Abstract: A method of manufacturing a blade component of rotor blade of a wind turbine includes providing a plurality of pultrusions constructed of one or more fibers or fiber bundles cured together via a resin material. The method also includes placing a protective cap over at least one end of one or more of the plurality of pultrusions. Further, the method includes heat treating a surface of the plurality of pultrusions while the protective cap remains over the at least one end. Moreover, the method includes removing the protective cap from the at least one end. The method further includes arranging the plurality of pultrusions in a mold of the blade component. In addition, the method includes infusing the plurality of pultrusions together so as to form the rotor blade component.

Abstract: A drug delivery sterilization system includes a housing defining at least one receptacle, a container assembly having first and second ends, an elongated portion extending therebetween, and an electron beam or x-ray generator disposed near the housing. The container assembly includes a container having a container contact region at the second end and an inner volume to contain a medicament, a seal member having a seal member contact region to form a sealing interface with the container contact region, and a coupling device adapted to sealingly couple the seal member to the container. The container assembly is at least partially disposed in the receptacle such that the second end of the container is exposed through the housing. The electron beam or x-ray generator generates a sterilizing beam that penetrates the seal member to sterilize the sealing interface.

Abstract: A photoelectrochemical cell includes a cathode with a front and back cathode surface, an anode with front and back anode surfaces, a conductive connector between the cathode and the anode, and an optical waveguide configured to direct sunlight to the back surfaces of the cathode and anode. The cathode is adapted for photoelectric generation of electrons at the back cathode surface and electrolytic generation of hydrogen at the front cathode surface. Similarly, the anode is adapted for photoelectric generation of electrons at the back anode surface and electrolytic generation of oxygen at the front anode surface. The photoelectrochemical cell may also include a waveguide optical concentrator coupled to the waveguide.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a process for converting a hydrocarbon feed including introducing a hydrocarbon feed comprising a C1+ alkane to a catalyst composition in a reactor, the catalyst composition comprising a Group 6-Group 15 metal supported on a support; and irradiating the hydrocarbon feed and the catalyst composition with electromagnetic energy in the reactor at reactor conditions to produce a product comprising a C2+ alkane, wherein the C2+ alkane of the product is heavier than the C1+ alkane in the hydrocarbon feed.

Abstract: Provided is an ultrafine bubble generating apparatus that generates ultrafine bubbles by generating film boiling by causing a heater provided in a liquid to generate heat, the ultrafine bubble generating apparatus including: an element substrate including a first heater that generates the film boiling in the liquid and a second heater that is arranged adjacent to the first heater, in which the first heater and the second heater are driven in different timings.

Abstract: The invention is directed towards enhanced systems and methods for employing a pulsed photon (or EM energy) source, such as but not limited to a laser, to electrically couple, bond, and/or affix the electrical contacts of a semiconductor device to the electrical contacts of another semiconductor devices. Full or partial rows of LEDs are electrically coupled, bonded, and/or affixed to a backplane of a display device. The LEDs may be ?LEDs. The pulsed photon source is employed to irradiate the LEDs with scanning photon pulses. The EM radiation is absorbed by either the surfaces, bulk, substrate, the electrical contacts of the LED, and/or electrical contacts of the backplane to generate thermal energy that induces the bonding between the electrical contacts of the LEDs' electrical contacts and backplane's electrical contacts. The temporal and spatial profiles of the photon pulses, as well as a pulsing frequency and a scanning frequency of the photon source, are selected to control for adverse thermal effects.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of comprehensive recovery of valuable elements such as bromine, base metal and precious metal from incineration ash, especially relates to a method for enriching precious metals from printed circuit board incineration ash by bath smelting-chlorination circulation process. The process mainly comprises pretreatment of the printed circuit board Incineration ash and circulation-chlorination enrichment process for precious metals. The crude copper, crude zinc sulfate, bromine, lead chloride and precious metal enriched slag are obtained. Compared with the traditional process, it realizes the cycle enrichment of precious metals as well as avoids the loss of valuable metals and secondary pollution caused by tail liquid discharge.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an energy conversion material including: a pair of 2-dimensional active layers; and a property control layer positioned between the 2-dimensional active layers, and the property control layer is changed in any one or more of structure and state depending on an external environmental factor and performs reversible switching between the 2-dimensional active layers.

Abstract: An ozone generator system utilizes an electrochemical cell to produce and control ozone concentrations within an enclosure or to supply ozone to a flow conduit. The enclosure may he coupled with a flow conduit that carries the produced ozone to a desired location. An enclosure may be a sterilization chamber and the concentration of ozone produced by the ozone generating system may be sufficient to sterilize articles within the enclosure. An oxygen control electrolyzer cell and/or humidity control electrolyzer cell may be coupled with the enclosure to further control the environment of the enclosure. A humidity control electrolyzer cell may be fluidly coupled with the ozone generator to supply humidity for reaction on the anode of the ozone generator.

Abstract: A shielding member for use in sterilizing drug container assemblies includes a housing. The housing includes a first shielding portion and a second shielding portion. The first shielding portion includes a first and second surfaces and a plurality of first bore portions extending between. The second shielding portion having a first and second surfaces and a plurality of second bore portions corresponding to and aligned with the plurality of first bore portions. The first and second bore portions cooperate to form a plurality of receptacles including a plurality of openings in the first surface of the first shielding portion of the housing. The receptacles are sized and configured to receive drug container assemblies, each comprising a container with a container contact region and a seal member disposed adjacent the container contact region to seal the contents of the container at a sealing interface, such that each drug container assembly is exposed out of the housing through one of the openings.

Abstract: A process for isolating 17O from water and a process for concentrating 17O by using the same are provided. The process for isolating 17O from water includes: mixing 17O-containing water with formaldehyde to prepare an aqueous formaldehyde solution; heating the aqueous formaldehyde solution to generate a vapor mixture containing water vapor and formaldehyde vapor; and obtaining 17O-depleted water, residual formaldehyde, and a gas mixture containing hydrogen and 17O-enriched carbon monoxide, through photodissociating the vapor mixture. An 17O-enriched water production process includes: an operation of adding hydrogen to the gas mixture to induce a catalytic methanation reaction to synthesize methane (CH4) and 17O-enriched water (H217O) through methanation, the operation being carried out following the process for isolating 17O from water.

Abstract: Photocatalytic device to dissociate an aqueous phase to product hydrogen gas, said device being set up in such a way that at least one photocatalytic system in contact with said aqueous phase can be irradiated by a light source to produce—through an oxidation reaction in said aqueous phase—oxygen gas, electrons and protons at a means of electron capture, said device comprising: a first zone comprising said aqueous phase, and a means for reducing said protons set up to carry out a reduction reaction on said protons by said electrons in order to generate hydrogen gas. said device being characterised in that said means for proton reduction is a proton exchange interface with a front side facing said means of electron capture, and a back side, with only said back side of said proton exchange interface bearing at least one catalyst and/or at least one catalytic system.

Abstract: An extreme ultraviolet light generating system includes a chamber; a target supply unit configured to successively output, toward a predetermined region in the chamber, a plurality of droplets including a first droplet and a second droplet of a target substance; a trajectory correcting laser apparatus configured to apply a trajectory correcting laser beam to each of the droplets moving from the target supply unit toward the predetermined region; a drive laser apparatus configured to apply a drive laser beam to each droplet having reached the predetermined region to generate plasma; and a control unit configured to control the trajectory correcting laser apparatus such that intensity of the trajectory correcting laser beam applied to the first droplet is different from intensity of the trajectory correcting laser beam applied to the second droplet.

Abstract: A multi-stage process for reducing the environmental contaminants in an ISO8217 compliant Feedstock Heavy Marine Fuel Oil involving a core desulfurizing process and a ultrasound treatment process as either a pre-treating step or post-treating step to the core process. The Product Heavy Marine Fuel Oil complies with ISO 8217 for residual marine fuel oils and has a sulfur level has a maximum sulfur content (ISO 14596 or ISO 8754) between the range of 0.05 mass % to 1.0 mass. A process plant for conducting the process is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of hydrating a dry powdered viscosifier such as a powdered polymer is disclosed. The method includes mixing the powdered viscosifier with a solvent such as water to form a mixture; moving the mixture through a cavitation zone; inducing energetic shock waves and pressure fluctuations in the mixture by mechanically inducing cavitation events within the mixture, the shock waves and pressure fluctuations untangling, separating, and straightening polymer molecule chains and distributing the chains throughout the mixture, and extracting the resulting hydrated viscosifier from the cavitation zone.

Abstract: An atom interferometer system includes a sensor cell comprising alkali metal atoms. An optical system generates first and second interrogation beams having respective first and second frequencies and a circular polarization. The optical system includes optics that provide the first and second interrogation beams through the sensor cell in a first direction and reflect the first and second interrogation beams back through the sensor cell in a second direction opposite the first direction and in a same circular polarization to drive the alkali metal atoms from a first energy state to a greater energy state during an interrogation stage of sequential measurement cycles. A detection system detects a state distribution of a population of the alkali metal atoms between the first energy state and the second energy state during the interrogation stage based on an optical response.

Abstract: Devices and methods relate to a portable self-powered wireless sensor and transmitter providing a tactile driven electric generator, using a 3D printed nano carbon and polymer electrodes. The device has two electrodes capable of producing greater than 2000 V, which when connected to a metal conductor is sufficient to create an electric field that can be used to wirelessly communicate a signal over a range of a few tens of meters. The sensor is completely self-powered and requires no motors or additional power such as active power supplies, batteries, or capacitors. The sensor generated waveform can be modulated by mechanical action such as hand tapping in a given sequence, which is preserved in the wireless signal (akin to Morse coding) and can be detected by existing compatible commercial electronic receivers. Resulting devices are suitable for security applications requiring wireless transmission of codes.

Abstract: A cathode part of an electrochemical reaction device comprises a conductor, a porous body, a reduction catalyst, an electrolytic solution flow path, a first flow path, and a second flow path. The conductor has a conductive surface. The porous body includes a first surface, a second surface, a first porous portion, and a second porous portion. The first surface is in contact with the conductive surface. A contact angle between an inner wall of the second porous portion and water is higher than a contact angle between an inner wall of the first porous portion and the water. The reduction catalyst is supported on the second surface to reduce carbon dioxide. The electrolytic solution flow path faces the reduction catalyst. The first flow path faces the first porous portion. The second flow path faces the second porous portion.

Abstract: Disclosed are photonic crystals containing photoresponsive molecules and a method of preparing the same. More particularly, it is possible to synthesize photonic crystals containing photoresponsive molecules that induce photoalignment of azobenzene by ultraviolet irradiation using bent-shaped liquid crystal molecules containing azobenzene, which causes photo-isomerization upon ultraviolet irradiation, form a periodic structure in a visible light region using a self-assembly phenomenon occurring as temperature decreases, realize a reflection color and enable reversible pattering.

Abstract: Described herein are various methods, systems, and apparatus for reducing and eliminating biofilms from hydrocarbons. A combination of oxidizing agents and radiation of certain wavelengths forms a synergistic reaction. The synergistic reaction generates EMODs, which are effective in reducing microbial count and eliminating or blocking biofilm formation, particularly in anaerobic environments. This synergistic reaction has a relationship to EMOD creation and has a detrimental effect on Microbial Contamination (MC), Microbial Influenced Corrosion (MIC) and biofilm creation. MC, MIC and biofilm can be eliminated or greatly reduced with the treatment methods in or on equipment including pipelines, storage tanks, and refinery processing equipment.

Abstract: An apparatus for the treatment of a liquid that includes a chamber having at least one inner surface, the chamber adapted for passage of a fluid therethrough. The chamber is at least 80 percent enclosed. The apparatus also includes an optional ultraviolet-transmissive tube disposed within the chamber and also adapted for the passage of the liquid therethrough. The apparatus further includes an ultraviolet lamp disposed within the chamber and, optionally, within the ultraviolet-transmissive tube. A reflective material is interposed between the chamber and the transmissive tube. The reflective material is adapted so as to reflect at least a portion of light emitted by the ultraviolet lamp, wherein the reflective material is at least 80 percent reflective.

Abstract: A laser annealing method includes: step A of providing a substrate having an amorphous semiconductor film formed on a surface thereof; and step B of selectively irradiating a portion of the amorphous semiconductor film with laser light. The step B includes a step of simultaneously forming, in the portion, two molten regions that have elongate shapes congruent to each other and are arranged in line symmetry with each other.

Abstract: An air purification unit has a housing which has at least one inlet opening for delivering an air stream and at least one outlet opening for discharging the air stream delivered via the inlet opening. At least one air purification unit and at least one lighting unit are arranged in the housing, wherein the at least one air purification unit and the at least one lighting unit are arranged opposite one another in the housing. The at least one air purification unit has at least one photocatalytically active surface region. The air stream is guided in the housing at least partially along the at least one photocatalytically active surface region of the at least one air purification unit, wherein the surface region is at least partially coated with titanium dioxide or doped with titanium dioxide ions ions.

Abstract: A system for heat transfer including a compressor, a regolith inlet, a first storage hopper, and a load. The compressor is in fluid communication with a closed loop system. The regolith inlet is in fluid communication with the closed loop system. The first storage hopper is adapted to carry an amount of regolith and is in fluid communication with the regolith inlet. The load is in fluid communication with the closed loop system between a compressor inlet a compressor outlet.

Abstract: The present invention provides a remediation method for degradation of cadmium in soil. The specific steps are as follows: step 1, determining the content of cadmium in the soil; step 2, crushing and sieving soil from a soil surface, and weighing; step 3, wetting the soil, and removing part of cadmium in the soil to obtain semi-remediated soil; step 4, mixing the semi-remediated soil with a remediation agent, and allowing to stand to obtain improved soil; and step 5, planting Bidens pilosa in the improved soil, and when a growing season is finished, uprooting, and ashing to obtain finished soil. The present invention utilizes anode and cathodes and a remediation agent to treat the cadmium contaminated soil, and plants Bidens pilosa in the soil to achieve a joint effect of electrodynamic remediation, chemical remediation, microbial remediation and phytoremediation to remediate the cadmium contaminated soil.

Abstract: Focused acoustic treatment of samples including a target biomolecule, such as cfDNA, may aid in the recovery of the biomolecule from a sample. cfDNA in a sample, whether chemically stabilized or not, may be linked or otherwise bound to histones or other proteins, e.g., by hydrogen bonds of histones or chaperone proteins to DNA and/or covalent crosslinks of such proteins to the DNA. Focused acoustic energy may remove or disrupt such links, aiding in isolation of the cfDNA from the sample.

Abstract: In order to suppress discharge of an unreacted content in a chemical reaction apparatus for irradiating a content with microwaves, a chemical reaction apparatus includes: a horizontal flow-type reactor in which a liquid content horizontally flows with an unfilled space being provided thereabove; a microwave generator that generates microwaves; and a waveguide that transmits the microwaves generated by the microwave generator to the unfilled space in the reactor, wherein the inside of the reactor is partitioned into multiple chambers to by overflow-type partition plates and that allow the content to flow thereover and an underflow-type partition plate that allows the content to flow thereunder.

Abstract: An organic contaminants treatment system comprises a first pH adjustment tank, a Fenton reaction tank, an H2O2 purging tank, a second pH adjustment tank, a holding tank, and a membrane tank. An organic contaminants treatment method couples Fenton reaction and membrane filtration.

Abstract: The invention provides creep resistant, lubricious and tough PVA-PAAm-hydrogels, creep resistant, lubricious, tough PVA-PAAm-hydrogel-containing compositions, and methods of making the same. The invention also provides methods of implanting or administering the creep resistant, lubricious and tough PVA-PAAm-hydrogels, or the PVA-PAAm-hydrogel-containing compositions to treat a subject in need. Methods of cross-linking pre-solidified or pre-gelled hydrogel particles and making cross-linked PVA-PAAm-hydrogels, and cross-linked PVA-PAAm-hydrogel-containing compositions also are disclosed herein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of increasing the American Petroleum Institute (API) gravity of feedstocks by reacting one or more mono-cyclic ether solvents such as oxolane with the asphaltene resident in bitumen or crude oils, at an ambient or elevated temperature, and at ambient or elevated pressure, to increase the API gravity and the economic value of the bitumen or crude oil, and a method for in situ manufacturing a mono-cyclic ether, oxolane, to rejuvenate bitumen or heavy crude oils into their younger lighter crude oils by blending methyl linoleate and methanol in a ratio; heating to produce oxolane; and contacting the oxolane as a solvent with the asphaltene resident in bitumen and heavy crude oils to release not only aromatic compounds, represented by toluene, but also the paraffinic alkanes, represented by n-heptane, making the feedstocks ready for extraction, separation of sand, pipeline transport and refining.

Abstract: Provided is a hydrogen generating apparatus adaptable to fluctuating hydrogen demand, particularly by enabling large-scale hydrogen production, generating pure hydrogen at a high yield. The hydrogen generating apparatus 1 generates hydrogen gas from a source gas by decomposing the source gas through catalysis and transforming it into plasma through electric discharge. The hydrogen generating apparatus 1 includes a dielectric body 2 defining a source gas flow channel 13, a catalyst 10 that decomposes at least part of the source gas in the source gas flow channel 13 to generate hydrogen gas, an electrode 3 contacting the dielectric body 2, a hydrogen separation membrane 5 facing the electrode 3 across the dielectric body 2, a hydrogen flow channel 18 guiding hydrogen separated by the hydrogen separation membrane 5, and a high-voltage power supply 6 supplying power to cause electric discharge between the hydrogen separation membrane 5 and the electrode 3.

Abstract: A fluid sterilization device includes: a straight tube that defines a processing flow passage; a light source that radiates ultraviolet light toward the processing flow passage in an axial direction of the straight tube; and a light receiving part that receives a portion of the ultraviolet light output from the light source. The straight tube is made of a fluororesin. The straight tube includes a recess formed in a part of an outer wall surface of the straight tube such that a thin part is partly provided in the straight tube. The thin part has a radial thickness from an inner wall surface of the straight tube that is smaller than a thickness in other parts. The light receiving part is provided in the recess to receive the ultraviolet light transmitted through the thin part.

Abstract: An exemplary device can be provided which can include, for example, a radiation source(s) configured to generate a first radiation(s), a spatial light modulator (SLM) arrangement(s) configured to receive the first radiation(s) and generate a second radiation(s) based on the first radiation(s), and a galvanometer(s) configured to receive the second radiation(s), generate a third radiation(s) based on the second radiation(s), and provide the third radiation(s) to a sample(s).

Abstract: Described herein are various methods, systems, and apparatus for reducing and eliminating biofilms from hydrocarbons. A combination of oxidizing agents and radiation of certain wavelengths forms a synergistic reaction. The synergistic reaction generates EMODs, which are effective in reducing microbial count and eliminating or blocking biofilm formation, particularly in anaerobic environments. This synergistic reaction has a relationship to EMOD creation and has a detrimental effect on Microbial Contamination (MC), Microbial Influenced Corrosion (MIC) and biofilm creation. MC, MIC and biofilm can be eliminated or greatly reduced with the treatment methods in or on equipment including pipelines, storage tanks, and refinery processing equipment.

Abstract: A method for deep dehydration and desiccation of cyanobacteria includes steps of flocculation conditioning, high pressure diaphragm plate-frame pressure filtration, quartz glass box-type desiccation and negative pressure paddle drying.

Abstract: An oil-based material-producing method includes a microwave irradiation step of irradiating oil-based material-producing microorganisms with microwaves. The oil-based material-producing method may also include a collecting step of collecting an oil-based material produced by the oil-based material-producing microorganisms after the microwave irradiation step.

Abstract: An acoustic resonator device includes a fluid chamber with a carrier surface and a reflector surface. The fluid chamber is filled with a volume of a fluid that includes a phase-separate material such as algae. The carrier surface is coupled to a transducer, which may be a lead zirconate titanate (PZT) transducer. The transducer, when supplied with electricity, emits an acoustic wave-based output of an output frequency (e.g., ultrasound). A sensor may be used to track one or more eigenfrequencies of the volume of fluid, the acoustic resonator device, or some combination thereof. A controller may receive tracking data from the sensor and control the voltage source, the transducer, or some combination thereof to ensure that the output frequency matches one of the tracked eigenfrequencies, thereby maximizing excitation of the fluid to improve efficiency of mixing, stimulation, and separation of materials from fluid (e.g., for algal biocrude production).

Abstract: Methods for synthesizing macroscale 3D heteroatom-doped carbon nanotube materials (such as boron doped carbon nanotube materials) and compositions thereof. Macroscopic quantities of three-dimensionally networked heteroatom-doped carbon nanotube materials are directly grown using an aerosol-assisted chemical vapor deposition method. The porous heteroatom-doped carbon nanotube material is created by doping of heteroatoms (such as boron) in the nanotube lattice during growth, which influences the creation of elbow joints and branching of nanotubes leading, to the three dimensional super-structure. The super-hydrophobic heteroatom-doped carbon nanotube sponge is strongly oleophilic and can soak up large quantities of organic solvents and oil. The trapped oil can be burnt off and the heteroatom-doped carbon nanotube material can be used repeatedly as an oil removal scaffold.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a conductive film, the method comprising the steps of: preparing a mixture liquid in which a catalytic metal is dispersed in a precursor or a precursor compound of a two-dimensional nanomaterial; and forming a catalytic metal/two-dimensional nanomaterial by irradiating the mixture liquid with ultrasonic waves to generate microbubbles, degrading the precursor compound using energy, which is generated when the microbubbles burst, to synthesize the two-dimensional nanomaterial on an outer wall of the catalytic metal, wherein the method further comprises: dispersing the catalytic metal/two-dimensional nanomaterial in a dispersion to prepare ink; and applying the ink on a substrate and performing rapid air-sintering. Thus, the two-dimensional nanomaterial is synthesized on an outer wall of a non-noble metal having high oxidative characteristics, thereby preventing oxidation of the metal from air and increasing thermal conductivity and electrical conductivity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermocycler comprising: a rotatable platform having a plurality of reaction wells or being adapted to receive a plurality of reaction containers, wherein the rotatable platform and/or the reaction wells are formed, at least in part, of a material which is adapted to be inductively heated by exposure to electromagnetic energy. An electromagnetic energy source is provided and is configured to direct electromagnetic energy at the rotatable platform, wherein the electromagnetic energy source surrounds a sufficient amount of the rotatable platform in order to heat the entire platform substantially simultaneously. In preferred embodiments, the electromagnetic energy source completely surrounds the rotatable platform. The invention further comprises a method of cycling a reaction mixture between predetermined temperatures utilising the novel thermocycler apparatus of the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the reactive gas consumption in a coating process using plasma, comprising the following steps: a) admitting reactive gas into a coating chamber, wherein the corresponding reactive gas flow is measured and, at the same time, the partial pressure prevailing in the coating chamber is measured, without igniting a plasma; b) admitting reactive gas into a coating chamber, wherein the corresponding reactive gas flow is measured and, at the same time, the partial pressure prevailing in the coating chamber is measured, wherein a plasma is ignited.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for reformulating raw gas and/or reducing and/or converting the tar in a raw gas from a gasification reaction. More specifically, a gas reformulating system having a gas reformulating chamber, one or more sources of or means for generating non-equilibrium plasma, and optionally one or more oxygen source(s) inputs and control system is provided. Methods of reformulation and/or reducing the tar concentration in a raw gas from a gasification reaction that uses non-equilibrium plasma are also provided.

Abstract: A method is provided for electrodepositing a coating a conductive workpiece. The method provides for individually switching on or off electrodes both interior to and exterior to the workpiece so as to control the deposition of the coating material on the interior surface and the exterior surface of the workpiece. Further, an electrode having insulating positioners can be utilized to provide for better centering of the electrode in the interior of the workpiece.

Abstract: A reaction chamber contains catalytic material(s). Tunable microwave source(s) each emit microwave radiation at corresponding time-varying microwave frequency(ies) or at simultaneous multiple different microwave frequencies. Microwave transmission element(s) irradiate the interior volume of the reaction chamber with the microwave radiation, emitted by the microwave source(s), that propagates along the transmission element(s) into the reaction chamber. The reaction chamber is characterized by a maximum temperature variation of a fixed-frequency, steady-state temperature spatial profile that results from irradiation of the reaction chamber by microwave radiation at a substantially fixed microwave frequency and at a reference microwave power level.

Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) heating system and process for rapidly and uniformly heating a plurality of articles on a convey line.

Abstract: Methods for synthesizing macroscale 3D heteroatom-doped carbon nanotube materials (such as boron doped carbon nanotube materials) and compositions thereof. Macroscopic quantities of three-dimensionally networked heteroatom-doped carbon nanotube materials are directly grown using an aerosol-assisted chemical vapor deposition method. The porous heteroatom-doped carbon nanotube material is created by doping of heteroatoms (such as boron) in the nanotube lattice during growth, which influences the creation of elbow joints and branching of nanotubes leading to the three dimensional super-structure. The super-hydrophobic heteroatom-doped carbon nanotube sponge is strongly oleophilic and an soak up large quantities of organic solvents and oil. The trapped oil can be burnt off and the heteroatom-doped carbon nanotube material can be used repeatedly as an oil removal scaffold.

Abstract: A container (10) used for sterilizing medical instruments and the like has a sealed filtered vent. A wall or a lid of the container has a vent area formed by a plurality of holes (12) that pass therethrough. The vent area is surrounded by a convex ridge (16) on an outside surface of the container, with a corresponding concave recess (26) on an opposing inside surface. A web of filter material (36) is sized and adapted to cover the vent area and overlie the concave recess. A cover plate (37) is generally planar, with a vent area formed by a plurality of holes (38) that pass through the cover plate. This vent area is surrounded by a convex ridge (43) that is sized and adapted to correspond to the concave recess of the sterilization container. An elastomeric gasket (127) with outwardly-projecting ridges is secured to at least the convex ridge of the cover plate.

Abstract: A method having the following steps: subjecting plastic waste material to a thermal pre-treatment in order to produce a liquid plastic mass, wherein the thermal pre-treatment of the plastic material is carried out in an inert gas atmosphere at a temperature that varies between 110° C. and 310° C.; simultaneously feeding the liquid plastic mass to a reaction apparatus; bringing the plastic mass into contact with a bed of particles of inorganic porous material contained inside the reaction apparatus at a temperature of between 300° and 600° C.; inducing thermocatalytic decomposition reactions at a temperature of between 300 and 600° C. in order to generate a mixture of hydrocarbons in a vapor phase; and separating the hydrocarbons from the vapor phase current generated inside the reaction means in order to produce a liquid mixture of hydrocarbons.

Abstract: There is provided a microwave plasma torch system comprising: a plasma generator; a microwave generator; and at least one plasma source gas injector, wherein the microwave generator includes a waveguide, wherein the plasma generator includes a discharge tube, wherein the discharge tube passes through a waveguide in a perpendicular to the waveguide, wherein the waveguide has a width na, where n is an integer equal to or larger than 2, wherein a is defined as a width of a waveguide having a dominant mode for propagating a microwave, wherein the discharge tube is positioned relative to the waveguide such that a diameter center of the tube encounters a longitudinal null line of an electric field distribution, wherein the discharge tube is further positioned relative to the waveguide such that a diameter center of the tube encounters a transverse null line of an electric field distribution, wherein the transverse null line is perpendicular to the longitudinal null line.

Abstract: A system and a method for a commercial nuclear repository that turns heat and gamma radiation from spent nuclear fuel into a valuable revenue stream. Gamma radiation from the spent nuclear fuel of the repository may be used to irradiate and sterilize food and other substances. Gamma radiation may also be used to improve the properties of target substances. Additionally, heat decay from the spent nuclear fuel of the repository may be harnessed to heat materials or fluids. The heated fluids may be used, for instance, to produce steam that may make electricity. The heating of working fluids for use in processes, such as heated fluid streams for fermentation or industrial heating, may be transported out of the repository and co-mingled with other heat input, or other fluids.