Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus includes a processing chamber which plasma-processes a sample, a first high-frequency power supply which supplies first high-frequency power for plasma generation to the processing chamber, a second high-frequency power supply which supplies second high-frequency power to a sample stage on which the sample is placed and a pulse generation device which generate first pulses for time-modulating the first high-frequency power and second pulses for time-modulating the second high-frequency power. The pulse generation device includes a control device which controls the first and second pulses so that frequency of the first pulses is higher than frequency of the second pulses and the on-period of the second pulse is contained in the on-period of the first pulse.

Abstract: The plasma reactor of the invention is intended for treating the surfaces of objects such as semiconductor wafers and large display panels, or the like, with plasma. The main part of the plasma reactor is an array of RF antenna cells, which are deeply immersed into the interior of the working chamber. Each antenna cell has a ferromagnetic core with a heat conductor and a coil wound onto the core. The core and coil are sealed in the protective cap. Deep immersion of the antenna cells having the structure of the invention provides high efficiency of plasma excitation, while the arrangement of the plasma cells and possibility of their individual adjustment provide high uniformity of plasma distribution and possibility of adjusting plasma parameters, such as plasma density, in a wide range.

Abstract: A device for peeling off silicon wafers, including: a supporting member that is configured to support a board-shaped member to which plural silicon wafers are bonded via an adhesive; a heating unit for heating the board-shaped member; a shifting mechanism that is configured to shift, in a horizontal direction, the supporting member relatively with respect to the heating unit; a peeling-off mechanism that is configured to peel off the silicon wafers one by one; and a container for allowing the silicon wafers, the board-shaped member and the supporting member to soak in a liquid.

Abstract: A device for removing a protective film off a sheet such as tickets or the like is described. The device has at least one removal or scraping roll of the protective film and at least one drawing or pulling roll of the sheet opposite the scraping roll and between which the sheet passes. The device also has a base and a roll unit mobile or removable with respect to the base and including the scraping roll and the drawing roll.

Abstract: The cellulose nanofiber production method of the present invention comprises an oxidation treatment step for oxidizing native cellulose in a neutral or acidic reaction solution containing an N-oxyl compound and an oxidizing agent that oxidizes aldehyde groups, and a dispersion step for dispersing the native cellulose in a medium following the oxidation treatment step. According to the production method of the present invention, a cellulose nanofiber is provided that has long fibers and demonstrates high strength.

Abstract: A method and assembly for separating contaminants from liquids, such as condensates, or vapors at an evaporation plant. The contaminants are separated from liquids by stripping when bringing a contaminant-enriched liquid into direct contact with a vapor by spraying or distributing the liquid into the vapor flowing in a vapor duct or onto wall surfaces in the vapor duct thus reducing the contaminant-content of the sprayed liquid and producing a cleaner liquid. The contaminants are enriched in the vapor. From vapors contaminants are separated by absorption when bringing a contaminant-enriched vapor into direct contact with a cleaner liquid by spraying or distributing the liquid into the vapor flowing in a vapor duct or onto wall surfaces in the vapor duct thus increasing the contaminant-content of the liquid, but producing a cleaned vapor.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing coated paper by applying a coating liquid to a strip-shaped web of paper to form a plurality of bands extending in the width direction of the web and spaced from each other in the longitudinal direction of the web includes: a coating step (S1) of applying the coating liquid to the web to form the bands with a coating band pitch narrower than a design band pitch defined as a standard for the coated paper; an aftertreatment step (S2), executed after the coating step, of drying the web; and a tension applying step (S3), executed after the aftertreatment step, of expanding the band pitch of the web by applying tension to the web to cause the band pitch of the web to approach the design band pitch.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide cellulose fibers which can give a cellulose composite that renders high transparency, a reduction in linear expansion coefficient, and a high modulus of elasticity possible. The invention relates to: a process for producing modified cellulose fibers which includes a modification reaction step of reacting cellulose with an aromatic compound in an organic acid to thereby modify the cellulose with an aromatic-ring-containing substituent; cellulose fibers modified with aromatic-ring-containing substituent; a dispersion of the cellulose fibers; and a cellulose fiber composite obtained from the same.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for making paper or paper board comprising forming a cellulosic suspension, flocculating the suspension, draining the suspension on a device to form a sheet and then drying the sheet, wherein the suspension is flocculated using a formation improving 3-component flocculation system comprising a) a linear cationic or ampoteric co-polymer of: i) acrylamide, and ii) a substance with formula (I) with a halide as counter-ion; b) at least one water soluble component chosen from the group of anionic polyacrylamide, non-ionic polyacrylamide and polyethyleneoxide; and c) inorganic microparticles, whereby the flocculation system does not contain a wafer-dispersible or branched anionic organic polymer. The invention also relates to use of the flocculation/retention system in the manufacture of paper or paper board, and to paper and paper board thus produced.

Abstract: Disclosed is a water and oil resistant agent comprising a fluorine-containing copolymer obtained by copolymerizing a (meth)acrylate monomer having a polyfluoroalkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, the agent being able to afford a superior water and oil resistance to a paper. The invention also discloses a composition comprising the water and oil resistant agent, a process for treating a paper thereby and a treated paper thereby.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of a surface-treated calcium carbonate, the use of this surface-treated calcium carbonate in a process for the control of organic material in an aqueous medium, as well as to a composite of surface-treated calcium carbonate and organic material, such as a composite of surface-treated calcium carbonate and to the use of such a composite.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the hydrolysis of preferably solid organic substrates, in particular of energy crops and plant residues, with a collection vessel (1) for receiving the organic substrates, with a conveying means (4) for transporting the organic substrates into a charging device (7) for the batch-wise charging of a hydrolyzer (10) with the organic substrates, the hydrolyzer (10) being provided on the output with a pressure-release device (12) having a valve-controlled pressure diaphragm (13) and a steam trap (14) arranged upstream of an expander tank (15). According to the invention, the conveying means (4) includes a conveyor worm (4?) with a sleeve shaft (25), which is charged with hot steam from the steam trap (14), which is preferably designed as a cyclone, the sleeve shaft (25), in the conveying zone for the organic substrate, having, in a heating zone (18), steam-outlet openings (26) for directly charging the organic substrate with hot steam.

Abstract: A process for quenching, separating and collecting targeted components of a hot pyrolysis product stream from the pyrolysis of biomass is provided. The process utilizes sequential steps of rapid quenching and electrostatic precipitation comprising injecting a coolant comprising at least one of nitrogen, a noble gas and mixtures thereof into a hot pyrolysis vapor to selectively condense a first fraction of components from the hot pyrolysis vapor at a first predetermined temperature which is then collected by electrostatic precipitation in a first electrostatic precipitator at about the first predetermined temperature, where a wall temperature of the first electrostatic precipitator is maintained slightly higher than the first predetermined temperature. The sequential steps of coolant injection and collection are repeated at progressively cooler temperatures in order to selectively collect one or more fractions of the hot mixture.

Abstract: A trihalosilane refining device and a trihalosilane refining method are provided. The trihalosilane refining device can be useful in obtaining high-purity trihalosilane from a feed containing a trihalosilane while consuming a small amount of energy.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for converting carbon dioxide to methane. The method comprises exposing carbon dioxide adsorbed on a nanoporous silicate matrix to light in the presence of a source of carbon dioxide and a source of hydrogen for a time and under conditions sufficient to convert carbon dioxide to methane. The matrix contains at least one photochromic metal oxide entity, and contains a C1 impurity site. The light has a wavelength of about 437 nm to about 1200 nm.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a silicon-based nanocomposite anode active material for the lithium secondary battery and the lithium secondary battery using same, comprising the following steps: a first step of mounting a silicon-based wire between two electrodes, which are placed in a methanol-based solvent atmosphere, and manufacturing a dispersion solution in which silicon-based nanoparticles are dispersed by means of high-voltage pulse discharging; and a second step of manufacturing a silicon-based nanocomposite body by compositing the silicon-based nanoparticles in the solution and a different type of material.

Abstract: An IBAD apparatus includes, a target, a sputter ion source irradiating the target with sputter ions to sputter some of constituent particles of the target, a film formation region in which a base material for depositing thereon the particles sputtered from the target is disposed, and an assist ion beam irradiation device irradiating assist ion beams from a direction oblique to the direction of a normal of the film formation surface of the base material disposed in the film formation region, where the sputter ion source includes a plurality of ion guns arranged so as to be able to irradiate the target from an end portion on one side to an end portion on the other side with sputter ion beams, and current values for generating the sputter ion beams of the plurality of ion guns are set respectively.

Abstract: In a plasma-enhanced physical vapor deposition reactor, uniformity of radial distribution of the deposition rate across the workpiece is enhanced by applying both RF and D.C. power to the target and adjusting the power levels of the RF and D.C. power independently. Further optimization is obtained by adjusting the height of the magnet above the target, adjusting the radius of the orbital motion of the magnet above the target and providing an angle edge surface of the target.

Abstract: In a method for coating a substrate in a vacuum chamber having a rotating magnetron, wherein a substrate is guided past the magnetron in a substrate transport direction and is coated by a material, which has been isolated from a target connected to the magnetron, and, optionally with the material reacting with a reactive gas present in the vacuum chamber, homogeneity of the coating layer on a substrate is improved by stabilizing the working point by way of the target rotation. This is achieved in that a periodic change of a first process parameter caused by the target revolution is compensated for by a periodic change of a second process parameter having a determined level and/or by employing two magnetrons having different rotational speeds.

Abstract: This invention provides a sputtering method which can generate an electric discharge under practical conditions and maintain the pressure in a plasma space uniform, and a sputtering apparatus used for the same. The sputtering method includes a first gas introduction step (step S403) of introducing a process gas from a first gas introduction port formed in a sputtering space defined by a deposition shield plate, a substrate holder, and the target which are disposed in a process chamber, a voltage application step (step S407) of applying a voltage to the target after the first gas introduction step, and a second gas introduction step (step S405) of introducing a process gas from a second gas introduction port formed outside the sputtering space.

Abstract: A method of fabricating by co-sputtering deposition a lanthanoid aluminate film with enhanced electrical insulativity owing to suppression of deviation in composition of the film is disclosed. Firstly within a vacuum chamber, hold two separate targets, one of which is made of lanthanoid aluminate (LnAlO3) and the other of which is made of aluminum oxide (Al2O3). Then, transport and load a substrate into the vacuum chamber. Next, introduce a chosen sputtering gas into this chamber. Thereafter, perform sputtering of both the targets at a time to thereby form a lanthanoid aluminate film on the substrate surface. This film is well adaptable for use as ultra-thin high dielectric constant (high-k) gate dielectrics in highly miniaturized metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) transistors.

Abstract: An apparatus for anodizing substrates immersed in an electrolyte solution. A substrate holder mounted in a storage tank includes a first support unit having first support elements for supporting, in a liquid-tight condition, only lower circumferential portions of the substrates, and a second support unit attachable to and detachable from the first support unit and having second support elements for supporting, in a liquid-tight condition, remaining circumferential portions of the substrates. A drive mechanism separates the first support unit and the second support unit when loading and unloading the substrates, and for connecting the first support unit and the second support unit after the substrates are placed in the substrate holder.

Abstract: Improved designs of target assemblies and darkspace shields are disclosed. Methods of improving darkspace gap in sputtering chambers and sputtering chambers having an improved darkspace gap are also disclosed. Disclosed is a target assembly having a substantially coplanar backing plate and a target are vertically spaced from the darkspace shield.

Abstract: A sputtering target made of aluminum and one or more alloying elements including Ni, Co, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Mo, Nb, Ta, W, and rare earth metals (REM). The addition of very small amounts of alloying element to pure aluminum and aluminum alloy target improves the uniformity of the deposited wiring films through affecting the target's recrystallization process. The range of alloying element content is 0.01 to 100 ppm by weight, which is sufficient to prevent dynamic recrystallization of pure aluminum and aluminum alloys, such as 30 ppm Si alloy. The addition of small amount of alloying elements increases the thermal stability and electromigration resistance of pure aluminum and aluminum alloys thin films while sustaining their low electrical resistivity and good etchability. This invention also provides a method of manufacturing microalloyed aluminum and aluminum alloy sputtering target.

Abstract: Provided is a sputtering apparatus which deposits a metal catalyst on an amorphous silicon layer at an extremely low concentration in order to crystallize amorphous silicon, and particularly minimizes non-uniformity of the metal catalyst caused by a pre-sputtering process without reducing process efficiency. This sputtering apparatus improves the uniformity of the metal catalyst deposited on the amorphous silicon layer at an extremely low concentration. The sputtering apparatus includes a process chamber having first and second regions, a metal target located inside the process chamber, a target transfer unit moving the metal target and having a first shield for controlling a traveling direction of a metal catalyst discharged from the metal target, and a substrate holder disposed in the second region to be capable of facing the metal target.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a test strip with a sample chamber opening spanning the width of the test strip at the sampling end and including a portion of the lateral sides at that end. The chamber is vertically bounded by upper and lower substrate layers, horizontally bounded by the front face of a spacer layer, and open on the remaining sides. The test strip fills rapidly and requires small sample volumes. Both 1-up and 2-up manufacturing techniques for producing such test strips eliminate registration and alignment steps, and other techniques relating to the 2-up technique (simultaneously manufacturing test strips arranged in multiple columns) are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to test strips and preparation method thereof. More particularly, the present invention relates to a test strip comprising: (a) an insulating substrate; (b) an electrode system disposed on the insulating substrate; (c) an insulation layer disposed on the electrode system, in which an accommodation space is disposed at one side of the insulation layer for exposing a part of the electrode system to carry out an electrochemical reaction of an analyte; and (d) a gel, disposed in the accommodation space and formed by dissolving a reactive enzyme reacting with the analyte in a hydrogel and being cured.

Abstract: There is provided a gas sensor element for detecting the concentration of a specific gas component in gas under measurement, which includes a plate-shaped element body and a porous protection layer. The element body has, at one end portion thereof, a gas sensing portion formed with a solid electrolyte substrate and a pair of electrodes. The porous protection layer has a porous structure formed of ceramic particles and surrounds at least the circumference of the one end portion of the element body. In the present invention, the porous protection layer has an inner region, an intermediate region and an outer region laminated together in order of mention from the element body toward the outside. The intermediate region has a porosity lower than those of the inner and outer regions. There is also provided a gas sensor with such a gas sensor element.

Abstract: Disclosed are aqueous resinous dispersions that are electrodepositable and exhibit good anti-settling properties, as well as to their use to produce smooth, low gloss coatings. The aqueous resinous dispersions include an active hydrogen-containing, cationic salt group-containing polymer; a curing agent; and oxidized polyolefin particles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for the characterization and/or the counting of particles by means of non uniform, time variable force fields and integrated optical or impedance meter sensors. The force fields can be of positive or negative dielectrophoresis, electrophoresis or electro-hydrodynamic motions, characterized by a set of stable equilibrium points for the particles (solid, liquid or gaseous); the same method is suitable for the manipulation of droplets (liquid particles) by exploiting effects known to the international scientific community with the name of Electro-wetting on dielectric.

Abstract: An active method for decanting the dispersed phase in the continuous phase of an emulsion. According to the method, repulsive forces created by an electric field are used on the drops constituting the dispersed phase. The electric field scans the reservoir containing the emulsion, enabling the dispersed phase to be concentrated in a determined region of the reservoir, for the recovery and/or analysis of the emulsion. A device implements the method.

Abstract: A surface of an object to be plated is subjected to a treatment for palladium catalyst impartation to impart a palladium catalyst to the surface of an insulating part thereof. A palladium conductor layer is formed on the insulating part from a solution for palladium conductor layer formation which contains a palladium compound, an amine compound, and a reducing agent. On the palladium conductor layer is then directly formed a copper deposit by electroplating. Thus, the work is converted to a conductor with the solution for palladium conductor layer formation, which is neutral, without using an electroless copper plating solution which is highly alkaline. Consequently, the polyimide is prevented from being attacked and no adverse influence is exerted on adhesion. By adding an azole compound to the solution for palladium conductor layer formation, a palladium conductor layer is prevented from depositing on copper.

Abstract: A method for electrofilling large, high aspect ratio recessed features with copper without depositing substantial amounts of copper in the field region is provided. The method allows completely filling recessed features having aspect ratios of at least about 5:1 such as at least about 10:1, and widths of at least about 1 ?m in a substantially void-free manner without depositing more than 5% of copper in the field region (relative to the thickness deposited in the recessed feature). The method involves contacting the substrate having one or more large, high aspect ratio recessed features (such as a TSVs) with an electrolyte comprising copper ions and an organic dual state inhibitor (DSI) configured for inhibiting copper deposition in the field region, and electrodepositing copper under potential-controlled conditions, where the potential is controlled not exceed the critical potential of the DSI.

Abstract: In a method for reduction of a solid feedstock, such as a solid metal compound, in an electrolytic apparatus a portion of the feedstock is arranged in each of two or more electrolytic cells (50, 60, 70, 80). A molten salt is provided as an electrolyte in each cell. The molten salt is circulated from a molten salt reservoir (10) such that salt flows through each of the cells. Feedstock is reduced in each cell by applying a potential across electrodes in each cell, the potential being sufficient to cause reduction of the feedstock. The invention also provides an apparatus for implementing the method.

Abstract: An electrorefining process is disclosed for producing high purity tin having reduced short-term and long-term alpha particle emissions and reduced lead levels. The process may use a mixed acidic electrolytic solution including at least a first electrolyte that provides sulfate ions in the mixed electrolytic solution, such as sulfuric acid, and a second electrolyte that provides halide ions in the mixed electrolytic solution, such as hydrochloric acid.

Abstract: An electro-catalytic membrane system for preparing fuel gas from water operates at normal levels of pressure and temperature. The system includes a high frequency power source, a power supply system, a programmable control unit, an electro-catalytic membrane module, and a module for processing the fuel gas. The electro-catalytic membrane module includes metallic electrodes in a concentric arrangement. The space between the concentric electrodes includes granular carbon and metallic particles. A fixed membrane is arranged at a lower end of the space while a mobile membrane is arranged at an upper end of the space. The electro-catalytic membrane module is further provided with sensors for measuring process parameters, conduits, and valves for supplying and removing liquids. A system for cooling the metallic electrodes is also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods of manufacturing and passivating stents and other implantable medical devices including one or more attached radiopaque markers. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a metallic implantable medical device body without any radiopaque marker(s) attached thereto, primary electropolishing the device body without any markers attached thereto, attaching one or more radiopaque markers to the device body, and lightly electropolishing the device including device body and attached radiopaque markers. Light electropolishing removes no more than about 5 percent by weight of the device (i.e., the device body and attached marker(s)). Light electropolishing passivates the exposed surfaces of the device body and markers, while also providing electropolishing to the region of any welds where the radiopaque marker(s) attach to the device body.

Abstract: A lubricating oil composition for an internal combustion engine contains: a base oil including a component (A) of a polyalphaolefin having a kinematic viscosity at 100 degrees C. of 5.5 mm2/s or less, a CCS viscosity at ?35 degrees C. of 3000 mPa·s or less and a NOACK of 12 mass % or less and a component (B) of a mineral oil having a viscosity index of 120 or more; and polyisobutylene having a mass average molecular weight of 500,000 or more. A content of the composition (A) is 25 mass % or more of a total amount of a lubricating oil.

Abstract: A lubricating oil composition for an internal combustion engine contains a component (A) of a polyalphaolefin having a kinematic viscosity at 100 degrees C. of 5.5 mm2/s or less, a CCS viscosity at ?35 degrees C. of 3000 mPA·s or less and a NOACK of 12 mass % or less, and a component (B) of a mineral oil having a viscosity index of 120 or more. The component (A) is contained at a content of 10 mass % or more of a total amount of the composition.

Abstract: An integrated process for producing naphtha fuel, diesel fuel and/or lubricant base oils from feedstocks under sour conditions is provided. The ability to process feedstocks under higher sulfur and/or nitrogen conditions allows for reduced cost processing and increases the flexibility in selecting a suitable feedstock. The sour feed can be delivered to a catalytic dewaxing step without any separation of sulfur and nitrogen contaminants. The integrated process includes an initial dewaxing of a feed under sour conditions, optional hydrocracking of the dewaxed feed, and a separation to form a first diesel product and a bottoms fraction. The bottoms fraction is then exposed to additional hydrocracking and dewaxing to form a second diesel product and optionally a lubricant base oil product. Alternatively, a feedstock can be hydrotreated, fractionated, dewaxed, and then hydrocracked to form a diesel fuel and a dewaxed, hydrocracked bottoms fraction that is optionally suitable for use as a lubricant base oil.

Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein can provide a process for converting a hydrocarbon feed. The process may include hydrocracking the hydrocarbon feed slurried with a particulate catalyst in a presence of hydrogen in a hydrocracking reaction zone to produce a hydrocracked stream, separating at least a portion of the hydrocracked stream, and passing the at least the portion of the hydrocracked stream through a thermal cracking heating zone at conditions effective for thermally cracking the at least the portion of the hydrocracked stream.

Abstract: A method of upgrading naphtha and diesel yields from fluid catalytic cracking and hydrocracking units by improving a feed quality of a petroleum feedstock, product or fraction mixture. The method of improving the feed quality of the petroleum feedstock, product or fraction mixture occurs by first determining the API Gravity of a petroleum feedstock, product or fraction mixture. A temperature at which about fifty percent of the petroleum feedstock, product or fraction boils (T50) is then determined. The feed quality for the petroleum feedstock, product or fraction mixture as determined from the API Gravity and the T50 for the feedstock, product or fraction mixture is then estimated followed by adjusting the petroleum feedstock, product or fraction mixture to achieve a higher feed quality.

Abstract: Initial high sulfur levels of a hydrocarbon feedstock are reduced to desired low levels without the need for integration of substantial new equipment or hardware with existing hydroprocessing reactors. Ionic liquids are utilized as organic sulfur extraction agents and are added to and mixed with the hydrocarbon feedstock containing organosulfur compounds downstream of an existing cold separator vessel. The ionic liquid and hydrocarbon mixture is maintained in a contact vessel under conditions which promote the formation of ionic sulfur-containing derivatives that are soluble in the ionic liquid to be formed, thereby enabling extractive removal and separation of the organosulfur compounds from the feedstock.

Abstract: A highly active nickel carrier catalyst based on aluminium oxide has a nickel content of approximately 20 to 70 wt.-% (as Ni) and optionally comprises a bonding agent and optionally a promoter, selected from the compounds of Mg, Ti, Pb, Pt, Ba, Ca and/or Cu, wherein the size of the Ni crystallites in the reduced state is in the range of approximately 3.5 to 4.5 nm and the distortion factor of the Ni crystallites is approximately 2 to 5%. In a method for the reduction of the content of sulphur compounds in hydrocarbon-based fuels by selective adsorption of the sulphur compounds on a nickel catalyst, a nickel catalyst based on aluminium oxide is used, particularly the nickel catalyst described above. A nickel catalyst based on aluminium oxide may be used for reducing the sulphur compound content in hydrocarbon-based fuels by selective adsorption of the sulphur compounds on said catalyst and/or for the hydrogenation of aromatic compounds.

Abstract: Trace amount levels of heavy metals such as mercury in crude oil are reduced by contacting the crude oil with a sufficient amount of a reducing agent to convert at least a portion of the non-volatile mercury into a volatile form of mercury, which can be subsequently removed by any of stripping, scrubbing, adsorption, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, at least 50% of the mercury is removed. In another embodiment, the removal rate is at least 99%. In one embodiment, the reducing agent is selected from sulfur compounds containing at least one sulfur atom having an oxidation state less than +6; ferrous compounds; stannous compounds; oxalates; cuprous compounds; organic acids which decompose to form CO2 and/or H2 upon heating; hydroxylamine compounds; hydrazine compounds; sodium borohydride; diisobutylaluminium hydride; thiourea; transition metal halides; and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Methods are provided for characterizing crude oils, crude fractions, or other potential feedstocks for forming lubricating base oils in order to determine the suitability of a feedstock for lubricating base oil production. One type of characterization is to determine the isoparaffin, naphthene, and/or aromatics contents of the distillate portion of a feedstock. A second characterization is to determine the viscosity index of a distillate portion of a feedstock after dewaxing the distillate portion to a target pour point.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for isolating heavy saturated hydrocarbons from a subsurface shale formation comprising kerogen and an extractible organics component. These methods can be used to provide a bright stock product. The process comprises extracting an extractible organics component from subsurface shale formations comprising kerogen and the extractible organics component in an inorganic matrix and isolating a heavy hydrocarbon fraction comprising saturated beta-carotene. The methods utilize a hydrocarbon solvent to at least partially solubilize the extractible organics component. Among other factors, these processes are based on the discovery that the extractible organics is composed of a heavy hydrocarbon component containing saturated beta-carotene. The saturated beta-carotene product is a valuable commercial product. The presently disclosed processes are more environmentally benign, more economical, and more efficient in producing commercial products and in providing access to kerogen.

Abstract: An aeration and microbial reactor system for use in decontaminating water including a housing adapted to float and/or submerged within the medium such that a top portion thereof remains adjacent a top surface of the contaminated water while the bioreactor containing inoculated carrier media is attached below. Beneficial microbial populations thrive and spread throughout the liquid medium, and consume or fix the contaminant such that the contaminant is removed from the water.

Abstract: A portable oil filtration unit 10 comprising a tank section 11 and a pump and filter unit 12 and an electrical control box 13. Operational switches are illustrated generally at 14. The unit is equipped with an inlet lance or wand 15 and an outlet lance or wand 16. The lances are located in position so that the lances have their ends at the bottom of a tank located in the tank housing 11. Thus when the unit is in a filtration mode and the pump turned on, oil will circulate from the tank through each of the lances and through the filtration unit.

Abstract: A filter system having a filter bed for filtering water or wastewater, where the filter bed is periodically washed between service runs by directing washing liquid and washing gas upwardly through the filter bed. The filter system includes a filter bed and at least one flume. The flume is in fluid communication with the filter bed. Preferably, the flume is configured such that no washing liquid and washing gas interface is present in the flume. The flume may be configured such that during washing of the filter bed between service runs the flume receives a washing gas and directs the washing gas upwardly through the filter bed to assist in cleaning the filter bed between service runs. The flume may further be configured such that during washing the only liquid directed from the flume to the filter bed is residual liquid that may be present in the flume from a prior service run.