Abstract: Methods of fabricating graphene for device application are described herein. The method comprises growing a graphene film on a copper substrate using chemical vapor deposition (CVD), transferring the graphene film from the copper substrate to a device substrate, doping the graphene film with gold(III) chloride (AuCl3); and patterning the graphene film. The graphene film has a transmittance of at least 97% in visible to infrared range and a sheet resistance of less than 200 Ohms per square. The graphene film can be used as a transparent conductive electrode in, among others, a microshutter array on a space telescope.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nano-diamond, a method of manufacturing the same, and a nano-fluid using the same. The nano-diamond is prepared to comprise functional group represented by the following Chemical Formula 1 that is introduced onto a surface thereof.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a poly-crystalline silicon ingot includes: (a) loading a nucleation promotion layer onto a bottom of a mold; (b) providing a silicon source on the nucleation promotion layer in the mold; (c) heating the mold until the silicon source is melted into a silicon melt completely; (d) controlling at least one thermal control parameter regarding the silicon melt continually to enable the silicon melt to nucleate on the nucleation promotion layer such that a plurality of silicon grains grow in the vertical direction; (e) controlling the at least one thermal control parameter to enable the plurality of the silicon grains to continuously grow with an average grain size increasing progressively in the vertical direction until entirety of the silicon melt is solidified to obtain the poly-crystalline silicon ingot, wherein the nucleation promotion layer is loaded by spreading a plurality of mono-Si particles over the bottom of the mold.

Abstract: Polycrystalline silicon chunks are packed for further processing and/or for shipment with minimal contamination by introducing the chunks into a cardboard container lined with a non-contaminating plastic. The process is economical, avoids the problems associated with packaging in plastic bags, and provides far less contamination and spillage during transport.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a flux composition, and the use thereof in a directional solidification for the purification of silicon.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the invention is an erosion and storm water control apparatus comprising a hopper portion, an upstream apron, and a downstream apron. The hopper portion may be fabricated from permeable filter fabric and is aided in remaining open by gussets that may be comprised of fabric or other material. The hopper may comprise a self-rising upper edge. The upstream apron may comprise pockets that may be filled with dirt, rocks or the like, and may be buried in an upstream trench, in order to hold the erosion and storm water control apparatus in place during a runoff event, such as during or directly after a thunderstorm. The downstream apron may be fabricated from impervious membrane for anchoring with adhesive, staples, stakes, weights or the like. The invention may comprise handles to assist in the removal of debris and sediment.

Abstract: A system is provided having a signal processor that receives signaling containing information about a quality of water being monitored for treatment in at least one ballast tank of a ballast treatment system and a compliance set point related to the quality of the water; and determines corresponding signaling containing information to recirculate and treat the water in the at least one ballast tank of the ballast treatment system until the quality of the water being monitored achieves the compliance set point, based upon the signaling received. The signal processor also provides the corresponding signaling as control signaling to recirculate and treat the water until the quality of the water being monitored achieves the compliance set point.

Abstract: A water purification unit includes an evaporator, a heat exchanger, a pump and a liquid-driven condensing ejector. A liquid inlet of the ejector is in fluid communication with an outlet of the pump. A gas inlet of the ejector is in fluid communication with a vapor outlet of the evaporator. An outlet of the ejector is in fluid communication with a fluid inlet of the heat exchanger. A fluid outlet of the heat exchanger is in fluid communication with an intake of the pump. The heat exchanger is in thermal communication with a fluid inlet to the evaporator.

Abstract: Systems and methods utilize heated waste flue gas to treat water. The heated waste flue gas, which may come from a steam generator, bubbles through untreated water to vaporize the untreated water and separate out solids and other contaminants before subsequent condensing. The steam generator may receive resulting treated water to produce steam for injection.

Abstract: Systems and methods utilize heated waste flue gas to indirectly heat untreated water. The heated waste flue gas, which may come from a steam generator, passes through one or more heating coils in a vessel to vaporize untreated water and separate out solids and other contaminants before subsequent condensing. The steam generator may receive resulting treated water to produce steam for injection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the treatment of water contaminated by thermal oil and collection of said oil (for example, a eutectic mixture of biphenyl and diphenyl oxide), formed by a cooling phase (2) for cooling (to a temperature between the freezing point of the thermal oil and that of water) the mixture (1) of water and thermal oil, followed by the collection (3) of the part (4) of frozen thermal oil (precipitated or in suspension) by means of mechanical filtering. The remainder of contaminated water is treated in absorption filters and in activated carbon adsorption filters. The equipment required to implement this method comprises a cooling unit, a unit for the separation of phases by means of mechanical filtering for the collection (3) of the frozen thermal oil part (4), a unit (6) of absorption filters and a unit (7) of adsorption filters (activated carbon unit).

Abstract: A method of reclamation using tailings produced during oil sands extraction processes involves depositing tailings below grade into a pit, the tailings comprising a solids content of at least about 30 wt % with greater than about 60% of the solids being fines; placing a layer of water of sufficient depth and volume over the deposit of tailings; and allowing densification of the tailings to occur without mechanical or chemical intervention, wherein the layer of water capping the tailings deposit forms a lake habitable for plants and animals.

Abstract: Methods and nanocomposites for the adsorptive removal of aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene and xylene from contaminated water sources and systems are provided. The nanocomposites contain carbon nanotubes and metal oxide nanoparticles such as Al2O3, Fe2O3 and ZnO impregnated on a surface and/or in pore spaces of the carbon nanotubes. Methods of preparing and characterizing the nanocomposite adsorbents are also provided.

Abstract: A process for extracting a surfactant from a mixture using a boronic acid modified material.

Abstract: A liquid purification system is provided that includes a liquid holding device configured to hold liquid and an ultra-violet (UV) disinfecting system disposed in a base adjacent to a closed end of the liquid holding device. A power-generating system wirelessly powers the UV disinfecting system.

Abstract: A fluid treatment system and method of treating fluid is described. The fluid treatment system can include a fluid transparency meter, which acquires data corresponding to an ultraviolet transparency of the fluid and a disinfection chamber within which a set of ultraviolet sources emit ultraviolet light onto the fluid located therein. The treatment system can include various features for mixing the fluid and/or recirculating the fluid for multiple ultraviolet light doses. A control system can manage a flow of the fluid through the fluid treatment system based on a disinfection dose delivered to the fluid.

Abstract: A method of desalinating water through application of acoustic pressure shock waves to a slush to separate ice crystals from brine and recovering desalinated water from the separated ice crystals.

Abstract: Acoustic pressure shock waves are applied to a membrane in a fluid to prevent attachment of or dislodge biological or solid matter for membrane cleaning or desalination with a membrane.

Abstract: A seawater pre-treatment method is provided that includes: installing a filtration filter in the form of a hollow cylinder at a predetermined depth of a sea floor, installing a water collection pipe in which a plurality of openings are formed in the inner part of the filtration filter, the water collection pipe being in fluid communication with a water collection tank, sucking pre-treated water from the inner part of the water collection tank by a water conveying pump, and passing the seawater through the filtration filter by a reverse osmosis method and flowing into the water collection pipe and the water collection tank.

Abstract: A siphon trap disinfection unit consisting of a copper/silver electrode coated on inside body of the siphon parallel to each other along the siphon in the area which water normally stands. A water level sensor to generate resistance between two electrodes and an electric controller circuit to generate ions by applying voltage between two electrodes and controlling the amount of current passing through this control circuit to generate enough concentration of copper and silver ion continuously in the water standing area of the siphon trap to remove and deactivate harmful bacteria's in this area.

Abstract: A composite water purification apparatus and method thereof are provided. The composite water purification apparatus includes a container, a sacrificial anode, a photocatalyst anode and a cathode. The container is employed for receiving liquid including water and gas. The photocatalyst anode includes a photocatalyst for conducting a photocatalytic reaction. The cathode is electrolyzed with the sacrificial anode and the photocatalyst anode. The cathode, the sacrificial anode, and the photocatalyst anode are immersed in the container to contact the liquid. The present invention enhances the purity of the water, while prolonging the service life of the sacrificial anode.

Abstract: An ion exchange membrane is provided with a first cation exchange composition which has a cation exchange group and is formed in a sheet form; a first anion exchange composition which is disposed to be in contact with the first cation exchange composition, has an anion exchange group, and is formed in a sheet form. Furthermore, the ion exchange membrane is provided with a second cation exchange composition which has a cation exchange group, which is formed in a sheet form, and which is disposed to be opposed to the first cation exchange composition, and through which water permeates more easily than in the first cation exchange composition; and a second anion exchange composition which has an anion exchange group, which is formed in a sheet form, and which is disposed to be opposed to the first anion exchange composition, and through which water permeates more easily than in the first anion exchange composition.

Abstract: This disclosure provides methods and compositions for removing COD-causing contaminants from water, such as cosmetic product manufacturing wastewater and personal care product manufacturing wastewater. The methods involve controlling system parameters in order to hold iron as an iron(II) species. Iron(II) has increased solubility and therefore is more active against the specific contaminants present in the wastewaters.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for remediation of contaminated materials, such as contaminated water, are provided. The composition may include at least one fermentable compound and at least one metal or metal containing compound to promote conversion of the contaminants into non-toxic substances through abiotic and/or biotic processes. The composition may further include sulfur or a sulfur containing compound, and/or microorganisms or derivative thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to water treatment. In one embodiment there is provided a method of treating an aqueous system to inhibit growth of one or more micro-organisms therein and/or to reduce the number of live micro-organisms therein. The method comprises adding treatment agents to said aqueous system and wherein said treatment agents comprise: (a) a phosphonium compound; and (b) a halogen oxide compound.

Abstract: A biofiltration system for filtering wastewater includes a tower containing a packed bed on which biofilm is able to form and an air inlet below the packed bed and an air outlet above the packed bed. A water feed above the packed bed disperses wastewater over the packed bed. The biofilm serves as a biological contact reactor removing organic and/or inorganic contaminants from the water. Following filtration of the water through the packed bed, filtered water and solid waste sloughed off from the packed bed collects in a sump below the packed bed. Water flows from a water outlet in the sump to a centrifugal separator that separates solid material from water drawn from the sump to expel a waste stream and a filtered water stream.

Abstract: Provided is a reciprocating submerged membrane filtration apparatus including: a membrane tank comprising a submerged membrane and configured to intake influent wastewater to be treated, the influent wastewater being filtered through the submerged membrane to produce treated water; and a reciprocation apparatus configured to move the membrane to create an inertia force which shakes foulants off from the submerged membrane under oxygen-deficient conditions, wherein the submerged membrane comprises a microfiltration (MF) membrane or an ultrafiltration (UF) membrane.

Abstract: Method for treating effluent waste from a cation-exchange column regeneration cycle, including backwashing the column; regenerating the column using rinse water and a regenerant brine having a temperature warmer than room temperature, thereby forming a waste effluent containing divalent cations; precipitating the divalent cations in a precipitation reactor at a temperature warmer than room temperature; filtering the precipitation effluent; optionally, adjusting the filtered precipitation effluent pH; concentrating the filtered precipitation effluent via membrane-based water recovery, thereby forming separated concentrated salt and pure rinse water; and recirculating the separated concentrated salt and pure rinse water back to the column for a subsequent regeneration cycle.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing glass includes radially inner and outer flaw channels physically separated from each other by a common wall that allows heat transfer to occur between molten glass flawing through the outer flow Channel and molten glass flowing in the opposite direction through the inner flow channel.

Abstract: Provided is a method for producing an inexpensive chalcogenide optical element having high performance. An inside of chalcogenide glass is also heated uniformly by heating the chalcogenide glass with an infrared ray (light LI). Therefore, a molded lens LE hardly causes a crack or the like, a work piece WP as a block of the chalcogenide glass can be softened in a short time, and time required for molding can be shortened. In addition, direct heating with an infrared ray (light LI) allows heating and cooling to be performed in a short time. Therefore, an effect of volatilization, oxidation, crystallization, or the like can be reduced, and the lens LE having a high transmittance can be molded. Press molding can be performed while the temperature of the second mold die 12 is lower than that of the glass. Therefore, the lens LE hardly causing fusion and having an excellent appearance can be molded with a low maintenance frequency.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods of forming hollow spheres are provided. Hollow sphere forming apparatus incorporate a bubble forming nozzle assembly in which outlets for gas and liquid materials are disposed substantially coaxially. The relative positions of the gas and liquid outlets are adjustable in at least one dimension (e.g., axially, radially or angularly relative to each other), such that a more uniform annular exit region for the gas and liquid outlets may be configured, such that more symmetric bubbles may be formed thus reducing the rejection rate in solidified bubbles due to asymmetry or decentering of entrapped gas.

Abstract: A window glass forming apparatus according to one or more embodiments of the present invention includes a first mold configured to move along a first direction, a pressing member including a first end coupled to the first mold and configured to move along a second direction crossing the first direction, a second mold having a supporting surface configured to support a glass, and a curved surface extending from the supporting surface, and a third mold between the first mold and the second mold, the third mold being coupled to a second end of the pressing member and defining a guide groove configured to guide the pressing member along the curved surface.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for the automated production of a glass body comprising a diaphragm for a potentiometric sensor. The method includes providing a glass assembly, which includes an outer tube and at least one inner tube running inside the outer tube, wherein the inner tube and the outer tube are arranged coaxially and wherein one end of the inner tube is substance-to-substance bonded to a tube wall of the outer tube; forming at least one aperture through the tube wall of the outer tube; introducing a porous diaphragm body into the aperture, the diaphragm body including a coating of glass in at least one section; and creating a substance-to-substance bond between the tube wall of the outer tube and at least the section of the diaphragm body comprising the coating of glass.

Abstract: An improved method and an improved apparatus are provided for producing a thin glass ribbon, which provide borders at the edges of the ribbon. The edges formed are of high mechanical quality and a formation of new secondary borders after the severing or at least the thickness of such secondary borders is reduced compared to the original borders. The method includes drawing the thin glass ribbon from a molten glass or from a preform, severing the borders, and cooling the resulting glass ribbon. The severing is effected at a location along the moving direction of the thin glass ribbon and at a time at which during the cooling of the thin glass ribbon the viscosity of the glass is in a range from 107 dPa·s to 1011 dPa·s, so that the edges of the thin glass ribbon newly produced by the severing of the borders are rounded off.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for imparting coloration to a glass container having a strikable glass container composition. One or more portions of the glass container are selectively and locally exposed to a temperature at or above a glass container striking temperature to affect a color change in the one or more portions of the glass container. The coloration process may be carried out by passing the glass container through an interior of an apparatus having a heating system configured to locally heat a first region within the interior to a temperature at or above a glass container striking temperature and a cooling system to locally cool a second region within the interior to a temperature below the glass container striking temperature.

Abstract: In a glass plate working apparatus 1, a carrying-in position 3, a scribing position 4, a removing position 5, a grinding position 6, and a discharging position 7 are arranged at equal intervals linearly along a transporting direction, and a transporting device 8 for transporting glass plates 2 is additionally provided.

Abstract: A glass plate separating apparatus, as one example, includes: a trigger device that forms a start point flaw in a first main surface of a glass ribbon on a division-planned line; a pair of holding members disposed at the first main surface side of the glass ribbon; and a heater disposed at a second main surface side of the glass ribbon. The pair of holding members, each of which extends parallel to the division-planned line, is brought into contact with the glass ribbon at both sides of the division-planned line while being lowered together with the glass ribbon. The heater extends along the division-planned line, and is brought into contact with and pressed onto the glass ribbon on the division-planned line while being lowered together with the glass ribbon.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing multi-mode optical fiber is disclosed. The method of manufacturing includes: a step of forming a first glass base material while controlling a supply rate of an additive for adjusting a refractive index to achieve a desired refractive index distribution; a step of drawing the first glass base material; a step of measuring a residual stress distribution in a radial direction of the multi-mode optical fiber after being drawn; a step of readjusting the supply rate of the additive in accordance with deviation of a refractive index, acquired from the residual stress distribution measured, from the desired refractive index distribution; a step of forming a second glass base material while supplying the additive at the supply rate after being readjusted; and a step of drawing the second glass base material.

Abstract: A method of bonding a high-strength zirconia post serving as a core in a glass-ceramic block, a method of bonding a metal link fastened with an implant fixture to the zirconia post, and glass-ceramic bondable to the zirconia post and a preparation method thereof, when preparing artificial teeth through a CAD/CAM processing method by using the glass-ceramic block as an artificial-teeth material. The lithium disilicate glass-ceramics containing cristobalite crystalline includes glass-ceramics composition including 10 to 15 wt % Li2O, 68 to 76 wt % SiO2, 2 to 5 wt % P2O5 working as a nuclei formation agent, 0 to 5 wt % Al2O3 to increase glass transition temperature and softening temperature and increase chemical durability of the glass, 2 to 3 wt % ZrO2, 0.5 to 3 wt % CaO for enhancing a thermal expansion coefficient of the glass, 0.5 to 5 wt % Na2O, 0.5 to 5 wt % K2O, and 1 to 2 wt % colorants, and 0 to 2.0 wt % mixture of MgO, ZnO, F, and La2O3.

Abstract: Crystallizable glasses, glass-ceramics, IXable glass-ceramics, and IX glass-ceramics are disclosed. The glass-ceramics exhibit ?-spodumene ss as the predominant crystalline phase. These glasses and glass-ceramics, in mole %, include: 62-75 SiO2; 10.5-18 Al2O3; 5-14 Li2O; 2-12 B2O3; and 0.4-2 Fe2O3. Additionally, these glasses and glass-ceramics can exhibit the following criteria: a ratio: [ Li 2 ? O + Na 2 ? O + K 2 ? O + MgO + Zn ? O ] [ Al 2 ? O 3 ] between 0.8 to 1.5. The glass-ceramics also exhibit colors at an observer angle of 10° and a CIE illuminant F02 determined with specular reflectance of a* between ?0.5 and 0.5, b* between ?2.5 and +2, and L* between 90 and 93.

Abstract: There is provided a method for producing a low-loss alkali metal-doped silica core optical fiber having excellent hydrogen resistance. The method for producing the optical fiber according to the present invention includes a drawing step of drawing an optical fiber preform in a drawing furnace to produce a silica glass-based optical fiber including a core region containing an alkali metal with an average concentration of 0.5 atomic ppm or more and a cladding region that surrounds the core region and a heating step of heating the optical fiber in a heating furnace through which the optical fiber drawn from the drawing furnace passes.

Abstract: Brine sludge is an industrial waste generated in chloral alkali industry. The generated brine sludge waste is dumped into landfills and contains barium sulphate, calcium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, sodium chloride, clay, and toxic elements like chromium, zinc, copper, and vanadium, therefore posing an environmental threat. Consequently, there is an urgent need to convert toxic brine sludge waste into its non-toxic form. The present invention thus aims to achieve total utilization of this brine sludge for making functionalized brine sludge material useful for a broad application spectrum.

Abstract: Cementitious compositions and methods for preparing and using the cementitious compositions to yield hardened concrete. The cementitious compositions yield hardened concrete having reduced or attenuated water vapor emission and lower internal relative humidity (IRH). Cementitious compositions are characterized by the property of rapid surface drying while maintaining good workability, particularly when using porous lightweight aggregates that absorb substantial amounts of water. Methods of decreasing water availability and increasing surface drying of concrete, including lightweight concrete, are provided. A water soluble ionic salt may be used to sequester water within the pores and capillaries of the cement paste and/or porous lightweight aggreate by modifying the colligative propertie of pore water.

Abstract: Compositions including cement and an additive and methods for making compositions and/or concrete mixtures including a cement and an additive are provided.

Abstract: Cement composition suitable for cementing a well and method of preparing the cement composition are disclosed. The cement composition has cement, water and biodegradable polymeric elastomeric resin (BPR) as an additive. The BPR has a significantly lower elastic modulus than that of set cement. Other additives such as bond enhancer and/or foaming agent may also be used.

Abstract: Disclosed are masonry product feedstock compositions having natural aluminosilicate minerals, e.g., clay minerals and feldspars, to activate a geopolymer reaction. During the formation and curing of a masonry product, an alkali activator creates structural bonds within a mix of aggregates in the feedstock having a low moisture content (e.g., 5-10% by weight). The feedstock and manufacturing can require less energy, and can result in a lower environmental footprint than conventional masonry products. Associated processes and systems provide improved mixing and/or de-agglomeration of the feedstock, high compression during the formation of masonry products, and optimized curing. Exemplary products can include structural masonry units, veneer facing blocks, pavers, and other pre-cast products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dry mortar and a mortar slurry as well as a method for producing semi-rigid coatings. In one embodiment, the dry mortar or the mortar slurry contains a cement, a very fine component and a plasticizer and is free from silica fume, wherein the mortar slurry can be applied at a temperature of the asphalt support structure of 55 to 80° C. and a compressive strength of at least 100 N/mm2 is achieved after 28 days. In a further embodiment, the dry mortar or the mortar slurry also contains a gelling agent such that the mortar slurry has a reduced efflux tendency.

Abstract: A ceramic oxide body is disclosed. The ceramic oxide body may include fused cast aluminum oxide powder, fine aluminum oxide powder and titanium oxide powder.

Abstract: A dielectric material includes a composite sintered body in which conductive particles are dispersed in an insulating material, in which a dielectric constant at a frequency of 40 Hz is 10 or higher, and a difference between a maximum dielectric loss value and a minimum dielectric loss value at a frequency of 1 MHz in a surface of the composite sintered body is 0.002 or less.

Abstract: A process is described, for producing zirconia-based multi-phasic ceramic composite materials, comprising the steps of: providing at least one ceramic suspension by dispersing at least one ceramic zirconia powder in at least one aqueous medium to obtain at least one matrix for such composite material; providing at least one aqueous solution containing one or more inorganic precursors and adding such aqueous solution to such ceramic suspension to surface modify such ceramic zirconia powder and obtain at least one additived suspension; quickly drying such additived suspension to obtain at least one additived powder; heat treating such additived powder to obtain at least one zirconia powder coated on its surface by second phases; and forming such zirconia powder coated on its surface by second phases.