect, the apparatus comprises means to remove residual polymer particles from the pelletizer cooling liquid. In a further aspect, the apparatus comprises conduits of at least 50 m in length for carrying propellant cooling liquid from the pelletizer to a drying apparatus. The residence time of the pellets in the cooling liquid may be 10 seconds or more. In a further aspect, a drying apparatus is provided for the pellets which comprises first and second drying zones. In a further aspect, a pneumatic conveyor is provided for carrying pellets to a packaging apparatus. In a further aspect, a packaging apparatus is provided comprising a blender silo.

Abstract: The present invention provides a photopolymerization device which allows a space irradiated with a light to have a high temperature while inhibiting a temperature rise of a light source used for the space. The photopolymerization device comprises: a housing; a polymerization space which is surrounded by a wall in the housing and in which polymerization is carried out; a light-emitting diode light source which irradiates a light for polymerization into the polymerization space; and a temperature control device which heats inside the polymerization space, wherein the light-emitting diode light source is arranged outside the polymerization space.

Abstract: Provided are a method for preparing fine round powdery polycarbonate and a method for preparing a high molecular weight polycarbonate resin using the same. More specifically, provided are a method for preparing fine round powdery polycarbonate, comprising (A) polymerizing non-phosgene polycarbonate, (B) extruding the polycarbonate into fine round powdery amorphous polycarbonate, (C) surface-crystallizing the fine round powdery amorphous polycarbonate in the presence of a solvent or dispersion medium, and (D) drying the surface-crystallized fine round powdery polycarbonate, and a method for preparing high molecular weight polycarbonate resin capable of obtaining polycarbonates with various molecular weights ranging from low molecular weights to high molecular weights by continuously using the obtained fine round powdery polycarbonate via a solid state polymerization step.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the continuous production of a polymer by radical polymerization, wherein at least three materials are mixed with microstructures in one or more mixers and are then polymerized in at least one reaction zone.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for making and using end-functionalized conjugated polymers. Embodiments of the invention comprise performing a coupling polymerization in the presence of AA monomers, BB monomers and an end capping compound that can react with a monomer and which is selected to include a functional group. The functional end groups can, for example, comprise polymers or small molecules selected for their ability to produce conjugated polymers that self-assemble into thermodynamically ordered structures. In certain embodiments of the invention, nano-scale morphology of such conjugated polymer compositions can be driven by the phase separation of two covalently bound polymer blocks. These features make the use of conjugated polymers an appealing strategy for exerting control over active layer morphology in semiconducting polymer materials systems.

Abstract: The invention relates to a continuous process for the preparation of amphiphilic graft polymers, wherein a vinyl ester component (B) composed of vinyl acetate and/or vinyl propionate (B1) and, if desired, a further ethylenically unsaturated monomer (B2), is polymerized in the presence of a polyalkylene oxide (A), a free radical-forming initiator (C) and, if desired, an additive (D), at a mean polymerization temperature at which the initiator (C) has a decomposition half-time of from 1 to 500 min, in at least one tubular reactor segment with a feed side and an outlet side, through which the reaction mixture comprising at least a part of component (A) to (C), and if desired (D), streams, a tubular reactor segment and the use of the inventive amphiphilic graft polymer. The invention further relates to an inventive amphiphilic graft polymer and the use thereof.

Abstract: A process for producing water-absorbing polymer particles, wherein an aqueous polymer gel is dried in a forced-air belt drier on a circulating conveyor belt and the surface of the conveyor belt has a multitude of elevations or depressions which are suitable for restricting the mobility of the aqueous polymer gel in transverse direction.

Abstract: A method for curing a resin includes the steps of placing the resin into a reaction vessel, drawing a vacuum in the reaction vessel, positioning the reaction vessel in a gaseous coupling fluid, and applying ultrasonic energy to the coupling fluid.