Abstract: Compositions for water treatment are provided. In some embodiments, the composition comprises: a cationic polyacrylamide-type polymer having a charge density of about 10% to about 40% and a molecular weight of about 600×104 g/gmol to about 900×104 g/gmol; and a cationic surfactant, the surfactant comprising an alkyl quaternary ammonium salt. Also provided are related methods and kits for treating wastewater with dispersed and dissolved organic matters and oils. Embodiments of the compositions, methods, and kits can be used to treat oil-in-water emulsions, produced water, and process water containing dispersed and/or dissolved organic matter such as hydrocarbons from various process industries including Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD) oil operations.

Abstract: Coatings for reducing or preventing fouling of surfaces are provided. In some embodiments, the coating comprises a silane compound, a siloxane compound, a phosphonate compound, a silicone polymer such as PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane), or a combination of silane-siloxane-phosphonate-PDMS in various molecular configurations in single monolayer and overlay assemblies. Also provided are related methods for forming the coating as well as coated substrates such as heat exchangers. Embodiments of the coatings are highly hydrophobic with high contact angles and the coated substrates may be used in a variety of industrial applications that require handling of oil-in-water emulsions, process water and produced water from various process operations, including Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD) operations.

Abstract: Compositions for water treatment are provided. In some embodiments, the composition comprises: a cationic polyacrylamide-type polymer having a charge density of about 10% to about 40% and a molecular weight of about 600×104 g/gmol to about 900×104 g/gmol; and a cationic surfactant, the surfactant comprising an alkyl quaternary ammonium salt. Also provided are related methods and kits for treating wastewater with dispersed and dissolved organic matters and oils. Embodiments of the compositions, methods, and kits can be used to treat oil-in-water emulsions, produced water, and process water containing dispersed and/or dissolved organic matter such as hydrocarbons from various process industries including Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD) oil operations.

Abstract: A product and method comprising a cellulose based release layer. The cellulose release layer comprising cellulose particles having at least one dimension in the nanoscale range. The cellulose release layer being between a mold surface and moldable mixture surface during a molding process. The method comprising releasing a moldable mixture from a mold where the moldable mixture may include a pre-adhesive. A molded product comprising a release layer on its surface after molding.

Abstract: Coatings for reducing or preventing fouling of surfaces are provided. In some embodiments, the coating comprises a silane compound, a siloxane compound, a phosphonate compound, a silicone polymer such as PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane), or a combination of silane-siloxane-phosphonate-PDMS in various molecular configurations in single monolayer and overlay assemblies. Also provided are related methods for forming the coating as well as coated substrates such as heat exchangers. Embodiments of the coatings are highly hydrophobic with high contact angles and the coated substrates may be used in a variety of industrial applications that require handling of oil-in-water emulsions, process water and produced water from various process operations, including Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD) operations.

Abstract: Catalysts for dry reforming of methane are provided. In some embodiments, the catalyst comprises a catalyst composition comprising a nickel-copper mixture and a promoter, the promoter comprising barium. The catalyst may be more resistant to sintering and/or coking than conventional catalysts, allowing for use at high temperatures over long periods of time. Related methods for making the catalyst and methods for dry reforming utilizing the catalyst are also provided.

Abstract: Asphalt binders and related methods and uses are provided. In some embodiments, the asphalt binder is produced by: providing a high-asphaltene content petroleum feedstock; performing solvent deasphalting on the feedstock to produce a partially deasphalted oil and an asphaltene-rich residue; and collecting the partially deasphalted oil (DAO). The high-asphaltene content petroleum feedstock may comprise residue from vacuum distillation or flash separation of extra heavy oil or bitumen, or recycled asphalt. The DAO may itself be used as the asphalt binder or may be a component of a blend with the original feedstock. Asphalt binders may also be produced by blending residue and heavy distillate produced from vacuum distillation or flash separation, with DAO or the asphaltene-rich residue of the solvent deasphalting process. The disclosed methods allow for production of asphalt binders of a wide variety of performance grades.

Abstract: Methods for generating a vapor are provided. In some embodiments, the method may comprise heating a pressurized stream liquid brine in an ohmic heating device and introducing the resulting heated, pressurized stream liquid brine into a flash vessel such that the heated, pressurized liquid brine flashes to a vapor portion and a remaining liquid portion. In some embodiments, the method provides integrated vapor generation and water treatment such that feedwaters of varying water quality may be used. Also provided are related systems for generating a vapor.

Abstract: Reactors and systems for producing fuel gases are provided herein. In some embodiments, the reactor comprises: an outer sleeve, and inner reaction tube received within the outer sleeve, and an induction heater comprising an induction coil wrapped around the outer sleeve, wherein the induction coil is approximately the same length as the inner reaction tube and longitudinally aligned with the inner reaction tube. Systems including the reactor can be modular such that they can be installed on site at fuel stations and other locations. Related methods for making a fuel gas are also provided.

Abstract: Compositions for water treatment are provided. In some embodiments, the composition comprises: a cationic polyacrylamide-type polymer having a charge density of about 10% to about 40% and a molecular weight of about 600×104 g/gmol to about 900×104 g/gmol; and a cationic surfactant, the surfactant comprising an alkyl quaternary ammonium salt. Also provided are related methods and kits for treating wastewater with dispersed and dissolved organic matters and oils. Embodiments of the compositions, methods, and kits can be used to treat oil-in-water emulsions, produced water, and process water containing dispersed and/or dissolved organic matter such as hydrocarbons from various process industries including Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD) oil operations.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a biosensor for detecting the presence of and/or the amount of at least one fungal plant pathogen in a sample, comprising: a support structure; at least two interdigitated electrodes coupled to the support structure, wherein at least one of the interdigitated electrodes is functionalized with a linker coupled to at least one biological component that recognizes the at least one fungal plant pathogen; and an impedance measurement circuit coupled to the at least two interdigitated electrodes. The present disclosure also provides methods of detecting the presence of and/or the amount of at least one fungal plant pathogen in a sample, methods of making the biosensor described herein, as well as methods and uses of using the herein described biosensor for detecting the presence of and/or amount of at least one fungal plant pathogen.

Abstract: Methods for generating a vapor are provided. In some embodiments, the method may comprise heating a pressurized stream liquid brine in an ohmic heating device and introducing the resulting heated, pressurized stream liquid brine into a flash vessel such that the heated, pressurized liquid brine flashes to a vapor portion and a remaining liquid portion. In some embodiments, the method provides integrated vapor generation and water treatment such that feedwaters of varying water quality may be used. Also provided are related systems for generating a vapor.

Abstract: A device and method to reduce molecular background emission and to increase matrix management in solution cathode glow discharge (SCGD). A purging device for purging atmospheric gases from a solution cathode glow discharge (SCGD) apparatus, comprising a hollow body that encloses a plasma generated between a solid anode and a solution cathode, wherein the body comprises at least one opening for release of water vapor generated by the plasma. A method for reducing matrix interferences from a SCGD comprising introducing an internal standard into a sample to be analyzed, wherein the sample comprises at least one element of interest; determining a spatial emission profile of the internal standard; using linear correlation between the spatial emission profile of the internal standard and the element of interest to predict a crossover point; and using the crossover point of the element of interest to select a vertical acquisition height for SCGD analysis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for solution cathode glow discharge (SCGD) elemental analysis. A solution-catching collar, in the form of a weir, a wicking element, or combinations thereof between the outlet tip of the capillary tube and the base of a grounding electrode tip maintain a solution sample level proximate the plasma emission region.