Abstract: A catalytic distillation process, which when operated under vacuum conditions, makes possible the facilitation of peroxyacid chemistry under intrinsically safe conditions with superior efficiency compared to conventional technology. In particular, the process can be used for the production of performic acid (PFA) created from the chemical reaction of formic acid and hydrogen peroxide, while contacting one or more kinds of heterogeneous catalysts, immobilized in one or more regions of the reactor (i.e. within reaction zones within the column). Aqueous hydrogen peroxide and formic acid feed streams are directed to the catalytic distillation column.

Abstract: A thick film high temperature thermoplastic insulated resistive heating element including one or more base dielectric layers screen printed on a metal substrate having a composition one or more melt-flowable thermoplastic polymers, inorganic filler particles, a transition dielectric layer on top of the uppermost based dielectric layer containing inorganic additives in addition to one or more melt-flowable thermoplastic polymers and inorganic filler particles. A heater layer is coated on top of the top dielectric layer where the topmost dielectric layer acts as a transition layer between the uppermost dielectric to protect the adjacent resistor layer from the development of hot spots and cracking arising from the propagation of microcracks due to, amongst other things, residual stresses transmitted to the resistive layer from the sub-layers due to the thermal history of the resistive heater and substrate.

Abstract: An element having an immersible portion for contact with an aqueous liquid, the immersible portion having a contact surface for contact with the aqueous liquid, the contact surface configured to have strong acidity, a radiation (e.g., ultraviolet radiation) source assembly, a radiation (e.g., ultraviolet radiation) source module and a fluid (e.g., water) treatment system incorporating this element applicable to any surface in contact with fluid that is susceptible to build-up of fouling materials. The embodiments obviate or mitigates the rate of accumulation of fouling on surfaces in contact with aqueous solution, such as the protective (e.g., quartz) sleeves in an ultraviolet radiation fluid treatment system, by modifying at least a portion of the surface of those sleeves in contact with fluid (e.g., water) to have an inherent strong surface acidity.

Abstract: An element having an immersible portion for contact with an aqueous liquid, the immersible portion having a contact surface for contact with the aqueous liquid, the contact surface configured to have strong acidity, a radiation (e.g., ultraviolet radiation) source assembly, a radiation (e.g., ultraviolet radiation) source module and a fluid (e.g., water) treatment system incorporating this element applicable to any surface in contact with fluid that is susceptible to build-up of fouling materials. The embodiments obviates or mitigates the rate of accumulation of fouling on surfaces in contact with aqueous solution, such as the protective (e.g., quartz) sleeves in an ultraviolet radiation fluid treatment system, by modifying at least a portion of the surface of those sleeves in contact with fluid (e.g., water) to have an inherent strong surface acidity.