Abstract: A method of separating gaseous components. An equilibrium-limited, gas phase reaction is conducted in a centrifugal separation device and at least a portion of a first product of the reaction is separated from a reaction mixture comprising at least one reactant and at least one product in the centrifugal separation device. In another embodiment, the equilibrium-limited, gas phase reaction is conducted in a reactor and a reaction mixture is transferred from the reactor to the centrifugal separation device for separation of at least a portion of the first product. A gas centrifuge comprising at least one rotor and a catalyst is disclosed, as is a gas cyclone comprising the catalyst. The catalyst is formulated to increase a rate of the equilibrium-limited, gas phase reaction.

Abstract: A controllable proton exchange reactive membrane comprising a proton exchange membrane, at least two catalyst layers disposed on opposing sides of the proton exchange membrane, and a power source operably coupled to the at least two catalyst layers. A direction and magnitude of flow of hydrogen through the proton exchange reactive membrane is controlled by modulating the power source across the proton exchange membrane, thereby enabling hydrogen to be transported in either direction across the proton exchange reactive membrane. By controlling the transport of hydrogen, the extent of a homologation reaction is enhanced. A proton exchange reactive membrane reactor comprising the proton exchange reactive membrane is also disclosed. A method of producing a higher hydrocarbon from a light alkane is disclosed, as is a method of regenerating a catalyst layer.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the integration of a water splitting process with the production of fertilizer precursors such as ammonia, nitric acid, and sulfuric acid are provided. At least one of heat and electricity from a power plant are used to split water into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas. Nitrogen gas is provided by air separation. The hydrogen gas and nitrogen gas are used to produce ammonia. The ammonia and oxygen gas are used to produce nitric acid. The oxygen gas, water, and sulfur are used to produce sulfuric acid. Further disclosed is an apparatus for the production of nitric acid comprising a power plant and an apparatus for the production of nitric acid. Also disclosed is an apparatus for the production of sulfuric acid comprising a power plant and an apparatus for the production of sulfuric acid.

Abstract: Carbon-containing tail gases and pollutants in a coal-to-liquid hydrocarbon production process, or other liquid fuel production process, may be reacted to produce additional synthesis gas which may be used to produce liquid fuels and hydrocarbons or which may be recycled within the liquid fuel production process to improve conversion of carbon to liquid fuels or hydrocarbons.

Abstract: Oxygen and hydrogen produced in an electrolysis process are used with a carbon-to-liquid hydrocarbon production process to improve the conversion of carbon in coal to synthesis gas products subsequently converted to liquid hydrocarbons. Carbon-containing tail gases and pollutants in a coal-to-liquid hydrocarbon production process may also be recycled to a coal gasification process to improve the conversion of carbon to liquid hydrocarbons and to reduce carbon-based pollutants from the coal-to-liquid hydrocarbon production process.

Abstract: A sensor system is provided that measures water content or other detectable properties in a medium along the entire length of the sensor at any point in time. The sensor system includes an electromagnetic signal generator and a transmission line disposed in a medium to be monitored. Alternatively, the transmission line can be configured for movement across a medium to be monitored, or the transmission line can be fixed relative to a moving medium being monitored. A signal is transmitted along the transmission line at predetermined frequencies, and the signal is returned back along the transmission line and/or into an optional receive line in proximity to the transmission line. The returned signal is processed to generate a one-dimensional data output profile that is a function of a detectable property of the medium. The data output profile can be mapped onto a physical system to generate a two-dimensional or three-dimensional profile if desired.

Abstract: A method for increasing biodegradation of sparingly soluble volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in a bioreactor is disclosed. The method comprises dissolving in the aqueous phase of the bioreactor a water soluble, nontoxic, non-biodegradable polymer having a molecular weight of at least 500 and operable for decreasing the distribution coefficient of the VOCs. Polyoxyalkylene alkanols are preferred polymers. A method of increasing the growth rate of VOC-degrading microorganisms in the bioreactor and a method of increasing the solubility of sparingly soluble VOCs in aqueous solution are also disclosed.

Abstract: An active probe card for high resolution/low noise wafer level testing wherein integrated circuits, such as charge coupled device imagers are tested at the wafer level before initial packaging. The probe card contains active logic and power circuits thereon with improved pin probe needles to reduce noise and distortion. The edge card connectors are eliminated and standard connectors would be used. In addition, the output signal is buffered on the probe card to reduce the effects of loading caused by the patch cable and the measuring instrument.

Abstract: An optical mouse 100 wherein light emanating from the light source 106 is reflected off an optical pattern pad and is placed such tha a lens 120 at a predetermined distance from the optical pad focuses the light directly onto an inverted integrated circuit 124 mounted on and through a hole 126 in a printed wiring board 118, the integrated circuit being housed in a clear plastic package. The path from the lens to the integrated circuit package provides an optical guide 122 such that the distances from the pattern pad to the lens, and from the lens to the optical sensor 128 in the integrated circuit, is fixed upon manufacture and assembly without any further optical adjustment. The inverted state of the integrated circuit chip allows a fixed distance to be provided through the hole in the printed wiring board rather than from above it as is common in the prior art.