Abstract: Processing of a reaction product mixture containing at least one volatile organic compound as well as lignin, lignin derived compounds, and/or unextracted cellulose and hemicellulose using a recovery system comprising at least two flashers or at least one flasher and at least two reboilers. In a particular embodiment, the reaction product mixture comes from reactions involving deconstruction (or digestion) of biomass, particularly cellulosic biomass which contains various polysaccharides (e.g., carbohydrates) and lignin.

Abstract: A method and system for efficient oil spill cleanup are disclosed. Inserting magnetic filings in the oil magnetizes the spilled oil. An electromagnetic boom associated with an oil spill cleanup apparatus is used to create a magnetic field proximate to the electromagnetic boom. The magnetic field draws the magnetized oil toward the boom. The magnetic field is periodically switched on and off to create a pumping effect and draws the magnetized oil to a collection apparatus. The electromagnetic boom is directed through the effected environment using a thruster on the distal end of the boom.

Abstract: A method for providing magnetic fluid treatment in which at least one electrical conductor comprising at least one length of an electrical conducting material having a first conductor lead and a second conductor lead is energized. The electrical conductor is coiled with at least one turn to form at least one uninterrupted coil of electrical conductor encircling at least a section of an outer surface of a conduit. Energizing the at least one electrical conductor establishes a magnetic field having lines of flux directed along the flow path and concentrated in a non-magnetically conductive region located between two magnetically conductive regions. A fluid is directed through the conduit past the non-magnetically conductive region to provide magnetic fluid treatment to the fluid.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a device and method for the filtration of gray water from a household. In some embodiments, the gray water can be filtered using a conical rotor and filtration media, which can provide enhanced filtration through the use of Taylor vorticity filtration. The filtered water can have various uses back in the household after filtration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a buffy coat extraction kit including: a kit body having a cylindrical plasma part that has an internal volume for forming a plasma layer, a cylindrical buffy coat part which extends in the longitudinal direction while communicating with the lower part of the plasma part and has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the plasma part and an internal volume for forming a buffy coat layer, and a cylindrical erythrocyte part which extends in the longitudinal direction while communicating with the lower part of the buffy coat part and has a diameter larger than the diameter of the buffy coat part and an internal volume for forming an erythrocyte layer, wherein the free end part of the plasma part and the free end part of the erythrocyte part are respectively opened; a lower packing movably accommodated in the erythrocyte part while maintaining an air-tight state; and a pusher moving the lower packing.

Abstract: A system and method for enhancing separation of a denser phase liquid from a lighter phase liquid within a multiphase stream. In one example, a cyclonic coalescer has a tubular housing and a plurality of coaxial flow chambers extending in the axial direction of the housing. A swirling element is associated with each of the plurality of coaxial flow chambers. The swirling elements are constructed and arranged to impart a tangential velocity of the stream flowing through the associated flow chamber.

Abstract: A method for washing a suspension of cells including a suspension fluid and a plurality of cells is provided. The method includes using centripetal force to generate a layer of wash solution against a cylindrical wall and to generate a cell suspension layer adjacent to the layer of wash solution. The method also includes forcing the cells through the layer of wash solution to generate a layer of clean cells. Devices for performing the method are also provided.

Abstract: Processing of a reaction product mixture of cellulosic biomass material containing at least one volatile organic compound at least one of lignin, a lignin-derived compound, unextracted cellulose, unextracted hemicellulose, a caramelan, and any combination thereof by vaporizing the at least one volatile organic compound using at least thermal energy generated by combusting at least a portion of the reaction product mixture. In a particular embodiment, the reaction product mixture comes from reactions involving deconstruction (or digestion) of cellulosic biomass which contains various polysaccharides (e.g., carbohydrates) and lignin.

Abstract: The present invention provides an annular centrifugal contactor, having a housing to receive a plurality of liquids; a rotor inside the housing; an annular mixing zone, with a plurality of fluid retention reservoirs; and an adjustable stem that can be raised to restrict the flow of a liquid into the rotor or lowered to increase the flow of liquid into the rotor. The invention also provides a method for transferring moieties from a first liquid to a second liquid, the method having the steps of combining the fluids in a housing whose interior has helically shaped first channels; subjecting the fluids to a spinning rotor to produce a mixture, whereby the channels simultaneously conduct the mixture downwardly and upwardly; and passing the mixture through the rotor to contact second channels, whereby the channels pump the second liquid through a first aperture while the first fluid exits a second aperture.

Abstract: A casing that squeezes sludge floc at one end portion, a screw shaft, a first screw blade spirally provided on an outer peripheral surface of the screw shaft, and a second screw blade provided side by side along a longitudinal direction of the screw shaft with the first screw blade with a predetermined interval from the first screw blade, are included. In the casing, a concentration zone and a separated liquid zone, which are substantially divided from each other by the first screw blade and the second screw blade, are formed. By rotation of the screw shaft, the sludge floc is squeezed in the concentration zone to be separated into sludge and separated liquid, and the separated liquid is moved rearward in the separated liquid zone to be discharged, while the sludge is discharged outside.

Abstract: A chain driven diffuser for use in a sugar extraction process, the diffuser including a diffuser floor, a plurality of chain ladder assemblies being displaceable relative to the diffuser floor, with each chain Id-der assembly comprising two opposing chains being driven by drive sprockets characterized in that at least some of the drive sprockets of the diffuser are driven independently from some of the other drive sprockets of the diffusor.

Abstract: A size sorting device for carbon nanotube agglomerate and a method for separating and collecting dispersed carbon nanotubes using the size sorting device are provided. The size sorting device and method for separation and collection may use a magnetic field for separating and collecting dispersed carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for in-line water treatment using strong magnetic fields to influence corrosion, separate toxins, suppress bacteria and bio-fouling, as well as inhibit or greatly reduce mineral scaling due to fluid flow in or around equipment components. For example, a device is provided for applying a magnetic field to a portion of tubing through which a fluid flow, such as water, is conveyed. The device includes a number of links joined together via detachable pivoting connections, such that links may be removed and/or links may be added, thereby allowing a diameter of the device to be adjusted so as to accommodate larger or smaller piping, as necessary, for retrofitting applications. The use of magnetic treatment of fluids such as water may allow extended cycles of operation with higher concentration of mineral salts without the use of chemical scaling suppressants.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system to separate, enrich, and/or purify a cellular population from a biological tissue, such as a tissue sample. For example, an adipose tissue sample can be acquired and disrupted. The disrupted tissue sample can then be separated and purified. The separated components can include multipotent, pluripotent, or other cell populations.

Abstract: A system and method are provided in at least one embodiment to process water to produce gas that can be separated into at least two gas flows using a water treatment system having a disk-pack rotating in it to cause out gassing from the water. In a further embodiment, the method and system use the gas released from the water to produce substantially fresh water from the processed salt water.

Abstract: Devices and methods for washing a suspension of cells are provided. The devices include concentric center, intermediate, and outer compartments. The center compartment and the intermediate compartment are in communication with each other by a first valve and the intermediate and outer compartments are in communication with each other by an opening, aperture, or second valve. The methods include loading a suspension of cells into the center compartment, loading a wash solution into the intermediate compartment, and rotating the device. Centripetal force forces cells through the wash solution and into the outer compartment, where they are isolated and collected.

Abstract: A method for processing thin stillage (TS), characterized by the following steps: a) feeding of thin stillage (TS) into a working vessel (3); b) concentrating of thin stillage (TS) in a filtration unit (9); and c) returning of a first substream of concentrated thin stillage to the thin stillage (TSI) present in the working vessel (3) in order to adjust the solids content, and apparatus for producing a protein-containing product of value.

Abstract: A method of separating a multiphase fluid, the fluid including a relatively high density component and a relatively low density component, that includes introducing the fluid into a separation region; imparting a rotational movement into the multiphase fluid; forming an outer annular region of rotating fluid of predetermined thickness within the separation region; and forming and maintaining a core of fluid in an inner region. Fluid entering the separation vessel is directed into the outer annular region and the thickness of the outer annular region is such that the high density component is concentrated and substantially contained within this region, the low density component being concentrated in the rotating core. A separation system employing the method is also provided. The method and system are particularly suitable for the separation of solid debris from the fluids produced by a subterranean oil or gas well at wellhead flow pressure.

Abstract: The invention in at least one embodiment includes a system for treating water having an intake module, a vortex module, a disk-pack module, and a motor module where the intake module is above the vortex module, which is above the disk-pack module and the motor module. In a further embodiment, a housing is provided over at least the intake module and the vortex module and sits above the disk-pack module. In at least one further embodiment, the disk-pack module includes a disk-pack turbine having a plurality of disks having at least one waveform present on at least one of the disks.

Abstract: An oil water composite fluid separator apparatus designed for use in industrial applications in which unwanted tramp oils or other fluids, such as hydraulic oils, with specific gravity less than that of the operating fluid are required to be removed from operating fluid such as water, lubri-coolants or other liquids.