Abstract: An activated nano-porous carbon is produced using a liquid organic compound as a starting material. A combination of the liquid organic compound with organic acids is mixed with conductive carbon powder and polymerized. The polymerized material is then carbonized and activated using physical or chemical methods. The activated nano-porous carbon obtained using this method has been used to fabricate EDLC devices. The carbon has also shown large surface area (up to ˜2000 m2/gm, depending on the degree of activation) and can be used for various other activated carbon applications.

Abstract: Embodiments herein provide a method of preparing Silicon (Si) from sand (SiO2).The method includes preparing sand particles with a size less than 50 microns. Further, the method includes obtaining Magnesium (Mg) particles with a size in range of 105-150 microns. Further, the method includes mixing sand and Mg particles in a predefined ratio to obtain a Sand-Magnesium (SM) mixture. Further, the method includes subjecting the SM mixture to heating at a temperature for a predefined time to obtain Si sample. Further, the method includes identifying un-reacted portion of Mg and sand particles. Furthermore, the method includes purifying byproducts of magnesium as well as un-reacted-magnesium and silica to obtain pure Si.

Abstract: A precipitated silica production process that includes a precipitation reaction between a silicate and an acid is described, in which the acid used in at least one of the steps of the process is a concentrated acid.

Abstract: To provide a method for producing an alkali silicate aqueous solution containing a reduced amount of foreign substance of plate-like fine particles and a method for producing a silica sol containing a reduced amount of foreign substance of plate-like fine particles. A method for producing an alkali silicate aqueous solution fulfilling the following condition: the existing amount of plate-like fine particles having a length of one side of 0.2 to 4.0 ?m and a thickness of 1 to 100 nm is determined to be 0 to 30%. The method for producing an alkali silicate aqueous solution includes the steps of adjusting a silica concentration of an alkali silicate aqueous solution to 0.5 to 10.0% by mass and filtering the alkali silicate aqueous solution through a filter having a removal rate of particles with a primary particle size of 1.0 ?m of 50% or more.

Abstract: A reaction system and method for preparing compounds or intermediates from solid reactant materials is provided. In a specific aspect, a reaction system and methods are provided for preparation of boron-containing precursor compounds useful as precursors for ion implantation of boron in substrates. In another specific aspect, a reactor system and methods are provided for manufacture of boron precursors such as B2F4.

Abstract: Provided is a method of encapsulating a metal in a zeolite. The method comprises inserting a metal precursor into a parent zeolite, and then converting the parent zeolite to a zeolite having a higher framework density than the parent zeolite. The conversion is achieved without the need of an organic structure directing agent.

Abstract: Magnesium oxide produced by a process is used as a neutralizing agent for preliminary neutralization treatment of a leached slurry obtained by leaching a nickel oxide ore at a high temperature and pressure with sulfuric acid added. A neutralizing agent is added to a leachate, obtained by leaching a nickel oxide ore, to separate impurities, and a sulfurizing agent is added to the resulting neutralized solution to obtain nickel and cobalt sulfides, followed by separating the sulfurized solution; discharge waste water, obtained by adding a neutralizing agent to the sulfurized solution to separate aluminum and manganese, is concentrated to precipitate and separate calcium contained in the discharge waste water as calcium sulfate; the resulting solution is concentrated to precipitate magnesium in the solution as magnesium sulfate; the magnesium sulfate is roasted with a reducing agent to obtain magnesium oxide and a sulfurous gas; and the magnesium oxide is washed.

Abstract: A device is provided for cleaning a filter cloth that forms a part of a filter element in a rotary disc filter. The device includes a flush tube and a spray nozzle operatively connected to the flush tube for receiving a cleaning fluid from the flush tube and directing the cleaning fluid onto the filter cloth.

Abstract: Liquid filtration apparatus, comprising a filter cartridge adapted to mount within a dispensing apparatus, the apparatus comprising a lever operated cam mechanism for locking and unlocking the cartridge into and out of place.

Abstract: A monitored release solid feed system having a solid chemical feed tank, a storage tank located below the solid chemical feed tank, and an automated valve. The solid chemical feed tank is loaded with a blend of inhibitors and an indicator-chemical in a solid form. A detector measures the amount of indicator in the recirculating water and periodically compares it to a setpoint. If the value is below the setpoint, the automated valve opens allowing water to pass through the storage tank and the solid chemical feed tank thus carrying inhibitors and a proportional amount of indicator-chemical into the recirculating system.

Abstract: A desalination system includes a vertical column with a lower end submerged into a body of liquid to be treated. The column has a dark-colored outer surface able to absorb electromagnetic energy, and at least one vacuum compressor is connected to provide a vacuum pressure in the vertical column such that the liquid is drawn into the vertical column through openings in the vertical column. A condensing dome has a main shell and that receives vapor of the liquid in the vertical column via a vapor port joining the vertical column and the condensing dome. A wind-driven outer turbine surrounds the main shell of the condensing dome and draws outside air into a space around the main shell of the condensing dome. A tank is connected to the condensing dome via a pipe and receives desalinated liquid from the condensing dome.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are generally related to a system and method to remove hydrogen sulfide from sour water and sour oil. In particular, hydrogen sulfide is removed from sour water and sour oil without the need for special chemicals, such as catalyst chemicals, scavenger chemicals, hydrocarbon sources, or a large scale facility. The system and method in the present invention is particularly useful in exploratory oil and gas fields, where large facilities to remove hydrogen sulfide may be inaccessible. The present invention addresses the need for safe and cost effective transport of the deadly neurotoxin. Particular embodiments involve a system and method that can be executed both on a small and large scale to sweeten sour water and sour oil.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating hydrocarbons from water, comprising a tank segment with a fluid inlet subsequent a housing with a liquid-gas mixer. The fluid inlet through a cylindrical tank wall, and further through the wall of a conical wall segment, a pipe spread, combining radial and axial flow over ring mounted guide vanes at the upper part of the conical wall segment. A hydro carbon outlet is located at a top end and a water outlet at a bottom end of tank-segment. A pipe for scale and debris removal is connected to the lower part of the bowl. The inner conical wall segment extends to the top end of the tank segment and at this location comprises a ring of vertically mounted guide vanes.

Abstract: A reactor that operates with ultraviolet light emitting diodes (UV-LEDs) to attain UV photoreactions or UV photo-initiated reaction in a fluid flow for various applications, including water purification. The UV-LED reactor is comprised of a conduit means for passing fluid flow, an ultraviolet light emitting diode (UV-LED), and a radiation-focusing element to focus the UV-LED radiation to the fluid in the longitudinal direction of the conduit. The UV-LED reactor may include photocatalysts or chemical oxidants, which are activated by UV emitted by UV-LEDs for photocatalytic and photo-initiated reactions.

Abstract: Sanitation apparatus including: a treatment chamber having a chamber wall, an inlet penetrating the chamber wall for receiving liquid into the treatment chamber and an outlet penetrating the chamber wall remote from the liquid inlet for discharge of liquid from the treatment chamber; an expanded portion in the chamber wall adjacent the inlet; a cylindrical portion in the chamber wall intermediate the expanded portion and the outlet; a gas injector penetrating the chamber wall in the expanded portion for injecting gas into the chamber; and UV irradiation means mounted to the chamber wall and extending through the expanded portion and the cylindrical portion for irradiating at least part of the chamber.

Abstract: A device for sea water desalination and power generation, including: a tidal current turbine, a coupling, a revolving shaft, a booster pump, and a body. The body includes a chamber, a divider, and an end cover. The divider and the end cover are in fixed connection to the body, and the divider divides the chamber into a closed pumping chamber and a closed desalination and power generation chamber. The booster pump is disposed in the pumping chamber and is driven by the revolving shaft. The tidal current turbine is connected to the revolving shaft via the coupling. The desalination and power generation chamber includes a seawater pretreatment device, a seawater desalinating unit including an unsteady reverse osmosis membrane, a flow battery, and a controller. The booster pump is connected to the seawater pretreatment device via an inlet tube, and is connected to the seawater desalinating unit via an outlet tube.

Abstract: The apparatus for water treatment using in-situ activation of a manganese dioxide catalyst includes: a reaction bath configured to give a space where aqueous organic contaminants are removed by means of reaction with permanganate (MnO4?) generated by electrochemical oxidation of manganese oxide (MnO2); a plurality of manganese dioxide catalysts provided at the reaction bath and electrochemically oxidized into permanganate (MnO4?) by a voltage applied thereto; and a power supply device configured to apply power to the manganese dioxide catalyst so that the manganese dioxide (MnO2) is electrochemically oxidized into permanganate (MnO4?).

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for treating a fluid are disclosed. The apparatus includes a cylindrical chamber of non-magnetic material for holding a volume of fluid to be treated. The fluid contains a quantity of magnetic particles, preferably nanoparticles, having desired properties for treating the fluid. The apparatus includes a magnetic field generator for creating a non-static magnetic field within the chamber, thereby to induce motion in the magnetic particles within the chamber in use. The chamber has an inlet through which fluid to be treated can be introduced, and an outlet through which treated fluid can be removed from the chamber. Sets of windings are disposed concentrically about the chamber and arranged to create a rotating magnetic field within the chamber. Preferably the rotating magnetic field rotates in the opposite sense to swirling rotation of the fluid in the chamber. This enhances contact between the nano-particles and the fluid to be treated.

Abstract: Glycine is an organic compound that can be used in the making of a synthetic acid that obviates all the drawbacks of strong acids such as hydrochloric acid. The new compound is made by dissolving glycine in water, in a weight ratio of approximately 1:1 to 1:1.5. The solution is mixed until the glycine is essentially fully dissolved in the water Once dissolution is complete, hydrogen chloride gas is dissolved in the solution to produce the new compound, which can be referred to as hydrogen glycine. Also disclosed is a method for adjusting the pH of a fluid, the method comprising adding an effective amount of a solution to the fluid for adjusting the pH thereof to a desired level wherein the solution is prepared by mixing glycine in water to form a glycine solution; and adding hydrogen chloride to the glycine solution.

Abstract: A base product fluid is produced by adding anhydrous liquid ammonia and a first portion of sulfuric acid to water in a process line to form a mixed fluid. The mixed fluid may be cooled and a second portion of sulfuric acid may be added to the mixed fluid to form the base product fluid. The base product fluid may include a molecular compound that is a chelating compound. The molecular compound may have the formula: ((NH4)2SO4)a.(H2SO4)b.(H2O)c.(NH4HSO4)x. In the formula, a may be between 1 and 5, b may be between 1 and 5, c may be between 1 and 5, and x may be between 1 and 10.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment device includes a first biological treatment device (10) that treats wastewater through a membrane-separated activated sludge method; a second biological treatment device (20) that treats wastewater through a biofilm method; measurement units (31, 32) that measure load concentration and flow rate in the wastewater flowing upstream of the first biological treatment device (10) and the second biological treatment device (20); and a control unit (30) that calculates a load quantity from the load concentration and the flow rate, determines, according to the load quantity, a distribution ratio between a flow rate of the wastewater supplied to the first biological treatment device (10) and a flow rate of the wastewater supplied to the second biological treatment device (20), and adjusts the flow rate of the wastewater supplied to the first biological treatment device (10) and the second biological treatment device (20), based on the distribution ratio.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and devices for biologically treating water and/or wastewater. The methods and devices for treating wastewater may be enhanced using an surge lifting device which moves water and/or solids using volumes of air (for liquid transfer and mixing) and the automatic sludge return mechanism, combined with alternating aeration on and off operation to achieve comprehensive nitrogen and phosphorus removal. This surge lifting device can provide occasional surges of water using large bubbles which are able to move great volume of liquid while minimizing dissolved oxygen transfer to the surrounding liquid. Use of the devices and processes herein provides a simple, eloquent approach to wastewater treatment with less operation and maintenance costs than conventional devices and/or processes. The same surge lifting device can also be installed in an anaerobic digester, and use the biogas generated below the device to automatically mix the digester, without external energy input.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the biological treatment of water using algae comprising a support frame for flat, two-sided LED lighting-panels and flat, two-sided algae turf plates, an axle, the flat, two-sided LED lighting panels and flat algae turf plates are arranged as spokes radiating from the axle in an alternating panel so that each side of each two-sided lighting panel faces and illuminates a side of a flat algae turf plate, the algae turf plates being removable from the support frame so that the collected algae can be removed from each side of each the algae turf plate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bio-assisted method for treatment of spent caustic by treating with haloalkaliphilic consortium of bacteria capable of reducing or transforming sulphides, thiols, mercaptants and other sulphur containing compounds, phenols, hydrocarbons, naphthenic acids and their derivatives in spent caustic.

Abstract: The present invention provides efficient, economical, and environmentally-friendly compositions and methods for removing pollutants from water sources. In particular embodiments, the present invention provides compositions and methods for catalyzing the degradation of pharmaceutical pollutants in wastewater using the enzyme chloroperoxidase (CPO). Another embodiment provides a method of degrading pollutants in wastewater and other water sources. In specific embodiments, the claimed composition and method can be used to degrade pharmaceutical pollutants selected from the group consisting of: acetaminophen, carbamazepine, sulfamethazine, diclofenac, and naproxen.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing a glass ribbon includes a convection cooling device including at least one vacuum source configured to promote convection cooling of the glass ribbon by forcing a cooling fluid to flow along the glass ribbon. In further examples, methods of producing glass ribbon include the step of creating a vacuum to promote convection cooling of the glass ribbon by forcing a cooling fluid to flow along the glass ribbon.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a glass article having a three-dimensional shape includes heating a glass article blank to a temperature above a setting temperature and coupling the glass article blank to an open-faced mold. The open-faced mold includes a molding region that has a three-dimensional shape that generally corresponds to the shape of the glass article and has an anisothermal temperature profile within the molding region. The method further includes maintaining an anisothermal temperature profile along the glass article blank and cooling the glass article blank while the glass article blank is coupled to the molding region of the open-faced mold to set the shape of the glass article.

Abstract: A method of forming a shaped glass article includes placing a glass sheet on a mold such that a first glass area of the glass sheet corresponds to a first mold surface area of the mold and a second glass area of the glass sheet corresponds to a second mold surface area of the mold. The first glass area and the second glass area are heated such that the viscosity of the second glass area is 8 poise or more lower than the viscosity of the first glass area. A force is applied to the glass sheet to conform the glass sheet to the mold surface. During the heating of the second glass area, the first mold surface area is locally cooled to induce a thermal gradient on the mold.

Abstract: A method of cutting a glass article includes translating a laser beam relative to a first surface of the glass article. The laser beam includes a beam waist having a center. The center of the beam waist of the laser beam is positioned at or below a second surface of the glass article. The laser beam creates a plurality of defects along a score line in the glass article such that the plurality of defects extends a distance into the glass article, and at least some individual defects of the plurality of defects are non-orthogonal to the first surface of the glass article and are biased in a direction of translation of the laser beam. Glass articles having edge defects are also disclosed.

Abstract: A white glass includes, in terms of mole percentage on the basis of oxides, from 50% to 74% of SiO2, from 0 to 8% of B2O3, from 1% to 8% of Al2O3, from 0 to 18% of MgO, from 0 to 7% of CaO, from 0 to 10% of SrO, from 0 to 12% of BaO, from 0 to 5% of ZrO2, from 5% to 15% of Na2O and from 2% to 10% of P2O5. In the white glass, a total content of CaO, SrO and BaO is from 1% to 22%, a total content RO of MgO, CaO, SrO and BaO is from 5% to 25% and a ratio CaO/RO of a content of CaO to the RO is 0.7 or less.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are ultraviolet absorbing glasses. The glasses can be strengthened by a chemical tempering process and maintain good mechanical and optical properties while having a reduced thickness compared to conventional glasses. The ultraviolet absorbing glasses can include coloring agents and can be formed into ophthalmic lenses. Methods of making and using the ultraviolet absorbing glasses are also described.

Abstract: A sealing glass paste for reducing the laser energy required during a sealing process. The sealing glass paste comprises a light absorbing material.

Abstract: A formaldehyde-free sizing composition for products based on fibers, in particular mineral fibers, such as fibers of glass or of rock, includes at least one non-reducing sugar, and at least one inorganic acid ammonium salt, preferably chosen from ammonium sulfates, phosphates, nitrates and carbonates. Another subject matter of the present invention is the products thus obtained, in particular thermal and/or acoustic insulators based on mineral wool and veils of nonwoven mineral fibers, and their process of manufacture.

Abstract: A glass container and related methods of manufacturing and coating glass containers. The glass container includes an inorganic-organic hybrid coating over at least a portion of an exterior surface of a glass substrate.

Abstract: Strengthened glass articles having laser etched features, electronic devices, and methods of fabricating etched features in strengthened glass articles are disclosed. In one embodiment, a strengthened glass article includes a first strengthened surface layer and a second strengthened surface layer under a compressive stress and extending from a first surface and a second surface, respectively, of the strengthened glass article to a depth of layer, and a central region between the first strengthened surface layer and the second strengthened surface layer that is under tensile stress. The strengthened glass article further includes at least one etched feature formed by laser ablation within the first surface or the second surface having a depth that is less than the depth of layer and a surface roughness that is greater than a surface roughness of the first surface or second surface outside of the at least one etched feature.

Abstract: A method of drilling multiple orifices in and texturing a substrate is disclosed and includes the following steps. Ultrafast laser pulses are passed through a beam splitting diffractive optical element and then multiple beams are passed through a distributive-focus lens focusing assembly. The relative distance and/or angle of said distributive-focus lens focusing assembly in relation to the laser source is adjusted focusing the pulses in a distributed focus configuration creating a principal focal waist and at least one secondary focal waist. The fluence level of the at least one secondary focal waists is adjusted such that it is or they are of sufficient intensity and number to ensure propagation of multiple filaments in the substrate. Photoacoustic compressive machining is performed and forms multiple volume(s) within the substrate.

Abstract: To produce cement clinker by baking of raw meal in a kiln, use is conventionally made of a raw meal preheater in which the heat of the flue gas emerging from the kiln is transferred to the raw meal. In order to remove impurities which accumulate in circulation between the kiln and the raw meal preheater, a part of the flue gas is extracted from the kiln, bypassing the raw meal preheater. The heat generated during the baking of cement clinker can be used particularly efficiently if the flue gases extracted and diverted past the raw meal preheater are used in a boiler to generate hot steam which can subsequently be expanded in a turbine.

Abstract: The invention provides novel pervious composite materials that possess excellent physical and performance characteristics of conventional pervious concretes, and methods of production and uses thereof. These composite materials can be readily produced from widely available, low cost raw materials by a process suitable for large-scale production with improved energy consumption, desirable carbon footprint and minimal environmental impact.

Abstract: Grouts, grout products and methods of applying such grouts that include a urethane-acrylic hybrid polymer dispersion (UA-HPD) and a filler material. The UA-HPD may be present in an amount of about 10-40% by weight of the composition, while the filler material may be present in an amount of about 60-90% by weight of the composition. Additional filler materials may also be provided within the UA-HPD grout composition to provide the resultant UA-HPD grout with desired characteristics and properties. The UA-HPD containing grouts are applied between spaced-apart tiles and/or masonry to fill voids and/or joints there-between.

Abstract: Remediation of a hydrocarbon producing well bore in a subterranean formation includes injecting fluid containing self-degrading particulates into the well bore in order to stop production of hydrocarbon from the well bore prior to commencement of remedial operations and to temporarily seal the well bore from fluid transmission between the well bore and the formation prior to commencement of the remedial operations, and commencing the remedial operations upon the well bore. Examples of the remedial operations include injecting weighted fluid into the well bore, inserting a down-hole tool into the well bore, casing treatment, annulus treatment, well bore wall treatment, cementing, and refracturing. For refracturing, the fluid containing the self-degrading particulates can be injected until a down-hole pressure exceeds a fracture breakdown pressure of new fractures that will be produced by a perforating tool lowered into the well bore.

Abstract: Gypsum panels, panel cores, and methods for the manufacture thereof are provided herein. A gypsum panel core includes gypsum and fiberglass, the fiberglass being present in the core in an amount of from about 1 lb/msf to about 6 lb/msf. The core has a thickness of about 1/2 inch, a weight of from about 1400 lb/msf to about 1750 lb/msf, and an ASTM E-119 wood stud fire test rating of at least 30 minutes.

Abstract: A castable refractory composition may include from 5% to 95% by weight of alumina, aluminosilicate, or mixtures thereof; from 0.5% to 1.5% by weight alkaline earth metal oxide and/or hydroxide, and 0.1% to 5% by weight of silica having a surface area of at least about 10 m2/g. The refractory composition may include no more than 0.5% by weight of cementitious binder. The refractory composition may release less than 25 cm3 of hydrogen gas per kilogram of castable refractory composition upon addition of water. The refractory compositions may set on addition of water.

Abstract: An alumina-based filling sand for sliding nozzle comprising at least 50 wt % of mixed sand including 20 to 90 vol % of alumina sand and 80 to 10 vol % of silica sand, wherein the alumina sand has surface irregularities of 1.3 or less and comprises 50 wt % or more of an Al2O3 component.

Abstract: A heat insulating material includes a porous sintered body formed of MgAl2O4 and having a porosity of 60% or more and less than 73%. In the heat insulating material, pores having a pore diameter of 0.8 ?m or more and less than 10 ?m occupy 30 vol % or more and less than 90 vol % of a total pore volume, pores having a pore diameter of 0.01 ?m or more and less than 0.8 ?m occupy 10 vol % or more and less than 60 vol % of the total pore volume, the thermal conductivity at 20° C. or higher and 1500° C. or lower is 0.45 W/(m·K) or less, and the compressive strength is 2 MPa or more.

Abstract: A method for producing a lightweight ceramic aggregate, particularly from coal ash, according to the invention is characterized in that the raw material mixture of the total moisture content preferably below 20% by weight consisting of power station ashes originating from combusting coal, or ashes from combusting coal in a mixture with biomass ash, or ashes from co-combusting biomass with coal and phosphogypsum in an amount of up to 50% by weight, taken from dumps and/or from direct dump from a power station or a heat and power station, the raw materials from the dumps preferably being heated up in winter by a mixture of atmospheric air and exhaust gases from the step of burning and sintering, with a content of non-burnt coal above 6% by weight, agglomeration promoting agents like silty non-organic materials, preferably bentonite, preferably in an amount of up to 4% by weight, clay preferably up to 6% by weight, organic waste materials like used paints and lacquers, after-fermentation sludge in an amount pref

Abstract: A lead-free piezoelectric ceramic composition includes a first crystal phase made of an alkali niobate/tantalate type perovskite oxide having piezoelectric properties, and a second crystal phase made of an M-Ti—O spinel compound (where the element M is a monovalent to quadrivalent element).

Abstract: Integrated ceramic matrix composite components for use in gas turbine engines are disclosed along with methods for making the same. The methods include coinfiltrating a greenbody assembly with ceramic matrix to produce an integrated component.

Abstract: A foam concrete has constituents that include a cement, a sand, a coarse aggregate having a density in a range of 1400-1600 kg/m3, a water, and a foam solution. The foam solution includes a foaming agent and a foaming water. The foam concrete has a compressive strength of at least 20 MPa, a thermal conductivity of less than 0.40 W/mK and a maximum dry weight of 2000 kg/m3.

Abstract: Methods of inducing bud break of deciduous fruit vines, trees, or shrubs following dormancy by the application of bud breaker compositions that do not contain hydrogen cyanamide.

Abstract: A chelated zinc adjuvant composition includes water, an effective amount of a micronutrient consisting of zinc chelated with an organic acid and an organic amine, a mono-, di- or polysaccharide and an alkyl polysaccharide. The adjuvant has a pH of up to 6.5. When admixed with a pesticide capable of precipitating with the zinc, due to the zinc being chelated, the zinc is prevented from precipitating with the pesticide and is available for uptake. When the adjuvant composition is applied in seed, soil, foliage or fruit applications, zinc uptake is improved.