Abstract: A process for facile separation of lighter hydrocarbon fractions from the heavier fractions of hydrocarbon oil feedstocks is disclosed, which utilizes novel sparging and reverse distillation techniques. The present invention can be utilized for the facile “topping” of crude oil extracted on-site. Moreover, while heavier hydrocarbon fractions may be shipped to refineries for further processing, this invention will also prove useful for quick separation of light fractions produced by cracking processes off-site.

Abstract: A process for facile separation of lighter hydrocarbon fractions from the heavier fractions of hydrocarbon oil feedstocks is disclosed, which utilizes novel sparging and reverse distillation techniques. The present invention can be utilized for the facile “topping” of crude oil extracted on-site. Moreover, while heavier hydrocarbon fractions may be shipped to refineries for further processing, this invention will also prove useful for quick separation of light fractions produced by cracking processes off-site.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a thermal reactor and method for thermal processing of particles carried in a gas stream through the reactor. The reactor system can operate in a continuous manner for the thermal processing of particles flowing through the reactor. The system in one embodiment employs a hybrid of microwave and radiant heating of the particles. In other embodiments, only microwave heating is employed, or only radiant heating is employed.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method comprising same for removing metal oxides from a substrate surface are disclosed herein. In one particular embodiment, the apparatus comprises an electrode assembly that has a housing that is at least partially comprised of an insulating material and having an internal volume and at least one fluid inlet that is in fluid communication with the internal volume; a conductive base connected to the housing comprising a plurality of conductive tips that extend therefrom into a target area and a plurality of perforations that extend therethrough and are in fluid communication with the internal volume to allow for a passage of a gas mixture comprising a reducing gas.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method comprising same for removing metal oxides from a substrate surface are disclosed herein. In one particular embodiment, the apparatus comprises an electrode assembly that has a housing that is at least partially comprised of an insulating material and having an internal volume and at least one fluid inlet that is in fluid communication with the internal volume; a conductive base connected to the housing comprising a plurality of conductive tips that extend therefrom into a target area and a plurality of perforations that extend therethrough and are in fluid communication with the internal volume to allow for a passage of a gas mixture comprising a reducing gas.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method comprising same for removing metal oxides from a substrate surface are disclosed herein. In one particular embodiment, the apparatus comprises an electrode assembly that has a housing that is at least partially comprised of an insulating material and having an internal volume and at least one fluid inlet that is in fluid communication with the internal volume; a conductive base connected to the housing comprising a plurality of conductive tips that extend therefrom into a target area and a plurality of perforations that extend therethrough and are in fluid communication with the internal volume to allow for a passage of a gas mixture comprising a reducing gas.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method comprising same for removing metal oxides from a substrate surface are disclosed herein. In one particular embodiment, the apparatus comprises an electrode assembly that has a housing that is at least partially comprised of an insulating material and having an internal volume and at least one fluid inlet that is in fluid communication with the internal volume; a conductive base connected to the housing comprising a plurality of conductive tips that extend therefrom into a target area and a plurality of perforations that extend therethrough and are in fluid communication with the internal volume to allow for a passage of a gas mixture comprising a reducing gas.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for conveniently manufacturing a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) at a cost that is less than five-hundred dollars per kilowatt of electricity. The method comprises forming an electrode layer and depositing an electrolyte material on the surface of the electrode. The formed structure is an electrode-electrolyte bi-layer. A second electrode is deposited onto this bi-layer to form a multilayer fuel cell structure comprising an electrolyte positioned between two electrodes. This multilayer structure is then heated and fired in a single thermal cycle to remove any binder materials and sinter, respectively, the fuel cell. This thermal cycle can be performed in a furnace having one or more chambers. The chamber(s) preferably contains a variable or multiple frequency microwave source for heating the cell and removing binder materials in the electrolyte and electrode structures. The chamber(s) also preferably include a convection and/or radiation source for sintering the fuel cell.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method comprising same for removing metal oxides from a substrate surface are disclosed herein. In one particular embodiment, the apparatus comprises an electrode assembly that has a housing that is at least partially comprised of an insulating material and having an internal volume and at least one fluid inlet that is in fluid communication with the internal volume; a conductive base connected to the housing comprising a plurality of conductive tips that extend therefrom into a target area and a plurality of perforations that extend therethrough and are in fluid communication with the internal volume to allow for a passage of a gas mixture comprising a reducing gas.

Abstract: In a system for thermally processing materials, at least one slot eductor is disposed in a wall or roof surface of the furnace chamber to provide circulation of gas within the furnace chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for binder removal and sintering of materials such as ceramic materials and products, LTCC intervals, solid oxide fuel cells and powder metals. A combination of microwave and convection/radiation heating is employed for binder removal and sintering. Preferably, the microwave heating is accomplished using a variable or multi-frequency microwave source. A gas atmosphere is provided in the furnace chamber by one or more eductors which produces a high volume gas circulation in the furnace chamber to achieve a highly uniform gas environment and temperature. The process in accordance with the invention controls the heating cycle, the heat sources and thermal profile depending upon the composition of the particular material being processed. The thermal processing can be accomplished in a batch furnace in which a product is loaded for processing and unloaded after processing.

Abstract: A modular furnace is fabricated from at least one module having a frame, a removable cover mounted to the frame, exterior cover panels on the frame, and an insulated case fastened to the interior of the module. A conveyor assembly extends through the module. A plurality of process zones, such as heating and cooling zones, are disposed within the module. Field replaceable universal blower assemblies are associated with each process zone. The motor shaft in each blower assembly is provided with a sealed bearing in the motor housing. Insulation within each module is held in place by gas permeable fabric covering large vent openings in cover panels to allow oxygen to diffuse out of the insulation rapidly upon start up.

Abstract: An integrated manufacturing system operative for managing the distribution to a factory floor as well as throughout a factory of the information that is necessary to effectuate the production of products on the factory floor. The information required for this purpose encompasses, but is not necessarily limited to, both the design information which is generated within the engineering enterprise and the scheduling information which is generated within the manufacturing resource planning system. This information consisting of design and manufacturing data pertaining to the product to be produced is in turn stored in a central repository for all shared information from whence as needed it is capable of being distributed in a logical and efficient fashion through operation of the integrated manufacturing system to the factory floor as well as throughout the factory so as to thereby enable the product to be produced on the factory floor in a most timely and most cost-effective manner.