Abstract: A composition includes an aqueous solution including at least one fluorinated organic compound; and a reaction product of a source of iron(II) and a source of sulfite in the presence of water and molecular hydrogen. A method of making a catalyst includes reacting a source of iron(II) and a source of sulfite in the presence of water and molecular hydrogen. The water may include less than or equal to 1 weight percent dissolved molecular oxygen. The catalyst may be used for degrading fluorinated organic chemicals in aqueous media.

Abstract: Aspects of a detention pond retrofit device for detention basin outlet control provide structures designed to throttle stormwater flow and maintain the rate at which water is discharged from the system below Qcritical, the flow rate at which erosion and down cutting of the receiving stream would begin, based on channel morphology and bed material resistance. The primary goal of the device is to induce increased flow detention during low to moderate rain events, while providing similar hydraulic performance during large events to that of the detention basin performance prior to the installation of the retrofit unit. This is achieved through a “T” or “Y” design with split flow paths, in which the lower path is hydraulically restricted through the installation of structures while the upper path is unrestricted.

Abstract: Systems and methods are used to determine the location and severity of harmful algal blooms or other water quality parameters. GPS location information is transmitted from a mobile device and recent Satellite image data and water quality parameters are provided to the mobile device. Data regarding other locations, historical water quality parameters and algorithm based predictive results are provided for the end user. This provides for near-real time information allowing users to make decisions regarding fishing, beach closures, municipal water intake, etc. so as to avoid toxic effects of a harmful algal bloom.

Abstract: A flow imaging and monitoring system for synchronized management of wide area drainage that includes an interposer for supporting monitoring and management equipment in a manhole, a module for illuminating water flowing in pipes at the base of the manhole, a module for monitoring responses to reflected light, a sealed and rechargeable battery pack, and a data analysis and management system to interpret data streams in real time. The interposer can be adjusted to fit the diameter of the manhole and can be adjusted to be placed under the manhole cover. The module for illuminating the flowing water can be adjusted to generate various frequencies. The support structures for the modules can be adjusted for varying pitch, roll and yaw with respect to the manhole. The data analysis and management system is supported by cloud computing.

Abstract: Fail-safe methods for utilizing an over-center pump/motor in a hydraulic hybrid vehicle are disclosed. A high-pressure fluid shutoff valve and an optional electrically or manually operated valve are additionally provided as means to ensure disconnection of the high pressure source in the event of a failure. Displacement stroke position and pressure differentials across the pump/motor are continually monitored. On detection of various modes of failure or irregularity in control of displacement, actions are taken including any of: the high pressure and low pressure accumulators are shut off automatically or manually, a check valve between the high and low pressure ports of the pump/motor is activated, and a small amount of pressurized fluid is released from the high pressure circuit to depressurize the captive fluid. Safe startup and shutdown procedures are also specified.

Abstract: A method and device for the detection of low-level harmful substances in a large volume of fluid comprising using a concentrator system to produce a retentate and analyzing the retentate for the presence of at least one harmful substance. The concentrator system performs a method comprising pumping at least 10 liters of fluid from a sample source through a filter. While pumping, the concentrator system diverts retentate from the filter into a container. The concentrator system also recirculates at least part of the retentate in the container again through the filter. The concentrator system controls the speed of the pump with a control system thereby maintaining a fluid pressure less than 25 psi during the pumping of the fluid; monitors the quantity of retentate within the container with a control system, and maintains a reduced volume level of retentate and a target volume of retentate.

Abstract: An improved process for separation of liquid mixtures involves vapor stripping followed by mechanical compression of the vapor which is then exposed to a permeation membrane for separation of the compressed vapor. The apparatus for separating a liquid mixture of two or more solvents comprises components a stripping column, at least one over-head compressor and, thereafter, at least one selectively permeable membrane wherein the membrane separates the components of the vapor based on the different sorption and diffusion characteristics.

Abstract: A shut off valve is configured to shut off flow from the high pressure fluid line to the high pressure accumulator in a series hydraulic hybrid vehicle in order to quickly raise system pressure in the high pressure fluid line and enable additional torque output from the hydraulic motor for vehicle propulsion. A pressure relief valve is further provided to vent excess flow from the high pressure line to the high pressure accumulator as needed to avoid exceeding a maximum desired system pressure in the high pressure fluid line, thereby providing for safe and efficient hydrostatic operation in the vehicle.

Abstract: Vehicle mass is estimated in a hybrid motor vehicle. Upon determination of a significant change in vehicle mass, adjustments are made to control of the regenerative braking systems and to energy storage levels to improve fuel efficiency. Upon determination of an increase in vehicle mass, the amount of braking force applied to the vehicle by the regenerative braking system in response to brake pedal movement is increased in order to capture more braking energy before friction braking is used.

Abstract: To reduce emissions at higher engine loads and speeds, methanol fuel is port-injected with charge-air into a diesel engine, and diesel fuel is then direct-injected to initiate combustion. The charge-air has a reduced oxygen concentration sufficient to prevent pre-ignition of the methanol prior to injection of the diesel fuel, and to reduce NOx formation. At low engine speeds and loads, the engine may run on diesel fuel alone.

Abstract: Components of interest are captured on a resin column from a sample of exhaust gas from an operating vehicle. Makeup air is added to the residual exhaust gas flow exiting the resin column at a junction downstream of the resin column. Makeup air flow rate is determined using a laminar flow element and pressure and temperature gauges associated therewith. The sample and the makeup air are drawn together through a blower and the flow rate through the blower is calculated based on differential pressure across the blower and temperature of the gas drawn through the blower. The controller adjusts a proportional control valve in the makeup air line to regulate the sample flow rate, taken as the blower flow rate minus the makeup air flow rate, at a predetermined proportion of the exhaust gas flow rate.

Abstract: Method for deep desulphurization of hydrocarbon fuels includes following steps: (1) treatment of a hydrocarbon fuel under the condition of its mixing with gaseous oxidant selected from the group consisting nitrogen monoxide, dry air, ozone and a mixture of at least two of said reagents in order to oxidize sulfur-containing compounds presented in said fuel, and with a fine-dispersed adsorbent based on montmorillonite in order to adsorb oxidized sulfur-containing compounds, and (2) separation of spent adsorbent together with adsorbed oxidized sulfur-containing compounds from refined fuel.

Abstract: Methods for preparing and using a photocatalyst are described. The catalyst is prepared by oxidation of a metal salt which has been doped in situ to form a photocatalyst active in visible light. The photocatalyst is used for degrading toxic and irritating compounds and infectious agents.

Abstract: A fluid degasification system for a hydraulic circuit includes a gas/fluid separation tank, a fluid entry passage directing fluid into a small foam generating cup containing foam and a small amount of additional fluid, thereby stimulating foam formation. A separation screen is positioned below the foam generating cup to receive bubbles formed in the cup and to allow liquid to pass through the screen to a degasified-fluid collecting chamber below the screen as the bubbles resting on the separation screen decompose.

Abstract: A hydraulic hybrid vehicle includes elements such as a hydraulic pump driven by an internal combustion engine and arranged to draw in low pressure fluid and pump the fluid at high pressure to an accumulator. A hydraulic motor is powered by the pressurized fluid. Safety processes are provided for detecting and addressing a number of conditions that may arise in the operation of the hydraulic hybrid vehicle, including an initialization procedure for start-up of the vehicle, a shut-down procedure, and procedures for detecting and responding to failure of the pump or motor, internal and external fluid leaks, and non-responsive actuation and mode control systems.

Abstract: A hydraulic brake system includes a piston that separates a first pressure chamber from a second pressure chamber of a cylinder bore. A valve within a piston bore is movable between three positions. In the first position, the first and second pressure chambers are in fluid communication with a low-pressure fluid supply; in the second position, the second pressure chamber is isolated from the first pressure chamber and the low-pressure fluid supply; in the third position, a high-pressure fluid supply is in fluid communication with the second pressure chamber, allowing high-pressure fluid to flow into the second pressure chamber. High pressure in the second pressure chamber moves the boost piston, applying boosted braking pressure to a vehicle brake. Pressure in the second chamber against a surface of the valve biases the valve toward the first position.

Abstract: Disclosed is an open-path optical sensor. Typically, the optical sensor directs UV radiation from a source assembly to a detector assembly along a monitoring path. The source assembly emits UV radiation corresponding to a signal channel and to a reference channel. The detector assembly detects UV radiation corresponding to the signal channel and to the reference channel. The detector assembly is in communication with a data acquisition system, which compares the intensity of the detected UV radiation corresponding to the signal channel to the intensity of the UV radiation corresponding to the reference channel.

Abstract: A turbocharged engine system is configured to vaporize methanol using heat from exhaust gases and uses the vaporized methanol to drive the engine's turbocharger. The methanol may also be dissociated into hydrogen and carbon monoxide. After passing through the turbocharger, the vapor is injected into the engine by port injection. By selective timing of exhaust valves, the exhaust gases are separated into two streams, a first stream comprising gases ejected during exhaust blowdown, and a second stream of gases ejected during the remainder of the engine's exhaust stroke. The blowdown gases are employed to drive a separate turbine of the turbocharger.

Abstract: An energy storage car for a locomotive includes a hydraulic energy storage system designed to capture and reuse energy normally lost in dynamic braking. The energy storage car is preferably configured to provide functions sufficient to replace one of multiple locomotives used to pull a freight train. Braking and other methods for improved efficiency of such trains are provided.

Abstract: A reactor produces a surface corona for emitting UV light and for the production of ozone by passing air or oxygen through the surface corona. The emitted UV light activates a photocatalyst coated on a surface facing a surface with embedded electrodes which generate the surface corona. The photocatalyst is a thin film of nanoparticle TiO2 with primary particle size of 0.02 to 0.2 ?m was deposited on a substrate by a flame aerosol method. The method combines ozonation and photocatalysis to provide effective and efficient oxidation of alcohols and hydrocarbons to value added products. The method can also be used for air and water cleaning.