Abstract: The technical field of the invention is CO2 capture and sequestration, as well as gas separation and purification technologies. In an aspect is a process for capturing purified CO2 from a CO2-containing gas, comprising steps: (a) contacting in an absorber column the CO2-containing gas with an absorption solution comprising water, ammonia, and potassium carbonate, to enable adsorption of CO2, thereby producing a CO2-depleted gas and a CO2-rich solution; and (b) subjecting the CO2-rich solution to desorption conditions in a regeneration column producing a purified CO2 gas stream and a CO2-depleted solution.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for preparing an asymmetric hollow fiber, the asymmetric hollow fibers prepared by such methods, and uses of the asymmetric hollow fibers. One method involves passing a polymeric solution through an outer annular orifice of a tube-in-orifice spinneret, passing a bore fluid though an inner tube of the spinneret, dropping the polymeric solution and bore fluid through an atmosphere over a dropping distance, and quenching the polymeric solution and bore fluid in a bath to form an asymmetric hollow fiber.

Abstract: The technical field of the invention is CO2 capture and sequestration, as well as gas separation and purification technologies. In an aspect is a process for capturing purified CO2 from a CO2-containing gas, comprising steps: (a) contacting in an absorber column the CO2-containing gas with an absorption solution comprising water, ammonia, and potassium carbonate, to enable adsorption of CO2, thereby producing a CO2-depleted gas and a CO2-rich solution; and (b) subjecting the CO2-rich solution to desorption conditions in a regeneration column producing a purified CO2 gas stream and a CO2-depleted solution.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for preparing an asymmetric hollow fiber, the asymmetric hollow fibers prepared by such methods, and uses of the asymmetric hollow fibers. One method involves passing a polymeric solution through an outer annular orifice of a tube-in-orifice spinneret, passing a bore fluid though an inner tube of the spinneret, dropping the polymeric solution and bore fluid through an atmosphere over a dropping distance, and quenching the polymeric solution and bore fluid in a bath to form an asymmetric hollow fiber.

Abstract: A moving bed reactor system is provided. The system comprises at least one gas inlet, a distributor, a temperature control, a plurality of electrodes, and a spark control circuit. The spark control circuit drives the electrodes and generates a multi-arc discharge when the system is loaded with particles and a gas at approximately atmospheric pressure or greater is being pumped through the system. The multi-arc discharge is useful to create activated species which may improve the rate of a chemical reaction taking place in the moving bed reactor system.

Abstract: A moving bed reactor system is provided. The system comprises at least one gas inlet, a distributor, a temperature control, a plurality of electrodes, and a spark control circuit. The spark control circuit drives the electrodes and generates a multi-arc discharge when the system is loaded with particles and a gas at approximately atmospheric pressure or greater is being pumped through the system. The multi-arc discharge is useful to create activated species which may improve the rate of a chemical reaction taking place in the moving bed reactor system.

Abstract: Described herein are wireless interrogation systems and methods that rely on a complementary sensing device and interrogator. The sensing device is disposed to measure a parameter indicative of the health of a structure. A sensor reading from the sensor indicates the level of a parameter being monitored or whether one or more particular physical or chemical events have taken place. Using wireless techniques, the interrogator probes the device to determine its identity and its current sensor reading. This often includes transmission of a wireless signal through portions of the structure. When activated, the device responds with a wireless signal that identifies the device and contains information about the parameter being measured or a particular sensor state corresponding to the parameter. The identity of the device allows it to be distinguished from a number of similar devices.

Abstract: Described herein are wireless interrogation systems and methods that rely on a complementary sensing device and interrogator. The sensing device is disposed to measure a parameter indicative of the health of a structure. A sensor reading from the sensor indicates the level of a parameter being monitored or whether one or more particular physical or chemical events have taken place. Using wireless techniques, the interrogator probes the device to determine its identity and its current sensor reading. This often includes transmission of a wireless signal through portions of the structure. When activated, the device responds with a wireless signal that identifies the device and contains information about the parameter being measured or a particular sensor state corresponding to the parameter. The identity of the device allows it to be distinguished from a number of similar devices.

Abstract: A condensing heat exchanger structure in contact with a combustion environment and which structure includes a ferrous substrate is provided with a corrosion resistant diffusion coating applied to the ferrous substrate via a fluidized bed application. Also provided is a method for improving the corrosion resistance of a condensing heat exchanger structure which includes a ferrous substrate and a surface portion at least partially exposed to a combustion product-containing environment. In such method, a corrosion resistant diffusion coating is applied onto the ferrous substrate via a fluidized bed application.

Abstract: A condensing heat exchanger structure in contact with a combustion environment and which structure includes a ferrous substrate is provided with a corrosion resistant diffusion coating applied to the ferrous substrate via a fluidized bed application. Also provided is a method for improving the corrosion resistance of a condensing heat exchanger structure which includes a ferrous substrate and a surface portion at least partially exposed to a combustion product-containing environment. In such method, a corrosion resistant diffusion coating is applied onto the ferrous substrate via a fluidized bed application.

Abstract: Described herein are wireless interrogation systems and methods that rely on a complementary sensing device and interrogator. The sensing device is disposed to measure a parameter indicative of the health of a structure. A sensor reading from the sensor indicates the level of a parameter being monitored or whether one or more particular physical or chemical events have taken place. Using wireless techniques, the interrogator probes the device to determine its identity and its current sensor reading. This often includes transmission of a wireless signal through portions of the structure. When activated, the device responds with a wireless signal that identifies the device and contains information about the parameter being measured or a particular sensor state corresponding to the parameter. The identity of the device allows it to be distinguished from a number of similar devices.

Abstract: A method for coating stainless steel in which a metallic material layer of Cr and alloys of Cr and at least one of Mo, W, Ni, Si, Ti, Zr is deposited onto a metal substrate. The metallic material layer is then annealed so as to form a diffusion layer between the metallic protective coating and the metal substrate. Thereafter, the metallic material layer may be passivated, forming a stable composition of at least one of carbides, borides, nitrides, silicides, oxides, and mixtures thereof on the metallic protective coating. The protective coatings of this invention significantly reduce the corrosion rate of stainless steel used in bromide-based absorption systems.

Abstract: Stable high conductivity functionally gradient compositionally layered solid bodies suitable for use as electrolytes and membranes and providing improved oxygen-ion conductivity for electrolytes and improved mixed oxygen-ion and electronic conductivity for membranes. The electrolytes provide solid oxide fuel cells with high efficiency operation at 300.degree. to 800.degree. C.

Abstract: Stable high conductivity functionally gradient compositionally layered solid bodies suitable for use as electrolytes and membranes and providing improved oxygen-ion conductivity for electrolytes and improved mixed oxygen-ion and electronic conductivity for membranes. The electrolytes provide solid oxide fuel cells with high efficiency operation at 300.degree. to 800.degree. C.

Abstract: A solid state reference electrode which is stable over a wide range of temperatures, pressures and chemical conditions is provided. The subject reference electrode comprises a zirconia or yttria stabilized zirconia tube having a distal, closed end and a proximal, open end. An opening in the distal end of the tube provides for ionic conduction between the electrolyte inside of the tube and fluid outside of the tube. Inside the tube is an electrolyte containing zirconia, alumina, potassium chloride and silica. Positioned in the electrolyte composition, near the proximal end of the zirconia tube, is a sensing element. A sealing means at the proximal end of the tube seals the inside of the tube and connects the tube to a stainless steel casing. An electrical lead extends from the sensing element through the sealing means. The electrode comprises means for maintaining a constant temperature in the region of the electrolyte composition occupied by the sensing element.

Abstract: The invention describes a novel device to measure .zeta.-potentials of substances at high temperatures. The device involves packing the substance to be measured into a "RULON" (polytetrafluoroethylene including a heat resistant filler, e.g., fiberglass, quartz, asbestos, ceramic fibers or mica) column and passing an electrolyte through the column. Measurements are taken across the column to measure streaming potential and the pressure drop, and a sensor in series with the column to measure the pH of the electrolyte. .zeta.-potentials are calculated from slopes of the plots of streaming potential (.DELTA.E) vs. differential pressure (.DELTA.P) using a computer controlled data acquisition system.