Abstract: Coupling for joining conduits in a dielectric heating reactor comprising: a connector for forming a sealed joint between conduits, and an expandable electromagnetic shield arranged to surround joined conduits such that electromagnetic shielding of the joined conduits is maintained in response to dimensional changes due to temperature and/or pressure. Furthermore, an electromagnetic heating reactor comprising: an electromagnetic enclosure having a pressurisable interior and a reactant supply conduit at least partially enclosed within the pressurisable interior, wherein the pressurisable interior is arranged to at least partially counterbalance pressure within the reactant supply conduit and further wherein the interior of the reactant supply conduit is sealed against the pressurisable interior.

Abstract: A method for the production of fluorinated carbon nanostructures such as carbon black is disclosed, wherein a plasma is generated in a plasma chamber and a fluorocarbon, or a fluorocarbon containing mixture, is supplied to the plasma to convert at least some of the fluorocarbon into a fluorinated carbon material. Direct pyrolysis of a fluorocarbon, or a mixture containing this, provides a one-step method for producing fluorinated carbon nanostructures with a formula CFx, where 0.06<x<0.15, the particles having a relatively narrow spread of diameters, and exhibiting excellent hydrophobicity.

Abstract: A method for the production of fluorinated carbon nanostructures such as carbon black is disclosed, wherein a plasma is generated in a plasma chamber and a fluorocarbon, or a fluorocarbon containing mixture, is supplied to the plasma to convert at least some of the fluorocarbon into a fluorinated carbon material. Direct pyrolysis of a fluorocarbon, or a mixture containing this, provides a one-step method for producing fluorinated carbon nanostructures with a formula CFx, where 0.06<x<0.15, the particles having a relatively narrow spread of diameters, and exhibiting excellent hydrophobicity.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for heating an electrically conductive fluid, such as potable water, and to a method of heating the same. The heating apparatus includes a plurality of electrodes in an array, and a controller for selectively energizing the plurality of electrodes, in different combinations, to thereby adjust the electrical resistance observed across the electrode array, in order to maximize the current drawn by the apparatus.

Abstract: A microwave plasma generating apparatus (10) has a microwave cavity (20) coupled to a microwave source (22) by a wave guide (24). Within the cavity (20) is a reaction tube (30) defining a plasma cavity (40). A gas inlet manifold (50) is provided at the top of the reaction tube (30), which is formed so as to introduce plasma gas tangentially to the longitudinal axis of the plasma. Plasma gas is thus injected into the reaction tube (30) so that it flows in a swirled manner, that is, in the form of a vortex. This prevents overheating of the reaction tube (30).

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for heating an electrically conductive fluid, such as potable water, and to a method of heating the same. The heating apparatus includes a plurality of electrodes in an array, and a controller for selectively energizing the plurality of electrodes, in different combinations, to thereby adjust the electrical resistance observed across the electrode array, in order to maximize the current drawn by the apparatus.

Abstract: A process for increasing the rate of biocatalysis reactions, which comprises applying a direct current electric field to a reaction mixture, wherein the reaction mixture and the electrodes used to apply said electric field are separated such that the reaction mixture does not come into contact with said electrodes.