Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for fabricating a high aspect ratio MEMS sensor device having multiple vertically-stacked inertial transducer elements (101B, 110D) formed in different layers of a multi-layer semiconductor structure (100) and one or more cap devices (200, 300) bonded to the multi-layer semiconductor structure (100) to protect any exposed inertial transducer element from ambient environmental conditions.

Abstract: A method of making a system-in-package device, and a system-in-package device is disclosed. In the method, at least one first species die with predetermined dimensions, at least one second species die with predetermined dimensions, and at least one further component of the system-in-device is included in the system-in package device. At least one of the first and second species dies is selected for redimensioning, and material is added to at least one side of the selected die such that the added material and the selected die form a redimensioned die structure. A connecting layer is formed on the redimensioned die structure. The redimensioned die structure is dimensioned to allow mounting of the non-selected die and the at least one further component into contact with the redimensioned die structure via the connecting layer.

Abstract: A hierarchical structured surface can have high heat transfer performance during a phase change process. Using hierarchically structured surfaces, an enhancement in critical heat flux (CHF) of ˜160% or higher on a microstructured surface can be obtained.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a micromechanical system includes forming in a Front-End-of-Line (FEOL) process transistors in a transistor region; after the FEOL-process, forming a sacrificial layer; structuring the sacrificial layer to form a structured sacrificial layer; forming a functional layer at least partially covering the structured sacrificial layer; and removing the sacrificial layer to create a cavity.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a micromechanical system is shown. The method comprises the steps of forming in a front end of line (FEOL) process a transistor in a transistor region. After the FEOL process, a protective layer is deposited in the transistor region, wherein the protective layer comprises an isolating material, e.g. an oxide. A structured sacrificial layer is formed at least in a region which is not the transistor region. Furthermore, a functional layer is formed which is at least partially covering the structured sacrificial layer. After the functional layer is formed removing the sacrificial layer in order to create a cavity between the functional layer and a surface, where the sacrificial layer was deposited on. The protective layer protects the transistor from being damaged especially during etching processes in further processing steps in MOL (middle of line) and BEOL (back end of line) processes.

Abstract: A method includes forming a piezoelectric optical micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) device having a piezoelectric capacitor over a lens material. The lens material forms a lens, and the piezoelectric capacitor is configured to change a shape of the lens material in order to change a focus of the lens. The piezoelectric capacitor includes first and second electrodes separated by at least one piezoelectric material. The method also includes performing a first anneal on the piezoelectric optical MEMS device in nitrogen gas and performing a second anneal on the piezoelectric optical MEMS device in oxygen gas after performing the first anneal. The method further includes depositing a protective oxide layer over the lens material and the piezoelectric capacitor after performing the second anneal. The first anneal in the nitrogen gas causes the piezoelectric optical MEMS device to be substantially free of discharge defects.

Abstract: A method for thermal decomposition of carbon-rich substances. Pyrolysis is used to transform substances into a synthetic gas. Bulk material including carbon enriched substances flows vertically in succession through an upper column, a moving bed reactor having an upper hollow chamber in the top thereof, a lower hollow chamber and a lower column, wherein the bulk material from the moving bed reactor is removed through the lower column. Pyrolysis is performed in the moving bed reactor and the synthetic gas is collected in the upper hollow chamber. The width and height of the upper and lower columns and the nature of the bulk material have an internal pressure loss which seals off the movable bed reactor and enables a continuous or batch-wise flow of bulk material. The pressure difference between the lower hollow chamber and the upper hollow chamber is at least 50 mbar. The pressure difference is stabilized by the bulk material inside the moving bed reactor.

Abstract: A water reactive hydrogen generation system includes devices and methods to combine reactant fuel materials and aqueous solutions to generate hydrogen. The generated hydrogen is used in a fuel cell or other application. The water reactive hydrogen generation system includes a reactant fuel chamber, a reactor chamber (zone), a water solution inlet, a hydrogen output port, and a material delivery device. The material delivery device can include a drive screw and a sliding piston to move the fuel material into the reactor zone when a reaction is initiated. As the reaction takes place, the reaction waste product is removed from the reaction zone to allow additional reactant fuel materials and aqueous solutions to be introduced and to continue the hydrogen-generating reaction. A reaction waste product created is exchanged for additional reactant fuel material at determined intervals to allow the reaction to continue until the reactant fuel is exhausted.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a furnace having at least one bayonet reforming tube. The furnace is adapted to receive a gas including a hydrocarbon and at least one of steam and carbon dioxide via the bayonet reforming tube, heat and catalytically react the gas to form syngas at a first temperature, cool the syngas to a second temperature lower than the first temperature, and eject the syngas from the tube. The furnace has a first effluent stream including flue gas and a second effluent stream including syngas. The apparatus also includes a first heat recovery section adapted to transfer heat from the first effluent stream to a first heat load including one of air, water, and steam, and a second heat recovery section adapted to transfer heat from the second effluent stream to a second heat load.

Abstract: A convectively heated steam/methane reformer having a shell and tube reforming reactor for hydrogen production. A reactor core containing the reactants is convectively heated by hot air flowing through the shell or annulus of the reactor. Heated air is supplied to the reactor through several fluid inlets on the shell side of the reformer.

Abstract: A convectively heated steam/methane reformer having a shell and tube reforming reactor for hydrogen production. A reactor core containing the reactants is convectively heated by hot air flowing through the shell or annulus of the reactor. Heated air is supplied to the reactor through several fluid inlets on the shell side of the reformer.

Abstract: The present invention generally includes an ozone generation system with a power supply that measures the rate of energy delivered to the ozone generation cell. While changing voltage, frequency or current will likely affect the rate of energy delivery, current, frequency and voltage provide a very poor and unreliable control for an ozone generation cell. It is only through control of the rate of energy delivery that consistent, reliable ozone generation is possible. Based upon the measurements of the rate of energy delivery as measured at the ozone generation cell, compared to the rate of energy delivery supplied, the rate of energy delivery supplied can be adjusted to improve ozone production and control.

Abstract: A process of producing degassed liquid sulfur using process gas containing H2S to agitate the liquid sulfur being degassed while in contact with a degassing catalyst. Process gas is less costly and less complicated and quickly accomplishes substantial degassing rendering the liquid sulfur much safer in storage and transportation.

Abstract: A process of producing degassed liquid sulfur using agitation gas to agitate the liquid sulfur being degassed while in contact with a degassing catalyst. Process gas may be blended with the agitation gas wherein the process gas contains H2S to accomplish substantial degassing rendering the liquid sulfur much safer in storage and transportation.

Abstract: A method for producing sintered aluminum nitride granules includes a reduction nitridation step of carrying out the reduction nitridation of porous alumina granules at a temperature of 1400 to 1700° C. inclusive to produce porous aluminum nitride granules; and a sintering step of sintering the porous aluminum nitride granules, which are produced in the reduction nitridation step, at a temperature of 1580 to 1900° C. inclusive.

Abstract: In a process for preparing nitric acid, nitrogen oxides are first generated in an ammonia combustion plant (2), and these are then supplied to at least one absorption tower (4, 5). In the absorption tower (4, 5), the nitrogen oxides are contacted in the water and oxygen, with at least partial reaction of the nitrogen-containing gas mixture with the water and the oxygen to form an aqueous nitric acid-containing solution which collects at the base of the absorption tower (4, 5) and is subsequently compressed and introduced via a riser line (12, 14, 21) back into the absorption tower (4, 5). In order to minimize the concentration of nitrogen oxides in the offgas from such a plant, it is proposed in accordance with the invention that oxygen be introduced in liquid form or gaseous form into a region of the riser line (12, 14, 21) that is lower in a geodetic sense. This promotes the dissolution of the oxygen and the reaction of the oxygen with likewise dissolved nitrogen oxides to give nitric acid.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a scaled method for producing substantially aligned carbon nanotubes by depositing onto a continuously moving substrate, (1) a catalyst to initiate and maintain the growth of carbon nanotubes, and (2) a carbon-bearing precursor. Products made from the disclosed method, such as monolayers of substantially aligned carbon nanotubes, and methods of using them are also disclosed.

Abstract: Process for producing nanomaterials such as graphenes, graphene composites, magnesium oxide, magnesium hydroxides and other nanomaterials by high heat vaporization and rapid cooling. In some of the preferred embodiments, the high heat is produced by an oxidation-reduction reaction of carbon dioxide and magnesium as the primary reactants, although additional materials such as reaction catalysts, control agents, or composite materials can be included in the reaction, if desired. The reaction also produces nanomaterials from a variety of other input materials, and by varying the process parameters, the type and morphology of the carbon nanoproducts and other nanoproducts can be controlled. The reaction products include novel nanocrystals of MgO (percilase) and MgAl2O4 (spinels) as well as composites of these nanocrystals with multiple layers of graphene deposited on or intercalated with them.

Abstract: A method of producing single or few-layer graphene comprises exfoliating graphite with a polymer to form a graphene-polymer composite and subsequently treating the composite to disassociate graphene. The exfoliation process is conducted using sonication. The graphene is disassociated from the polymer by a treatment step such as acid hydrolysis. The method results in highly pure graphene.

Abstract: Concentrated dispersion from 5 to 50% by weight of nanoparticles of graphene in water with a lateral size from 10 to 5000 nm and thickness from 0.34 to 30 nm. The production process comprises the dispersion in water of flakes of expanded graphite and the subsequent treatment with ultrasounds at an energy level of from 100 to 2000 W for a period from 1 to 100 hours.

Abstract: Provided is a granular activated carbon that can be used for applications similar to wood-based steam-activated carbons; and also provided is a method for manufacturing the same. The granular activated carbon is obtained in the following manner. An activated carbon raw material is carbonized, and then pulverized. The pulverized product is then mixed with a calcium component, and the mixture is molded. Subsequently, the molded product is carbonized and activated, followed by washing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method to produce a type II silicon clathrate, a method to produce a type I clathrate, and a method to decrease sodium in silicon clathrates.

Abstract: A method that includes: (a) forming a molten liquid from a solvent metal, silicon, and an alkali magnesium halide; (b) cooling the molten liquid to provide silicon crystals and a mother liquor; and (c) separating the silicon crystals from the mother liquor.

Abstract: There is provided colloidal silica particles comprising at least one polyvalent metal element M selected from a group consisting of iron, aluminum, zinc, zirconium, titanium, tin, and lead in an average content of 0.001 to 0.02 in terms of an M/Si molar ratio, and having an average primary particle diameter of 5 to 40 nm, wherein the content of the polyvalent metal element M present in an outermost layer of the colloidal particles is 0 to 0.003 atom per square nanometer (nm2) of a surface area of the colloidal particles; and a silica sol that the colloidal silica particles are dispersed in an organic solvent, a silica sol that the colloidal silica particles are dispersed in a polymerizable compound, and a silica sol that the colloidal silica particles are dispersed in a dicarboxylic anhydride.

Abstract: A process for making a mechanically strong, high permeance, and relatively inexpensive support structure for zeolite membranes is described. In an example implementation, a process includes forming a silica powder from silica fibers, mixing the silica powder and a polymer solution to form a mixture, forming the mixture into a shaped mixture, and sintering the shaped mixture to form a silica support.

Abstract: An electrically conductive thin film includes a compound represented by Chemical Formula 1 and having a layered crystal structure: MeB2??Chemical Formula 1 wherein, Me is Au, Al, Ag, Mg, Ta, Nb, Y, W, V, Mo, Sc, Cr, Mn, Os, Tc, Ru, Fe, Zr, or Ti.

Abstract: The invention pertains to methods of producing aluminum trioxide in the form of powders or agglomerations with particles having a porous honeycomb structure, which can be used as catalyst substrates, adsorbents and filters for the chemical, food, and pharmaceutical industry. The method of production of aluminum oxide in the form of powders or agglomerations with particles having a porous honeycomb structure involves the treatment of the aluminum salt with a solution of an alkaline reagent, washing of the sediment and thermal treatment thereof. The technical result of the invention is the production of aluminum oxide in the form of separate particles with given structure and properties, specifically, with particle porosity of 60-80% and a porous structure represented by extensive parallel channels with near hexagonal packing, with dimension of the channels at the diameter of 0.3 to 1.0 mcm and length up to 50 mcm.

Abstract: A mineral composition comprising mineral particles, said mineral particles, when in a densely compacted bed form, having a volume defined median pore diameter from 0.01 to 0.04 micrometre, and having an intruded total specific void volume of 0.1-0.3 cm3/g. A specific advantage of this composition is that it as a component in a coating, allows the passage of ink solvent into the base paper while retaining the ink molecules on the surface.

Abstract: Provided is a light transmitting metal oxide sintered body manufacturing method for obtaining a light transmitting sintered body, the main component of which is metal oxide, by carrying out hot isostatic pressing at a HIP heat processing temperature (T) set in a temperature range of 1000-2000° C. The light transmitting metal oxide sintered body manufacturing method, by which light transmitting properties can be improved, is characterized by the following: in the temperature elevating step of the hot isostatic pressing, a temperature range (S) from room temperature to the HIP heat processing temperature (T) is divided into a plurality of stages; for each divided stage the temperature elevation rate is controlled; and the temperature elevation rate of a final stage (14) that includes at least the HIP heat processing temperature (T) is 10° C./h to 180° C./h.

Abstract: Provided is a zinc oxide-based sputtering target capable of improving the film formation rate while suppressing arcing in the formation of a zinc oxide-based transparent conductive film by sputtering. This zinc oxide-based sputtering target includes a zinc oxide-based sintered body mainly including zinc oxide crystal grains, and has a degree of (002) orientation of 50% or greater at a sputtering surface and a density of 5.30 g/cm3 or greater.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a zinc oxide powder including synthesizing a mesoporous zinc oxide precursor powder by adding an aqueous solution of zinc chloride to an aqueous solution of sodium carbonate while agitating to cause precipitation of a mesoporous zinc carbonate powder wherein the molar ratio of zinc chloride to sodium carbonate present when the aqueous solution of zinc chloride and the aqueous solution of sodium carbonate are reacted is at least 1:2, heat treating a mesoporous zinc precursor material to form the mesoporous zinc oxide powder at a heat treatment temperature in the range of 250-575° C. The zinc oxide powder includes mesoporous zinc oxide aggregates with a plurality of primary zinc oxide crystallites bonded together at shared interfaces.

Abstract: Materials and methods for preparing Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) layers for use in thin film photovoltaic (PV) cells are disclosed herein. The CZTS materials are nanoparticles prepared by a colloidal synthesis in the presence of a labile organothiol. The organothiol serves as both a sulphur source and as a capping ligand for the nanoparticles.

Abstract: A water filter with alarm function for indicating blockage of a filter cartridge thereof and an alarm method are provided. The filter main body is provided with a filter cartridge and is arranged with a before-filtering water cavity. A filter upper cover covers the top of the filter main body. The before-filtering water cavity is accommodated with a floating-ball-type indicating apparatus, which comprises a floating ball, a connecting rod and a color scale. The connecting rod is mounted rotatably on an inner surface of the filter upper cover with the aid of a hinge support. The floating ball is arranged at the front end of the connecting rod. The color scale is also arranged on the connecting rod. A transparent visual cover that matches with the color scale is arranged on the upper surface of the filter upper cover.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices and methods for the purification of biologically contaminated water to make potable. In one embodiment, there is disclosed a low-pressure device comprising a housing having at least one inlet for receiving biologically contaminated water, and at least one outlet for removing purified water, wherein the housing contains a filter held in place by a seal sufficient to keep the biologically contaminated water separate from the purified water. Because of the novel permeability and purification properties of the disclosed carbon containing filter, the disclosed filter can remove virus, bacteria, cyst or any combination thereof, at water approaching velocity up to 5 cm/min. In various embodiments, the filter can have a flat planar design to be used in a flat pack application, or a more traditional tubular shape.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention is generally directed toward an appliance that includes a water source inlet that receives intake water from a water source and a water outlet proximate a water dispensing location on a door of the appliance in fluid communication with one another via one or more water conduits spaced within the appliance. The appliance also includes a removable water filter and dispenser assembly configured to be removably engaged and disengaged with the water outlet of the appliance by hand without the use of tools. The removable water filter and dispenser assembly includes: (1) a housing that includes at least one water treatment media; and (2) a treated water dispensing outlet configured to deliver water treated by the at least one water treatment media for use or consumption.

Abstract: A system configured according to principles of the disclosure and process performed according to principles of the disclosure exploit a phase change cycle associated with cavitation on the suction side of (or inside) a pump to separate salt and/or impurities from water with exceptional efficiency. The exploitation involves enhancing the well-known process of cavitation by providing a large container in which the phase changes can occur safely, creating initial vapor inside the large container to start and perpetuate the process, using atmospheric pressure to drive water or recycled water into (or downstream of) the large container to force vapor compression and condensation inside the large container, and then providing a heat exchanger inside the large container to transfer heat released by condensation and vapor compression from its freshwater side to its vaporization side.

Abstract: Waste heat generated by devices as a byproduct of their operation is utilized to increase and maintain the temperature of non-potable water to neutralize biological contaminants, thereby rendering such water potable. The potable water can then be utilized for evaporative cooling of the devices. A temperature sensor monitors the temperature of the non-potable water and a controller controls the pump to provide sufficient time for the water to remain in the heat exchanger above a predetermined temperature to neutralize biological contaminants and render such water potable. To the extent that different devices generate different quantities and intensities of waste heat, multiple heat exchangers are utilized, with lower intensity waste heat serving to preheat the water and, thereby, reduce the amount of time needed to reach the target temperature in a primary heat exchanger. Waste heat not utilized to generate potable water can be utilized for other heat-driven processes.

Abstract: A fractionating tool capable of fractionating dioxins contained in a solution of dioxins includes a tubular body opening at both ends, and a purification layer and an adsorption layer packed therein. The adsorption layer includes a first adsorption layer including an activated carbon-containing silica gel layer and a graphite-containing silica gel layer, and a second adsorption layer including an alumina layer. When a solution of dioxins is injected into the purification layer and then a solvent capable of dissolving dioxins is supplied thereto, the solvent dissolves dioxins and passes through the purification layer and the adsorption layer. In this process, non-ortho PCBs, PCDDs and PCDFs among dioxins are adsorbed to the first adsorption layer, and mono-ortho PCBs among dioxins are adsorbed to the second adsorption layer. As a result, dioxins are fractionated.

Abstract: Produced water from a crude oil or natural gas production process is purified using a membrane purification system for petroleum production, agricultural, commercial and domestic uses. The produced water is pretreated to remove, at least, particulates and oil from the produced water. The minimally pretreated water is then purified in a membrane purification system that is operated at conditions such that membrane scaling is reduced or prevented. In particular, the membrane purification system is operated to maintain the turbidity of clarified water feed to the system or intermediate aqueous streams that are cascading through the membrane purification system. Ensuring that the turbidity of the reject streams generated in the membrane system are useful in achieving long membrane operating life.

Abstract: A quality of treated water is improved without loss of stability in multi-stage reverse osmosis membrane treatment. Raw water in a raw water tank 1 is fed to a first-stage reverse osmosis membrane unit 3 by compression with a first pump 2, and concentrated water is discharged while permeated water is introduced into an intermediate tank 5 through a piping 4. The water in the intermediate tank 5 is fed to a second-stage reverse osmosis membrane unit 7 by compression with a second pump 6, and permeated water is taken out through a piping 8 while concentrated water is returned to the raw water tank 1 through a piping 9. The thickness of the raw water spacer of the reverse osmosis membrane units is more than 0.6 mm for the first stage and is 0.6 mm or less for the second stage.

Abstract: A system for disinfecting and removing biological material from water to be injected into an injection well in a water body is described; the system includes: at least one apparatus for the gravitational precipitation of particles from water, which is connected, in terms of fluid, to a source of untreated water and to the injection well; and an apparatus for the addition of an oxidant for the disinfection of water, which is connected in terms of fluid to the apparatus for the gravitational precipitation of particles, a source of untreated water and to the injection well such that the apparatus for the gravitational precipitation of particles is positioned downstream relative to the apparatus for the addition of an oxidant for disinfection. The disclosure also relates to a method for disinfecting and removal of biological material from injection water.

Abstract: There is provided a membrane module comprising a membrane package comprising at least two membrane sleeves, wherein the membrane package is configured to allow essentially free flow of a first stream inside the sleeves and essentially free flow of a second stream between each two adjacent sleeves, and a frame, configured to support the membrane package, such that part of each of four surfaces of the membrane package is affixed to predetermined areas in the frame, forming a module having separate spaces configured to facilitate separate flows of the first stream and the second stream through the membrane package. The invention further provides a multi-modular stack, comprising at least two membrane modules and at least one membrane, wherein the first stream is fully enclosed inside each module and the second stream flows through all the modules.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating a body of water to kill microorganisms by enhancing the concentration metal ions therein.

Abstract: A method for removing components from an aqueous medium is described. The method includes dispensing a formulation comprising one or more of zinc chloride, calcium chloride, zirconium acetate and zirconium oxychloride to an aqueous medium. The method includes allowing the formation of floccules in the aqueous medium, wherein the floccules contain the component to be removed. The method includes separating the floccules from the aqueous medium to remove the component.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for treating liquid streams containing quaternary ammonium compounds. In particular, the invention and its various embodiments relate to the addition of certain chemicals, such as inulins and derivatives thereof, including, for example, carboxymethyl inulin with or without various degrees of substitution of carboxymethyl groups per monosaccharide unit, to a liquid stream containing quaternary ammonium compounds to reduce, eliminate, or sequester the quaternary ammonium compound in the liquid stream.

Abstract: A neutralizing additive composition may contact a fluid, such as a quench medium composition, an effluent stream, a dilution steam condensate, a dilution steam, and combinations thereof for neutralizing any neutralizable components therein. A non-limiting example of neutralizing components may be organic acids. The neutralizing additive may be or include at least one strong base and at least one amine. The strong bases(s) may be or include metal hydroxides, metal carbonates, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Hydroxycarboxylic acids and/or transition metal salts may be added to an aqueous system to inhibit corrosion and/or scale deposition within the aqueous system. The aqueous system may include a calcium containing component in an amount ranging from about 0.01 ppm to about 200 ppm. The hydroxycarboxylic acid may have two or more carboxylic acid groups. The transition metal salt may have or include a transition metal, such as but not limited to, Zn (II), Zn (IV), Sn, Al, Mn, Mo, and combinations thereof. The aqueous system may be or include a cooling tower, a cooling water system, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A fluid treatment apparatus for treating a target fluid is provided. The fluid treatment apparatus includes a cylindrical reactor and one or more catalyst members each having a rod-like or plate-like shape extending in a longitudinal direction within the reactor. The cylindrical reactor decomposes an organic substance contained in a mixed fluid of the target fluid with an oxidant by an oxidation reaction under heat and pressure. The cylindrical reactor has an introduction port on one end and a discharge port on the other end. An upstream end surface, relative to a direction of flow of the target fluid, of each of the catalyst members is located in a downstream vicinity of or upstream from an inflow position where the target fluid flows into the reactor through the introduction port. Each of the catalyst members is suspended with the upstream end surface being fixed.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for biological wastewater treatment that includes a biological selector and a physical selector. The apparatus comprises an internal biological reactor where wastewater and recycled biomass are combined to provide a high substrate and high electron acceptor gradient for generating morphological biomass features that favor granule formation over floc and filament formation, and an external gravimetric or external screen selector operating on the biomass waste stream for collecting and retaining densified biomass aggregates including dense granule selection and for wasting lighter filaments and flocs. In the method and apparatus, particles may be added to provide cores to promote the formation of aggregates encapsulating the seeded particles. The particles may be added as various materials, for example, in the bioreactor, to initiate or seed the formation of a granule, that could then be separated by or integrated with either the external gravimetric or external screen selector.

Abstract: A water purification process for treating water containing at least some organic contaminants, and including the steps of pre-treating the water for capturing organic contaminants from solution in a water stream, by passing the water into a spin up bowl to speed up the water stream, forcing the high speed stream through an annular flow passage located centrally of the spin up bowl, passing the high velocity stream between a magnetic member and a magnetic ring, thereafter passing the water stream into an energy recovery bowl, directing the flow from the flow passage onto a zinc anode member; and thereafter passing the water stream along a grounded pipe, thereby causing the development if fine particles of calcium carbonates, and capturing the organic contaminants