Abstract: An on-demand heater includes a plurality of heater banks disposed in series with one another between a heater fluid inlet and heater fluid outlet. Power to one or more of the heater banks is adjusted when a sensed exit fluid temperature from a heater bank differs from the partial fluid temperature increase assigned to that heater bank, such that the total desired fluid temperature increase is achieved at the heater fluid outlet in a controlled manner.

Abstract: An on-demand heater includes a plurality of heater banks disposed in series with one another between a heater fluid inlet and heater fluid outlet. Power to one or more of the heater banks is adjusted when a sensed exit fluid temperature from a heater bank differs from the partial fluid temperature increase assigned to that heater bank, such that the total desired fluid temperature increase is achieved at the heater fluid outlet in a controlled manner.

Abstract: An in-line heater having a heating vessel, defined at least in part by a wall, through which fluid to be heated flows. The wall of the vessel has at least one port formed therein. A fitting, having a body defining a pass-through passageway, is attachable to the port. An end of the body of the fitting has a groove or a ring which mates with a corresponding ring or groove of the port to form a liquid seal between the end of the fitting and the wall of the heating vessel.

Abstract: A positioning apparatus for a liquid level sensor includes a liquid level sensor support, such as a generally horizontal platform, having an aperture for receiving at least a portion of the liquid level sensor. An arm extends from the support and has an aperture for receiving a liquid outlet tube extending from an outlet of a liquid pass-through device. A hollow socket is spaced apart from the arm and removably attachable to the outlet of the liquid pass-through device. The apparatus maintains the relative position and orientation of the liquid level sensor to the liquid outlet tube extending from the outlet of the liquid pass-through device.

Abstract: A process and system for automated culture media preparation for microbiology testing includes providing a non-pressurized water tank having an air filter associated with the air vent thereof. Bacteria within the water is filtered, killed and/or disabled. The water is heated to a predetermined temperature. A predetermined amount of the purified and heated water is dispensed into a container for mixing with a culture media. The water dispensed into the container is weighed. Information relating to the temperature, volume and weight of the dispensed water and the culture media to be mixed with the dispensed water is electronically stored. A label having indicia, including the electronically stored information, is printed.

Abstract: A positioning apparatus for a liquid level sensor includes a liquid level sensor support, such as a generally horizontal platform, having an aperture for receiving at least a portion of the liquid level sensor. An arm extends from the support and has an aperture for receiving a liquid outlet tube extending from an outlet of a liquid pass-through device. A hollow socket is spaced apart from the arm and removably attachable to the outlet of the liquid pass-through device. The apparatus maintains the relative position and orientation of the liquid level sensor to the liquid outlet tube extending from the outlet of the liquid pass-through device.

Abstract: An in-line heater having a heating vessel, defined at least in part by a wall, through which fluid to be heated flows. The wall of the vessel has at least one port formed therein. A fitting, having a body defining a pass-through passageway, is attachable to the port. An end of the body of the fitting has a groove or a ring which mates with a corresponding ring or groove of the port to form a liquid seal between the end of the fitting and the wall of the heating vessel.

Abstract: A heater for solvents and flammable fluids having a heater core, an hermetically sealed electrical chamber, and a housing cap. The heater core includes a process fluid tube, a heating element, and a thermal well, all enclosed within a cast aluminum billet. The heating element, the process fluid tube, and the thermal well are all thermally associated with one another. The electrical chamber is embedded in a first end of the cast aluminum billet. Electrodes from the heating element extend into the electrical chamber and are connected to electrical wires. The electrical chamber is filled with a non-conducting epoxy that covers and encloses the electrical connections. The housing cap is sealingly disposed on the first end of the cast aluminum billet covering the electrical chamber.

Abstract: A heater for solvents and flammable fluids having a heater core, an hermetically sealed electrical chamber, and a housing cap. The heater core includes a process fluid tube, a heating element, and a thermal well, all enclosed within a cast aluminum billet. The heating element, the process fluid tube, and the thermal well are all thermally associated with one another. The electrical chamber is embedded in a first end of the cast aluminum billet. Electrodes from the heating element extend into the electrical chamber and are connected to electrical wires. The electrical chamber is filled with a non-conducting epoxy that covers and encloses the electrical connections. The housing cap is sealingly disposed on the first end of the cast aluminum billet covering the electrical chamber.

Abstract: A process for etching the surfaces of semiconductor substrates utilizes a texturing tank which introduces a process fluid through a circulating system. The process fluid is heated to a desired temperature and maintained at a desired concentration prior to entering a processing area where laminar flow is produced to more quickly and uniformly roughen the surface of semiconductor substrates. The texturing tank permits removal of bubbles and eliminates temperature stratification in the processing area.

Abstract: A process for etching the surfaces of semiconductor substrates utilizes a texturing tank which introduces a process fluid through a circulating system. The process fluid is heated to a desired temperature and maintained at a desired concentration prior to entering a processing area where laminar flow is produced to more quickly and uniformly roughen the surface of semiconductor substrates. The texturing tank permits removal of bubbles and eliminates temperature stratification in the processing area.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for reducing DI water consumption by delivering the DI water at an elevated processing temperature when demanded. The DI water is passed through a heater for heating the DI water to a processing temperature in a single pass. The DI water is circulated through a recirculation loop, including the heater, until demanded. The DI water is monitored for contaminants and bubbles or voids. Detected contaminants or voids are discharged through vents of the system. Turbulence or biocides can be introduced into the recirculated DI water for inhibiting biological contamination.

Abstract: An in-line fluid heating system including a lamp module having a plurality of heating lamps. A fluid vessel is configured to slidably accept the lamp module therein. The fluid vessel includes a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, a central tube, and an outer envelope in fluid communication with and coaxial to the central tube. The heating lamp module is removably disposed between the central tube and outer envelope such that the fluid is heated as it passes through the central tube and the outer envelope. A reflector substantially surrounds the fluid vessel for reflecting energy emitted from the lamp module back into the fluid vessel. Insulation may substantially surround the reflector and fluid vessel to further prevent heat loss.

Abstract: An in-line fluid heating system including a lamp module having a plurality of heating lamps. A fluid vessel is configured to slidably accept the lamp module therein. The fluid vessel includes a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, a central tube, and an outer envelope in fluid communication with and coaxial to the central tube. The heating lamp module is removably disposed between the central tube and outer envelope such that the fluid is heated as it passes through the central tube and the outer envelope. A reflector substantially surrounds the fluid vessel for reflecting energy emitted from the lamp module back into the fluid vessel. Insulation may substantially surround the reflector and fluid vessel to further prevent heat loss.