Abstract: An integrated process and system for conversion of a heavy crude oil to produce transportation fuels is provided. The process includes separating the hydrocarbon feed into an aromatic-lean fraction and an aromatic-rich fraction. The aromatic-rich fraction is hydrocracked under relatively high pressure to convert at least a portion of refractory aromatic organosulfur and organonitrogen compounds and to produce a hydrocracked product stream. Unconverted bottoms effluent is recycled to the aromatic separation step. The aromatic-lean fraction is cracked in a fluidized catalytic cracking reaction zone to produce a cracked product stream, a light cycle oil stream and a heavy cycle oil stream. In certain embodiments the aromatic-lean fraction can be hydrotreated prior to fluidized catalytic cracking.

Abstract: A process for refining naphtha that results in an improved octane value in a subsequent gasoline blend. Certain embodiments include separating a naphtha feed into light naphtha and heavy naphtha; separating the heavy naphtha into a paraffin stream and non-paraffin stream; introducing the light naphtha to a first isomerization unit, introducing the paraffin stream to a second isomerization unit; introducing the non-paraffin stream to a reforming unit and combining the resulting effluents to form a gasoline blend. The resulting gasoline blend has improved characteristics over gasoline blends that are made without introducing the paraffin stream to a second isomerization unit.

Abstract: A process for catalytically cracking a hydrocarbon oil containing sulfur and/or nitrogen hydrocarbon constituents by dissolving excess hydrogen in the liquid hydrocarbon feedstock in a mixing zone at a temperature of 420° C. to 500° C. and a hydrogen-to-feedstock oil volumetric ratio of 300:1 to 3000:1, flashing the mixture to remove remaining hydrogen and any light components in the feed, introducing the hydrogen saturated hydrocarbon feed into an FCC reactor for contact with a catalyst suspension in a riser or downflow reactor to produce lower boiling hydrocarbon components which can be more efficiently and economically separated into lower molecular weight hydrocarbon products, hydrogen sulfide and ammonia gas and unreacted hydrogen in a separation zone.

Abstract: An improved system and method for processing feedstocks in an ebullated-bed hydroprocessing reactor is provided in which hydrogen gas is dissolved in the fresh and recycled liquid feedstock by mixing and/or diffusion of an excess of hydrogen, followed by flashing of the undissolved hydrogen upstream of the reactor inlet, introduction of the feed containing dissolved hydrogen into the ebullated-bed hydroprocessing reactor whereby the dissolved hydrogen eliminates or minimizes the prior art problems of gas hold-up and reduced operational efficiency of the recycle pump due to the presence of excess gas in the recycle stream when hydrogen gas was introduced as a separate phase into the reactor.

Abstract: An improved process for the delayed coking of a heavy residual hydrocarbon feedstock to reduce the coking induction period and to enhance the coking process relative to the processes of the prior art is achieved by mixing a sufficient volume of a paraffinic solvent having the formula CnH2n+2, where n=3 to 8 with the heavy feedstock to disturb the equilibrium of asphaltenes in the solution of maltenes in order to flocculate substantially all of the solid asphaltenes particles to thereby increase the yield and quality of valuable liquid products and minimize undesirable cracking reactions that result in high molecular weight polymers and the formation of coke.

Abstract: This invention relates to hydrocracking catalysts utilizing stabilized aggregates of small primary crystallites of zeolite Y that are clustered into larger secondary particles. At least 80% of the secondary particles may comprise at least 5 primary crystallites. The size of the primary crystallites may be at most about 0.5 micron, or at most about 0.3 micron, and the size of the secondary particles may be at least about 0.8 micron, or at least about 1.0 ?m. The silica to alumina ratio of the resulting stabilized aggregated Y zeolite may be 4:1 or more. This invention also relates to the use of such catalysts in hydrocracking processes for the conversion of heavy oils into lighter fuel products. The invention is particularly suited for the selective production of diesel range products from gas oil range feedstock materials under hydrocracking conditions.

Abstract: A process for catalytically cracking and oxidatively desulfurizing a hydrocarbon feedstock containing organosulfur compounds is provided. Oxygen containing gas is introduced with a cracking catalyst and the feed to form a suspension. At least a portion of organosulfur compounds in the hydrocarbon feedstock are oxidized to form oxidized organosulfur compounds, carbon-sulfur bonds of oxidized organosulfur compounds are cleaved to form sulfur-free hydrocarbon compounds and sulfur oxides, and oxidized and unoxidized compounds are catalytically cracked into hydrocarbon compounds of lower boiling points. Cracked components and the cracking catalyst particles are separated and recovered for regeneration and reuse.

Abstract: A catalytic composition is disclosed, which exhibits an X-ray amorphous oxide, with a spinel formula and highly dispersed crystals of ZnO, CuO, and optionally CeO2. The composition is useful in oxidative processes for removing sulfur from gaseous hydrocarbons.

Abstract: This invention is related to the use of ionic liquids of general formula C+A?, where C+ represents a cation of organic or inorganic type, specifically of the type imidazolium, pyridinium or ammonium salts, while the anion A? are derivatives which are halides, salts of iron (III), aluminum salts (III), acetate and benzoate, though not exclusively. These agents act as ionic liquid extractants of nitrogenous compounds present in hydrocarbon streams through a process of liquid-liquid extraction thereby can be reduced by more than 60% the content of these contaminants in hydrocarbon streams.

Abstract: A process for stabilization of heavy hydrocarbons to reduce sludge formation in storage tanks and/or transportation lines and to enhance the hydrocarbon yield includes mixing a paraffinic or heavy naphtha solvent having carbon numbers in the range 10 to 20 with the feedstock to solvent-flocculate a relatively small, predetermined portion of asphaltenes present in the feedstock, separating and flashing the sediment to recover a light hydrocarbon fraction, flashing the heavy hydrocarbon/solvent phase and recycling the solvent to stabilize the heavy hydrocarbons without significantly affecting the yield of valuable products.

Abstract: An integrated process is provided to produce asphalt and desulfurized oil. Sulfur molecules contained in heavy petroleum fractions, including organosulfur molecules, and in certain embodiments organonitrogen molecules are oxidized. The polar oxidized sulfur compounds shift from the oil phase to the asphalt phase.

Abstract: A method of extracting bitumen from bituminous material. In some embodiments, the method may include loading a bitumen material in a column, followed by feeding a first quantity of solvent into the column. The method may also include collecting the bitumen-enriched solvent exiting the column. A quantity of the bitumen-enriched solvent may then be fed into the column. In some embodiments, the method may include simultaneously loading bitumen material and a solvent in a column, followed by feeding additional solvent into the column. The method may also include collecting bitumen-enriched solvent exiting the column, and feeding a quantity of the bitumen-enriched solvent into the column.

Abstract: A bitumen extraction method can include the use of a two or more mixing drums aligned in series for spraying solvent over bituminous material and/or tailings loaded in the mixing drums while the mixing drums rotate. Such mixing can result in the dissolution of bitumen into the solvent, which then allows for the separation of a “dilbit” stream from the bituminous material.

Abstract: Methods for preparing solvent-dry, stackable tailings. The method can include the steps of adding a first quantity of solvent to a bitumen material to form a first mixture, separating a first quantity of bitumen-enriched solvent from the first mixture and thereby creating solvent-wet tailings, and adding a quantity of water to the solvent-wet tailings to separate a solvent component from the solvent-wet tailings and thereby forming solvent-dry, stackable tailings. The solvent used in the methods can include paraffinic solvent, such as pentane.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus are provided for automated isolation of selected analytes, to which magnetically-responsive solid supports are bound, from other components of a sample. An apparatus for performing an automated magnetic separation procedure includes a mechanism for effecting linear movement of a magnet between operative and non-operative positions with respect to a receptacle device. A receptacle holding station within which a receptacle device may be temporarily stored prior to moving the receptacle to the apparatus for performing magnetic separation includes magnets for applying a magnetic field to the receptacle device held therein, thereby drawing at least a proton of the magnetically-responsive solid supports out of suspension before the receptacle device is moved to the magnetic separation station. An automated receptacle transport mechanism moves the receptacle devices between the apparatus for performing magnetic separation and the receptacle holding station.

Abstract: A screen panel with wear protective apertures for mining and quarrying industries adapted to be mounted on a screen deck, including a screening surface made up of materials such as herein described formed on a reinforcing frame, said screening surface having suitably designed apertures of desired shape for allowing materials of desired size to pass through, said apertures having walls made of abrasion resistant material such as herein described said walls having plurality of slits(1) cut along the vertical as well as horizontal line in the top and bottom portion of the apertural walls, whereby utmost flexibility of the apertures is ensured simultaneously ensuring wear protection.

Abstract: Inventive process consisting of the inserting in any industrial PELLET production plant and at any point of the same plant of a technological system called a “control chamber” that can evaluate the biomass that will form the pellets, detecting the presence of toxic materials deriving from processing scrap and waste, with the presence of substances such as lacquers, paints, and sprays, or wood coming from trees contaminated by radioactive, toxic or other environmental factors. The “control chamber” consists of a pellet transport system, a series of sensors, optical devices, weighing and control systems that can continuously monitor, analyze and grade all the pellets. It also has a system for the selecting and storage of pellets according to the quality detected.

Abstract: A dynamic water/oil demulsification system for a gas-oil separation plant (GOSP) includes: an in-line microwave treatment subsystem upstream of one or more of each of a dehydrator vessel, desalter vessel and/or water/oil separator vessel, each of which vessels receives a water-oil emulsion; sensors that monitor and transmit data corresponding to properties of the water-oil emulsion in or downstream of the respective vessel(s); and a processor/controller associated with the in-line microwave treatment subsystem that initiates the application of microwave energy to the emulsion(s) based on the data from the sensors.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a water treatment system includes: a membrane separation device and a water softening device including a valve unit switching between a softening process in which soft water is obtained by passing raw water through a cation exchange resin bed downward and a regeneration process in which a whole of the cation exchange resin bed is regenerated by generating an opposite flow of a regenerant by supplying the regenerant from both sides of a top portion and a bottom portion of the cation exchange resin bed and collecting a liquid at an intermediate portion of the cation exchange resin bed, and a regenerant supply supplying the regenerant in a volume which gives a regeneration level of 1 to 6 eq/L-R, to a hardness leakage prevention region set in a predetermined depth on the bottom portion of the cation exchange resin bed, in the regeneration process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor system 10 for the capacitive measurement of the fill level of a fluid medium 22 in a container, preferably a bubble catcher of a dialysis device, comprising a receptacle 30 on which two contact areas are provided for contact with an external surface of the accommodated container and with at least one level detection electrode C1, C2, C11, C12, C21, C22 disposed in each contact area for capacitive detection of the fluid level in the container. The sensor system has a coupling measurement device C11, C12, C21, C22 for capacitive determination of the correct coupling.

Abstract: The present invention provides a filtration assembly in the form of a disposable cartridge. A key feature of the invention is a filtration chamber having a porous membrane also referred to as a filter, a sample inlet to the filtration chamber, and an outlet for outflow of the fraction of sample that does not penetrate the membrane. The membrane can be used in any configuration, for example a hollow fiber. The fraction of sample that penetrates the membrane is referred to as the filtrate, and the fraction that does not penetrate the membrane is referred to as the retentate or concentrate. Some uses of the cartridge are to prepare plasma from blood, and to prepare a plasma ultra-filtrate from plasma, without the need for centrifugation. Many therapeutic drugs are highly protein bound, and a plasma ultra-filtrate is sometimes required to measure the unbound biologically active drugs.

Abstract: A separation process for separating two or more immiscible liquids using contactors utilizing high surface area vertical hanging fibers is disclosed. This separation process is especially useful in the separation of disulfide oil formed during the oxidation of spent caustic solution that was used to remove sulfur contaminates from light hydrocarbons.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing magnetic particles from a mud slurry is disclosed, and includes one or more endless belts or chains enclosed almost wholly within a pipe. A motor drives the chain around the pipe. When the pipe is located within a mud slurry, magnetic particles in the mud slurry are drawn to the pipe and carried along the outside and away from the slurry until a collar is reached. Once se-separated the particles can be collected for disposal. The chain comprises a series of units linked together. Each unit includes a magnet with pole pieces at either pole to direct magnetic flux. Wear discs prevent the magnets and pole pieces from abrasion as they are drawn through the pipe. Units can be included in the chain which units do not include a magnet, thereby providing a break in the field, allowing particles to fall away from the collar region.

Abstract: Described herein is a method for altering the characteristics of a membrane comprising a dielectric material. The method comprises heating the membrane and applying an electric field in a direction out of the plane of the membrane to at least a portion of the dielectric material. At least a portion of the dielectric material becomes aligned with the applied electric field. In some embodiments, the membrane is piezoelectric and application of an electric signal to the membrane causes out of plane movement of the membrane. Also disclosed are membranes and systems and apparatuses comprising such membranes.

Abstract: A dual-side cleaning traversing screen filtration system which generally comprises a main trough water containment housing, a traversing manifold having a multitude of top and bottom disposed spray heads, flexible plumbing, a substantially planar, rectangular supported screen which is disposed over, and spans the opening of, the main trough water containment housing which, in the preferred embodiment, has a rectangular box like shape, with the combined assemblage functioning as a filter to separate unwanted debris from the water that passes through the screen into the slightly inclined main trough water containment housing where it can be continually removed and re-used.

Abstract: A spiral wound element and a seal assembly comprising: a ring-shaped seal disposed about a portion of an outer periphery of the element, a secondary pathway and a valve that selectively permits fluid flow through the secondary pathway.

Abstract: Described herein are thin film composite (TFC) membranes, for use in forward osmosis (FO) and pressure reduced osmosis (PRO) processes. The membrane is comprised of two layers: a composite layer combining a backing layer and a porous, polymer-based support into a single layer, and a rejection layer disposed on top of the composite layer. The membrane of the invention exhibits high water flux values for FO processes, is durable, may be readily manufactured using typical membrane manufacturing processes, such as spiral winding and plate and frame processes, and has sufficient mechanical stability to handle the final membrane product.

Abstract: An object is to provide centrifugal-separation oil separation means capable of improved cyclone efficiency and a refrigeration device equipped with the same.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for removing an ionic species contained in an aqueous phase. The method includes contacting an aqueous phase containing the ionic species with a sol gel-derived composite material, where the sol gel-derived composite material is a sol gel-derived composition having a porous matrix and containing a reactive metal incorporated into at least a portion of the porous matrix, under conditions sufficient to remove the ionic species contained in the aqueous phase.

Abstract: A system and method includes an aeration subsystem that excites enzymes in the liquid waste passing through the septic system. The aeration subsystem includes a compressor section that compresses the liquid waste and an injector section that injects oxygen into the compressed liquid waste. The system further includes a driver subsystem for driving the compressor section and a control subsystem for activating and deactivating the driver subsystem.

Abstract: The present invention relates to enhancing sludge dewaterability by adding an alpha-amylase to the sludge prior to conventional conditioning and dewatering operations.

Abstract: This invention is to provide a membrane-electrode assembly, an electrolytic cell using the same, a method and an apparatus for producing ozone water, a method for disinfection and a method for wastewater or waste fluid treatment, by using which electrolysis reaction products or decomposition products obtained at the anode are produced at a high efficiency; channel pressure drop is minimized; and the apparatus is designed in compact size without sacrificing the production capacity. This invention relates to a membrane-electrode assembly comprising a solid polymer electrolyte membrane having a cation exchange membrane, an anode and a cathode tightly adhered to the respective surfaces of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane, with a plurality of through-holes with 0.

Abstract: A combined chlorine agent having a low concentration of free chlorine and a high concentration of combined chlorine whereby combined chlorine concentration of water can be heightened when added to water systems at a low concentration of free chlorine, methods of efficient production and chlorine treatment at low free chlorine concentration are provided. The combined chlorine agent consists of an aqueous agent which comprises alkali consisting of alkali metal hydroxide, sulfamic acid, and oxidizing agent based on chlorine, wherein the composition ratio of the oxidizing agent based on chlorine to the sulfamic acid is in the range from 0.45 to 0.6 by Cl/N (mole ratio), the composition ratio of the oxidizing agent based on chlorine to alkali is in the range from 0.3 to 0.4 by Cl/alkali metal (mole ratio), and free chlorine concentration in the aqueous agent is 2% by weight or lower of total chlorine concentration.

Abstract: A device and method for monitoring the connection of a blood treatment unit to a fluid system of an extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus are described, in which the blood treatment unit includes an inlet and an outlet for connection to the fluid system and the fluid system includes a line system with a first line segment connected to the inlet and a second line segment connected to the outlet. An extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus includes a device for monitoring the connection of the blood treatment unit to the fluid system. The device and method for monitoring the connection of the blood treatment unit to the fluid system is based on measurement of pressure in the fluid system of the blood treatment apparatus. Solely on the basis of the pressure measurement, it is ascertained whether the connection of the blood treatment unit to the fluid system is correct or incorrect.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel silicon compounds, methods for making these novel silicon compounds, compositions comprising these novel silicon compounds attached to substrates, methods for attaching the novel silicon compounds to substrates and methods for using the compositions in a variety of chromatographic applications.

Abstract: A method in a separation system comprising parallel fluid paths each comprising a separation module. According to the invention said method comprises the steps of: providing an adjustable flow restrictor in each fluid path; identifying the fluid path with highest hydraulic resistance by measuring the hydraulic resistance of each fluid path sequentially and separately while stopping the fluid flow through all other fluid paths; adjusting the hydraulic resistance of each of the parallel fluid paths to be substantially the same by adjusting the adjustable flow restrictor in each fluid path sequentially and separately while stopping the fluid flow through all other fluid paths, such that the hydraulic resistance of said fluid path is equal or higher than the resistance of the fluid path identified to have the highest hydraulic resistance.

Abstract: Fluid filtration systems and methods thereof to filter fluid in a first directional mode and a second directional mode are disclosed. Fluid filtration systems and methods thereof include a first directional mode, a second directional mode, and a filter unit. The filter unit includes a filter housing unit and a filter chamber disposed in the filter unit.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a method for remediating oxic water having transition metal ions comprises the steps of providing oxic water having transition metal ions. The water is introduced to a chamber. The pH is adjusted to a range from 2.5 to 7.5 forming a pH-adjusted oxic water. Thiosulfate ions are introduced and reacted with the transition metal ions to form insoluble transition metal-thiosulfate species complexes, which are immobilized forming remediated oxic water.

Abstract: The present application relates to improved filtration of fluids. Particularly, a surfactant-treated zeolite material may be utilized for removing turbid particles from a volume of fluid, such as water.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating a non-magnetic material from magnetic material is provided. A magnetic separation device includes at least one magnetic element for producing a magnetic field. The magnetic separation device further includes a first support portion including a threaded opening that threadingly receives a threaded portion of a container to fixedly attach the container to the first support portion in an aligned orientation with respect to the magnetic element. The threaded opening retains the container in the aligned orientation when inverting the magnetic separation device.

Abstract: Scaling is controlled in a cooling water system with CO2 based upon measurements of the cooling water's pH, alkalinity and Ca2+ concentration.

Abstract: A concentration of cationic polymer is able to floc algae cells in about 30 minutes compared to the 30+ hours for the cells to flocculate and settle without additives. The addition of the polymer requires less than 1 wt % polymer to complete the algae floc and does not require large amounts of energy to perform or extra processing steps to recover the flocculent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for filtering contaminated water from an oil or gas well.

Abstract: The fluid purification disclosed herein provides the advantages of high-voltage purification without electrocution risks. In illustrative purifiers, a contaminated fluid, such as contaminated water, is aerated and passed through a cavity that contains highly porous piezoelectric material and an ultrasonic transducer. The transducer emits ultrasonic energy that causes the piezoelectric material to discharge a high-voltage field, which produces strong oxidizing agents that kill organisms and oxidize organic pollutants. Since the ultrasonic actuator operates at relatively low voltages (e.g., 20-110 V) and can be electrically isolated from the fluid, illustrative purification is safe, environmentally friendly, and scalable from small to large size applications.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a diffuser for saturation of water with gas, comprising a diffusion element (1) for diffusing the gas run through the diffuser, wherein the diffusion element (1) is made of charcoal. The invention also refers to a set for saturating water with gas, as well as a method for saturation of water with gas, and the use of charcoal as a diffusion element.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for maximizing the dissolved concentration of ozone in a liquid. The apparatus includes a dissolution tank having a pressure vessel configured to contain a treated fluid and at least one gas in a head space above the treated fluid, an inlet configured to permit passage of an untreated fluid into the head space, and an outlet configured to permit passage of the treated fluid out of the vessel; a gas supply system configured to transport the at least one gas to the head space; a fluid supply system configured to provide the untreated fluid tank; a bleed-off system for removing gas from the head space so as to maximize the dissolved concentration of the ozone gas in the liquid; and a discharge device configured to pass the treated fluid from the tank into the target liquid.

Abstract: A filtering system that may include a backwashing unit that is arranged to clean the filter when the filtering system operates in a backwashing mode; a first pipe that is couples the first auxiliary input to a first auxiliary output of the at least one auxiliary outputs; a second pipe that couples the second auxiliary input to a second auxiliary output of the at least one auxiliary output; wherein at least one of the first and second pipe comprises an external portion that is external to the input chamber, the intermediate chamber and the backwash chamber; wherein when the filtering system operates at the backwash mode, the backwash chamber maintains a backwash pressure that is lower than (a) an input chamber pressure that is maintained in the input chamber, and (b) an intermediate chamber pressure that is maintained within the filter.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a foldable bracket for emplacing a tablet personal computer and an audio device. Two front brackets are provided with plural symmetric slots and can provide for emplacing uprightly or obliquely tablet personal computers of various sizes and thicknesses after being opened by rotation. Two rear brackets are provided with symmetric and polyhedral slots and can provide for emplacing a polyhedral barrel-shaped audio device after being opened by rotation. The foldable bracket is formed by sheathing together four small brackets through pivots and shaft holes, constituting three rotatable axes. The audio is a polyhedral barrel and can stand up stably on a desktop.

Abstract: A slide assembly includes a slide, a fastener, and a latch. The slide includes a web and a flange substantially perpendicular to the web. The fastener is mounted on the flange. The fastener includes a first retaining portion and a second retaining portion. The first retaining portion is engaged with the locking hole. The latch is mounted on the web. The latch includes a locking member. The locking member includes a first locking portion and a second locking portion. The latch is resilient deformed from a first position to a second position. In the first position, the first retaining portion and the first locking portion are coupled to mount to a first bracket. In the second position, the second retaining portion and the second locking portion are coupled to mount to a second bracket.

Abstract: Provided is a door opening/closing device unit which is capable of preventing shifting of the mounting position of a connecting rod to door opening/closing devices and facilitating the mounting work. The door opening/closing device unit has at least one support member 8 mountable on a housing 1, a pair of door opening/closing devices 4 for moving a door 2 relative to the housing 1 and a connecting member 5 for connecting the door opening/closing devices so as to synchronize operations of the door opening/closing devices. First the support member 8 is mounted on the housing 1, and then, at least one of the paired door opening/closing devices 4 connected by the connecting member 5 is mounted on the one support member 8.