Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for forming a non-woven fibrous web comprised of refractory fibers which comprises forming a foam furnish by agitating the fibers in a foamed medium, and passing the foam furnish onto a screen and defoaming the furnish. The present invention employs a unique apparatus for effectively agitating the refractory fibers in the foamed medium, the agitating means being mounted for displacement within the foamed medium and including a convex leading surface facing in the direction of displacement. The leading surface includes upper and lower portions converging in the direction of displacement to form a generally convex leading surface and driving means for displacing the agitating means in the direction of displacement for dispersing and mutually separating the metal fibers within the foamed medium.

Abstract: This invention is directed to improvements in paper incorporating an elongate impermeable element, to a method of making such paper and to documents made therefrom.

Abstract: An acoustical panel has a fiberboard which includes a fibrous filler and a base binder, and a nodulated overlay disposed on the fiberboard, wherein the overlay includes nodulated wool and an overlay binder and has a substantially smooth surface. In one embodiment of the present invention, the fibrous filler is mineral wool and the base binder is granular starch. In an another embodiment of the present invention, the nodulated wool is nodulated mineral wool and the overlay binder is cooked pearl cornstarch. A method of making the durable acoustical panel in accordance with the present invention is disclosed. Initially, an aqueous slurry comprising a fibrous filler, a base binder, and water is formed. The aqueous slurry is deposited onto a moving foraminous support wire to form an aqueous felt, thereby creating a continuous process. Thereafter, the aqueous felt is de-watered to form a wet felt.

Abstract: A surface-treating agent mainly includes three constituents: a water-soluble polymer; a surface sizing agent which is a copolymer of a styrene type monomer and an anionic monomer and which mainly includes a water-soluble copolymer containing 20 to 80 weight % of the styrene type monomer; and a surface sizing agent which is a copolymer of an olefin type monomer and an anionic monomer and which mainly includes a water-soluble copolymer containing 20 to 80 weight % of the olefin type monomer. The surface-treating agent is coated and dried on a base paper for offset printing.

Abstract: A process for making paper comprising forming a cellulosic suspension, flocculating the suspension, draining the suspension on a screen to form a sheet and then drying the sheet, wherein the cellulosic suspension is flocculated by addition of a water soluble polymer which is selected from a) a polysaccharide or b) a synthetic polymer of intrinsic viscosity at least 4 dl/g and then reflocculated by a subsequent addition of a reflocculating system, wherein the reflocculating system comprises i) a siliceous material and ii) a water soluble polymer. In one aspect the siliceous material is added prior to or simultaneous with the water soluble polymer. In an alternative for the water soluble polymer is anionic and added prior to the siliceous material.

Abstract: Paper, board and cardboard having high dry strength are produced by the addition of cationic, anionic and/or amphoteric starch as dry strength agents to the paper stock and drainage of the paper stock with sheet formation in the presence of cationic polymers as retention aids for starch, and cationic polymeric retention aids are used for increasing the retention of dry strength agents comprising cationic, anionic and/or amphoteric starch in the production of paper, board and cardboard.

Abstract: An inkjet printing paper of noncoated type, in which the feathering is prevented and the conveyability is improved. This inkjet printing paper comprises calcium carbonate as its filler wherein the filler contains ash of 10 to 30 weight % as defined in JIS P 8128 and wherein the paper has Stockigt sizing degree of 0.001 to 0.05 sec/g/m2 according to JIS P 8122. Further, in this paper, X-ray image obtained from area-analysis with an energy-distributed X-ray microanalyzer for the surface of the inkjet printing paper, the area of white part, which indicates the presence of calcium, is 3 to 40% related to the total area of the X-ray image.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for producing paper reels from a paper web. The process includes calendering the paper web, longitudinally cutting the paper web into partial webs, and winding the partial webs into paper reels. The calendering, longitudinal cutting, and winding occur on-line and without intermediate winding. The apparatus includes a paper machine, a calender, a longitudinal cutting device, and a reel winding device. The paper machine, the calender, the longitudinal cutting device, and the reel winding device are successively arranged in a web run direction.

Abstract: A device for dewatering a pulp web having a dewatering section comprising top and bottom wires forming a wedge-shaped dewatering zone which can be adjusted and/or pressure-loaded at the downstream end, and with a pair of press rolls mounted at the end of the bottom wire. The top roll of the pair of press rolls is a shoe press roll.

Abstract: A machine for the manufacture of a multi-layer fibrous web includes at least two fibrous web layers and at least two formers; the fibrous web layers each having a lower fines side with a lower fines content and a higher fines side with a higher fines content; and the formers include a first former and a second former, at least one of the two formers being a gap former, with the second former including a couch roll defining a couching zone whereat the lower fines side of the first fibrous web layer is brought into contact with the lower fines side of the second fibrous web layer.

Abstract: An anti-rewet fabric is used for carrying a fiber web through an air press. The anti-rewet fabric includes at least one air distribution fabric layer, one air distribution fabric layer being configured for contacting the fiber web, and a perforated film layer, the perforated film layer being made of a polyester film. The perforated film layer has a first film side and a second film side, the first film side being one of laminated and attached to the one air distribution fabric layer.

Abstract: Pressing arrangement for treating a fibrous material web that includes opposing surface and shoe press roll including non-rotationally mounted carrier, flexible pressing jacket arranged to circulate around carrier, and at least one press shoe supported on carrier. The at least one press shoe is arranged to press flexible pressing jacket against opposing surface. Shoe press roll and opposing surface are arranged to form press nip elongated in jacket travel direction, and the at least one press shoe includes outlet arranged to extend beyond, in jacket travel direction, an end of press nip. The at least one press shoe is arranged to press pressing jacket against opposing surface such that, in a region of press nip, pressing jacket is moved radially outside of a circular path formed by pressing jacket in an unstressed state, and pressing jacket is arranged to rest against a free end of outlet.

Abstract: The invention refers to a shoe press belt (1) for use in shoe presses of a paper machine, having a support (2) and a liquid-impermeable belt layer (3, 5) which has an inner layer (3) and an outer layer (5), the outer layer (5) having a porous structure and the porous structure being formed exclusively from cavities (8, 12, 14) open toward the outer side; and is characterized in that the outer layer (5) is made of an unfoamed material.

Abstract: A method for decomposing halogenated aliphatic hydrocarbon compounds or aromatic compounds characterized by contacting the compound to be decomposed with functional water under light irradiation, wherein the functional water is characterized by a hydrogen ion concentration (pH) of 1-4, an oxidation-reduction potential of 800-1500 mV (working electrode: platinum, reference electrode: silver-silver chloride) and a chlorine concentration of 5-150 mg/l, and the irradiation is carried out with light of a wavelength of 300 nm or more, with an intensity of 10 mW/cm2 or less. This method is carried out at room temperature under the atmospheric pressure. An apparatus for the method is also provided.

Abstract: A substrate processing device in which a film is formed on a substrate while a magnetic field, by a magnet arranged in the periphery of a substrate holder, is imparted on to the surface of a substrate mounted on the substrate holder while the substrate holder is rotated, wherein a rotation mechanism for the magnet and a rotation mechanism for the substrate holder are independently provided and controlled and, furthermore, in that it is provided with a device for detection of the magnetic field orientation, a device for detection of the prescribed orientation of the substrate, and a mechanism which, using the output of said two detection devices, affords rotation in which the prescribed direction of the substrate and the direction of the magnetic field are aligned within a prescribed angle.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrodeposition device, having two or more emission electrodes that can be connected to a common electrical supply line and an electrically insulating electrode holder, wherein the electrode holder is made of plastic and receives the electrodes, the electrical connections thereof and a contact surface for the connection to the electrical supply line.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for treating a substrate, comprising: a vacuum chamber (12); a substrate carrier (14) adapted to carry a substrate (16) to be treated; a source material holder (22) for holding a source material (34) with which the substrate (16) is to be treated; and vaporising or sputtering means (20) for vaporising/sputtering the source material (34); wherein the source material holder (22) includes a positioning means (24) for relatively moving the source material (34) towards the substrate carrier (14).

Abstract: A small volume sensor, and methods of making, for determining the concentration of an analyte, such as glucose or lactate, in a biological fluid, such as blood or serum, using techniques such as coulometry, amperometry, and potentiometry. The sensor includes a working electrode and a counter electrode, and can include an insertion monitoring trace to determine correct positioning of the sensor in a connector. In one embodiment, the sensor determines the concentration of the analyte by discharging an amount of charge into the sample, determining the time needed to discharge the charge, and determining the current used to electrolyze a portion of the analyte using the amount of charge and the amount of time.

Abstract: A gas sensor for sensing NOx having electrochemical cells wherein dielectric material surrounds electrolytes except where electrodes are attached. Thereby, the exhaust gas is effectively prevented from contacting the electrolytes of the sensor's electrochemical cells. With the use of this technique, signal cross talk is minimized while enhancing NOx sensing sensitivity. Further, the total number electrodes needed are reduced which allows for more complex sensors structures.

Abstract: A flowing junction reference electrode exhibiting heretofore unattainable potentiometric characteristics is described, comprising a microfluidic liquid junction member that is situated between a reference electrolyte solution and a sample solution. This microfluidic liquid junction member has an array of nanochannels spanning the member and physically connecting the reference electrolyte solution and a sample solution, but while the electrolyte solution flows through the array of nanochannels and into the sample solution at a linear velocity, the sample solution does not substantially enter the array of nanochannels via the mechanisms of diffusion, migration, convection or other known mechanisms. The number of nanochannels in the array is preferably between approximately 108 and approximately 10. Also preferably, the nanochannels are substantially straight and are substantially parallel to one another; such an array of nanochannels is herein described as anisotropic.

Abstract: A silver/silver halide electrode composed of a non-electroconductive support sheet, a silver metal layer and a silver halide layer in order, is improved in its sensitivity by making the silver halide layer almost free from heavy metal element, for instance, by oxidizing the silver metal layer on its surface side with an oxidizing compound containing no heavy metal element or a chelated ferric oxidizing compound in the presence of a halide containing no heavy metal element.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods and systems for monitoring and controlling electroosmotic flow rates in microfluidic systems. Generally, such methods and systems monitor flow rates in electroosmotically driven microfluidic systems by flowing signaling elements within these channels and measuring the flow rate of these signals. The methods of monitoring flow rates are also applied to methods and systems for continuously monitoring and controlling these flow rates in electroosmotically driven microfluidic systems.

Abstract: An apparatus for electrophoresis includes not only a transparent device for electrophoresis such as a microchip or a capillary having a flow route, a power source for applying a voltage difference between end points of the flow route, an irradiating device for irradiating a specified portion of the flow route with light and an optical detector having a plurality of light-receiving elements arranged along the flow route for detecting absorption or emission of light by sample components separated in the flow route, but also a display device and a control unit for causing the display device to display data on the sample components separated in the flow route as a gel image based on detection signals from the optical detector while electrophoresis is being carried out by the apparatus.

Abstract: An electrochromatographic device is provided for conducting enantioselective separation of enantiomers. The device is comprised of a conduit containing a monolithic enantioselective separation medium, and may be, for example, a capillary tube or a microchannel in a substrate. The enantioselective separation medium is prepared by copolymerization of (a1) an ionizable chiral monomer or (a2) a chiral monomer and an ionizable comonomer, along with (b) a crosslinking comonomer and (c) a polymerization initiator, in (d) a porogenic solvent. Following ionization, the enantioselective separation medium serves as a charge carrier as well as a chiral separation medium, and further acts as an electroosmotic pump to facilitate the flow of a fluid. The invention also provides methods for preparing the enantioselective separation medium and electrochromatographic devices fabricated therewith.

Abstract: The present invention includes uranium-bearing ceramic phase electrodes and electrolysis apparatus and electrolysis methods featuring same, including methods of metal production and the like by the electrolytic reduction of oxides or salts of the respective metals. More particularly, the invention relates to an inert type electrode composition, and methods for fabricating electrode compositions, useful in the electrolytic production of such metals. The present invention also includes an inert-type electrode composition, and methods for fabricating electrode compositions, used in processes for generating energy from fossil fuels.

Abstract: The present invention provides a filtration method of copper electrolyte that can remove minute electrolytic by-products and dirt and may improve filtration efficiency by improving a conventional filtration method, the so-called precoating method. In a filtration method of copper electrolyte for removing electrolytic by-products and dirt which affect copper electrolysis, by passing copper electrolyte through a filter element precoated with a filtering aid, in the present invention, a precoated layer of a filtering aid is formed on a filter element in advance. Activated carbon preliminary treatment solution containing powdery activated carbon is passed through the filter element formed with the precoated layer, and is also circulated until no powdery activated carbon leaks from an outlet of the filter element, thus forming a powdery activated carbon layer on the precoated layer. Subsequently, the copper electrolyte is passed through for filtration.

Abstract: A recovery system for platinum electrolytic baths operating at low current densities is disclosed. An oxidizing system is provided in a closed-loop recirculation system for platinum plating at low current densities. The oxidizing system reoxidizes Pt+2 ions, which are typically formed at low current densities, to Pt+4 ions by using oxidizers, for example peroxide. A sensor may be also provided to detect the relative concentration of [Pt+2] ions to [Pt+4] ions and to tailor the relative concentrations to a predetermined level.

Abstract: A method of preparing carbonaceous blocks or bodies for use in a cathode in an electrolytic cell for producing aluminum wherein the cell contains an electrolyte and has molten aluminum contacting the cathode, the cathode having improved wettability with molten aluminum. The method comprises the steps of providing a carbonaceous block and a boron oxide containing melt. The carbonaceous block is immersed in the melt and pressure is applied to the melt to impregnate the melt into pores in the block. Thereafter, the carbonaceous block is withdrawn from the melt, the block having boron oxide containing melt intruded into pores therein, the boron oxide capable of reacting with a source of titanium or zirconium or like metal to form titanium or zirconium diboride during heatup or operation of said cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new crystalline zeolite SSZ-57 and processes employing SSZ-57 in a catalyst.

Abstract: An improved process for the recovery of aromatic compounds from a mixture containing aromatic and non-aromatic compounds and method for retrofitting existing equipment for the same is provided. The improved process comprises the steps of recovering aromatic compounds via parallel operation of a hybrid extractive distillation/liquid-liquid extractor operation and variations thereof. Methods of quickly and economically retrofitting existing recovery process equipment for use with the improved aromatics recovery process are also disclosed.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment unit (10) including a recirculation chamber (32), a dosing chamber (34) having no direct fluid connection to the recirculation chamber (32), and at least two filter layers (28, 30) in a single tank (12). Each filter layer (28, 30) containing filter media (56) and being located above the recirculation (32) and dosing chambers (34). The wastewater treatment unit (10) also including an influent pipe (50), a recirculation pump (72) located in the recirculation chamber (32), and an effluent discharge pipe (88) connected to the dosing chamber (34).

Abstract: A water pollution remediation system includes a plurality of decontamination modules that are self supporting and interconnectable for sequentially removing a plurality of different contaminants. The modules are designed to be independently transportable to a ship for decontaminating bilge water, in particular, after a fire when a foaming fire suppressant composition has been introduced into the bilge water. The modules may be placed on the deck of the ship, connected together and powered by the ship's hydraulic, electric and bilge pumping systems to provide comprehensive decontamination.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment apparatus comprised of a water inlet 10, a filter component comprised of a series of filters 20, 30, 40 and settling ing areas 12, 22, 32 over a grade, and a series of separator tanks, 42, 52 connected by a lift tube 54 for removal of hydrocarbons, particulate material and other impurities and a water outlet for discharge into either a general wastewater system or a gray water reclamation system.

Abstract: A coolant recycling system for efficiently recycling contaminated machine tool coolant thereby extending the useful life of the coolant. The coolant recycling system includes a support frame, a first tank for receiving contaminated coolant, a second tank for receiving a volume of water and coolant concentrate, and a third tank for treating and cleaning the contaminated coolant. A skimmer apparatus is positioned within the third tank for removing the upper level of contaminants from the coolant for filtering separately from the significant volume of coolant within the third tank. An ozone applicator applies a specific volume of ozone to the coolant during the mixing of the coolant within the third tank which kills mold, yeast, fungus and bacteria while also changing the physical state of dissolved solids for increasing the ability to remove the contaminants from the coolant and micro air bubbles float contaminants to the surface to be skimmed.

Abstract: A filter/oil pan assembly for use in devices such as transmissions for vehicles and for use as oil pans in internal combustion engines includes a housing having an upper chamber and a sump, wherein a filter element is disposed between the upper chamber and the sump. The filter element includes a filter media having pleats which extend in the direction parallel to the direction of movement of the vehicle utilizing the filter element. In order to facilitate flow through the filter element, all interior surfaces of the housing slope toward a well in which the filter element is positioned and the filter element itself has laterally projecting flanges which slope downwardly toward the filter media.

Abstract: An apparatus for optimizing the rheological properties of a viscous fluid is particularly designed to reduce the viscosity of the fluid so that it may be more readily transported from a subsurface reservoir to the surface. The apparatus includes housing having a first through bore defining a cross-sectional flow area and longitudinal flow path for fluid through the bore. The housing has an inlet end and an outlet end and is designed for connection in a flow path from a subsurface reservoir. A flow restriction device is adjustably mounted in the through bore to define a reduced area orifice of adjustable size for restricted flow, so as to accelerate the fluid and produce shear. A magnetic unit may also be selectively connected to the housing to produce a magnetic field across the fluid, further reducing viscosity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a replaceable oil filter and method of using a replaceable oil filter that allows the oil filter to be disengaged from an engine without the spillage of residual used oil. The present invention relates to a replaceable oil filter comprising a housing having an upper portion with a top end forming an opening for threaded engagement with an engine, a filtration unit positioned within the upper portion, a lower portion forming a reservoir subjacent the upper portion, an impermeable barrier separating the upper portion and the lower portion to prevent fluid communication therebetween, and a means for establishing fluid communication between the upper portion and the lower portion to drain residual used oil from the upper portion into the reservoir prior to disengaging the replaceable oil filter from an engine. The present invention also comprises a method for easily replacing an oil filter with minimal or no spillage of residual used oil.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a portable water treatment facility. The water treatment facility has housing on castors. The housing houses the water treatment member. The housing has various doors which are locked to make the housing tamper resistant. The housing has an external sampling station which allows a technician at any point in time to ensure that all of the liquids being provided by the water treatment member meet specifications. This system has a modular water treatment member consisting of various filters, tanks, and pumps which are attached to one another by short fluid conduits with quick disconnects. The system is computer monitored, capable of remoting data offsite and producing an audit trail capturing system operational parameters and quality of water produced over time.

Abstract: A device for separating one or more components from a fluid, such as gas, water, oil and so on, which device is provided with a closed drum-shaped first carrier which is rotatable driven on a shaft and has means for feeding respectively discharging the fluid, wherein a second carrier is arranged coaxially in the first carrier, on which second carrier are arranged a large number of flexible elements which extend radially from the second carrier as far as the first carrier, and the feed means are provided close to the one end of the second carrier and the discharge means close to the other end of the second carrier, so that when the fluid flows through the device a layered separation of the components results along a flexible element.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a contactor for degrassing a liquid. The contractor includes a perforated core and a microporous membrane fabric wrapped around the core. The fabric includes a polymethyl pentene hollow fiber as a weft fiber and a warp yarn. A tube sheet secures the ends of the wound fiber and a shell encases the tube sheet and fabric. The shell has at least one opening to permit fluid flow through the shell and an end cap. In a further embodiment the invention is directed to a contactor for degrassing a liquid wherein the contactor is adapted to withstand pressures greater than 0.4 MPa and temperatures greater than 50° C.

Abstract: There are provided a sheet of filtration, separation or reaction elements, a method for preparing such a sheet, a filtration, separation or reaction module comprising at least one such sheet, and a method for preparing this module.

Abstract: A single tank submerged membrane bioreactor for treating feed water having unacceptable levels of ammonia or total nitrogen has both a membrane scouring bubble supply and an oxygenating bubble supply. The membrane scouring bubble supply continuously provides large scouring bubbles to clean the membranes. Permeate is continuously withdrawn from the membranes at a high rate but the large scouring bubbles do not transfer sufficient oxygen to the mixed liquor to create aerobic conditions in the reactor. The oxygenating bubble supply is operated to provide small bubbles of air or oxygen that intermittently produce aerobic conditions in a significant part of the mixed liquor. Alternating aerobic and anoxic conditions occur in a significant portion of the tank suitable for nitrification and denitrification.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method for treating high-concentrated organic wastewater, such as night soil or livestock wastewater, which has high levels of nitrogen and phosphorous. In particular, it is related to a method for treating night soil or livestock wastewater having high levels of nitrogen and phosphorous, comprising an anaerobic ammonium oxidizing (Anammox) step and a biopond step. The process for treating wastewater according to the present invention provides good efficiency in removing organic material and nutrients.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for retrofitting existing waste water treatment facilities having at least one existing basin including installing generally vertical partitions at spaced locations in the at least one existing basin in order to divide the at least one existing basin into a plurality of treatment stage regions, installing at least one air lift in each of the plurality of treatment stage regions, loading each treatment stage regions with a quantity of floatable porous particles, supplying waste water to at least one of the plurality of treatment stage regions and allowing the waste water, but generally not the particles, to flow from at least one of the plurality of treatment stage regions to at least another of the plurality of treatment stage regions and operating the at least one air lift in each of the plurality of treatment stage regions to provide aerobic waste water flow therein in operative engagement with the floatable porous particles.

Abstract: Glyphosate and other phosphonates including the bone resorption-inhibiting bisphosphonates are extracted from samples using immobilized forms of zinc, including zinc methacrylate polymers. The method provides a simple and sensitive method for detecting phosphonates present in aqueous samples, including wastewater and urine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing crystals from thermally sensitive solids. According to this method, the solid is dissolved in at least one solvent and the solution is concentrated by drawing off the solvent to beyond the saturation concentration of the solid, so that crystallized solids are formed. The solvent is caused to permeate a substantially semi-permeable membrane, preferably by being subjected to excess pressure. The inventive method can be carried out substantially isothermally in order to prevent the thermally sensitive crystals from being damaged.

Abstract: A die lube recovery and recycling system includes a weir tank, a filtration assembly, and a holding tank. The weir tank receives used, dirty die lube and filters large particles therefrom. Preliminarily filtered die lube is pumped through the filtration assembly and reconditioned die lube is delivered to the holding tank. A level of reconditioned die lube in the holding tank is monitored and, the die lube is replenished with fresh die lube from a fresh die lube source when the level falls below a predetermined level. A die lube pressure booster is used to withdraw die lube from the holding tank, pressurize the withdrawn die lube, and spray the pressurized die lube on a die in a casting machine.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a method of and system for continuously processing liquid material by which enzymes in the liquid material are inactivated and the liquid material is sterilized effectively. In one example of the system according to the present invention, a liquid material is introduced into a processing chamber 11 from an introduction port at the bottom, and liquefied carbon dioxide formed into micro-particles by a filter 16 is also introduced in the chamber 11. The micro-particles of liquefied carbon dioxide dissolves into the liquid material efficiently. The liquid material taken out from a take-out port 18 is introduced into a warming pipe 20 kept at such a preset temperature and pressure where the carbon dioxide turns to a supercritical fluid. After that, the liquid material is introduced through a pressure control valve 24 into a pressure-reducing chamber 24. The carbon dioxide rapidly changes from supercritical fluid to gas, and vaporizes from the liquid material.

Abstract: A water filter for recreational vehicles (RV) is provided which includes a ceramic filter element having a radial flange attached thereto. The flange facilitates filter assembly and replacement of the filter element in the filter housing. The method of use describes a quick and easy method of replacing the filter element which is advantageous to unskilled persons in assembling and attaching the water filter to the RV.

Abstract: A water treatment unit having: (a) a cooling tower; (b) a source of cooling water; (c) a main flow pipe for receiving the cooling water; (d) a source of fresh water connected to the source of cooling water; (e) a heat exchanger for heating the cooling water to form heated water; (f) a branched flow pipe for separating the heated water into a main stream of heated water and a partial stream of heated water; (g) a non-backwashable filter capable of separating waste contained in the partial stream of heated water into a compact waste residue and a first filtrate, in the absence of backwashing; and (h) a return pipe for transporting the main filtrate back to the cooling tower, wherein the cooling water is introduced through the main flow pipe into the heat exchanger where it is heated, after which it is split into a main stream of heated water and a partial stream of heated water, the main stream of heated water being transported back to the cooling tower, with the partial stream being transported, by way of the