Abstract: A reactor configuration and set of operating conditions for converting metal hydroxides into metal carbonates, with a focus on magnesium. Seeding of the carbonation reaction with the desired product phase enables directed precipitation. High pressures favor the use of a pipe flow reactor. A reactor design incorporating pipe reactors with recycling of a portion of reaction slurry to achieve both reactor design objectives is described.

Abstract: A process for using acid to leach metals from metal silicate, oxide, or oxide-hydroxide feedstock with subsequent alkalinization of the leach liquor, thereby bringing target metal ions into solution and separating the metals as hydroxides, oxides, or oxide-hydroxides. Electrodialysis is used to recycle acid and base in the process. Configurations of the electrochemical cell and means of combining cells in stacks and in series are provided that enable production of acid at high concentration allowing for decreased reactor volumes for leaching and precipitation and improved solid/liquid separation characteristics of the leached slurry.

Abstract: In response to the need for highly-sensitive antibiotic susceptibility assays and identification assays that do not require extensive incubation times, the present invention provides automated assay methods and systems that permit the determination of antibiotic susceptibilities and/or microorganism identification in a timeframe that is substantially shorter than has previously been attainable using a hybrid system that combines turbimetric and fluorescence determinations using a single, clear-plastic assay platform. Related devices, kits, and components thereof are also disclosed.