Abstract: The embodiments of the invention describe a process chamber, such as an ALD chamber, that has gas delivery conduits with gradually increasing diameters to reduce Joule-Thompson effect during gas delivery, a ring-shaped gas liner leveled with the substrate support to sustain gas temperature and to reduce gas flow to the substrate support backside, and a gas reservoir to allow controlled delivery of process gas. The gas conduits with gradually increasing diameters, the ring-shaped gas liner, and the gas reservoir help keep the gas temperature stable and reduce the creation of particles.

Abstract: Provided is a mask which is used to form on the surface of a substrate a plurality of linear film members disposed in parallel to each other by fixing one surface of the mask to the substrate and supplying a film material through the other surface of the mask by the use of a vapor process. The mask includes: a mask body having a plurality of openings corresponding to patterns of the linear film members; and reinforcement ribs which are disposed to cross the openings and which have a function of preventing deformation of the mask body due to the weight thereof. Here, the reinforcement ribs are disposed close to the other surface of the mask in the thickness direction of the openings.

Abstract: A method, computer readable medium, and system for treating a substrate in a process space of a processing system that is vacuum isolated from a transfer space of the processing system is described. A sealing device is disposed between a first chamber assembly configured to define the process space and a second chamber assembly configured to define the transfer space. When the sealing device is engaged, vacuum isolation is provided between the process space and the transfer space. The sealing device comprises two or more contact ridges with one or more pockets formed therebetween. When the sealing device is engaged between the first chamber assembly and the second chamber assembly, gas is trapped in the one or more pockets. This trapped gas assists the release of the sealing device upon disengagement of the sealing device between the first chamber assembly and the second chamber assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an automatic washer system mounted within a maple sugar evaporator above the rear flue pan for removing niter and sediment built up during the boiling of sap. The evaporator comprises a furnace, a steam hood, a pan and a nozzle for washing the pan. The steam hood extends over the furnace. The pan is mounted to the furnace and under the steam hood. The nozzle is mounted over the pan. Cleaning fluid is sprayed from the nozzle to clean the pan by an automated process.

Abstract: A process for preparing a starch-containing biomass particle stream having a significant percentage of fiber for processing into ethanol comprises the first step of: mixing the particle stream with a liquid solvent to dissolve at least a portion of the starch in the carbohydrate particle stream to form a carbohydrate slurry stream containing starch dissolved in the liquid solvent. This first step removes a portion of the fiber from the carbohydrate slurry stream. In a second step, the carbohydrate slurry stream is held in a settling tank to remove a further portion of the fiber. An enhancement to the process is suitable for use with shell corn or other biomass having an oil-containing germ portion and a non-germ portion comprising mainly carbohydrates and fiber. This enhancement includes the step of grinding the corn to particles of a size suitable for separating the germ particles from the non-germ particles. The germ particles are processed first to remove the oil and then to remove the carbohydrates.

Abstract: A drip shield is mounted to a drawer of a drawer-type dishwasher so as to extend along an outer rear surface of the drawer and catch droplets of washing fluid falling from a lid of the dishwasher. The drip shield includes a shelf that extends between up-turned wall portions. The shelf is angled away from the tub so that any droplets of washing fluid that may fall onto the drip shield will migrate away from the drawer. The shelf is also formed such that first and second end portions are positioned higher than a central or intermediate portion. This construction forces the droplets of washing fluid to collect in a centralized drain point from where the droplets of water can be guided to a controlled location.

Abstract: An automatic dishwasher comprises a wash tub having an access opening to define an open-faced wash chamber for holding utensils to be washed, a door movable relative to the wash tub for selectively closing the open-faced wash chamber, a utensil holder located within the wash chamber, and an induction heater for drying utensils within the wash chamber. The induction heater generates a useful magnetic field that projects into the utensil holder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for carburizing a metal article comprising: (1) heating the metal article to an elevated temperature, (2) coating the heated metal article with a graphite suspension to produce a graphite coated metal article, wherein the graphite suspension is comprised of graphite and an organic or inorganic liquid having a boiling point of at least 50° F. (28° C.) less than the elevated temperature to which the metal article is heated, (3) heat treating the graphite coated metal article under a non-oxidizing environment at a temperature which is sufficient to promote the diffusion of carbon into the metal structure of the article to produce a carburized metal article, and (4) cooling the carburized metal article to ambient temperature.

Abstract: A hot-rolled austenitic iron/carbon/manganese steel sheet, the strength of which is greater than 1200 MPa, the product P (strength (in MPa)×elongation at break (in %)) of which is greater than 65 000 MPa % and the nominal chemical composition of which comprises, the contents being expressed by weight: 0.85%?C?1.05%; 16%?Mn?19%; Si?2%; Al?0.050%; S?0.030%; P?0.050%; N?0.1%, and, optionally, one or more elements chosen from: Cr?1%; Mo?0.40%; Ni?1%; Cu?5%; Ti?0.50%; Nb?0.50%; V?0.50%, the rest of the composition consisting of iron and inevitable impurities resulting from the smelting, the recrystallized surface fraction of said steel being equal to 100%, the surface fraction of precipitated carbides of said steel being equal to 0% and the mean grain size of said steel being less than or equal to 10 microns.

Abstract: High strength, thermoplastically processable (TPF) amorphous alloys composed of Beryllium and at least one ETM and at least one LTM, as well as methods of processing such alloys are provided. The TPF alloys of the invention demonstrate good glass forming ability, low viscosity in the supercooled liquid region (SCLR), a low processing temperature, and a long processing time at that temperature before crystallization.

Abstract: Refractory metal products, such as tantalum, can be rejuvenated after metal consumption in selected zones by filling the zones with powder and simultaneously applying focused radiant energy to the powder.

Abstract: The invention relates to ultrasonic gap welding of flat woven fabrics. Specifically, the invention relates to a method of ultrasonic welding the seam termination yarn ends of a fabric using a controlled gap. A mechanical stop may be employed to control the distance or gap between the horn and anvil to a predetermined level based on the depth of welding and amount of weld energy. By adding another degree of control, the ultrasonic gap welding technique of the present invention is able to achieve fabric seams that are stronger than conventional seams, and even those enhanced with gluing, and is conducive to formation of fabric seams by spot welding or along the termination yarn ends of the fabric.

Abstract: A filter and method of making is provided. The method comprising: forming a plurality of sheets of filter media, each sheet of filter media having an inlet end and an outlet end, wherein each of the plurality of sheets of filter media are formed by the steps of: thermoforming a first layer of filtration media to have a plurality of channels, the first layer having an upper surface and a lower surface; sonically welding a portion of a second layer of filtration media to the first layer of filtration media to form the sheet of filtration media, the sheet of filtration media having a plurality of fluid channels each having an inlet opening at one end of the sheet and a sealed end at another end of the sheet; and securing the plurality of sheets together by applying a strip of adhesive between each upper surface of each first layer facing the second layer of another sheet of filter media stacked upon the upper surface of the first layer of the filtration media.

Abstract: A precursor tape casting method is one in which chemical precursors are converted into a final chemical phase from green tapes to products. Because chemical precursors are employed rather than the final powder materials, sintering is not required to form the material. Lower annealing temperatures instead of high temperature sintering allow the formation of grains of about 1 to about 100 nanometers in the final material. In addition, when the final material is a magnetic/insulator composite, improved magnetic properties may be obtained.

Abstract: A method for bonding fluororesin films, a wide fluororesin film obtained by the method, and a covering material for agricultural use, made thereof, are presented. A method of bonding films (A), wherein two sheets of films (A) made of a fluororesin, are disposed so that their edges overlap each other, a central part (b1) of the overlapping portion (B) is press-bonded under heating at a temperature within a range of from lower by 5° C. to higher by 20° C. than the melting point of the fluororesin, and then the entire area of the portion (B) is press-bonded at a temperature within a range of from lower by 30° C. to lower by more than 5° C., than the melting point, to weld the two sheets of films (A); a wide fluororesin film obtained by the method; and a covering material for agricultural use, made thereof.

Abstract: Rigid substrates having molded fastener projections, and methods of making the same are disclosed. A substrate has a beam stiffness, measured as a product of an overall moment of inertia of a nominal transverse cross-section and an effective modulus of elasticity of a material from which the substrate is made, that is greater than about 200 lb-in2 (0.574 N-m2). In situ lamination of hook, bands or islands on surfaces of a rigid substrate held in a planar orientation or presenting a planar surface.

Abstract: A method and system for binding of sheets includes providing an adhesive layer supported on a first side of a backing material. Plural sheets are accumulated against the adhesive layer, and heat is applied to a side of the adhesive layer adjacent the backing material to locally melt only a portion of the adhesive layer in a vicinity of an additional sheet accumulated against the adhesive layer.

Abstract: Printed circuit boards that include optical interconnects include a flexible optical waveguide embedded or locally attached to the board having at least one end mechanically decoupled from the board during fabrication that can be fitted with a mechanical connector. Also disclosed are processes for fabricating the circuit board.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a chemical mechanical polishing pad is provided, comprising: providing a polishing layer; providing a chemical mechanical polishing pad manufacturing assembly, comprising: a subpad layer having a top surface, a bottom surface and at least two wrap around tabs; a backing plate having a top side and a bottom side; a sacrificial layer having at least two recessed areas designed to facilitate attachment of the subpad layer to the backing plate; an unset reactive hot melt adhesive applied to the top surface of the subpad layer, wherein the unset reactive hot melt adhesive is applied in a pattern of parallel lines; wherein the subpad layer is disposed on the top side of the backing plate and the sacrificial layer is disposed on the bottom side of the backing plate, and wherein the at least two wrap around tabs extend to the bottom side of the backing plate; stacking the polishing layer and the chemical mechanical polishing pad manufacturing assembly with the unset reactive hot melt adhesiv

Abstract: An etching depth measuring device for measuring the etching depth of an object to be processed, when etching the object to be processed by using active species present in a plasma, the etching depth measuring device comprising: a chamber in which is formed an introduction port for introducing a part of the active species; a member to be processed which is housed in the chamber and etched by the part of the active species; and a mass detecting element which receives a substance generated from the member to be processed and detects the mass of the received substance.

Abstract: A multistage evaporation system is proposed in which the first evaporator is heated via a jet wet washer with superheated, air-containing waste steam, for example of a drier. The product vapor of the first evaporator stage is fed via a mechanical compressor to a second evaporator stage for heating. The compressor ensures firstly a lowering of the dew point in the evaporator space of the first evaporator stage and secondly a temperature increase of the product vapor fed to the second evaporator stage for heating.

Abstract: The present invention is a soft tissue sheet having reduced lint and slough. The tissue sheet comprises papermaking fibers and a synthetic co-copolymer. The synthetic co-polymer has the general structure: wherein R1, R2, R3 are independently selected from a group consisting of: H; C1-4 alkyl radicals; and, mixtures thereof; R4 is selected from a group consisting of C1-C8 alkyl radicals and mixtures thereof; Z1 is a bridging radical attaching the R4 functionality to the polymer backbone; and, Q1 is a functional group containing at least a cationic quaternary ammonium radical. w, x, y?1 and the mole ratio of x to (x+y) is about 0.5 or greater.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of making a near-premium quality paper product having good strength and absorbency characteristics and a product made by that method. The invention is also a method for retaining a high ash content within a paper web formed by conventional wet pressing. The present invention is also a method for retaining a high percentage of softening agent within a paper web that includes such an agent. Further, the present invention is a soft absorbent paper product having a high void volume. Finally, the invention is also a method for producing a soft, absorbent, and near premium paper product having a high void volume using an undulatory crepe blade having a multiplicity of serrulations in its rake surface which presents differentiated creping angles and/or rake angles as to the paper being creped.

Abstract: Disclosed is an uncoated facestock product having enhanced printability, holdout, and edge wick properties, which are attained through a combination of manufacturing techniques including increased refining of the furnish, sizing, increased hard nip calendering, and the use of extended nip calendering. The resulting uncoated facestock product has the following properties: a density between about 0.7 and 1.0 g/cc and/or an ash content of less than about 15% as measured by the 525° C. standard test method; and a finished surface having a Sheffield smoothness between about 50 and 150 Sheffield units and a Parker Print Surf roughness (PPS-10) less than about 5.0 microns.

Abstract: Methods for dewatering a fiber suspension in a twin-wire press, having a lower wire and an upper wire, and a first and a second dewatering table, which supports the wires such that a dewatering space is defined by the wires, are disclosed. The wires transport the fiber suspension under compression of the wires by the dewatering tables, such that the fiber suspension is dewatered and forms a fiber web between the wires. A separate pressing force is applied against one of the wires, such that this wire presses the formed fiber web via the second wire against one of the dewatering tables and further dewaters the fiber web. The separate pressing force is adjusted such that a desired dryness of the fiber web leaving the dewatering tables is achieved. A twin-wire press is also disclosed.

Abstract: A support band for a drying arrangement for drying one of a paper, a board, a tissue and a fibrous web in a papermaking machine for at least one of producing and finishing the same, the support band including a water-impermeable sealing layer and at least one water-absorbing storage layer. The at least one water-absorbing storage layer being adjacent to the water-impermeable sealing layer. At least one of the water-impermeable sealing layer or the water-absorbing storage layer being made, at least partially, of a highly thermally conductive material.

Abstract: A headbox apparatus is disclosed for a papermaking machine. The headbox apparatus defines a flow path for stock flowing between an upstream header and a downstream slice lip. The apparatus includes a plurality of elements which are anchored within the flow path between the header and the slice lip. Each element and an adjacent element of the plurality of elements defines therebetween a flow tube for the flow therethrough of the stock. The flow tube has an upstream portion and a downstream portion that gradually widens in a direction from the header to the slice lip.

Abstract: A procedure and arrangement to control the lamella of a headbox's lip channel, when the mass flow goes in the headbox (3) through the lip channel (2), in which case single mass flows are held separate from each other with the lamella (1) before the flows are united after the lamella. The lamella's dimensions, mechanical characteristics and/or dynamic characteristics are changed at least in the lamella's border area with an active structure, which is active and/or passive active tool and/or active and/or passive active material.

Abstract: A water purification apparatus (10) includes an evaporating chamber (13), a light concentrator (11), and a heat pipe (12). The evaporating chamber is for containing impure water. The evaporating chamber has a connecting opening (134) and a vapor outlet (131). The light concentrator is for concentrating sunshine. The heat pipe has an evaporating section (121) and a condensing section (122). The evaporating section is irradiated by the concentrated sunshine, and the condensing section is disposed in the evaporating chamber through the connecting opening.

Abstract: Systems and methods for electrochemically processing microfeature workpieces are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a system includes (a) a processing unit having a first flow system configured to convey a flow of a first processing fluid to a microfeature workpiece, (b) an electrode unit having an electrode and a second flow system configured to convey a flow of a second processing fluid at least proximate to the electrode, (c) a barrier between the processing unit and the electrode unit to separate the first and second processing fluids, and (d) a water balance unit for maintaining the concentration of water in the first processing fluid within a desired range.

Abstract: A multi-chamber processing system is described for depositing materials on multiple workpieces (wafers, display panels, or any other workpieces) at a time in a vacuum chamber. The system includes a sputtering chamber and a separate pre-clean chamber, where wafers can be transferred between the two chambers by a robotic arm without breaking a vacuum. The wafers are mounted one-by-one onto a rotating pallet in the pre-cleaning chamber and sputtering chamber. The pallet is firmly fixed to a rotatable table in the sputtering chamber. Copper tubing in the table couples RF energy to the wafers, and a liquid running through the copper tubing controls the temperature of the wafers. Multiple targets, of the same or different materials, may concurrently deposit material on the wafers as the pallet is rotating. Multiple magnets (one for each target) in the magnetron assembly in the sputtering chamber oscillate over their respective targets for uniform target erosion and uniform deposition on the wafers.

Abstract: A monitor is disclosed for monitoring an atmosphere for the presence of a target gas. The monitor includes an electrical gas sensor having a working (sensing) electrode and a counter electrode, an operational amplifier connected between the sensor electrodes, a detector, and a circuit. The sensor provides a current between the electrodes that is indicative of the amount of a target gas in the atmosphere. The operational amplifier generates an output signal according to the current flowing between the terminals where the output signal is indicative of the amount of target gas in the atmosphere. The detector detects when the current flowing between the sensor electrodes exceeds a predetermined threshold. The circuit restricts the potential difference between the sensor electrodes when the current between the terminals exceeds the predetermined threshold by supplying additional current or removing current from the working sensor electrode.

Abstract: An electrophoresis gel matrix is provided for conducting proteomics, in particular the steps of separating and/or identifying proteins. The matrix comprises at least one chemical reagent being at least one of a denaturing, buffering, disaggregating, reducing, staining or dissolving reagent, and a volume of dimethylsulfoxide. The use of such a matrix, which is provided to be filled into an electrophoresis capillary being part of a microfluidic device for carrying out proteomics, leads to an enhanced resolution of proteins. The matrix is prepared adding a volume of dimethylsulfoxide ranging from 4% to 15%, preferably from 5% to 10%, most preferably from 6% to 8% with respect to the total volume of chemical reagents being comprised in the matrix. A method is provided for preparation of the matrix for conducting proteomics and a method is conducted to carry out proteomics by the use of this matrix.

Abstract: A spacer element (1) is disclosed having an integral screen for use in filled cell electrodialysis. The spacer (1) has a continuous portion (2) impermeable to flow and a screen (3) which spans a centrally-located flow treatment region that contains active treatment material, such as ion exchange beads. The screen (3) may perform a structural function, allowing operation at elevated pressure, and may also define a minimum gap between adjacent membranes and enhance mixing along the flow path and at cell boundaries. The spacer element (1) may be configured to enhance hydraulic filling of the cells, and cell architecture is readily implemented in a wide range of useful flow path geometries utilizing the screen spacer element (1).

Abstract: A plating bath, able to form a resistance layer with a uniform thickness distribution on the roughened surface of a conductive base, including nickel ions and sulfamic acid or its salt as essential components and at least one of phosphoric acid, phosphorous acid, hypophosphorous acid, and salts of the same; a conductive base having a thin resistance layer with a stable resistance, and a resistance circuit board material using the same.

Abstract: A process for the production of chlorates and derivative chemicals from ammonium perchlorate as a starting material. Ammonia is produced in a first step wherein a metal hydroxide is reacted with ammonium perchlorate to produce ammonia and a metal perchlorate. If the metal hydroxide used is sodium hydroxide, sodium perchlorate is formed. The ammonia generated is recovered and sent to a reformer to produce hydrogen which is used to fuel a fuel cell that generates water and electrical energy to run an electrochemical reactor where the metal perchlorate is converted to a metal chlorate and derivative chemicals.

Abstract: A method of winning a metal from its oxide ore by heating the ore in a partial vacuum or under an inert atmosphere in the presence of a reductant. The resulting product may be further reduced electrochemically to produce a purer metal.

Abstract: Components which are subject to operating loads can often be passed for refurbishment by means of an acid treatment. The time for which the components remain in the acid has hitherto been determined empirically, which means that individual loads are not taken into account. The process according to the invention for the surface treatment of a component proposes that at least repeatedly a measurement voltage be applied to the component, resulting in the flow of a current, the time profile of which represents the state of the surface treatment and is used to decide upon when to terminate or interrupt the acid treatment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of recovering metal from waste plating stream and using the recovered metal comprising: providing a waste metal plating stream containing metal ions in an aqueous solution; passing the waste metal plating stream containing the metal ions into an electrochemical cell assembly having an inlet for the waste metal plating stream, a plurality of alternating anodes and cathodes porous to the waste metal solution and an exit from the cell; passing the waste metal plating stream through pores of the cathode; passing an electrical current through the anodes and cathodes, thereby depositing a portion of the metal ions onto the cathodes and reducing the amount of the metal ion in the solution from that in the introduced waste metal plating stream; recovering the deposited metal from the cathode; and using the recovered deposited metal as a source of soluble metallic anode to be deposited on to a substrate in a subsequent metal plating process.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to synergistic corrosion management systems designed to deliver two or more different types of corrosion inhibiting compounds (e.g., two or more different types of corrosion inhibiting compounds) to an enclosure, and to method for using same. More specifically, the present invention relates to synergistic corrosion management systems designed to eliminate, manage, control and/or mitigate corrosion in containers, enclosures, cisterns and/or storage tanks (e.g., above ground storage tanks). In one embodiment, the present invention utilizes a combination of at least one cathodic-based corrosion prevention or mitigation system, at least one soluble corrosion inhibitor, and at least one volatile or vapor phase corrosion inhibitor.

Abstract: pH-change sensors and related methods are disclosed. One such sensor may have a first ion-sensitive transistor-operational-transconductance-amplifier (the “first IOTA”) and a second ion-sensitive transistor-operational-transconductance-amplifier (the “second IOTA”). Each IOTA may have an ion-sensitive transistor, a load transistor, and an output. In each IOTA, the drain region of the ion-sensitive transistor may be connected to the drain region of the load transistor. A differential sensor may be connected to the IOTAs, and an output from the differential sensor may indicate a voltage difference between the IOTA outputs. The output from the differential sensor may be used to provide an indication of a change in pH.

Abstract: Methods of hydroprocessing hydrocarbon streams are provided that employ substantially liquid-phase hydroprocessing conditions. In one aspect, the method includes directing a hydrocarbonaceous feed stock to a first substantially liquid-phase hydroprocessing zone wherein an effluent from the first substantially liquid-phase hydroprocessing zone is directed to a second substantially liquid-phase hydroprocessing zone generally undiluted with other hydrocarbon streams. In another aspect, the method recycles a liquid portion of a liquid hydrocarbonaceous effluent from the second substantially liquid-phase hydroprocessing zone, which preferably includes an amount of hydrogen dissolved therein, to the hydrocarbonaceous feed stock so that the feed to the first substantially liquid-phase hydroprocessing zone has a relatively larger concentration of dissolved hydrogen relative to the hydrocarbonaceous feed stock.

Abstract: A method for upgrading the viscoelastic properties of a heavy oil by altering its elastic modulus. An effective amount of one or more elastic modulus lowering agents are used, wherein preferred elastic modulus lowering agents include mineral and organic acids and bases, preferably strong bases, such as hydroxides of metals selected from the alkali and alkaline-earth metals.

Abstract: A method for altering coke morphology in a delayed coking process of heavy oil is provided. An effective amount of oil dispersible or oil soluble metal salts of aromatic sulfonic acids and/or polysulfonic acids is added or contacted with the resid or heavy oil at a point before or after the step of heating the heavy oil to coking temperatures. The addition of additives facilitates the formation of shot coke and inhibits the formation of sponge coke.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing low sulfur diesel having a reduced poly-aromatic level where at least a portion of the poly-aromatics are converted to mono-aromatics. In one aspect, the process separates the temperature and pressure requirements for obtaining low levels of sulfur from the temperature and pressure requirements to saturate poly-aromatics to mono-aromatics. By one approach, the process first converts a diesel boiling range hydrocarbon stream in a hydrotreating zone at conditions effective to produce a hydrotreating zone effluent having a reduced concentration of sulfur with minimal saturation of poly-aromatics. Hydrogen is then admixed in the hydrotreating zone effluent or at least a portion thereof, which is then reacted in a substantially liquid-phase continuous reaction zone to effect saturation of poly-aromatics to provide a liquid-phase continuous reaction zone effluent having a reduced level of poly-aromatics relative to the diesel feed.

Abstract: A floating suction head assembly for use with a hose, for drawing liquid into the hose. The assembly includes a float and a strainer rotatably mounted to the float. The strainer has a coupling portion for coupling to a hose.

Abstract: Entrapping immobilization pellets for purifying breeding water in an aquarium to breed aquatic animals, wherein microorganisms are entrapped and immobilized in an aqueous polymer gel and the entrapping immobilization pellets are colored.

Abstract: A pool filter for use in pool piping or other fluid conveyance system. The pool filter may include a housing defining a fluid chamber for receiving one or more filters. Multiple openings may be defined in the housing for receiving and removing fluid from the fluid chamber. The openings may be approximately the same size and may be located on the housing at similar elevations and/or radial sectors. One or more footings may be joined to the housing. Each footing may include a base portion for receiving anchor members to anchor the housing to a support surface. The footings may be designed to transfer to the support surface predetermined lateral or other forces imposed upon the pool filter by events such as earthquakes and hurricanes. The footings may be separate components joined to the housing by tabs and/or mechanical fasteners.

Abstract: The inventive technology relates, in various embodiments, to novel wastewater heat systems, novel wastewater dosing systems, novel gas bubbling systems, novel flow control systems, novel disinfection systems, novel wastewater conveyance systems, and novel portable wastewater treatment systems, each of which may enhance the wastewater treatment process and its applicability.

Abstract: Liquid-liquid extraction elements are described. A liquid-liquid extraction element includes a first layer pair and a second layer pair disposed adjacent the first layer pair forming a stack of layers. The first layer pair includes a first polymeric microporous membrane, and a first flow channel layer oriented in a first flow direction having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet disposed on first opposing sides of the extraction element. The second layer pair includes a second polymeric microporous membrane and a second flow channel layer oriented in a second flow direction different than the first flow direction and having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet disposed on second opposing sides of the extraction element. The first microporous membrane is disposed between the first flow channel and the second flow channel. Methods of extracting a dissolved solute from a first liquid to a second liquid are also described.