Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the recovery and purification of solid salt compositions from an organic liquid containing epoxy resin and at least one of epihalohydrin and solvent to obtain purified salt and/or brine compositions that may be useful in industrial processes.

Abstract: A device is provided for performing chemical transformation in a fluid, with a flow distributor having at least one fluid medium inlet, at least one fluid medium outlet, and at least one confinement wherein the chemical transformation is performed; and a means for rotating, rocking, wagging, or oscillating the device. At least one confinement may be equipped with a provision for providing heat, cooling, sound, light or other types of radiation, such provision being contacted to an external source through an actuator shaft. The flow distributor may be provided with sectors connected with the centrally located fluid medium inlet and a designated peripheral fluid medium outlet. The means for rotating, rocking, wagging, or oscillating the device may be an element producing magnetic fields or a shaft mechanically connected to an external actuating device.

Abstract: A method for treating waste water is provided, in which a wastewater is treated through a distilling process to obtain a distilled liquid, and then a reactant is added into the distilled liquid during the distilled liquid flowing to a liquid collecting tank, such that the reactant reacts with the distilled liquid by utilizing the residual temperature of the distilled liquid to form a processed liquid. Meanwhile, a system for wastewater treatment is also provided, which includes a distillation unit, a guiding unit, a means for adding the reactant, and a collecting unit. Since the present invention utilizes the residual temperature of the distilled liquid for the need of the reaction, an additional heat source is unnecessary, such that the consumption of energy can be greatly reduced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved cartridge-type dispenser for a chemical treatment composition which, when contacted with water or other liquid will at least partially dissolve or disperse, and thereby elute one or more chemical compounds to the water or other liquid. The improved cartridge-type dispense may be used itself, or in conjunction with a further apparatus.

Abstract: A process is disclosed which includes separating selected solids from a process stream with a selected solids mechanical processor containing a filter to produce a filtrate substantially free of selected solids and a retentate containing recovered selected solids. In one embodiment, the process stream contains an increased amount of liquid is provided to a downstream mechanical processor as compared to a process stream having no selected solids mechanical processor upstream. The selected solids mechanical processor can be a dynamic filtration device or a static separation device. Bio-oil recovery efficiency, quantity, and quality can be improved as a result.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a device, comprising a hollow body having at least one open end and at least one barrier inside of the hollow body, which is non-permeable for liquids and solids under ambience conditions, however, becomes liquid-permeable by applying an external force like pressure, drag force or driving power to said barrier, wherein said barrier is spaced from at least one open end of the hollow body, the use of such a device for processing of a liquid sample, a method for preparation of said device and a method for isolation or purification of any biomolecules using said device.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a device, comprising a hollow body having at least one open end comprising at least one solid matrix binding, adsorbing, absorbing, chelating or retaining compounds which are not desired in a sample and preferably at least one barrier which is non-permeable for liquids and solids under ambience conditions, however, becomes liquid-permeable by applying an external force to said barrier, the use of such a device for isolating or purifying a biomolecule from a sample, a method for preparation of said device and a method for isolation or purification of any biomolecule using said device.

Abstract: A microfluidic cartridge for isolating biological molecules having a capture chamber containing functionalized solid supports maintained in a fluidized state provides reduced pressure drops and bubble formation during microfluidic extraction. The cartridge may include an electric field lysis chamber and/or a chemical lysis chamber. The electric-field lysis chamber may comprise an electrically insulating structure arranged between two opposing planar electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a device, comprising a hollow body having at least one open end and at least one barrier inside or at the end of the hollow body, which is non-permeable for liquids and solids under ambience conditions, however, becomes liquid-permeable by applying an external force like pressure, drag force or driving power to said barrier, the use of such a device for collection, storage, treatment or isolation of a biomolecule or biomolecules containing samples, a method for preparation of said device and a method for isolation or purification of any biomolecules using said device.

Abstract: At least one embodiment of the inventive technology may involve the intentional changing of the stability of an emulsion from a first stability to a more desired, second stability upon the addition of a more aromatic asphaltene subfraction (perhaps even a most aromatic asphaltene subfraction), or a less aromatic asphaltene subfraction (perhaps even a least aromatic asphatene subfraction) to a emulsion hydrocarbon of an oil emulsion, thereby increasing emulsion stability or decreasing emulsion stability, respectively. Precipitation and redis solution or sorbent-based techniques may be used to isolate a selected asphaltene subfraction before its addition to an emulsion hydrocarbon when that hydrocarbon is part of an emulsion or an ingredient of a yet-to-be-formed emulsion.

Abstract: A crystallizer for the evaporative production of phenol-BPA adduct crystals is provided that achieves more uniform crystal growth while suppressing undesired crystal nucleation. The crystallizer includes a cylindrical vessel; a draft tube concentrically disposed within the cylindrical vessel such that an annular space is defined between the vessel and tube; an impeller that circulates liquid in the vessel through the draft tube and the annular space, and a plurality of nozzles mounted around an inner wall of said cylindrical vessel that introduce an evaporative coolant into the vessel. Each of the nozzles includes a discharge end disposed between about 30% and 60% of a radial extent of the annular space, and is located below an upper end of the draft tube a distance of between about 50% to 150% of the diameter of the vessel. Such a nozzle arrangement provides a consistent and uniform concentration of coolant across the surface of the boiling zone that prevents or at least reduces unwanted crystal nucleation.

Abstract: A set of vertically stackable interacting cartridges for improving the delivery of biocide of a bulk feeder by positioning the stackable cartridges in a stacked condition within a chamber in the bulk feeder wherein the stackable cartridges are maintained in vertical interacting flow alignment with each other to provide enhanced control of the delivery of the biocide carried within each of the stackable cartridges without replacing the control valves of the bulk feeder.

Abstract: Peptide targeting moieties that target the cells of the inner ear can be used for targeted therapeutics. As such, nucleic acids and/or drugs can be associated with the targeting moieties in order to provide therapeutics that are delivered to specific cells in the inner ear. Conjugation of drugs or gene therapy vectors to cell specific peptides may allow the treatment of individual cell types within the inner ear. The peptide targeting moieties can be polypeptides having the sequences of Table 1 in an unnatural configuration. The polynucleotide can either consist of the sequence or include additional polypeptides attached to the ends of the sequences shown in Table 1. The polynucleotide can be in a non-native configuration.

Abstract: A method for separating a polymer from carbon black in devulcanized rubber, the method comprising steps of inserting devulcanized rubber into a bath of a solvent, dissolving a polymer out of the devulcanized rubber and into a solution of the solvent and the polymer, removing the solution from the bath without disturbing an un-dissolved residue comprising carbon black, and recovering the un-dissolved residue.

Abstract: A cast solid product dispenser for controlling the inputs and operating parameters of dissolution of a cast solid product is disclosed. The dispenser (10) includes a housing (12) having a cavity (18) for removably receiving a container (14) holding a cast solid product. The dispenser (10) includes means for controlling the temperature and pressure of liquid used for dissolution of the cast solid product. The dispenser (10) also includes a pedestal (20) for maintaining a constant distance between the surface of the product and a nozzle (48) during dissolution. The dissolution cycle includes a pulse of spray generally followed by a delay to allow liquid used in the dissolution process to adjust to a desired temperature. A pressure regulator (42) adjusts the pressure variation between various liquid sources so both the pressure and temperature of liquid used in the dissolution process is generally constant.

Abstract: Described herein are methods, devices, and compositions for fractionation and processing of microparticles from biological samples, and to methods for obtaining and using the microparticles for biomarker discovery. Biological samples include cell-free fluids, for example blood plasma, blood serum, cerebrospinal fluid, urine, and saliva, as well as conditioned media. Conditioned media is the liquid growth media used to propagate cells in vitro. Purification of microparticles from cell-free fluids is challenging, typically accomplished by prolonged ultracentrifugation. Described herein is an alternative method for efficiently harvesting and processing microparticles from cell-free fluids and from conditioned media. Embodiments described herein relate to use of the microparticles and their contents recovered from conditioned media derived from propagation of human and animal cells, as a source of biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of diseases and pathological conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a reservoir for holding a chemical solution, a pump and a discharge nozzle. The pump has an inlet and an outlet connected to the reservoir by inlet and discharge lines. The nozzle is disposed in a lower portion of the reservoir and discharges the solution toward the bottom of the reservoir; the nozzle has an inlet port connected to the pump discharge line through the sidewall of the reservoir. The pump inlet line is connected to a sidewall of the reservoir at a location below a normal surface level of the solution, and the pump discharge line is connected to the sidewall of the reservoir above that location. The reservoir, pump, pump inlet line, pump discharge line, nozzle inlet line and nozzle form a closed loop recirculation system effective to suspend insoluble material in the chemical solution.

Abstract: A method of recovering minerals from hydrocarbonaceous materials can include forming a constructed permeability control infrastructure. This constructed infrastructure defines a substantially encapsulated volume. A comminuted hydrocarbonaceous material can be introduced into the control infrastructure to form a permeable body of hydrocarbonaceous material. The permeable body can be contacted with an agent sufficient to remove minerals therefrom. The agent is typically a solution containing a solvent, leachant, chelating agent and the like via which minerals can be removed having value, toxic minerals, radioactive minerals and the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and rapid methods for extracting strontium ions from urine to provide a concentrated and purified strontium-90 extract suitable for scintillation measurements. The methods remove organic compounds, pigments, and alkali metal ions that can interfere with quantitative determination of strontium-90 in urine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a container comprising at least a dry concentrate, wherein the dry concentrate is designed such that it forms at least one acid liquid concentrate, or a part of an acid liquid concentrate, which is suitable for manufacturing at least on dialysis solution, on its dissolving in a liquid, preferably in water.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus for the production of a uranium yellowcake from a uranium peroxide precipitate, the peroxide precipitate being in the form of a low solids content, uranium rich feed slurry, the apparatus including: a. a thickener for thickening the feed slurry to produce a thickener underflow with a solids content in the range of 15 to 50% w/w and a thickener overflow; b. a means for dewatering the thickener underflow to produce a solids cake with a solids content of at least 50% w/w and a dewater overflow; and c. an indirectly heated kiln for heating the solids cake at a temperature suitable to produce either a calcined uranium trioxide yellowcake or a dried uranium peroxide yellowcake.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-dosing detergent delivery device. In embodiments of the present invention, the device comprises a housing (2) for receiving a cartridge (200). The cartridge (200) has a plurality X of chambers, each accommodating a detergent composition. The device has a lid (3,1100) for receiving water/wash liquor and directing it selectively into a chamber of the cartridge (200) to contact the detergent composition therein and an outlet to allow the detergent loaded wash liquor to exit the device. The device has automatic indexing means (100) for automatic movement of said cartridge (200) relative to said lid (3,1100) so as to cause a neighboring chamber to be in an exposed, ready to be used, position prior to a next washing cycle and features an end stop mechanism (A,B) for preventing actuation of said automatic indexing mechanism (100) subsequent to an Xth washing cycle.

Abstract: A method of sequestering carbon dioxide emissions during recovery of hydrocarbons from hydrocarbonaceous materials can include forming a constructed permeability control infrastructure. This constructed infrastructure defines a substantially encapsulated volume. A comminuted hydrocarbonaceous material can be introduced into the control infrastructure to form a permeable body of hydrocarbonaceous material. The permeable body can be heated sufficient to remove hydrocarbons therefrom. During heating, the hydrocarbonaceous material is substantially stationary as the constructed infrastructure is a fixed structure. Additionally, during heating, any carbon dioxide that is produced can be sequestered. Removed hydrocarbons can be collected for further processing, use in the process, and/or use as recovered.

Abstract: A method of leaching a metal value from a heap of a metal-containing ore and a heap leaching operation are disclosed. The method includes establishing a downward flow of a leach liquor through a section of the heap by supplying the leach liquor onto a top surface of the section and allowing the leach liquor (containing metal values in solution) to drain from a lower part of the section. The method is characterized by supplying the leach liquor onto the top surface of the section at a flow rate that is sufficient so that the downwardly flowing leach liquor saturates the section of the heap.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and apparatus of extraction with the use of vacuum and can be used to extract the bioactive agents from raw materials. The method of extraction of materials, includes the heating the extractant, the preliminary extraction of raw materials with the heated rollers by means of extractant, the impregnation of raw material with extractant and extraction of raw materials in vacuum-impulsive mode by cycles, which include the heating with hot coolant gas not exceeding 39° C. and a creation of vacuum in the chamber in the regime of quick vacuum-impulsive exposure with stepwise multiple pressure drop from the atmospheric pressure to the pressure not more 0.0001 MPa, followed by keeping under vacuum to stabilize the temperature of the mixture and the vacuum relief at the end of the cycle.

Abstract: A process for extraction of crude oil from DDGS and producing corn distillers meal that may be used as a livestock supplement is disclosed. For example, the corn distillers meal may be used as a crude protein supplement for use in a livestock feed diet or a poultry feed diet.

Abstract: An apparatus for securely processing biological sample is used to wash, separate, or purify biological molecules, such as DNAs, RNAs, and proteins. The apparatus comprises at least one semi-permeable membrane column, a vacuum manifold, and at least one optional adaptor column. The semi-permeable membrane column is loosely received in the slot of the vacuum manifold. When the adaptor column is used, the semi-permeable membrane column is loosely received in the adaptor column, and the adaptor column is loosely received in the slot of the vacuum manifold. The apparatus also comprises sealing elements which are inserted between the column and the slot. When the semi-permeable membrane column contains liquid sample and vacuum is applied to the vacuum manifold, the liquid in the semi-permeable membrane column can be drawn out of the column through the membrane.

Abstract: A method of purifying a vapour product stream obtained from cracking of biomass catalysed by a fluidised solid catalyst is provided. The catalyst is separated from the vapour product stream to provide a de-catalysed vapour product stream. Solid biomass residue is cyclonically separated from the de-catalysed vapour product stream to provide a purified vapour product stream.

Abstract: Systems and methods for contacting a liquid, gas, and/or a multi-phase mixture with particulate solids. The system can include a body having a first head and a second head disposed thereon. Two or more discrete fixed beds can be disposed across a cross-section of the body. One or more unobstructed fluid flow paths can bypass each fixed bed, and one or more baffles can be disposed between the fixed beds.

Abstract: A Mobile Extractor for extracting essential elements from plant material and for transporting low concentrations of essential elements in a solution of solvent includes a clean tank, a hopper, one or more pumps, a plurality of valves, and a dirty tank. Plant material may be soaked or rinsed with a solvent that extracts essential elements from the plant material where the solvent washes the essential elements from the plant material into a dirty tank. When the operation is complete the dirty tank will contain a solution of solvent infused with essential elements from the plant material. The best mode of the invention extracts cannabinoid or cannabis related essential elements from raw cannabis plant material and stores it in a solvent bath. The best mode pump or pumps used is one or more vacuum pumps.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a continuous material extraction system for continuously extracting valuable components in the material by means of a solvent, the system comprising: an extraction tank which is a sealed container being substantially parallelepiped, wherein in the longitudinal direction of the extraction tank, the extraction tank has a first end at which a material inlet is provided, and a second end, and a material outlet is provided at the first end or the second end; the upper portion of said extraction tank is provided with a solvent inlet, and the lower portion of said extraction tank is provided with a solution outlet; in the longitudinal direction of said extraction tank, the lower portion of said extraction tank is provided with an extraction bath which is applied for accommodating the solvent and the material, wherein in the longitudinal direction of said extraction tank said extraction bath is provided with a material conveying mechanism and an ultrasonic generator.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for isolating a modified peptide from a complex mixture of peptides, the method comprising the steps of: (a) obtaining a proteinaceous preparation from an organism, wherein the preparation comprises modified peptides from two or more different proteins; (b) contacting the preparation with at least one immobilized modification-specific antibody; and (c) isolating at least one modified peptide specifically bound by the immobilized modification-specific antibody in step (b). The method may further comprise the step of (d) characterizing the modified peptide isolated in step (c) by mass spectrometry (MS), tandem mass spectrometry (MS-MS), and/or MS3 analysis, or the step of (e) utilizing a search program to substantially match the spectra obtained for the modified peptide during the characterization of step (d) with the spectra for a known peptide sequence, thereby identifying the parent protein(s) of the modified peptide.

Abstract: A system for producing thermally stable cutting elements may include a heat source, a pressure vessel, at least one polycrystalline diamond body attached to a carbide substrate, and a leaching agent is disclosed, wherein the heat source includes a container comprising at least one receiving mechanism and at least one retention mechanism, and wherein the carbide substrate is disposed in the at least one receiving mechanism of the pressure vessel, and wherein the leaching agent is disposed in the pressure vessel, and wherein the leaching agent removes the catalyzing material from the interstitial spaces interposed between the diamond particles of the at least one polycrystalline diamond body, and wherein the at least one retention mechanism of the pressure vessel seals at least a portion of the carbide substrate into the at least one receiving mechanism and prevents the leaching agent from contacting at least a portion of the carbide substrate.

Abstract: Growth medium filtration devices are provided which are particularly well adapted to sterilize gelatinous substance based growth mediums including agar, agarose and other polysaccharide derived growth mediums for use in agar plates and the like for culturing microorganisms. The devices may include one or more filtration units and at least one heat source for filtering the growth medium in a heated filtration process. Methods of filtering a growth medium, such as an agar growth medium, and methods of preparing a growth medium having low gelling point and lower molecular weight characteristics are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a feeder for dispensing a solution of at least partially dissolved solid matter therein, comprising (a) at least one container; wherein said container enclosing a bulk M of solid matter; (b) at least one feeding pipe, in fluid connection with said container, adapted to introduce a stream L of flowing liquid into said container; wherein a portion P of said bulk of solid matter is at least partially dissolved within said liquid such that said solution is provided; wherein P is substantially smaller than M.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-dosing detergent delivery device.

Abstract: A detergent dispensing device for an automatic washing machine has a cartridge, a selecting mechanism, an operating mechanism, and a thermal element. The cartridge includes a plurality of chambers to accommodate a detergent composition. The selecting mechanism selectively exposes each chamber to wash liquor allowing the detergent, in use, to be washed out of the chamber. The operating mechanism is movable from a first position to a second position for loading mechanical energy into the device which provides a restoring force for the operating mechanism. The thermal element retains the operating means in the second position and is arranged to move when subjected to an elevated temperature prevailing in an interior of the washing machine during a wash cycle, thereby the thermal element moves or releases the operating mechanism. The operating mechanism is arranged to advance the selecting mechanism to an adjacent chamber as the cartridge remains stationary.

Abstract: A process and apparatus is presented for the removal of solid particles from a gas stream. The process and apparatus includes adding a second stream of liquid that is sprayed over the openings in trays in a quench tower. The second spray stream provides for a veil of liquid to wash out solid particles from the vapor stream.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for effectively separating HMX and RDX from HMX/RDX-included explosives, respectively, without using a harmful organic solvent, the method capable of respectively separating HMX and RDX from HMX/RDX-included explosives by selectively dissolving RDX included in explosives by using a difference between solubility parameters of HMX and RDX with respect to compressed dimethylether. The present invention is further directed to an apparatus for respectively separating HMX and RDX from HMX/RDX-included explosives comprising a dimethylether supplying unit, an explosive particle dissolving unit, and an explosive particle collecting unit.

Abstract: A pressurized wastewater effluent chlorination system including a treatment tank defining a contact chamber and an aeration chamber. The treatment tank receives wastewater effluent. The system includes a pressure vessel within a liquid chlorine storage container positioned in or near the treatment tank. Preferably, the pressure vessel is a floating vessel having a check valve at its bottom, enabling the vessel to fill with a predetermined amount or measured charge of chlorine depending on the position of a float on the vessel. In response to a timer control or float switch, a valve operates to communicate air pressure from a compressor to the vessel to displace the measured charge of liquid chlorine into the wastewater effluent in the contact chamber. Effluent flow and air discharge into the contact chamber enhances mixing of the chlorine and the effluent.

Abstract: A magnetic separator comprising a separation chamber is provided. The magnetic separator comprises an inlet and at least one outlet, and a magnetic source operatively coupled to the separation chamber and comprising a plurality of magnets that can be selectively turned off and on to create a dynamic magnetic field in the separation chamber.

Abstract: This invention relates to new methods & kits that minimize the risks and challenges associated with sterilization of multi-component medical devices.

Abstract: A process for the continuous purification of biodiesel (fatty acid alkyl esters (FAAE)) is described using a powdered, granulated or extruded adsorbent. The adsorbent is contained in a column system and is regenerated for reuse multiple times. The crude biodiesel is contacted with an adsorbent packed into a column, or multiple columns in series, for a sufficient amount of time to remove impurities such as, but not limited to, soaps, metals, free glycerin, sterol glucosides and many of the other impurities that reduce the stability of biodiesel. The resulting finished biodiesel exiting the column(s) is ready for the methanol recovery process. Once the adsorbent no longer removes the desired amount of impurities, it is regenerated for reuse. The solvent used for the regeneration process is reclaimed and reused by recycling it back to the transesterification reaction.

Abstract: A solid chemical feed unit dissolver has an upper feed unit chamber with an inwardly tapering sealing surface at its lower end and against which a lowermost feed unit seals, retaining the upper chamber in a dry condition, preventing wetting and caking of solid chemical feed units behind the dissolving and sealed off face of the solid chemical feed unit. A solid chemical feed unit magazine is slotted to permit gentle feeding of a plurality of solid chemical feed units therein and a cover-defined sight slot permits guiding and visual observation of remaining solid chemical feed units in the magazine. The magazine preferably, but not necessarily, defines the tapering sealing surface. Distinctly shaped solid chemical feed units are disclosed. The dissolver can handle large solid chemical feed unit loads up to one hundred pounds or more and in a small footprint stable configuration. Methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recovery of lipids from microbial biomass, including providing wet microbial biomass to thermal pretreatment of at least 100° C. in a pressure vessel, subjecting the thermally pretreated microbial biomass to extraction using a liquid hydrocarbon as an extractant, and subsequently, recovering a product containing lipids.

Abstract: A method for isolating a target bioentity from a biological sample, comprises contacting the biological sample with a magnetically-labelled ligand having selective binding affinity for the target bioentity, or for a determinant on the target bioentity, to form a target bioentity/labelled ligand complex, locating a separation module having a defined fluid flow path in the magnetic field of a magnetic module, the magnetic module comprising an array of at least two magnets in which adjacent magnets in the array are aligned with opposing polarity; passing the biological sample through the separation module to subject the biological sample to the magnetic field while the sample is passing through the defined fluid flow path to magnetically capture the target bioentity/labelled ligand complex by arresting or hindering movement of the complex within the defined fluid flow path; removing the separation module from the magnetic field; and recovering the target bioentity/labelled ligand complex from the fluid flow path

Abstract: A new, novel and useful disinfection and purification system comprised of organic compounds in synergistic action with selected metal ions and method of manufacture and use. One of the benefits that is derived from this system is the ability to quickly and easily treat a surface, fluid or medium for disinfection of bacteria, fungi, viruses, algae and protozoans, with a non-toxic, non-chlorinated mixture that effectively kills all such organisms in minutes or hours. The disinfection and purification system remains effective for long periods of time maintaining its disinfection capacity making it highly effective for stored or transported mediums such as potable drinking water. The disinfection and purification system may be incorporated with carbon block or membrane filters to disinfect filtered liquids such as water to render it potable.

Abstract: The composite continuous countercurrent fluidized moving bed (FMB) and/or expanded moving bed (EMB) for carrying out processes such as recovery, purification or reaction of single or multiple component/s of interest, by contacting liquid phase containing the said component/s with the solid adsorbent in continuous countercurrent mode. In this composite fluidized moving bed and/or expanded moving bed system the net movement of the solids is against the liquid flowing in upward direction through the stages/columns, and sedimenting solids from the one stage/column are continuously fed to the top of the another stage/column placed below or alongside of previous stage/column, and also operating in fluidized/expanded bed mode, wherein its countercurrent contact with up flowing liquid is carried out. The system described herein consists of number of stages/column as per requirement of the process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for obtaining at least one aromatic amine from a liquid mixture comprising water and the at least one aromatic amine by extracting with at least one nitroaromatic in an extraction column (1) to form an essentially water-comprising raffinate stream and an extract stream comprising the at least one nitroaromatic and the aromatic amine. The extraction column (1) is divided by a dividing wall (3) into two regions (5, 7), and, in the case of an amount of liquid for separation which is less than a minimum cross sectional loading of the entire extraction column (1), the liquid mixture to be separated is fed only to one of the regions (5, 7) of the extraction column (1) divided by the dividing wall (3). The invention further relates to a process for preparing an aromatic amine and to an apparatus for separating a liquid mixture comprising water and at least one aromatic amine by extracting with at least one nitroaromatic, comprising an extraction column (1).

Abstract: A portable apparatus is provided which generates high purity breathable oxygen. The oxygen is produced in a reaction chamber from the reaction between an oxygen generating composition and a water/catalyst solution. The reaction chamber comprises a first compartment containing an oxygen peroxide adduct and a temperature stabilizing material formulated into controlled release tablets and a second sealed compartment containing a catalyst dispersed in an aqueous solution. The temperature stabilizing material undergoes an endothermic reaction upon dissolution in the solution. The tablets dissolve in the solution releasing hydrogen peroxide at a constant rate. The hydrogen peroxide is further decomposed into oxygen and water from contact with the catalyst. A first membrane made from a hydrophobic and gas permeable material, lets oxygen through while containing the reaction materials.