Abstract: The Multilayer Energy Dissipating Inlet Column (MEDIC) in a center-feed clarifier consists of a plurality of perforated and concentric columns and a circular cover, which closes the bottom of the multilayer column. In the wall of each perforated column many flow inlet ports are mounted. The layout of the flow inlet ports between any two adjacent perforated columns is staggered to create a puzzled flow path and flow impingement among the layers of MEDIC. The strong influent jet due to the small influent area in a center-feed clarifier continuously impinges with the multilayer perforated columns one after another one. The resistance created by the multiple perforated columns slows down the influent jet and evenly distributes it among all of the inlet ports in the wall of the most outside column. The ability of MEDIC to confine the turbulence entering into clarifiers effectively lowers the dispersed sludge blanket in clarifiers and increases their capacity.

Abstract: A continuous flow wastewater treatment process is implemented for stabilizing biosolids. Sludge from a mesophyllic digester flows through heat exchangers to raise the temperature to a pasteurization temperature. The raised temperature sludge is flowed continuously through a detention tank from an input to an output, wherein sludge at the input and at the output is within the pasteurization temperature range. The sludge is maintained at the elevated temperature during the flowing for a prescribed time to stabilize the sludge. After said flowing, the sludge may be further digested in a mesophyllic digester, then separated into at least stabilized biosolids and effluent.

Abstract: A method for managing multivalent metal ion concentrations in low-yield wastewater treatment processes. The method includes combining wastewater containing BOD with bacteria-laden sludge in a mainstream reactor to form a mixed liquor, separating the mixed liquor into a clear effluent and an activated sludge stream, returning a first portion of the activated sludge stream to the mainstream reactor, processing a second portion of the activated sludge stream in a sidestream bioreactor, returning at least a portion of the activated sludge stream in the sidestream bioreactor to the mainstream reactor, and adding multivalent metal ions to at least one of the wastewater, the mixed liquor, the activated sludge stream and combinations thereof to reduce the generation of waste activated sludge.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and apparatus for treating wastewater. The wastewater treatment system includes a bioreactor including activated carbon and a first biological population. The wastewater treatment system may also include a membrane bioreactor and/or a wet oxidation unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus with which the aqueous solution from liquid-liquid extraction in the hydrometallurgical recovery of metals is purified from droplets of organic extraction solution. The aqueous solution is treated in a settling tank, where it is made to flow through a flow channel area with a reduced cross-section that extends over the width of the tank at least at one point. The flow channels are located in the lower section of the droplet coalescer according to the invention, with the upper section of the device being mainly solid.

Abstract: A backwashing method incorporating a membrane filtration apparatus in which a ceramic filtration membrane including a substrate layer having a large number of filtration pores and a separating layer having filtration pores smaller than those of the substrate layer is accommodated in a casing. Air controlled to a pressure p1 is supplied to the secondary side of the filtration membrane to drain the filtrated water in the membrane filtration apparatus gradually toward the primary side. After that, air pressure is increased to p3 to push the water in the filtration membrane toward the primary side together with the air, thereby peeling off any fouling substances. Unlike in conventional cases, a large amount of backwashing drain water is at no time drained at any one time, and thus, without reducing the effectiveness of backwashing, a backwashing drain pipe can be designed to have a small diameter.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a microfiltration or ultrafiltration membrane comprising the step of contacting said membrane with a hydroxyl radical. The method is particularly suited for oxidation resistant membranes, such as Halar, with biological or organic fouling. The hydroxyl radicals for example are generated from an aqueous solution of transition metal ions, such as molybdenum, chromium, cobalt, copper, tungsten or more particularly iron, in conjunction with hydrogen peroxide under acidic conditions. The method is particularly suited to hollow fibre membranes where oxygen bubo es foamed in the course of the reaction create a flow that draws more liquid in through a wall of a vertical hollow fibre membrane and pushes water out of the top of the lumen, and where oxygen bubbles act to self agitate the solution which can break up a filter cake, where present, on the microfiltration or ultrafiltration membrane surface.

Abstract: Methods, particles, and devices are disclosed for filtration of oil for use of the oil in the preparation of biodiesel. Disclosed particles may comprise a substantially inert porous particle with a coating comprising a polymer having amine, amino, and/or imine group(s).

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel adsorbent carbon supported activated alumina (CSAA) which posses both the advantageous characteristics of carbon and alumina viz., the high specific surface area associated with activated carbon and high sorption capacity of alumina towards F? Carbon supported activated alumina has an added advantage of its usage in the neutral pH unlike alumina and alumina impregnated carbon which are found to be efficient only in acidic pH. It is more efficient compared to carbon in terms of its sorption capacity towards F? and is therefore useful for the efficient removal of fluoride ions from water.

Abstract: It has been found that phosphorous-containing and oxyanion compounds can be removed efficiently and economically by adsorption with cation-exchanged aluminosilicates that are ion-exchanged in a concentrated aluminosilicate composition containing the aluminosilicate, the exchange cations, and only about 15% to about 50% by weight water, based on the total weight of the aluminosilicate and water. Further, the ion-exchange process described herein has been found to be effective, in addition to those complexing or ion-exchange elements described in the Douglas '383 patent, when complexed or ion-exchanged with one or more elements of Group VIII (Fe, Co, Mi, Ru, Rh, Pd, Re, Os, Ir), Group IB (Cn, Ag, Au), and Group IIB (Zn, Cl, Hg).

Abstract: Present invention deals with cost-effective surface-modified zeolite materials developed from commercial zeolites and flyash-based zeolites by treating with surface modifiers like hexadecyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (HDTMA-Br). The formation of zeolitic materials with anionic characteristics requires treatment with a surfactant with initial concentrations greater than its critical micelle concentration (CMC). The sorption of oxyanions on the surfactant-modified zeolite (SMZ) is attributed to surface complexation and surface precipitation. Incorporation of metal ions on SMZ showed improved anion uptake for dearsenification of water due to synergistic effects and is able to meet the stringent target of 10 ppb of As on potable water being adopted by most countries. High selectivity, faster kinetics and high adsorption capacity ensures cost effectiveness of this product as compared to other low-cost products for dearsenification.

Abstract: A method dewatering thin stillage process streams generated in the processing of grain to ethanol comprising adding to the process streams an effective flocculating amount of an anionic copolymer comprising acrylic acid sodium salt, methacrylic acid sodium salt or 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid sodium salt to form a mixture of water and flocculated solids; and separating the water from the flocculated solids using a dewatering device.

Abstract: A filter monitor is disclosed capable of sensing the presence of water in the filter. The sensor utilizes changes in capacitance of a water absorbing media which functions as a dielectric disposed between a pair of electrodes. The sensor is in communication with a valve means to interrupt the transient fluid when a predetermined amount of water is present in the fluid.

Abstract: Biocolloids, e.g. Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts, are removed from water by filtration using a packed bed of a granular filter medium, preferably MgO, establishing an electric field across the packed bed, perpendicular to the flow of the water through the packed bed. The packed bed is provided in an annular space between two concentric electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalyst for wastewater treatment and a method for wet oxidation treatment of wastewater using the catalyst, in particular, the catalyst of the present invention can suitably be used in wet oxidation treatment of wastewater, under high temperature and high pressure conditions. The present invention provides a catalyst for wastewater treatment containing a catalytic active constituent containing at least one kind of an element selected from the group consisting of manganese, cobalt, nickel, cerium, tungsten, copper, silver, gold, platinum, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium and iridium, or a compound thereof, and a carrier constituent containing at least one kind of an element selected from the group consisting of iron, titanium, silicon, aluminum and zirconium, or a compound thereof, characterized in that solid acid amount of the carrier constituent is equal to or more than 0.20 mmol/g.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of controlling pore size in a porous material comprising the steps of: providing a porous material comprising a plurality of interconnected auxetic fibres; and applying a tensile or compressive load to the porous material so as to vary the pore size of the porous material in order to produce a desired effect.

Abstract: A system comprising a slurry trap including a trap inlet and a trap outlet. In addition, the system comprises a slurry tank including a slurry inlet and a slurry outlet. The slurry inlet of the slurry tank is in fluid communication with the trap outlet. Further, the system comprises a separator including a slurry inlet in fluid communication with the slurry outlet of the slurry tank.

Abstract: A filter apparatus includes a endless filter belt loop disposed in an interior space within a tank which receives liquid to be filtered. The filter belt has a series of closely spaced parallel guide-flight bars attached which are successively engaged by an extendible element on a pivot plate which is periodically oscillated to under the filter belt. The bars are received in guide spaces to hold the filter belt in position over a filter support having openings allowing filtering flow thererthrough. Collapsible sealed hoses partially filled with liquid are used as edge seals extending along the guide spaces over side edges of the filter belt and are expanded by engagement of an upper end of each of the hoses with a squeeze member on the pivot plate. The squeeze members are moved off the hoses when the pivot plate is oscillated to advance the filter belt during indexing to release the sealing pressure and allow filter belt indexing movement.

Abstract: The present invention describes a process for preparing methylhydroxyalkylcellulose having a small number of coloured particles by separation of methylhydroxyalkylcellulose from aqueous suspension with subsequent washing of the methylhydroxyalkylcellulose using a specially equipped rotary pressure filter.

Abstract: A wireless dual zone pulp washer with rotating concentric filters for creating centrifugal force against feedstock in order to expel liquid contained in the feedstock before further processing of the stock. A secondary filter surrounds the primary filter to capture viable pulp fibers expelled from the feedstock by the dewatering process.

Abstract: The present inventive filter is a columnar porous body 1 having numerous flow paths 2 formed in parallel in axial direction, numerous liquid collecting slits 3 formed with extending in axial direction and allowing a group of the flow paths formed in parallel and the outside of the porous body to communicate with each other, wherein a group of the flow paths 2a communicating with the liquid collecting slits 3 are plugged at both ends. Liquid collecting slits 3a into which the backwashing liquid can flow among the liquid collecting slits 3 are disposed in such a manner that 75% or more of the length in axial direction is positioned on backwashing liquid non-outflow end side with respect to the position which is 60% of the length of the porous body 1 in axial direction from the backwashing liquid outflow end of the porous body 1.

Abstract: An active filter system having a filter bed formed from at least one layer of filter media and a method of operating the active filter system to filter water or wastewater. The filter media includes a plurality of plastic particles coated with an active material. Preferably, the active material is removed from the plastic particles by directing influent (i.e., untreated water) upwardly though the filter bed for a predetermined period of time. While the influent is directed upwardly through the filter bed, air is periodically directed upwardly through the filter bed so that the washing cycle includes a plurality of combined air and influent stages and a plurality of influent only stages. The coated plastic filter media particles have a specific gravity less than the specific gravity of the influent as well as the specific gravity of the combined air and influent washing fluid so that the coated plastic filter media remains buoyant during the washing cycle.

Abstract: The spacer serves for limiting the depth of insertion of a shaft of a medical instrument into a body of a patient. The spacer has a distal abutment for bearing on a body of a patient. The spacer has a spacer element extending along a length section of the shaft of the medical instrument. A device for releasably mounting the spacer on the shaft has an aperture via which the spacer can be mounted laterally to the shaft. For it the aperture is designed as a lateral slit aperture.

Abstract: A folding dish dryer and rack comprised of two rectangular frames pinned together in an “x” shape. With the frames fitted with a plurality of rods extending between the top and bottom of each frame. The back of the front frame fitted with short upright rods extending to receive cups, glasses and the like. The rack equipped with a fork, spoon and utensil net suspended and fastened in between the bottoms of the two frames and a rigid splash guard attached to the rear of the back frame to divert rinse water back into the sink.

Abstract: A structure for racking substrates includes first to fourth main legs isolated from one another at intervals wider than widths of both long sides and both short sides of a substrate, first to fourth protrusions respectively protruded from the first to fourth main legs in a direction of the long sides or the short sides of the substrate, a first side support bar coupled to the first and second protrusions and supporting an edge of one long side or one short side of the substrate, a second side support bar coupled to the third and fourth protrusions and supporting an edge of the other long side or the other short side of the substrate, at least one auxiliary leg disposed between the first and second main legs, or the second and third main legs, or the third and fourth main legs, or the fourth and first main legs, and at least two central support bars coupled to the auxiliary leg, extended parallel to the long sides or the short sides of the substrate, and supporting a central portion of the substrate.

Abstract: A tool holder comprises a back mounting plate having a slotted tool support plate extending forwardly therefrom with a slidable lock plate mounted on the tool support plate translatable between a position wherein arms on the lock plate close the slots or open the slots which are used to hold the tools in the tool holder.

Abstract: A plurality of removable cylindrical containers upwardly angled within apertures of a storage rack secured to a wall between spaced-apart studs for storing beneath individually marked openable closure lids various screws, washers, nuts, bolts, etc. of different size, composition and type as used by craftsmen and mechanics.

Abstract: A peg board may be used to store and/or organize various items. The peg board may include one or more openings sized and configured to receive attachment members. The peg board may also include receiving portions that are sized and configured to receive a portion of an attachment member inserted through the openings. The receiving portions may restrict the rotational movement of the attachment members within the openings. The peg board also may have an elongated, strip-like configuration and that may increase the possible uses and functionality of the peg board.

Abstract: An organizer is adapted for placement in a motor vehicle. The organizer has a case with an opposite pair of sidewalls and a plurality of shelves. The shelves divide the case into a plurality of compartments. The sidewalls are adjustable to allow adjustment of the size of the case. The sidewalls are adjustable to allow adjustment the depth and width of the case. The case has a removable rear barrier arranged to inhibit articles from falling back off at least one of the shelves. The case also has an adjustable height.

Abstract: A metallic or hard plastic storage rack including end frames, formed of vertical rods, and a series of cross rods, integrated into a pair of complete end frames, that support the end of shelving spanning the distance between the two. The shelving is formed of a series of longitudinal rods, and shelf forming lateral rods, which are bent down at their front and back edges, to add structural strength to each formed shelf, as it is pressure fit for interconnection within the end frames, and for resting upon the cross rods, during assembly of the erected rack.

Abstract: A plastic container is provided that includes a hollow body portion including a lower supporting base portion; a sidewall portion extending upwardly from the base portion; and a neck portion extending upwardly from the sidewall portion. The neck portion includes a support flange having an upper and lower surface, a tamper-evident formation, and a dispensing opening at the top of the neck portion. In an embodiment, the dispensing opening has an inner diameter that is at least 22 mm, and the vertical distance from the top of the dispensing opening to the lower surface of the support flange is 0.580 inches or less. A preform and method for making a container are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dispensing tube package, comprising a dispensing container (20) best seen in FIG. 5, having a threaded neck (24) and a shoulder with lugs (32), and, a closure (12) best seen in FIG. 3, with a threaded inner skirt (42), and an outer skirt (40), with a slot (15) to receive the shoulder lug to prevent rotation of the closure.

Abstract: A plastic container comprises a sidewall including an upper end and a lower end, a base connected to the lower end of the sidewall, a dome connected to the upper end of the sidewall, the dome including a finish portion adapted to receive a closure, first and second primary grip panels recessed into the dome, first and second secondary grip panels recessed into the dome, and a plurality of support columns located on the dome, with a support column located between each adjacent pair of primary and secondary grip panels.

Abstract: A process for producing a multiplicity of microfluidic arrangements from a plate-shaped composite structure and an atomiser which is provided with such nozzle arrangements is proposed. Each arrangement has a groove structure which forms flow channels and the dimensions of which are in the micrometer range. The lines for optional subsequent mechanical separation of bridging groove structures are joined to each other and are partly or completely filled with a filling medium before mechanical machining. The medium is selected so that it is not removed from the groove structures either by the mechanical machining or by aids used during mechanical machining. Afterwards, however, the filling medium is removed from the groove structures by suitable measures. The groove structures are thereby prevented from becoming blocked due to mechanical contaminants.

Abstract: A method of patterning a conductive structure includes providing a semiconductor substrate, forming a conductive layer on the semiconductor substrate, forming a hard mask layer on the conductive layer and forming a photo-resist layer on the hard mask layer. An isotropic etching is applied to remove a partial region of the photo-resistant layer in order to form a patterned photo-resistant layer. Then, the patterned photo-resistant layer is used as a mask to form a patterned hard mask layer by etching the hard mask layer. Next, the patterned hard mask layer is used as another mask to remove the partial region of the conductive layer to form a patterned conductive layer. The patterned photo-resist layer is only used for etching the hard mask layer, therefore it is able to enhance the resolution when using a thinner photo-resistant layer, furthermore to fabricate a patterned conductive layer with a miniaturized dimensional structure.

Abstract: The described embodiments relate to features in substrates and methods of forming same. One exemplary embodiment can be a microdevice that includes a substrate extending between a first substrate surface and a generally opposing second substrate surface, and at least one feature formed into the first surface along a bore axis that is not transverse to the first surface.

Abstract: A method for controlling a plasma processing apparatus which includes a vacuum vessel, a first, second and third RF power supply, a first and second electrode, and a phase control unit for controlling a phase difference between a second RF voltage from the second RF power supply and a third RF voltage from the third RF power supply. The controlling method includes the steps of supplying a predetermined power from the first RF power supply to ignite plasma, after confirming ignition of plasma, supplying a predetermined power respectively from the second RF power supply and the third RF power supply, and when starting power supply from the second RF power supply and the third RF power supply, fixing the phase to a predetermined phase angle using a preset mode without carrying out phase control, and after a matching operation has stabilized, starting the phase control.

Abstract: A spot welding head is described wherein an electrical conductor for connection of one electrode connection to an electric transformer is guided into a tubular sheath whose ends are rigidly connected to the rear ends of the supporting bodies of the electrodes.

Abstract: An electrode for a contact start plasma arc torch includes an elongated electrode body formed of an electrically conductive material. The electrode body is movable relative to the torch. A resilient element is used for passing substantially all of a pilot arc current between a power supply, a power connection in electrical communication with the power supply, and the electrode body during pilot arc operation of the plasma arc torch. The electrode and torch can include a contact element having a first surface in electrical communication with the power contact and a second surface for physical contact and electrical communication with a corresponding contact surface of the electrode body for passing substantially all of a transferred arc current between the power supply and the electrode body during transferred arc mode.

Abstract: An electrode for a contact start plasma arc torch includes an elongated electrode body formed of an electrically conductive material that defines a longitudinal axis and a distal end for housing an emissive element. The electrode includes a second end positioned adjacent the electrode body. The second end defines an extensive portion having a first length along a first direction and a second length along a second direction. The second length is greater than the first length. A component for use with the electrode includes a hollow body element having an interior surface with one or more of a contour, step, or flange that defines a shaped opening capable of slideably receiving a complementary-shaped portion of an electrode body.

Abstract: A plasma processing is performed by using a plasma processing apparatus which includes a first electrode and a second electrode disposed relatively movable to the first electrode between which an object to be processed is disposed, and a solid dielectric material disposed to be continuously connected to at least processing starting and final end sides of the object. A process gas is introduced between the first and second electrodes under a state in which the first electrode abuts on entire surfaces of the object and the solid dielectric material, and a voltage is applied between the first and second electrodes to thereby process the object by plasma discharge generated between the first and second electrodes while moving the second electrode relatively to the first electrode and the object.

Abstract: The present invention is a cooling block that forms an electrode for generating a plasma for use in a plasma process, and includes a channel for a cooling liquid, the cooling block comprising: a first base material and a second base material respectively made of aluminum, at least one of the first and second base materials having a recess for forming a channel for a cooling liquid; and a diffusion bonding layer, in which zinc is diffused in aluminum, and an anti-corrosion layer of a zinc oxide film, the layers being formed by interposing zinc between the first and second base materials, and by bonding the first and second base materials with zinc interposed therebetween in a heating atmosphere containing oxygen.

Abstract: A coaxial microwave plasma torch, comprising, an outside conductor (1) formed in a cylindrical shape, a cylindrical electric discharge tube (3) fixedly inserted into an axial hole (2) formed in the outside conductor on one end face (4) side, and a coaxial cable (6) having one end fitted to the other end face of the outside conductor. An antenna (9) electrically connected to an inside conductor (8) is fitted to the one end of the coaxial cable and extended into the electric discharge tube through a through-hole (11) axially passed through between the other end face (5) of the outside conductor and the bottom ice of the axial hole. The outside conductor (7) of the coaxial cable is electrically connected to the outside conductor, and a gas inlet pipeline (13) supplying a gas into the electric discharge tube is fitted in the outside conductor.

Abstract: A plasma arc generation system is provided, comprising a power module operably engaged with a plasma arc torch head portion and adapted to provide an electrical current for causing an arc at the torch head portion or generating a plasma. A cooling device is operably engaged with the power module so as to direct a fluid thereto for cooling the power module. The cooling device is configured such that the fluid directly contacts the power module to receive heat therefrom generated by the power module. Associated systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: A laser welding apparatus and method reduce the effect of the fume resulting from a weld. An air injecting nozzle is installed at a laser processing head. The injecting direction of air from the air injecting nozzle is set such that the air flows across a laser beam irradiated from the laser processing head while the air flow avoids direct contact with the laser irradiating point on the work piece.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for automatically focusing an electron beam. Such an invention is based on a Faraday Cup diagnostic system, often a Modified Faraday Cup (MFC) system that enables tomographic reconstruction of the beam so as to measure beam parameters. Such a reconstruction method and system is automated using a servo-feedback loop to determine, for example, power distributions of the beam so as to provide appropriate adjustments to system controls to enable desired beam focus conditions.

Abstract: A method for welding includes providing a pair of substrates with no gap between them. The welding process uses lasers that are moveable through a locus of points relative to the substrates and each other to weld the substrate together. The moveable lasers assist in controlling a formation of a weld keyhole that assists in expelling gases that develop during the welding process.

Abstract: A method of preparing upholstery for installation on an article of furniture having a plurality of panel surfaces, and resultant articles, are provided. The method comprises receiving a single-source of fabric; cutting said sheet into a plurality of cut fabric pieces shaped to cover the panel surfaces; and modifying at least one of the cut fabric pieces by imparting a pattern onto said piece. Methods of reducing wasted fabric in the processing of upholstery for installation on an article of furniture are also provided.

Abstract: Pulsed laser drilling is used to produce bore holes having a small diameter, for example, in hollow workpieces. Turbine blades, e.g., have a multitude of fine cooling air bore holes, which are able to be produced by this method, e.g., with high positional accuracy and in an automated manner. A checking method is provided by which drilling faults, e.g., with regard to piercing and bore-hole geometry, may be detected in a more reliable manner. A method is for checking a bore hole introduced in a workpiece by laser pulses, in which characteristic signals from the area of the bore hole are received with the aid of a sensor and compared to setpoint values and only signals received in a characteristic time interval following a laser pulse are taken into account.

Abstract: A laser processing apparatus is provided. The laser processing apparatus includes a laser processing head having a transmission window, an opening portion, an outlet hole, a first vent hole and a second vent hole. The transmission window transmits laser light by which a processing object is irradiated. The opening portion passes the transmitted laser light to a bottom portion of the laser processing head. The outlet hole discharges an atmosphere in the vicinity of a laser light irradiation region of the processing object to the outside. The first vent hole directs gas into the vicinity of the laser light irradiation region. The second vent hole discharges the atmosphere in the vicinity of the laser light irradiation region. Debris generated from the processing object is discharged from the outlet hole and the second vent hole that are continuous with the opening portion provided at the bottom portion of the laser processing head.