Abstract: An efficient method is provided for cleaning hollow fiber membrane modules, the method being capable of efficiently removing substances accumulated inside hollow fiber membrane modules. The internal liquid on the raw liquid side of the hollow fiber membrane module (3) is discharged from a lower end face nozzle (19) of the hollow fiber membrane module (3) while air-cleaning is performed. The method for cleaning hollow fiber membrane modules is characterized in that the rate of liquid discharge from the lower end face nozzle of the hollow fiber membrane module (3) when discharging the internal liquid from the lower end face nozzle is adjusted so that the air supplied from the lower end face nozzle of the hollow fiber membrane module (3) through the aeration holes is supplied to the hollow fiber membrane module (3).

Abstract: Provided is a facilitated CO2 transport membrane having improved CO2 permeance and improved CO2 selective permeability. The facilitated CO2 transport membrane includes a separation-functional membrane comprising a hydrophilic polymer gel membrane which contains a CO2 carrier and a CO2 hydration catalyst, wherein the hydrophilic polymer is a copolymer including a first structural unit derived from an acrylic acid cesium salt or an acrylic acid rubidium salt and a second structural unit derived from vinyl alcohol. More preferably, the CO2 hydration catalyst has catalytic activity at a temperature of 100° C. or higher.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nanocomposite ultra-thin separation membrane and a method for manufacturing the same, wherein the nanocomposite ultra-thin separation membrane for seawater desalination according to the present invention includes: 1) a polyamide-based polymer active layer; 2) a polyethersulfone support membrane; 3) an external support body; and 4) carbon nanotube, to remarkably improve hydrophilicity of the porous support membrane, thereby having more than doubled water permeability of the entire separation film. In addition, due to a physiochemical reaction of the functionalized carbon nanotube, a support membrane exposed to air for a long period of time is also usable as a lower body of the ultra-thin separation membrane.

Abstract: Provided is a separation membrane for seawater desalination and a method for manufacturing the same, and more particularly, a separation membrane for seawater desalination with excellent water permeability and salt rejection and a method for manufacturing the same. If the separation membrane for seawater desalination and the method for manufacturing the same according to the present disclosure are applied, it is possible to provide a separation membrane for seawater desalination with excellent water permeability and salt rejection. Therefore, it is possible to provide a separation membrane for seawater desalination with improved performance in comparison to an existing separation membrane for seawater desalination. As a result, water resources may be widely utilized.

Abstract: An article with a body having spaced channels created at a surface of the body and extending into the body, wherein the channels are located at controlled spaced locations. The channeled or microchanneled articles may be in the form of channeled or microchanneled membranes or otherwise. Methods of manufacturing channeled articles and uses of the channeled articles are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite separation membrane that is applicable to carbon dioxide separation and recovery processes. The composite separation membrane includes a coating layer composed of graphene oxide and a bile acid or its salt on a porous polymer support. The composite separation membrane of the present invention, which includes a coating layer composed of graphene oxide and a bile acid or its salt, has both high carbon dioxide permeability and high selectivity for carbon dioxide over nitrogen, hydrogen or methane gas, is free of surface defects, and maintains a stable structure without deterioration of its performance even after long-term use. Due to these advantages, the composite separation membrane of the present invention can be applied to industrial fields involving carbon dioxide separation and recovery processes. The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing the composite separation membrane.

Abstract: A negatively charged microporous filtration medium having a high charge density comprising a porous substrate and a polymerized cross-linked polymeric coating located on the inner and outer surfaces of the substrate. The coating may be formed from a reactant solution comprising negatively charged cross-linkable polymerizeable acrylamidoalkyl monomers and acrylamido cross-linking agents which are polymerized in situ on the substrate. The negatively charged microporous filtration medium are suitable for use as prefiltration membranes for selectively removing protein aggregates from a protein solution.

Abstract: Solvent and acid stable ultrafiltration and nanofiltration membranes including a non-cross-linked base polymer having reactive pendant moieties, the base polymer being modified by forming a cross-linked skin onto a surface thereof, the skin being formed by a cross-linking reaction of reactive pendant moieties on the surface with an oligomer or another polymer as well as methods of manufacture and use thereof, including, inter alia separating metal ions from liquid process streams.

Abstract: A pervaporation membrane formed from a series of vinyl addition block polymers derived from functionalized norbornene monomers are disclosed and claimed. Also disclosed are the fabrication of membranes which exhibit unique separation properties, and their use in the separation of organic volatiles from biomass and/or organic waste, including butanol, phenol, and the like.

Abstract: A method for aerating a wine prior to tasting same, the wine being contained in a bottle comprising a neck sealed by a cork. The method involves, after removal of the cork, bringing the wine into contact with a volume of air for a period before tasting it, the volume of air being defined as that required for the wine to open up, which depends on the properties of the wine, closing the bottle again so as to isolate the wine and the defined volume of air from the outside, homogenizing the content of the bottle, and waiting for a defined period PO? prior to tasting same.

Abstract: A multi-station liquid mixing and dispensing apparatus. The apparatus includes a housing that defines a first pocket for supporting a first container, a second pocket for supporting a second container, and a third pocket disposed vertically above at least one of the first pocket and the second pocket. The apparatus also includes a first door pivotably coupled to the housing and enclosing the first pocket, and a second door pivotably coupled to the housing and enclosing the second pocket. The apparatus also includes a valve coupled to the housing to control flow of chemical concentrate to at least one of the first container and the second container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and device for emulsifying emulsion explosive: an oil phase and a part of a water phase having undergone split-flow enter a first stage coarse emulsion mixer; after mixing, the mixture together with a part of the water phase having undergone second stage split-flow enters a second stage coarse emulsion mixer; the obtained mixture together with a part of the water phase having undergone third stage split-flow enters a third stage coarse emulsion mixer for mixing; forming a coarse emulsion matrix after multiple stages of mixing, and finally completing emulsification after mixing in a multi-stage fine emulsion mixer. The method and device mix the water phase with the oil phase multiple times according to a desired ratio, thus greatly reducing the stored explosive, with no mechanical stirring or shearing, with no heat accumulation, and with low pressure, without requiring matrix pumping, thus enhancing safety.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a system and a method for dosing of at least two concentrates into water for on-line preparation of a medical fluid. The system comprises a main line (1) for feeding of water, a first line (2) with a first pump (3) for feeding of a first concentrate into the main line at a first mixing point (4), a second line (5) with a second pump (6) for feeding of a second concentrate into the main line at a second mixing point (7). A main concentration sensor (12) measures the concentration in the main line (1) downstream both the first and the second mixing points. Initially, while not feeding any of the second concentrate, the control of the dosing of the first concentrate is under feedback control from the main concentration sensor (12) to the first pump (3).

Abstract: Provided is a stirring apparatus that can drive a stirring body with a simple structure and without applying excessive force. The stirring apparatus is provided with: the stirring body, which is a two-circle roller having an axis of rotation and two stirring fins; first and second drive shafts with axial centers not matching the axis rotation; a first shaft coupling, which connects the first drive shaft on a first stirring fin side of the axis rotation; a second shaft coupling, which connects the second drive shaft on a second stirring fin side of the axis of rotation; and a driving unit that exclusively carries out rotary drive of only either of the first and second drive shafts.

Abstract: A mixing bucket holder device holds a mixing bucket stationary while contents of the mixing bucket are being mixed. The device includes a support having a top wall, a bottom wall and a perimeter wall coupled to and extending between the top wall and the bottom wall. The top wall has a depression therein for receiving a mixing bucket. The depression has a lower wall and a peripheral wall coupled to and extending upwardly from the lower wall. The perimeter wall of the support has at least one opening extending therein for receiving feet of a user. A plurality of wheels is coupled to the bottom wall. A retaining assembly is coupled to the depression. The retaining assembly engages the mixing bucket and maintains the mixing bucket in a stationary position while contents of the mixing bucket are mixed together.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mixer with a drum that comprises a mantle, a bottom and a top and which rotates around an axis of rotation.

Abstract: A functional fluid useful as an emulsion in a cleaning product or a personal care product is the esterification reaction product of a) a triglyceride or a fatty acid or a methyl ester of a fatty acid, and b) an alcohol which comprises b1) a polyglycerol having at least 3 glycerol units (preferably polyglycerol-4), and b2) glycerol and/or diglycerol. The functional fluid is effective as a stabiliser and as an emulsifier for o/w and w/o emulsions. When a triglyceride is used as a reactant, glycerol and fatty acids are generated in situ by an interesterification reaction. Preferred functional fluids provide the significant benefit that they may be mixed into an oil phase and in a water phase before such phases are mixed together, and that such processing may be carried out at ambient temperature.

Abstract: Multiple emulsions with an “onion” topology are useful vehicles for drug delivery, biochemical assays, and templating materials. They can be assembled by ternary liquid phase separation using microfluidics, but the control over their design is limited because the mechanism of their creation is unknown. Here it is shown that phase separation occurs via self-similar cycles of mass transfer, spinodal decomposition or nucleation, and coalescence into multiple layers. Mapping out the phase diagram demonstrates a linear relation between concentric layer diameters, whose slope depends on the initial ternary composition and the molecular weight of the surfactant. These general rules quantitatively predict the number of droplet layers (multiplicity). Further, self-assembly routes for polymer capsules and liposomes are provided with techniques to assemble lipid-stabilized droplets with ordered internal structures.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the cleansing of nanoparticles in aqueous cationic surfactant solutions, including polyalkylammonium salts such as cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, as demonstrated by surfactant exchange, followed by the addition of peptizing agents to stabilize the cleansed nanoparticle solutes.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for the production of dispersions and solids by way of controlled precipitation, co-precipitation and self-organisation processes in a microjet reactor, a jet of solvent containing at least one target molecule and a jet of nonsolvent colliding with each other, at specified pressures and flow rates, at a collision point in the reactor chamber of the microjet reactor, and the microjet reactor having a gas inlet for introducing gas into the reactor chamber and an educt outlet for discharging the educts in a stream of gas. This results in very rapid precipitation, co-precipitation or a chemical reaction, during the course of which micro- or nanoparticles form.

Abstract: A reactor device includes a reaction chamber; one or more thermal units in thermal communication with the reaction chamber configured to transfer thermal energy to the reaction chamber; and a refractory layer between the reaction chamber and the one or more thermal units.

Abstract: Methods and devices for the formation and/or merging of droplets in microfluidic systems are provided. In certain embodiments a microfluidic droplet merger component is provided that comprises a central channel comprising a plurality of elements disposed and spaced to create a plurality of lateral passages that drain a carrier fluid out of a fluid stream comprising droplets of a first fluid contained in the carrier fluid; and a deformable lateral membrane valve disposed to control the width of said center channel.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for preparing a nucleic acid library in a multi-purpose buffer (e.g., employing whole genome amplification), where nucleic acid purification is not required between or during steps. In certain embodiments, small amounts of starting nucleic acid (e.g., genomic DNA) are employed and the steps are accomplished in a single container. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid library is subjected to sequencing methodologies or rolling circle amplification.

Abstract: The present invention provides microfabricated substrates and methods of conducting reactions within these substrates. The reactions occur in plugs transported in the flow of a carrier-fluid.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for optimizing a hydrogen producing system is provided. The method of optimizing the hydrogen producing system comprises producing hydrogen gas using a hydrogen producing formulation and removing a chemical substance that reduces the hydrogen gas producing efficiency. Further, the hydrogen producing system comprises a hydrogen producing catalyst, a hydrogen generating voltage applied to the hydrogen producing catalyst to generate hydrogen gas, and a catalyst regenerating device to regenerate the hydrogen producing catalyst to a chemical state capable of generating the hydrogen gas when a hydrogen generating voltage is applied.

Abstract: A sonic reactor for transferring kinetic energy to a process fluid medium has a resonant element horizontally oriented and mounted to the two resonance units using two or more nodal support rings located at the nodal positions of the resonant element. The nodal support rings are adjustable in position relative to the resonant element and the resonance units to permit positioning of the rings directly at the nodal positions during operation, where, for example, adjustment may be required due to changes in the total mass attached to one or both free ends of the resonant unit. The sonic reactor has a grinding or mixing chamber mounted at one or both of the free ends of the resonant element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the infrared-light-induced yield optimization of chemical reactions, wherein an energy input into at least one starting material that is subjected to a chemical reaction takes place by means of infrared light pulses having a mean wavelength in the range of 2000 to 100000 nm. The chemical reaction here is a reaction in which a product, the molecular formula of which does not correspond to the molecular formula of the starting material, is formed and wherein the yield optimization for the most part is not based on a thermal heating of the starting material. The invention is characterized in that the infrared light pulses have a fixed wavelength and in that the energy input into the starting material takes place by means of vibration excitation by a one-photon process.

Abstract: A system and method for providing intermediate reactive species to a reaction chamber are disclosed. The system includes an intermediate reactive species formation chamber fluidly coupled to the reaction chamber to provide intermediate reactive species to the reaction chamber. A pressure control device can be used to control an operating pressure of the intermediate reactive species formation chamber, and a heater can be used to heat the intermediate reactive species formation chamber to a desired temperature.

Abstract: A carbon-containing emulsion cleaning and digesting medium comprising: 60% beet pulp shreds with molasses, 25% proprietary blend of bacteria 15% water crystals by weight. A user of this medium sprinkles it in a layer upon an area such as a concrete floor contaminated by a spilled emulsion or substance which contains carbon in its molecular structure, such as oil, and then moistens it until no more water can be absorbed. This medium is left to digest the spill overnight or longer to the elimination of the substance it is intended to absorb. The product itself is nontoxic and remaining product and any byproduct of the digestion of the spill is nontoxic as well.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of manufacturing a water-absorbent resin composition containing water-absorbent resin particles and additive particles, by which it is possible to obtain a water-absorbent resin composition that sufficiently exhibits additional functions, such as an anti-blocking property under moisture absorption, of the additive particles while maintaining an excellent water absorption property. A method of manufacturing a water-absorbent resin composition includes a resin particle preparation step and a mixing step. In the mixing step, water-absorbent resin particles which are prepared in the resin particle preparation step are mixed with additive particles in multiple stages by using a plurality of mixing apparatuses to obtain a water-absorbent resin composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a supported catalyst, a catalyst which is obtainable using the method, and use thereof for the partial oxidation or ammoxidation of olefins, in particular for the oxidation of propene to acrolein, of isobutene to methacrolein, and/or the ammoxidation of propene to acrylonitrile. The method according to the invention includes the following steps: a) providing a solution in which precursor compounds of the catalytically active component are essentially completely dissolved in a suitable solvent; b) bringing the solution obtained in step a) into contact with a (chemically) inert, porous support having a specific surface of 1 to 500 m2/g; c) heat treatment of the material obtained in step b), in which the precursor compounds of the catalytically active component are converted to their oxides.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, there is provided a novel catalyst composition comprising MoVGaPdNbXY, wherein X comprises La, Te, Ge, Zn, In, or W; and Y comprises Al or Si; wherein Mo, V, Ga, Pd, Nb, La, Te, Ge, Zn, In, W, Al, or Si are optionally present in combination with oxygen; wherein the catalyst does not comprise an additional element that acts as a catalyst in the conversion of a propylene to the product. Also, disclosed is a method for the conversion of a propylene to a carboxylic acid moiety by contacting the propylene with the disclosed catalyst.

Abstract: A naphtha reforming catalyst, comprising an alumina support and following components with the content calculated on the basis of the support: VIII group metal 0.1-2.0% by weight, VIM group metal 0.1-3.0% by weight, sulfate ion 0.45-3.0% by weight, and halogen 0.5-3.0% by weight. The catalyst is used in a naphtha reforming reaction without presulfurization and has a high aromatization activity and a selectivity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a catalyst for producing methacrylic acid by subjecting methacrolein or the like to vapor phase catalytic oxidation, which contains, as essential active components, Mo, V, P, Cs, NH4 and Cu, the method including (a) a step of preparing a heteropoly acid aqueous solution or the like (A liquid) containing, as constituent elements, Mo, P and V; (b) a step of mixing a part of the resulting A liquid with a cesium compound aqueous solution or the like (B liquid); and (c) a step of mixing the remainder of the A liquid with the B liquid to prepare a slurry liquid (C liquid).

Abstract: This invention relates to a hydrogen spillover-based catalyst and use thereof, wherein a hydrogen activation metal cluster is dispersed in the form of being encapsulated in a crystalline or amorphous aluminosilicate matrix which is partially or fully structurally collapsed zeolite, thereby exhibiting high hydroprocessing or dehydrogenation activity and suppressed C—C hydrogenolysis activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydrocracking catalyst for hydrocarbon oil comprising a support containing a framework-substituted zeolite-1 in which zirconium atoms and/or hafnium atoms form a part of a framework of an ultrastable y-type zeolite and a hydrogenative metal component carried thereon and a method for producing the same. The hydrocracking catalyst of the present invention makes it easy to diffuse heavy hydrocarbon oils such as VGO, DAO and the like into mesopores, is improved in a cracking activity and makes it possible to obtain a middle distillate at a high yield as compared with catalysts prepared by using zeolite comprising titanium and/or zirconium carried thereon.

Abstract: ZSM-18 is synthesized from a mixture comprising water, a source of an oxide of a tetravalent element (Y), a source of an oxide of a trivalent element (X), a source of a first cation Q selected from either butamethonium cations or N,N,N,-trimethyl-N-butylammonium cations and a source of at least one second cation M, wherein the second cation M is selected from lithium, strontium, sodium, tetraalkylammonium and mixtures thereof when the first cation, Q is butamethonium cations, and wherein the second cation M is tetramethylammonium when the first cation Q is N,N,N,-trimethyl-N-butylammonium cations.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a desulphurisation agent for removing sulphurous species from a diluent or process stream, and a use of such agent. In some examples, the agent may include a compound of manganese, pore forming particles and a compound of copper. The agent may be introduced into or mixed with the diluent or process stream to effectuate removal of sulphurous species from the diluent or process stream.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a water-purifying composite material, especially a water-purifying composite material for use in the photocatalytic destruction of pollutants in water. The water-purifying composite materials of the invention are uniquely formed by growing crystals of photocatalytic metal compounds in situ within interlayer regions or pores within an aluminosilcate mineral structure, to thereby provide highly catalytic species for use in oxidative photocatalytic water treatments.

Abstract: A method for regenerating an NOx removal catalyst, which includes connecting an upstream fixing member (10) to one end of a member to be ground, and connecting a downstream fixing member (20) to the other end; connecting a mixing part (40) for mixing an abrasive with a gas to an upstream portion of the upstream fixing member, and disposing a screen member in the expanded part, and connecting a classification part (70) and a dust-collecting part (80) to the downstream fixing member; and transferring the abrasive which has been mixed with the gas from the mixing part to the upstream fixing member, reducing the flow rate of the mixture in the expanded part, subsequently, causing the mixture to pass through the through-hole of the NOx removal catalyst and the downstream fixing member, and then collecting dust by means of the dust-collecting part via the classification part.

Abstract: The present invention relates to process of enrichment of Boron isotopes by ion exchange chromatography by “Auto Cut” system using continuous Ion Exchange Chromatography. The process comprises development of borate band in the ion exchange chromatographic column; eluting said band without any regeneration in a manner where said ion exchange chromatographic columns comprises 3-9 chromatographic columns in groups of three columns each and connected in series with silicon tubes; and wherein said eluting agent is provided to first column of each said group of three columns; and wherein said enriched boron isotopes are obtained upto 90%.

Abstract: A bottom part of a positive-displacement pipetting system), including a body slideably housing a device for gripping a piston belonging to a capillary-piston assembly the capillary of which is adapted to be fitted onto an end-fitting of the body. The system also comprises means for ejecting the capillary-piston assembly arranged externally with respect to the body. The system is constructed so that a relative rotation between the ejection means and the gripping device causes it to pass from an open configuration enabling the piston to be released to a closed configuration enabling said piston to be retained, and/or the reverse.

Abstract: A pipette tip (10) including: a proximal end (11) and a proximal body region (12) defining a first cavity that receives a flatted pipette member; and a distal end (13) and a distal body region (14) defining a second cavity that receives and discharges a liquid aspirated by the pipette member; the cavities are in gas-liquid communication, the first cavity is defined by various resilient surfaces as defined herein, one cylindrical surface (25) forms a gas-liquid seal with the pipette member, and which surfaces are free of for example, an internal stop structure, a distinct sealing structure, or both. Methods of making and using the article are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure proposes a design of a biomedical paper sensor which can determine the concentration of biological materials in fluids such as blood, urine, and saliva. The sensor contains a plurality of axially radiating test zones, each test zone separated from other test zones by wax ink barriers formed by a process that produces thin walls. Each test zone can contain a unique test reagent, or a unique concentration of a test reagent, and can also be identified by printed text. The region of the device outside of the test zone area is printed with a uniform reference color. Benefits of the invention include increased accuracy in the measurement of the concentration of biological materials due to the larger test zone area. Benefits also include the integration of the reference or calibration color which simplifies the calibration needed for quantification of the concentration.

Abstract: The various embodiments described herein relate to fabricating and using open microfluidic networks according to methods, systems, and devices that can be used in applications ranging from home-testing, diagnosis, and research laboratories. Open microfluidic networks allow the input, handling, and extraction of fluids or components of the fluid into or out of the open microfluidic network. Fluids can be inserted into an open microfluidic channel by using open sections of the open microfluidic network. Passive valves can be created in the microfluidic network, allowing the creation of logic circuits and conditional flow and volume valves. The fluid can be presented via the microfluidic network to diagnostic and analysis components. Fluids and components of the fluid can be extracted from the open microfluidic network via functional open sections that are easily interfaced with other microfluidic networks or common laboratory tools.

Abstract: A reaction vessel holder (120) receives a reaction vessel (110). The reaction vessel (110) has a portion that is substantially optically transparent to light of a first range of wavelengths. The reaction vessel holder (120) comprises a body having a high thermal conductivity that is thermally coupled to and supports the reaction vessel (120). The body is further thermally coupled to a thermal device (130) for heating or cooling the reaction vessel holder (120) and thereby the reaction vessel (110). The body comprises a transparent portion that is substantially optically transparent to the light of the first range of wavelengths. The optically transparent portion of the reaction vessel (110) faces the transparent portion of the body such that light of the first range of wavelengths to and/or from the sample in the reaction vessel (120) can pass through the transparent portion.

Abstract: A microfluidic biochip includes an equal-liquid-level reservoir disposed on a cover. The equal-liquid-level reservoir includes some tanks that have a substantially same liquid level. Each tank has an opening on a bottom surface, each opening communicating with a corresponding microfluidic channel.

Abstract: An array of valves are arranged in n columns and m lines and which are each designed to control a fluid flow in an associated flow channel in a lab-on-a-chip system. The array includes at least two valves, every column having not more than one valve and every line having from zero to n valves. A device is used for actuating the valves. The valves are pressure-actuated. To produce the device, the flow channels are arranged in accordance with the arrangement of the valves. Which valves are actuated being changeable by movement of projections relative to array of valves so as to change which valves the projections are pressed against.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for the real time processing of nucleic acid during polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and thermal melt applications. According to an aspect of the invention, a system for the rapid serial processing of multiple nucleic acid assays is provided. In one embodiment, the system includes, but is not limited to: a microfluidic cartridge having microfluidic (flow-through) channels, a fluorescence imaging system, a temperature measurement and control system; a pressure measurement and control system for applying variable pneumatic pressures to the microfluidic cartridge; a storage device for holding multiple reagents (e.g., a well-plate); a liquid handling system comprising at least one robotic pipettor for aspirating, mixing, and dispensing reagent mixtures to the microfluidic cartridge; systems for data storage, processing, and output; and a system controller to coordinate the various devices and functions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a microfluidic device which comprises a drive module and a microfluidic platform. The drive module further comprises a rotary unit and a vibration unit for driving the microfluidic platform, and the microfluidic platform further comprises multiple microfluidic elements for performing tests. The present invention also provides a method for operating a microfluidic device. The method comprises steps using the rotary unit and steps using the vibration unit to distribute sample in a microfluidic structure.