Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for generating solutions to decision analysis problems. The systems include a processor configured to: receive input data relating to a decision analysis problem, the input data including various parameters, wherein one or more of the parameters are in conflict, generate a plurality of the solutions based on the input data, wherein each of the plurality of solutions are from distinct homotopy classes, approximate a Pareto front using a multi-objective evolutionary algorithm, the Pareto front representing a collection of the plurality of the solutions that are not inferior to others of the plurality of the solutions in view of an entirety of the parameters in the input data, generate a course of action (COA) menu presenting solution architypes based on the Pareto front using a topological clustering algorithm, and display the COA menu on a visual display device.

Abstract: A process for storing heat in the form of fusion/solidification latent heat which comprises passing a thermo-conductive fluid into a thermally insulated storage element containing a substance having a melting point that corresponds to the supply and heat consumption temperatures, characterized in that said fusible substance is absorbed on a microporous carrier which forms a granular bed in which the thermo-conductive fluid circulates.

Abstract: In a first step of the method, the gas mixture to be treated is injected into a column swept by a continuous stream of carrier gas and containing a suitable selective solid adsorbent until saturation of this latter by the adsorbed constituent of the gas mixture. In a second step, small quantities of the mixture to be treated and representing a fraction of the quantity injected into the column during the first step are injected periodically so as to collect successively at the column outlet a fraction which is enriched in the non-adsorbed constituent and a fraction which is purified in the adsorbed constituent.

Abstract: A method of rapid chromatographic separation by exchange of substances between two fluid phases circulating in coutercurrent flow, at least one phase being liquid, consists in injecting the substances to be separated into one of the phases, in causing the two phases to circulate on each side of a porous body having a thickness within the range of 1 to 200 microns while limiting the thickness of at least one liquid phase to a constant value within the range of 0.1 to 100 microns and in collecting after circulation the substances which have been separated in each of the two phases.