Abstract: A process for producing wiping products and wiping products made by the process are disclosed. According to the present invention, a paper web is treated on both sides with a bonding material. After the bonding material is applied, the web is then subjected to a dry rush transfer process during which the web is conveyed from a first moving conveyor to a second moving conveyor. The second moving conveyor generally has a speed slower than the first moving conveyor causing a shearing force to be exerted on the web. The shearing force decreases the stiffness of the web. In one embodiment, an uncreped throughdried base web is used.

Abstract: Soft throughdried tissues, which are sufficiently soft to serve as premium bathroom tissues, can be made without the use of a Yankee dryer. The typical Yankee functions of building machine direction and cross-machine direction stretch are replaced by a wet end rush transfer and the throughdrying fabric design, respectively. It is particularly advantageous to form the tissue with chemimechanically treated fibers in at least one layer. The resulting tissues have high bulk (about 6 cubic centimeters per gram or greater) and low stiffness.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a process for the production of paper from a suspension containing cellulosic fibers, and optionally fillers, comprising adding to the suspension at least one cationic organic polymer and an aqueous silica-containing composition comprising an anionic naphthalene sulphonate formaldehyde condensate and anionic silica-based particles, the composition having a weight ratio of naphthalene sulphonate formaldehyde condensate to silica-based particles within the range of from 0.2:1 to 99:1, and containing naphthalene sulphonate formaldehyde condensate and silica-based particles in an amount of at least 0.01% by weight, based on the total weight of the aqueous silica-containing composition, and with the proviso that the composition contains substantially no cellulose-reactive sizing agent. The invention also encompasses an aqueous silica-containing composition and a method for preparation of an aqueous silica-containing compound.

Abstract: A family of paper industry process belts (“PIPB's”) having a range of properties for different applications in the paper industry. The PIPB can be a laminate comprising a grooved press belt and a porous membrane embedded therein and used as a substitute dewatering structure heretofore provided by press fabric(s).

Abstract: Nitric oxide in a gaseous stream is converted to nitrogen dioxide using oxidizing species generated at least in part using in situ UV radiation sources. The sources of the oxidizing species include oxygen and/or hydrogen peroxide. The oxygen may be a component of the gaseous stream or added to the gaseous stream, preferably near a UV radiation source, and is converted to ozone by the UV irradiation. The hydrogen peroxide is decomposed through a combination of vaporization and UV irradiation. The hydrogen peroxide is preferably stored at stable concentration levels, i.e., approximately 50% by volume, and increased in concentration in a continuous process preceding vaporization within the flow channel of the gaseous stream and in the presence of the UV radiation sources.

Abstract: A method of producing hollow carbon nanocapsules. First, an arc chamber including a graphitic cathode and a graphitic anode is provided and an inert gas is introduced into the arc chamber. Next, a voltage is applied across the cathode and the anode by a pulse current with the voltage sufficient to generate a carbon arc reaction between the cathode and the anode. Finally, deposit formed on the cathode is collected. The deposit includes a hollow carbon nanocapsule main product and a carbon nanotube byproduct.

Abstract: A system and method for the removal of metals such as mercury from a gas stream. The method involves contacting a gas stream containing the target metals with reactive chemical species generated in a plasma device. The metal to be removed is chemically converted into forms enabling capture in either conventional particulate removal devices or in a wet scrubber for the capture of a soluble chemical species.

Abstract: A method for the deposition of a metal layer on a substrate (1) uses a cold plasma inside an enclosure (7) heated to avoid the formation of a metal deposit at its surface. The enclosure has an inlet (21) and an outlet (22) for the substrate with a source of metal vapor between them, made up of an electrode to form a plasma (6) with the substrate or a separate electrically conducting element as a counter-electrode. The deposition metal is introduced in the liquid state in a retention tank (8) and is maintained as a liquid at an essentially constant level during the formation of the metal layer on the substrate. An Independent claim is included for the device used to put this method of coating a substrate into service.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a sputtering apparatus and a thin film formation method which make it possible to form respective layers of a multilayer film having a clean interface at a optimum temperature, or which make it possible to continuously carry out the film formation and the surface processing. Another object of this invention is to provide a small sputtering apparatus for forming a multilayer film as compared with prior art apparatus. A sputtering apparatus of this invention comprises a main shaft around which at least one target and at least one surface processing mechanism are installed, a substrate holder holding a substrate or a plurality of substrates arranged facing the target and the surface processing mechanism, and a rotation mechanism to rotate the main shaft or the substrate holder.

Abstract: There are provided an electrode for electrolysis which takes into consideration safety to human bodies and environmental pollution upon disposal of the electrode, produces ozone with high efficiency and has excellent durability, a production process of the electrode, and an active oxygen producing device using the electrode. In an electrode 5 for electrolysis which has an electrode catalyst at least on the surface and produces ozone or active oxygen in for-treatment water by electrolysis, the electrode catalyst contains a dielectric which constitutes more than 70% of the surface area of the electrode catalyst.

Abstract: Provided is a tantalum sputtering target having a crystal structure in which the (222) orientation is preferential from a position of 10% of the target thickness toward the center face of the target, and a manufacturing method of a tantalum sputtering target, including the steps of forging and recrystallization annealing, and thereafter rolling, a tantalum ingot or billet having been subject to melting and casting, and forming a crystal structure in which the (222) orientation is preferential from a position of 10% of the target thickness toward the center face of the target. As a result, evenness (uniformity) of the film is enhanced, and quality of the sputter deposition is improved.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sputtering target for a phase change memory and a phase change memory film formed with such a target, and the manufacturing method thereof, characterized in that the sputtering target is composed from elements of not less than a three component system and has as its principal component one or more components selected from stibium, tellurium and selenium, and the compositional deviation in relation to the intended composition is ±1.0 at % or less.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of determining a potential at a surface of a sample in a polar liquid, for example, across an electrical double layer, includes the step of immersing the sample in a polar solution to form a potential gradient at the surface. A tip of a scanning probe microscope probe is then positioned in the solution generally adjacent the surface. During operation, the method includes measuring a potential of the probe. Relative scanning movement between the sample and the probe may be provided, and, in one mode of operation, a feedback signal is generated based on the measured potential. In that case, the tip may be moved generally orthogonal to the surface in response to the feedback signal to maintain a generally constant separation therebetween. The polar solution may have an associated ionic concentration, and the ionic concentration can be modified to tune the operation of the SEPM.

Abstract: A detecting electrode comprises a first cermet electrode layer formed directly on a solid electrolyte layer and a second cermet electrode layer formed on the first cermet electrode layer. A ratio between an alloy of Pt—Rh and ZrO2 in the first cermet electrode layer ranges from 20:80 to 50:50 by volume ratio. On the other hand, a ratio between an alloy of Pt—Rh and ZrO2 in the second cermet electrode layer ranges from 60:40 to 50:50 by volume ratio.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gas sensor element and its production method, in which poisons are trapped in a porous protective layer to prevent them from reaching a measured gas side electrode, thereby making it possible to maintain a stable sensor output over a long period of time. The gas sensor element of the present invention is composed of a solid electrolyte 10, and a measured gas side electrode 12 that contacts a measured gas and a reference gas side electrode 11 that contacts a reference gas provided on said solid electrolyte 10; wherein, the above measured gas side electrode 12 is covered with a porous protective layer 14 composed of a heat-resistant metal oxide containing a getter, and the above getter is an alkaline silicate.

Abstract: An electrode comprises a catalyst and material to help stabilize an oxide of the catalyst. The electrode for one embodiment may be used for an electrochemical sensor or sensor cell.

Abstract: Multiphasic microfluidic apparatus for performing product fluid manipulation and separation in a single continuous unit are provided. Related methods, kits, and compositions are also provided.

Abstract: Various traveling wave grids and electrophoretic systems, and electrode assemblies using such grids, are disclosed. A configuration in which a voltage potential is used to load a biomolecule sample against a grid is disclosed. A unique strategy of using multiple, reconfigurable grids in such systems is also described. The strategy involves initially conducting a broad protein separation and then selectively tailoring one or more grids, and conducting one or more secondary processing operations. Related strategies and specific methods are additionally disclosed for separating samples of biomolecules and components thereof using the noted systems, assemblies, and grids.

Abstract: A capillary array capable of being easily mounted on an electrophoresis apparatus without damaging the capillaries. The capillary array can include a plurality of capillaries that can be fixed via hollow electrodes on a load header in a matrix arrangement. The load header can be disposed on the electrophoresis apparatus. The capillary array can include a capillary frame onto which a capillary head and a detection portion can be detachably mounted. The structure allows the load header, the capillary head, the detection unit and other portions of the capillary array to be handled as a unit, thereby making it easier to mount the capillary array on the electrophoresis apparatus.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing ferric ion content in a plating solution by exposing hydrogen to an electrode in a plating solution for reducing a ferric ion content in the plating solution.

Abstract: This invention relates to increasing the electrocatalytic activity of conducting polymers so that the same may be useful for electro-oxidation of methanol which is important for fuel-cell technology. Conventional catalysts used for this process are based on Pt, Ru or Pd complexes which are incorporated in carbon/graphite based electrodes. However, these are not only expensive but difficult to fabricate in different shapes. Conducting polymer based electrodes have advantage of ease of fabrication but their activity has been found in the past to be not very high. The present invention provides a process for preparation of conducting polymer based electrodes which have very high catalytic activity (8 to 10 times higher) for electro-oxidation of methanol.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing titanium or titanium alloy semi-finished or ready-to-use products is disclosed. The method includes forming shaped bodies of titanium oxide particles and positioning the shaped bodies is an electrolytic cell which includes: an anode, a cathode, and a molten electrolyte. The shaped bodies are positioned to form at least a part of the cathode. The electrolyte includes cations of a metal that is capable of chemically reducing titanium oxide. The method further includes reducing the titanium oxide to titanium in a solid state in the electrolytic cell so that the shaped bodies become shaped bodies of titanium sponge. Finally, the method includes processing the shaped bodies of titanium sponge to reduce the volume or at least one of the dimensions of the bodies thereby to form the semi-finished or ready-to-use products.

Abstract: A polishing method for electropolishing a metal film formed on a wafer surface so as to fill concave portions formed on the wafer surface comprises a step of determining an electropolishing end point of the metal film on the basis of a change of a current waveform resulting from electropolishing the metal film. An electropolishing apparatus comprising a current detector for detecting a current waveform resulting from electropolishing a metal film and an end point determination part for determining an electropolishing end point of the metal film on the basis of the change of a current detected with the current detector is used to realize the polishing method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for detecting leaks in the wall of a test object, container or similar, by measuring and evaluating changes that occur in a partial gas pressure. The invention aims to simplify the detection of leaks. To this end, changes that occur in partial pressures of oxygen are detected and evaluated using an oxygen sensor (4).

Abstract: A process for hydroprocessing a hydrocarbon feed. The hydrocarbon feed is first admixed with a hydrogen rich gas. The resultant process stream is then contacted with a hydrocracking catalyst. The resultant catalyst effluent process stream is separated into a gas phase stream and a liquid phase stream, and the gas phase stream is withdrawn. The liquid phase stream is admixed with a hydrogen rich gas, and the resultant process stream is contacted with a hydrocracking catalyst. The resultant catalyst effluent process stream is withdrawn and admixed with the previously obtained gas phase stream, and the resultant process stream is withdrawn.

Abstract: A system comprising: a paraffin feed produced by the Fischer-Tropsch process is fractionable into at least three fractions: an intermediate fraction boiling between T1 and T2, T1 being in the range 120–200° C. and T2 being more than 300° C. and less than 410° C., a light fraction boiling below it and a heavy fraction boiling above it; at least a portion of the intermediate fraction is hydrotreated then at least a portion thereof is passed over an amorphous hydroisomerisation/hydrocracking catalyst; the heavy fraction is passed over an amorphous hydroisomerisation/hydrocracking catalyst with a conversion of 370° C.+ products into 370° C.? products of more than 80% by weight; the hydrocracked/hydroisomerised fractions are distilled to obtain middle distillates (kerosine, gas oil).

Abstract: A thermal cracking process using tubes, pipes, and coils made of. An outermost surface covering not less than 55% of stainless steel, said surface having a thickness from 0.1 to 15 microns and being a spinel of the formula MnxCr3-xO4 wherein x is from 0.5 to 2 is not prone to coking and is suitable for hydrocarbyl reactions such as furnace tubes for cracking.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalytic composition which comprises a beta zeolite, a metal of group VIII, a metal of group VI B and optionally one or more oxides as carrier. The catalytic system of the present invention can be used for the hydrotreating of hydrocarbon mixtures and more specifically in the upgrading of hydrocarbon mixtures having boiling ranges within the range of 35° to 250° C., containing sulfur impurities, i.e. in hydrodesulfuration with contemporaneous skeleton isomerization and a reduced hydrogenation degree of olefins contained in said hydrocarbon mixtures, the whole process being carried out in a single step.

Abstract: A process for the producing edible protein-containing meal for human and animal consumption and high quality food grade oils from oil seed using iodotrifluoromathane as the solvent is shown. The meal has a significantly improved level of dietary available (absorbable) protein. The process involves the preparation of protein isolates by a procedure which is conducted at room temperature, thus decreases protein degradation and denaturing which is caused by elevated temperatures. The process also provides for extraction of substantially all oils and fats, which interfere with the formation of the protein micelle, from the protein meal providing a cleaner, purer product with high levels of absorbable protein. Such protein isolates can then be used as such or added to formulated foods in order to increase the total protein content of that food. The protein produced and the oils recovered have compositions which are also unique and unobtainable by prior processing methods.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a filter media tower assembly is provided comprising a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion is suspended within the second portion. The first portion is a removable media tower or cage for holding filter media, whereas the second portion is a media tower guide support structure that is mounted to a surface of a tank. In a second embodiment, a load cell or a weighing assembly is disposed above the removable media tower. The deployment of this weighing mechanism above the removable media tower provides constant monitoring of biomass build-up on the filter media.

Abstract: A swimming pool backwash control arrangement includes a timing device incorporated with a valve for controlling normal re-circulating flow and backwash flow through a swimming pool filter. The timer is constructed to be in series with the electric power circuit to the pool pump and is activated when the valve is moved to the backwash flow position. The timer functions to maintain electric power to the pump for a user-specified or a pre-set period. At the end of the period the timer will cause the circuit to open thereby disabling the pump. Power can be restored to the pump by returning the valve to its normal re-circulating flow position.

Abstract: This invention relates to remediation systems, and more particularly to remediation systems for water, soil, and sediment bodies using thin-layer coated microbubbles.

Abstract: A bioreactor system having improved temperature control wherein heat is directly removed from the bioreactor liquid to maintain temperature balance in the bioreactor. The present invention also relates to a method for maintaining a desired temperature range of thermophilic and mesophilic bioreactors wherein ambient air is brought into direct contact with droplets of bioreactor liquid. Heat is transferred from the droplets of bioreactor liquid to the air, which is then evacuated from the bioreactor.

Abstract: A self-cleansing media and systems incorporating the same, for a rotating biological contactor, are described. The media includes a disk having cones extending perpendicularly from the surface thereof. Two or more disks lock together, axially about a rotating central shaft, by connecting cones spaced throughout the disk surface having a socket at their base to receive the top of the corresponding connecting cone on the adjacent disk. The cones, by virtue of their length, space the disks a desired distance. The disks include disk segments that can link to one another along either straight and/or curved portions thereof. The geometry of the media provides free passage of the air and water during each revolution, and while the base disk slices through the air and water, the projecting cones or cylinders enter the air and water perpendicular to the direction of rotation and are washed and cleansed during each rotation.

Abstract: A storm drain filter device is provided including a preferably flexible, preferably frameless filter bag designed to be suspended in a drain inlet, and a connector assembly, connected to an open end of the filter bag. The connector assembly may include straps that are sized and structured to allow the flexible filter bag to be directly connected or bound to a removable grate of a storm drain.

Abstract: A system and method for removing floating product from an aquifer. The system includes a groundwater-depressing mechanism configured to create a depression in a groundwater surface that encourages migration of floating product to the depression. The system also includes a floating-product extraction mechanism configured to separate floating product from the groundwater at the depression.

Abstract: The present invention provides a separating agent for enantiomeric isomers, which has an excellent ability to identify asymmetry. That is, the present invention relates to a separating agent for enantiomeric isomers which includes as an effective component a polysaccharide derivative having a bicyclic or more structure having an aromatic, alicyclic, or heterocyclic ring.

Abstract: A coagulation-flocculation apparatus for conducting coagulation-flocculation treatment by adding a coagulant or flocculent to suspension such as sludge is capable of diffusing the flocculant into the suspension uniformly so as to exhibit flocculation function of the flocculant effectively, thereby enhancing the flocculation efficiency, shortening the processing time, and allowing reduction in size of the apparatus. The flocculation apparatus has transfer piping 12 for transferring suspension, small-diameter piping 13 of which diameter is smaller than that of the transfer piping 12 and which is connected to the transfer piping 12, a flocculent supplying device disposed on the small-diameter piping 13 or the transfer piping 12 on the upstream side thereof, and a temporary retention section 11 for flocculation having an inlet and an outlet for water, the small-diameter piping 13 being connected to the inlet.

Abstract: The present invention provides a filter assembly containing a filter element and a container as a depot for a liquid additive. The container can include an inlet and an outlet, which are configured to allow a liquid to flow into the container mix with the contained additive and then flow out into the system. It has been observed that a liquid flowing through a filter assembly exhibits a pressure gradient within the filter. Consequently, the inlets and outlets to the container can be positioned to take advantage of the pressure gradient to enhance the addition of the additive to the liquid in the filter assembly.

Abstract: A water treatment device includes a case having an inlet fitting on an underside thereof and a plurality of cylinders overlapped and received in the case. Each cylinder has a tube received therein and four first ribs connected between the tube and an inner periphery of the cylinder so as to define four first partitions for respectively receiving four curved magnetic pieces therein. Three second ribs are located in each tube and define three second partitions in each tube and each second partition has a plurality of mineral particles received therein. A first one of the three second ribs has an upper notch defined in a top edge thereof and a second one of the three second ribs has a bottom notch defined in a bottom edge thereof. A plurality of holes are defined through an area of the closed end of each cylinder and the area is located between the first one of the three second ribs and a third one of the three second ribs.

Abstract: In order to provide a filter press which operates especially reliably and free of wear, a membrane for a membrane plate has a membrane surface enclosed by a membrane margin which is free of perforations. Furthermore, a membrane plate has such a membrane. Moreover, a chamber plate has a number of sludge inflows, each with an inflow orifice spaced apart from the chamber plate margin. Finally, a plate stack has a number of membrane plates and/or a number of chamber plates and also a corresponding filter press.

Abstract: A drinking water filter for filtering major water contaminates from tap water and other drinking water sources. The water filter a cylindrical cartridge for receiving a plurality of sponge filters used as dividers between different layers of filtration material and along a length of the cartridge. The sponge filters are designed to remove large and small sediments in the water from 1 to 100 microns in size and greater when the water is introduced through the cartridge. The layers of filtration material includes a layer of granulated zinc and copper alloy, a fine mesh carbon block, a layer of granulated ion exchange resin, a layer of granulated activated carbon and layer of granulated activated calcite. The carbon block and the granulated carbon material is used for removing chlorine, odor, color, cysts, protozoa and organic contaminants such as pesticides, herbicides, arsenic, mercury, and trihalomnethanes.

Abstract: Mineral contaminants are removed from water in a system in which water is sprayed into an air head at the top of a tank through a diffuser and withdrawn through a pick-up tube. A solenoid valve operates to allows air from a compressor to flow into the top of the tank through a shuttle valve which is opened by the air pressure. Simultaneously a drain valve connected to the shuttle valve opens a drain, venting water and air from the tank. The shuttle valve, closed by the solenoid valve, closes the air supply line and connecting the shuttle valve to atmosphere, and pressure within the aeration tank can close the shuttle valve, which causes closing of the drain valve. The part of the valve which opens the drain is made responsive to excess pressure within the air tank to open the drain and so acts as a pressure relief valve.

Abstract: The invention is a multichamber microdialysis device with a multitude of sample chambers in close side by side arrangement (similar to a microtiter plate) for receiving liquid samples, and at least one dialysate chamber for receiving a dialysate liquid. The sample chambers are surrounded by circumferential sidewalls and are in liquid exchange contact to a neighboring dialysis chamber via an exchange opening covered by a semipermeable membrane. The semipermeable membrane is fixed liquid-tight to the walls of the sample chamber, so that a diffusion exchange between the sample chamber and the correspondingly neighboring dialysate chamber is only possible via the membrane. Consequently, only molecules with a molecular weight below the molecular cut-off of the semipermeable membrane can diffuse from the sample chamber to the dialysate chamber or from the dialysate chamber to the sample chamber.

Abstract: A package assembly comprising a sealed water-impermeable bag enclosing: a spiral wound filtration element comprising a piperazine-based membrane, and an aqueous solution comprises a substantially non-oxidizable buffer having capacity to sequester at least 0.0025 moles per liter of hydrogen ions. The assembly preferably further includes a reducing agent. The assembly provides improved preservation for piperazine-based membranes and elements incorporating such membranes.

Abstract: The inventions describe a phased activated sludge treatment system that incorporates elements of batch treatment technology into a flow-through treatment process. Control of mixing and aeration systems are independent to facilitate the operation of the main reactor vessel in alternating aerated and anoxic conditions. Conditioning vessels in communication with the main reactor are employed to preferentially control the distribution and balance of nitrogen and phosphorus compounds in the reactor and to remove such biological nutrients concurrently with BOD and TSS in the wastewater. The inventions provide the beneficial results of providing greater operator control of flow-through treatment processes, power saving and reduced operation and maintenance costs in comparison to conventional flow-through treatment technologies.

Abstract: A method of treating animal manure yielding a final liquid fraction and solid fractions whereby the final liquid fraction has a suspended solids (SS) content of about 3 g/L or lower comprising subjecting at least a part of said manure to a first biological passive flotation step in a flotation unit having a hydraulic residency time (HRT) of about 4 to about 24 hours with a polymer to yield a first flotation solid fraction and a first flotation liquid fraction, said method comprising a further treatment.

Abstract: A Catalytic Bioconversion (CB) process using kenaf core powder is used to promote an environmentally friendly method to biologically treat the petroleum contaminants in these wastes and waste waters while simultaneously producing a high energy solid fuel. The new process has very low capital and operating costs, treats and converts hazardous waste to non-hazardous waste, and can produce a viable solid fuel product instead of a waste. Typically, these petroleum-contaminated waste/wastewaters undergo some type of hydrocarbon separation and recovery via phase separation using heat and chemical treatment in storage tanks. The objective is to recover as much “good” hydrocarbon as possible and recycle it back to the production process. The material that is not recoverable, an emulsion of oil, water, and solids must be further processed and eventually discarded.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for treating wastewater from a sewer system including the steps of: (A) removing solids contained in the influent to create solids-depleted preliminary effluent (PrE) and to protect downstream systems from premature failure due to wear from solid particles; (B) removing suspended solids from the PrE to produce a suspended solids-depleted primary effluent (PE); (C) treating the PE biologically by exposing it to bacteria-supporting media that removes soluble organic material, thereby creating trickling filter effluent (TFE); (D) separating the bacterial organisms by settling to create a secondary effluent (SE); (E) subjecting the SE to tertiary treatment including granular activated carbon pressure filters to remove PCB's and other compounds and create a carbon filter effluent; (F) disinfecting the CFE to create a final effluent (FE); and (G) discharging the FE to a receiving environment, separately settling and disposing the backwash solids in a backwash clarifier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for recovering a surfactant from a water-carbon dioxide system comprising at least one type of surfactant, water and carbon dioxide, the method comprising the step of bringing the water-carbon dioxide system into contact with a dehydrating agent to remove water. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method comprising the steps of installing a device for selectively removing a removal target in a circulation line in which circulated is a mixed system comprising carbon dioxide, a carbon dioxide-compatible surfactant and/or a cosolvent, and a removal target; circulating the mixed system; and selectively removing the removal target that has been incorporated into the surfactant and/or cosolvent.