Abstract: A display bracket for a wrench that achieves the purpose of economizing exhibition space comprises a locking hole capable receiving a cylindrical connecting member of a mount of and a main body further consisting of a flexible piece near the locking hole, whereby the main body will connected to the mount by a plurality of arced projection around the connecting member. The connecting member can further secured with the maim body by the engagement between a ratchet on the outer rim thereon and the flexible piece. Thereby, the wrench can be hung on the display bracket for exhibition.

Abstract: A package (10) for a bulb (12) having a bulbous, light-emitting end (14) and a socket end (16), has a first thin-walled plastic body (18a) arrayed along a longitudinal axis (20) and having a closed end (22) and an open end (24), the open end (24) having a diameter D transverse to the longitudinal axis sufficient to admit insertion of the bulbous, light emitting end (14) of the bulb (12), the closed end (22) of the first thin-walled plastic body (18a) formed with at least one internal surface support (26) extending away from the longitudinal axis (20) in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis and substantially contiguous with a curve of the bulbous light emitting end (14), the open end (24) providing a circumferential coupling area (28); and a second thin-walled plastic body (18b) formed with a socket receiving end (32) and a mating coupling area (34) formed to conform to the circumferential coupling area (28) and coupled thereto.

Abstract: A pack, especially a retail pack, for a plurality of individual products packed in separate individual packs, characterized in that each individual pack has a retaining section which is firmly joined to a common pack carrier and from which a remaining portion of each individual pack can be separated in order to remove it from the pack carrier so that an individual product can be removed from the remaining portion.

Abstract: A container, particularly for surgical instruments in the form of tray, which has a rigid frame, the bottom of which is made of a replaceable material, advantageously a single-use material, such as paper or fabric.

Abstract: The present invention relates to boxes, particularly boxes formed from polymer materials, especially expanded polystyrene (EPS) or other expanded polymer materials. However, the invention is applicable to boxes generally, including those formed from cardboard, board, wood, metal, etc. Boxes formed from EPS or other expanded polymer materials are used in vast numbers for a huge range of purposes. For example, such boxes are used generally as transport containers, for transporting all manner of goods, including raw and processed food, plants, electrical products, chemical products, pharmaceutical products, and biological materials. Boxes formed from such materials have many advantages, including low manufacturing cost, thermal insulation properties, low density, and impact resistance.

Abstract: A wax container kit for auto detailing according to this invention comprises a wax container sealed with a disposable cap along with a second vacuum cap. Both the wax container and vacuum cap are displayed in a transparent plastic container. After opening the wax container and dispensing the wax, the disposable cap is thrown away and replaced with the vacuum cap. The vacuum cap comprises means for creating negative pressure inside the wax container to preserve the wax.

Abstract: A monthly system of dispensing medications/supplements. The device includes a housing unit, paper chart attaching devices, divided tray that holds a plurality of semi-transparent storage containers, a removable time clock alarm system, a detachable paper caddy with writing instrument holder and a detachable cup or beverage holder. A lip extends below each side of the rectangle base of the housing unit enabling additional housing units to be securely stacked above on the housing unit top or below each housing unit. Preprinted reminding disks can be used in a container corresponding to a desired date.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container which consists of a container body or a lower part and a lock and is characterized in that the lower part of the container and/or the lock are elastically deformable by a high restoring force at least in one parallel area in order to produce vacuum in the closed container.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing and dispensing health care items comprises a container having multiple compartments. At least some of the compartments contain health care items and are labeled with indicia relating to the health care item contained therein. The container contains at least two different health care items with at least one compartment containing a health care item different from the health care item contained in a different compartment.

Abstract: A container assembly is provided which includes a container selectively moveable between an erect condition and a collapsed or substantially flattened condition. A packaging material for support objects is disposed within an object receiving space of the container and secured thereto so that the packaging material remains in the object receiving space of the container when the container is in either the erect condition or the collapsed or substantially flattened condition.

Abstract: A display container comprises a first section and a second section hingedly connected to the first section. The first section has a front panel, a back panel, a first side panel that bridges the front and the back panels, a second side panel that bridges the front and the back panels, a top portion, and a bottom portion. The front panel has an access opening provided therein. The top portion is adapted to receive an open stock container. The second section has a front panel, a back panel, a first side panel that bridges the front and the back panels, and a second side panel that bridges the front and the back panels. The second section is adapted to stabilize the display container on a surface.

Abstract: A package decoration having a foldable panel and pop-up decoration affixed to the panel. The panel and the pop-up decoration are foldable into a flat format, the pop-up decoration folding between folded portions of the panel. The pop-up decoration configured and printed, and the panel printed to provide an occasion specific decoration. The panel may include a printed greeting and other package wrappings, such as ribbons may also be included with the panel and pop-up decoration.

Abstract: The present invention is a separation method and system in which granulation of coupled post-extraction asphalt residue is used to achieve deep separation of heavy oil. A dispersion solvent is introduced into the asphalt phase after separation by solvent extraction and the asphalt phase undergoes rapid phase change in a gas-solid separator and is dispersed into solid particles while the solvent vaporizes, resulting in low temperature separation of asphalt and solvent with adjustable size of the asphalt particles. The separation method of this invention also includes a three-stage separation of heavy oil feedstock, in which the deasphalted oil phase separated from heavy oil is treated with supercritical solvent and results in the further separation of the resin portion of the deasphalted oil, maximizing the yield and quality of the deasphalted oil.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for treating the effluent from a hydrocarbon pyrolysis unit processing heavier than naphtha feeds to recover heat and remove tar therefrom. The method comprises passing the gaseous effluent to at least one primary heat exchanger, thereby cooling the gaseous effluent and generating superheated steam. Thereafter, the gaseous effluent is passed through at least one secondary heat exchanger having a heat exchange surface maintained at a temperature such that part of the gaseous effluent condenses to form a liquid coating on said surface, thereby further cooling the remainder of the gaseous effluent to a temperature at which tar, formed by the pyrolysis process, condenses. The condensed tar is then removed from the gaseous effluent in at least one knock-out drum. An apparatus for carrying out this method is also provided.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for treating gaseous effluent from a hydrocarbon pyrolysis unit to provide steam cracked tar of reduced asphaltene and toluene insolubles content. The method is suitable for preparing reduced viscosity tar useful as a fuel blending stock, or feedstock for producing carbon black, while reducing or eliminating the need for externally sourced lighter aromatics additives to meet viscosity specifications. The method comprises drawing steam cracked tar from a separation vessel, e.g., a primary fractionator or tar knock-out drum, cooling the tar, and returning it to the separation vessel to effect lower overall tar temperatures within the separation vessel, in order to reduce viscosity increasing condensation reactions. An apparatus for carrying out the method is also provided.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for treating the effluent from a hydrocarbon pyrolysis unit without employing a primary fractionator. The method comprises cooling the gaseous effluent, e.g., by direct quench and/or at least one primary heat exchanger, thereby generating high pressure steam, and then cooling the gaseous effluent to a temperature at which tar, formed by reactions among constituents of the effluent, condenses. The resulting mixed gaseous and liquid effluent is passed through a quench oil knock-out drum, to separate quench oil from the gaseous effluent which is then cooled to condense a liquid effluent comprising pyrolysis gasoline and water condensed from steam, which fractions are separated in a distillate drum. The cooled gaseous effluent is directed to a recovery train, to recover light olefins. The pyrolysis gasoline-containing fraction passes to a tailing tower which provides an overhead stream rich in pyrolysis gasoline and a bottoms stream rich in gas oil.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for treating the effluent from a hydrocarbon pyrolysis unit without employing a primary fractionator. The method comprises passing the gaseous effluent to at least one primary heat exchanger, thereby cooling the gaseous effluent and generating high pressure steam, and then cooling the gaseous effluent to a temperature at which tar, formed by reactions among constituents of the effluent, condenses. The gaseous effluent and the condensed tar are fed to at least one knock-out drum, whereby the tar is separated from the gaseous effluent. The gaseous effluent is then further cooled to condense a pyrolysis gasoline fraction from the effluent and to reduce the temperature of the effluent to a point at which it can be compressed efficiently. The condensed pyrolysis gasoline fraction is separated from the effluent and then distilled so as to reduce its final boiling point.

Abstract: A method is provided for treating the effluent from a hydrocarbon pyrolysis unit processing heavier than naphtha feeds to recover heat and remove tar therefrom. The method comprises passing the gaseous effluent to at least one primary transfer line heat exchanger, thereby cooling the gaseous effluent and generating superheated steam. Thereafter, the gaseous effluent is passed through at least one secondary transfer line heat exchanger having a heat exchange surface with a liquid coating on said surface, thereby further cooling the remainder of the gaseous effluent to a temperature at which tar, formed by the pyrolysis process, condenses. The condensed tar is then removed from the gaseous effluent in at least one knock-out drum. An apparatus for carrying out the method is also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for treating the effluent from a hydrocarbon pyrolysis unit employing a small primary fractionator, i.e., a rectifier. The method comprises cooling the gaseous effluent, e.g., by direct quench and/or at least one primary heat exchanger, and then cooling the gaseous effluent to a temperature at which tar, formed by reactions among constituents of the effluent, condenses, e.g., in a secondary exchanger. The resulting mixed gaseous and liquid effluent is passed through a rectifier, to cleanly separate quench oil from the gaseous effluent comprising a pyrolysis gasoline fraction, whose boiling point can be lowered as a result of the rectifier treatment. The effluent is then cooled to condense a liquid effluent comprising pyrolysis gasoline and water condensed from steam, which fractions are separated in a distillate drum. The cooled gaseous effluent is directed to a recovery train to recover light olefins.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for treating the effluent from a hydrocarbon pyrolysis process unit to recover heat and remove tar therefrom. The method comprises passing the gaseous effluent to at least one primary heat exchanger, thereby cooling the gaseous effluent and generating high pressure steam. Thereafter, the gaseous effluent is passed through at least one secondary heat exchanger having a heat exchange surface maintained at a temperature such that part of the gaseous effluent condenses to form in situ a liquid coating on said surface, thereby further cooling the remainder of the gaseous effluent to a temperature at which tar, formed by the pyrolysis process, condenses. The condensed tar is then removed from the gaseous effluent in at least one knock-out drum.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a thermo catalytic process to produce diesel oil from vegetal oils, in refineries which have two or more Catalytic Cracking (FCC) reactors. At least one reactor processes heavy gasoleum or residue in conventional operation conditions while at least one reactor processes vegetal oils in proper operation conditions to produce diesel oil. This process employs the same catalyst employed in the FCC process, which processes conventional feedstocks simultaneously. This process transforms high heat content raw materials into fuel hydrocarbons. It shows excellent efficiency for the obtention of highly pure products and do not yield glycerin, one by-product of the transesterification process. The diesel oil produced by said process presents quality superior and cetane number higher than 40. Once cracking reactions occur at lower temperatures, it forms less oxidized product, which is consequently purer than those obtained by existent technology are.

Abstract: A two-stage hydrotreating process is disclosed wherein a hydrocarbon stream is first desulphurized followed by a dehydrogenation step, which process comprises in combination contacting the feed and hydrogen over a hydrotreating catalyst at hydrotreating conditions, heating the hydrotreated effluent and hydrogen-rich gas from the hydrotreating reactor and contacting said effluent and hydrogen gas over a hydrotreating catalyst in a post-treatment reactor at a temperature sufficient to increase the polyaromatic hydrocarbon content and lower the hydrogen content of said effluent.

Abstract: A method which controls sedimentation occurring at a heat exchanger for cooling hydrodesulfurization/hydrocracking residue containing asphaltenes at a high content and thereby prevents fouling of the heat exchanger is disclosed. A method for preventing fouling of a heat exchanger for cooling hydrodesulfurization/hydrocracking residue, which injects flux oil into hydrodesulfurization/hydrocracking residue containing asphaltenes at 1% by mass or more, wherein the flux oil is at least one species of residue selected from the group consisting of crude vacuum distillation residue and fluidized catalytic cracking residue, and injected into the hydrodesulfurization/hydrocracking residue to control its actual sediment content at 0.2% by mass or less, determined in accordance with IP-375 is also disclosed.

Abstract: A magnetic reagent contains magnetic microparticles and a compound of the formula (I) as defined herein. The magnetic reagent may be used in a magnetic separation process for the removal of impurities from mineral substrates.

Abstract: A magnetic reagent contains magnetic microparticles and a compound of the formula (I) as defined herein. The magnetic reagent may be used in a magnetic separation process for the removal of impurities from mineral substrates.

Abstract: A filter screen to be used in conjunction with a shale shaker in removing solid matter from drilling fluids includes a filter plate having a plurality of perforations, a plurality of hold-down apertures, and a pair of end caps attached to the filter plate, wherein each end cap is configured to isolate the hold down apertures from the plurality of perforations.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical module manufacturing method for bonding a can portion having an optical semiconductor element and a barrel portion of the optical module together, comprising the steps of: a bonding step for bonding a joint surface of the can portion and a joint surface of the barrel portion by thermoset adhesive, so as to form an interior room defined by the bonded can portion and barrel portion (S1); a receiving step for receiving the bonded can portion and the barrel portion into a hermetical container (S2); a curing step for heating interior of the hermetical container so as to solidify the thermoset adhesive dispensed on the joint surfaces (S3); a cooling step for reducing a temperature inside the hermetical container after the thermoset adhesive is cured (S4); and a step of taking the can portion and the barrel portion out from the hermetical container.

Abstract: A portable analysis appliance includes a housing and a magazine for holding test elements. A delivery device is provided for delivering the test elements from a first position in the interior of the magazine to a second position lying at least partially outside the magazine and inside the housing. The delivery of the test elements including a first movement out of the interior of the magazine and a second movement by means of a guide into a presentation position.

Abstract: The invention is a hemodialysis system in which at least one disposable sensor is combined with a dialysis circuit, in combination with an optional transceiver, to provide real-time or near-real-time patient data. Sensors for any or all of blood pressure, conductivity, temperature, oxygenation, sodium levels, calcium levels, phosphorus levels, urea levels, potassium levels, without limitation, may be included in the blood circuit. Preferably, the sensors are MEMS or ISFET sensors and are positioned in the overall system upstream of, or within the upstream portion of, the dialyzer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a recycling feed apparatus for thinner which serves for purifying a used thinner recovered from a coating treatment process to control a concentration of impurities in the thinner within an adequate range, and recycling the thinner to the coating treatment process, wherein the concentration of the impurities can be detected at a high accuracy, thereby not only enabling feed of the thinner whose concentration is fully controlled but also enhancing a recovery rate of the thinner.

Abstract: A device and method for reconditioning oil or vaporizing volatile fluids from oil of internal combustion engines in order to extend the oil service life is provided. Such a device can include a housing having an internal and external surface which defines an enclosed open chamber which can receive heated engine oil. A coating having a thermal conductivity lower than that of the housing can cover at least a portion of the internal surface. An engine oil inlet, a vapor outlet, and a reconditioned oil outlet may be coupled to the housing. The coating can provide heat retention and other benefits to the device, thereby enhancing the volatile fluids vaporization process and increasing the service life of the device. In addition, the separation of volatile fluids can be affected using either spraying or thin film. The reconditioned oil has a significant reduction in water and fuel content thus allowing for increased service intervals and increased useful oil life.

Abstract: The invention relates to a supply unit (3) for fuel, in which a filter (6) and a supply pump (5) are arranged in a common housing (4). The filter element (14) has a support ring (13), tensioned between lateral pieces (11, 12) of the supply unit (3). The support ring (13) retains a folded filter membrane (15) within a channel (7, 8) of the supply unit (3). Said supply unit (3) requries little space and is easily assembled.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for thermal conversion of sludge into fuel and other products such as char. The systems and methods disclosed herein, among other benefits, convert sludge into fuel without the creation of reaction water and allow for the independent control of mixing and the movement of sludge through pyrolysis systems. Chars formed during pyrolysis have a number of beneficial uses.

Abstract: A device and method for reconditioning oil or vaporizing volatile fluids from oil of internal combustion engines in order to extend the oil service life is disclosed and described. Such a device can include a housing which defines an enclosed open chamber that can receive heated engine oil. A spray nozzle, a vapor outlet, and a reconditioned oil outlet may be coupled to the housing. In addition, the disclosed oil reconditioning device may also include a supplemental heating source such as an electrical heating element placed upstream of the device or integrated as part of the device. The oil reconditioning devices can spray engine oil into the open chamber to increase the surface area of the engine oil. The increase in surface area and design of the reconditioning device can increase the vaporization rate of volatile fluids to form a reconditioned oil. The reconditioned oil has a significant reduction in water and fuel content thus allowing for reduced service intervals and increased useful oil life.

Abstract: The present invention is designed to offer an alternative to filters being installed and removed from various machines. The present invention provides for a wrench element placed opposite the base of the filter that would be either a male or female connection and would operate with standard tools. It would allow the user to be able to attach a standard tool to the wrench element that is integrally formed into the housing and use the wrench element to rotate the filter. By having the wrench element built into the housing it reduces the risk of slippage of the tool being used for installation and removal.

Abstract: A transfer device for transferring fluid includes a rope which rotates around wheels and which, moved by the wheels, comes into contact with the fluid, and a cleaner for removing fluid stuck to the rope, at least a first and a second housing provided with wheels around which the rope rotates, and at least two closed channels which are arranged between the first and second housings and into which the rope is arranged to transfer fluid from the first housing to the cleaner in the second housing.

Abstract: A pool cleaning apparatus is provided that employs a pump and a filtering device. An engine or motor drives the pump. The pump draws water and debris into the pool cleaning apparatus through a wand. The pump moves the water through the filtering device to remove debris. The filtering device comprises a vessel having a sealable lid. The vessel contains a tube for transporting water and debris into the vessel, a leaf trap for catching debris, a primary filter of polyester fiber, and a positive stop having a gasket. The primary filter sits on the gasket, with the leaf trap resting above the primary filter. Both the leaf trap and the primary filter have a hole through which the tube extends, and handles. The primary filter houses a filtration element which is washable and disposable. The pool cleaning apparatus may be mounted onto a cart, or be permanently installed.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a hollow fiber membrane type body fluid treatment device having very high substance removal performance which was not sufficiently achieved in a prior art and allowing the effective prevention of damage to hollow fiber membrane end portion due to impact by falling or impact by water flow. The hollow fiber membrane type body fluid treatment device comprising a hollow fiber membrane type body fluid treatment module comprising at least a tubular housing charged with a hollow fiber membrane bundle having resin layer fixed the bundle with a resin composition at both ends thereof and connection ports for a treatment liquid inlet and outlet formed in the outer peripheral surface of the tubular housing near both ends thereof and header caps provide with connection ports for a treatment target liquid fitted to both ends of the tubular housing.

Abstract: In a fuel cell system 20 mounted on a fuel cell vehicle of the invention, water separated by a gas-liquid separator 38 included in a hydrogen supply system and by a gas-liquid separator 48 included in an air supply discharge system 40 is temporarily accumulated in buffer tanks 62a through 62c, which are set inside a front fender or inside a front bumper of the vehicle. The accumulated water is released from water outlets 64b and 64c located forward and backward a front wheel of the vehicle having relatively little potential effects of vehicle wind or air flow caused by motion of the vehicle. For the purpose of reducing the potential effects of the vehicle wind on the released water, the fuel cell vehicle may have an air flow path that makes the released water flown obliquely backward the vehicle by the air flow or form an air curtain of exhaust gas or the air ahead of the released water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite membrane with a separation-active membrane layer and a supporting membrane, a process for the production of the same, and a process for using the same. The composite membrane according to the invention is distinguished by the fact that the separation-active membrane layer comprises a polymer hardened by electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength that is less than 800 nm and/or by electron beams. The process according to the invention is distinguished by the fact that a layer of a solution of a polymer that can be hardened by electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength that is less than 800 nm and/or by electron beams and an initiator substance is applied to a supporting membrane and subsequently is hardened by electromagnetic radiation and/or by electron beams. The use according to the invention serves to retain low-molecular substances from organic solutions.

Abstract: It is the purpose of the present invention to provide filter cartridges which can suitably be utilized in purifying chemical fluids for treating the surface of an electronic device substrate to be used in the semiconductor industry, particularly fluids containing a basic compound such as ammonia and an ammonium salt, or hydrofluoric acid (HF). The filter cartridges relating to the present invention which are used in removing metallic impurities contained in a chemical fluid for treating the surface of an electronic device substrate by treating the chemical fluid, is characterized by having a filter material incorporated therein, into which functional groups compatible with the existing morphology of the metallic impurities to be removed are incorporated in compliance with the constituents of the chemical fluid to be treated and the types of the metallic impurities to be removed.

Abstract: A method of synthesizing a polymeric membrane is described in which a polymer, for example a polyvinylidene polymer or a terpolymer of ethylene, chlortrifluoroethylene and an acrylic monomer is heated and blended with a solvent. The solvent may be a high boiling latent solvent, for example butyl benzyl phthalate or tri iso nonyl trimellitate. The heated blend is shaped, which may involve casting on a supporting material such as a braided tube. Subsequently, the blend is cooled to thereby induce polymeric membrane formation on the supporting material.

Abstract: A waste treatment apparatus for the treatment and processing of wet material is provided. The apparatus comprises an inlet hopper adapted for receipt of the wet material. A pre-conditioning unit is provided having an input and an output end wherein the wet material is received from the inlet hopper at the input end and is conveyed to the output end wherein the wet material is processed to reduce moisture and pathogen content. A blower is provided for providing a forced air stream to direct the flow of the wet material and for directing the flow from the output end of the pre-conditioning unit. A pre-separation cyclone is provided and is operatively positioned for receiving the wet material from the output end of the pre-conditioning unit via the air stream powered by the blower, wherein the wet material is processed under the influence of cyclonic forces that further reduce the moisture content, pathogen content, and reduce the particle size of the wet material.

Abstract: A device and method for reconditioning oil or vaporizing volatile fluids from oil of internal combustion engines in order to extend the oil service life is provided. Such a device can include a housing which defines a substantially enclosed open chamber which can receive heated engine oil. An engine oil inlet, a vapor outlet, and a reconditioned oil outlet may be coupled to the housing. In addition, the disclosed oil reconditioning device may be free of direct heating or supplemental heating sources other than the intrinsic heat of the heated engine oil as it enters the open chamber. The reconditioning devices can be configured to introduce engine oil into the open chamber prior to contact with any interior surfaces. Separation of volatile fluids can be affected using either spraying or thin film. The reconditioned oil has a significant reduction in water and fuel content thus allowing for increased service intervals and increased useful oil life.

Abstract: A grass treatment device 801 that comprises a first roller 701 configured to contact a grass surface 802, a second roller 805 configured to contact the grass surface 802, a treatment tool 804 capable of treating the grass surface 804. The grass treatment device 801 further comprises adjustment means 303, 305 configured to allow an adjustment of a distance between the treatment tool 804 and the first roller 701, the adjustment capable of affecting a distance 807 between the tool 804 and the grass surface 802. The adjustment means 303, 305 further comprises graduation means configured to indicate to a user predetermined quantized intervals of the distance 807 between the tool 804 and the grass surface 802.

Abstract: Packed bed reactors that have a series of alternating layers of packing. A first packing layer has open body packing elements randomly packed in a layer up to about 10 packing elements deep; and a second packing layer has porous support elements of hydrophobic foam. The porous support elements are randomly packed up to about 10 porous support elements deep. Further, the packing elements of the first layer include substantially cylindrical shapes and the porous support elements of the second layer include substantially rectilinear shapes. In some embodiments, the second layer supports microbial organisms in a biological reactor, and the first layer of open body packing provides fluid flow spaces to facilitate fluid flow and distribution, mass transfer, and to minimize channeling.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for treating wastewater containing biodegradable material wherein a submerged stand alone perforated cylinder reactor pod containing aerobic bacterial growth media and a draft tube with air pressure induced pumping action creates a spray or splash pattern so as to recirculated aerated liquor through the media and also to the area surrounding the cylinder pod. Free interchange of mixed and unmixed liquor is provided via the perforations in the cylindrical pod wall. Provision is also made for back flushing the media and returning mixed liquor to an area remote from the reactor pod.

Abstract: Method of evaluating the biodegradation, through the action of a bacterial population, of hydrocarbons trapped in a geologic structure. The mass of hydrocarbons present in said structure is determined without taking account of the biodegradation, from data relative to the physical and geometrical characteristics of the structure studied. Then the mass of hydrocarbons consumed by biodegradation is calculated after evaluating the number of bacteria, their hydrocarbon consumption and the structure filling time. The mass percentage of oil disappeared through the bacterial action is deduced from these two masses. Application: determination of the composition of oils in a reservoir and notably location of heavy oils. The method can notably be applied to the evaluation of the economic risk linked with the presence of biodegraded petroleum reservoirs.

Abstract: A process is described for the extraction of one or more substances from a fluid starting material with an appropriate extraction agent by use of a static micromixer for mixing the starting material with the extraction agent. The static micromixer is provided with disk-shaped components, the disk (1) being provided with at least one inlet opening (2) for introducing at least one fluid stream into a linking channel (3) disposed in the plane of the disk and at least one outlet opening (4) for removing the fluid stream into a mixing zone (5) disposed in the plane of the disk, the inlet opening (2) being connected with the outlet opening (4) in a communicating manner through a linking channel (3) disposed in the plane of the disk, and the linking channel (3) before opening into the mixing zone (5) being divided by microstructure units (6) into two or more part channels (7), and the widths of the part channels being in the millimeter to submillimeter range and being smaller than the width of the mixing zone (5).

Abstract: A method of backwashing a membrane filtration module (4), said module (4) including one or more membranes (5) located in a feed-containing vessel (3), the membranes (5) having a permeable wall which is subjected to a filtration operation wherein feed containing contaminant matter is applied to one side of the membrane wall and filtrate is withdrawn from the other side of the membrane wall, the method including: removing liquid from the feed-containing vessel (3) until the level of liquid in the feed-containing vessel (3) falls to a first level (L2) below an upper level of the membranes; suspending the filtration operation; performing a liquid backwash of the membrane wall until liquid level within the feed-containing vessel (3) rises to a second predetermined level (L1) above said first level; aerating the membrane surface with gas bubbles to dislodge fouling materials therefrom; performing a sweep or drain down of the feed-containing vessel (3) to remove the liquid containing the dislodged contaminant matter