Abstract: Ammonia-adding apparatus and methods for ammonia-based desulfurization use multi-stage control, calculate a theoretical amount of ammonia based on gas amounts provided by an inlet continuous emission monitoring system (CEMS) and an outlet CEMS of the ammonia-based desulfurization device or associated gas amounts, a SO2 concentration provided by the inlet CEMS, and a predetermined SO2 concentration of the outlet CEMS. The apparatus and methods calculate a corrected theoretical amount of ammonia using half of the ratio of the actual amount of added ammonia to the actual amount of removed sulfur dioxide as a correction coefficient for the theoretical amount of ammonia; add an ammonia absorbent equivalent to the corrected theoretical amount of ammonia to the ammonia-based desulfurization device through an ammonia metering means and an ammonia control valve, and automatically control the actual ammonia flow rate based on the actual SO2 concentration and a change trend provided by the outlet CEMS.

Abstract: A gas capture plant is provided. The gas capture plant includes an absorption tower for dissolving an object gas that requires regeneration in a lean absorbent liquid to produce rich absorbent liquid. A regeneration tower heats the rich absorbent liquid produced in the absorption tower to produce the lean absorbent liquid from which the regeneration gas is separated and the produced lean absorbent liquid is supplied back to the absorption tower. A gas condensing device condenses the regeneration gas received from the regeneration tower to separate condensate and target gas, thereafter, supplying the separated condensate to the regeneration tower, and exhausting the separated target gas. The gas condensing device includes a condenser and a reflux apparatus disposed within one housing and the condenser is disposed above the reflux apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a carbon dioxide absorbent comprising a triamine, a diamine and a dialkylene glycol dialkyl ether or trialkylene glycol dialkyl ether. The carbon dioxide absorbent according to the present invention can improve the carbon dioxide absorption capacity, absorption rate, and regeneration performance thereof simultaneously by using the triamine as a main absorbent, the diamine as a rate enhancer, the dialkylene glycol dialkyl ether or trialkylene glycol dialkyl ether as a fine disproportionation agent and a regeneration promoter.

Abstract: A humidity controlling apparatus comprising: a moisture absorption unit including a base material rotatable about a rotation shaft and a macromolecular moisture absorbent provided in a layer on an outer periphery of the base material; and a heat source partially heating the moisture absorption unit, the macromolecular moisture absorbent having a hydrophilic state capable of absorbing moisture in the air and a hydrophobic state which releases the moisture sorbed in the hydrophilic state, the macromolecular moisture absorbent having a nature such that when temperature rises, the macromolecular moisture absorbent changes from the hydrophilic state to the hydrophobic state, and when the temperature falls, the macromolecular moisture absorbent returns from the hydrophobic state to the hydrophilic state, requires small thermal energy and can efficiently control humidity.

Abstract: For purifying waste gas charged with nitrogen oxides in a reactor with heat-accumulator chambers containing heat-accumulator materials, the raw gas to be purified alternately enters one of the heat-accumulator chambers. Mixed with a reducing agent for the reduction of the nitrogen oxides, it is supplied to a catalyst for the reduction of the nitrogen oxides, and the clean gas heats the heat-accumulator material in the heat-accumulator chamber which the clean gas exits. A partial flow is taken therefrom, heated by means of a heat source and, mixed with a reducing agent, supplied again to the heat-accumulator chamber which the raw gas enters. This heated, recirculated gas forms the only heat source for the overall system.

Abstract: A control device for a scrubber includes a converter which calculates a minimum amount of seawater: a minimum amount of seawater necessary for an absorption reaction of the sulfur oxide by the seawater, from an engine output and a sulfur content of fuel oil; another converter which calculates a corrected amount of seawater: an amount of seawater at which the sulfur oxide in the exhaust gas discharged from the scrubber is equal to or less than a set value; a summing element which calculates a set amount of seawater by summing the minimum amount and corrected amount of seawater; a pump control device which implements control such that seawater corresponding to the set amount is supplied to the scrubber; and an alkalinity setting device which sets the alkalinity of the seawater in accordance with traveled waters. The amount of seawater supplied to the scrubber is adjusted based on the alkalinity.

Abstract: Conventionally air filters are particulate filters composed of fibrous materials in order to remove solid particulates such as dust, pollen, mold, and bacteria from the air. Accordingly, it would be beneficial to provide absorbent filters within such systems in order to address the removal of gaseous impurity components from the circulating air in addition to conventional particulate filters. It would be further beneficial to provide such absorbent filters in a manner which is compatible with commercial and residential environments that represent the majority of such air circulation systems. It would be further beneficial to provide such absorbent filters in formats that are compatible with new system installations as well as retrofitting to existing system installations.

Abstract: Provided is a desulfurization method for sulfur oxide gas that includes: bringing a first sulfur oxide gas into contact with a humidifying liquid to obtain a second gas; separating at least part of the humidifying liquid from the second gas to obtain a third gas; contacting the third gas with an alkaline agent-containing liquid and oxygen to remove sulfur oxide from the third gas; using the alkaline agent-containing liquid as the humidifying liquid to be brought into contact with the first gas in the humidifying liquid contact step; acquiring at least part of the humidifying liquid separated from the second gas; removing gas from the humidifying liquid; and recovering a by-product, the alkaline agent-containing liquid, and oxygen from the humidifying liquid from which the gas has been removed in the gas removal step, the by-product recovery step being performed only downstream of the humidifying liquid acquisition step.

Abstract: A method of treating an aqueous liquid. The method comprises providing an aqueous feed liquid comprising water and at least one solute to a first side of a membrane. A draw solution comprising water and a draw solute comprising at least one of a phosphazene compound and a triazine compound is provided to a second side of the membrane. At least a portion of the water of the aqueous feed liquid is osmosed across the membrane and into the draw solution to form a diluted draw solution comprising water and the draw solute. The water of the diluted draw solution is separated from the draw solute of the diluted draw solution to form a purified water product. Draw solutes comprising phosphazene compounds and draw solutes comprising triazine compounds are also disclosed, as are methods of forming the draw solutes.

Abstract: A reverse osmosis system comprises a permeate collection tube which is connected at one end to a distribution system for permeate which comprises at least one device for cleaning and/or disinfection. The permeate collection tube, the cleaning and/or disinfection device and a circulation pump are arranged in a circulation circuit.

Abstract: Provided is a seawater desalination system including reverse osmosis membrane modules each including: a reverse osmosis membrane; and a pressure vessel installing the reverse osmosis membrane, and configured to obtain permeated water and concentrated water using the reverse osmosis membranes housed in the reverse osmosis membrane modules by supplying seawater to the reverse osmosis membrane modules. The seawater desalination system includes a module group including the reverse osmosis membrane modules connected together in parallel. The seawater is supplied to each of the reverse osmosis membrane modules by being supplied to the module group through first and second seawater supply routes. The first and second seawater supply routes are each provided with a liquid transport pump configured to supply the seawater flowing through the seawater supply route to the module group.

Abstract: In a hollow fiber membrane module including a housing case, potting material loaded into the housing case, a cap attached to each of both ends of the housing case, and an O-ring closely held by the potting material and the cap, a whole area of the O-ring between a first contact point and a second contact point is exposed when the area is viewed from a central axis passing through a center of the ring shape of the O-ring, the first contact point being a point of contact between the O-ring and the cap, which faces inner cavity defined by an end surface of the potting material facing the cap, an inner circumferential surface of the O-ring and an inner circumferential surface of the cap, and the second contact point being a point of contact between the O-ring and the potting material, which faces the inner cavity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a water-proof and dust-proof membrane assembly and applications thereof. The water-proof and dust-proof membrane assembly comprises a body and a supporting member. The body is of membrane and has a first surface, a second surface, and an asymmetric porous structure formed between the first surface and the second surface of the body. The asymmetric porous structure has a thickness ranging between 1 ?m and 1000 ?m, a first volumetric porosity ranging between 5% and 99%. The asymmetric porous structure has plural pores, and each pore has a pore diameter between 0.01 ?m and 15 ?m. The supporting member is of a polymeric material and has a first contacting surface, a second contacting surface, and a second volumetric porosity which is greater than the first volumetric porosity. The first contacting surface of the supporting member is adhered to the first surface of the body.

Abstract: The present invention provides a separation membrane that is usable at a high temperature and a high pressure. The solvent-resistant separation membrane of the present invention has an average pore diameter of the separation membrane surface of 0.005 to 1 ?m and includes a portion where a degree of cyclization (I1600/I2240) as measured by the total reflection infrared absorption spectroscopy is 0.5 to 50.

Abstract: Composite nanostructures having a crumpled graphene oxide shell and a nanoparticle selected from titanium dioxide, silver and magnetite within the shell are disclosed. The nanostructures may be incorporated into a filtration membrane suitable for purifying water for targeted separations and for human consumption.

Abstract: Mass-transfer rate control arrangement and method in which a process precursor mixture is produced containing carrier gas and a process precursor gas. A quantity of the process precursor present in the process precursor mixture is acoustically sensed to produce a sensor output. A dilution gas is provided and the process precursor mixture and the dilution gas are separately conveyed to a dilution point, at which a diluted mixture of the dilution gas and the process precursor mixture is achieved. A relative flow rate of the carrier gas and the dilution gas is automatically controlled in response to the sensor output such that the diluted mixture at the dilution point has a prescribed mass transfer rate of the precursor gas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for coating and mixing granular products, in particular food products, more in particular peanuts, the device comprising a compartment defined by a rotary bottom part and a stationary circumferential side wall, the device further comprising: a product supply for supplying the products into the compartment, a substance supply for supplying a substance into the compartment, a drive for rotating the rotary bottom part about its substantially vertical axis, wherein the rotary bottom part and the stationary circumferential side wall comprise non-stick parts which define a substantial part of an inner surface of the compartment and which are manufactured from a non-stick material, wherein said non-stick parts are mechanically connected to the device via detachable connectors, allowing fast replacement of worn-out non-stick parts by new, same non-stick parts.

Abstract: A mixing system and method may be used to facilitate mixture of ingredients within a container such as a bottle for baby formula, fitness drinks, medicines, food substances, art materials, and/or the like. The mixing system may include a mixing apparatus with a container engagement component that couples the mixing system to the container, and a mixing component that mixes the ingredients. The mixing component may have a plurality of mixing surfaces arranged to contact the ingredients in a manner that facilitates mixture of the ingredients together, in response to motion of the container. Alternatively, the container engagement component may be omitted. In either case, each of the mixing members may have one or more windows that facilitate mixture of the ingredients passing there through. Two or more mixing members may be connected together via a shaft and may rotate or otherwise move relative to each other on the shaft.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for obtaining a solution from a solid product in contact with a liquid is provided. A solid product is housed within a dispenser. A liquid is introduced into contact with the solid product. The solution formed between the solid product and the liquid is collected, and a makeup liquid can be added thereto to further dilute or control the concentration of the formed solution. The amount of makeup liquid added to the solution can be controlled based on the temperature of the liquid to provide an automatic, continuously variable amount of liquid added to the solution. In addition, a method of providing a pressure independent control of the makeup liquid is also provided.

Abstract: In a fixed-bed flow reaction using a multitubular heat exchange type reactor, an object of the present invention is to provide a novel packing for a reaction tube, which can control the reaction ratio in the vicinity of the reaction tube inlet, reduce the load unevenly placed on the catalyst in the reaction region, and distribute the load on the entire catalyst layer, a heat exchange type reactor, and a reaction method using the reaction tube. The packing for a reaction tube of the present invention is characterized in that the volume is continuously or step-by-step decreased from one end part or midway toward the other end part.

Abstract: The invention relates to a termination device of a tubular reactor comprising at least one separation element adapted for the separation of solid particles and gaseous effluents and at least one coupling element that is part of an end of said tubular reactor, said separation element being connected to said coupling element, characterized in that each element of the termination device is made of ceramic material. The invention also relates to a tubular reactor, having a vertical or substantially vertical axis, of a fluid catalytic cracking unit equipped with a termination device according to the invention and to a corresponding fluid catalytic cracking unit.

Abstract: Provided is a method of making colloidal metal nanoparticles. The method includes the steps of: mixing a metal aqueous solution and a reducing agent to form a mixture solution in a reaction tank; heating the mixture solution and undergoing a reduction reaction to produce a composition containing metal nanoparticles, residues and gas, wherein the amount of the residues is less than 20% by volume of the mixture solution, and guiding the gas out of the reaction tank; dispersing the metal nanoparticles with a medium to obtain colloidal metal nanoparticles. By separating the reduction reaction step and the dispersion step, the method of making colloidal metal nanoparticles is simple, safe, time-effective, cost-effective, and has the advantage of high yield.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the preparation of polymer shells, preferably composed of cellulose or hemicellulose, comprising the steps of dissolving the polymer component in a first solvent, preferably an organic solvent and precipitating the polymer component by contacting the first solution with a second solvent, which second solvent has a polar character, and in which second solvent the polymer component is essentially insoluble, thereby obtaining polymer shells. Moreover, the invention refers to the polymer shells as such, having permeable and responsive properties, as well as various applications comprising such polymer shells within the fields of drug delivery, separation techniques, and inter alia filling material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of making hybrid organic-inorganic core-shell nano-particles, comprising the steps of a) providing colloidal organic particles comprising a synthetic polyampholyte as a template; b) adding at least one inorganic oxide precursor; and c) forming a shell layer from the precursor on the template to result in core-shell nano-particles. With this method it is possible to make colloidal organic template particles having an average particle size in the range of 10 to 300 nm; which size can be controlled by the comonomer composition of the polyampholyte, and/or by selecting dispersion conditions. The invention also relates to organic-inorganic or hollow-inorganic core-shell nano-particles obtained with this method, to compositions comprising such nano-particles, to different uses of said nano-particles and compositions, and to products comprising or made from said nano-particles and compositions, including anti-reflective coatings and composite materials.

Abstract: The present invention features microcapsule particles with an oil or aqueous liquid core, and shell composed of a blend of metal or semi-metal oxide polymers. Methods for preparing and using the microcapsule particles in personal care, therapeutic, cosmetic and cosmeceutic products are also provided.

Abstract: Positioning structures in at least one indentation present on a or in a support, wherein said indentation is an indentation having a diameter in the nanometer range, makes it possible to position the structure in the indentation substantially centrally with defined orientation. A support having at least one indentation, wherein the indentation has a size in the nanometer range, includes a predetermined structure which is arranged substantially centrally within said indentation and which optionally has a functional unit diametrically opposite to the side pointing to the bottom surface. The arrangement is especially suitable for single molecule analysis and, here especially, for single molecule sequencing and other high-throughput methods.

Abstract: Provided is a method of synthesis comprising: (I) providing separate reaction sequences to TABs; (II) utilizing reaction vessels configured to react a separate combinatorial building block with a moiety on a surface of a TAB; and (III) operating one or more TAB sorters comprising a TAB reader, a sorting tree comprising valves or switches and sorting nodes, and a monitor configured to detect TAB location, wherein the operating comprises serially conducting: (a) reacting distinct combinatorial building blocks in the reaction chambers with surfaces of TABs distributed in the reaction chambers; (b) operating a controller to operate the TAB sorters to segregate the TABs to allocations appropriate for the next assigned reaction, the operating including recycling TABs with ambiguous identity back through the sorter; and (c) repeating steps (a) and (b) as needed to complete 30% or more of the assigned sequences.

Abstract: A reactor system for high throughput applications includes a plurality of reactor assemblies, each reactor assembly including: a fluid source, which fluid source is adapted to provide a pressurized fluid to the flow-through reactors, a flow splitter which flow splitter includes a planar microfluidic chip, which microfluidic chip has a chip inlet channel and a plurality of chip outlet channels, which microfluidic chip further includes a plurality of flow restrictor channels, where each flow restrictor channel extends from said chip inlet channel to an associated chip outlet channel, where the chip inlet channel and the chip outlet channels each have a diameter, where the diameter of the chip inlet channel is the same or less than the length of said chip inlet channel and where the diameter of each chip outlet channel is the same or less than the length of said chip outlet channel.

Abstract: An expandable center arrangement for a reactor is disclosed. The arrangement comprises an expansion tube; a center support inside the expansion tube and three or more spring elements. The spring elements are fastened to the center support and arc out to the expansion tube. A reactor is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing formaldehyde from a blend of partially oxygenated hydrocarbons includes a reactor for reacting a hydrocarbon-containing gas with an oxygen-containing gas in a reactor vessel to form first product blend. The first product blend includes a blend of partially oxygenated compounds that include formaldehyde. The apparatus also includes a reactive scrubbing station in fluid communication with the reactor where the blend of partially oxygenated compounds that include formaldehyde is contacted with a reactive scrubbing liquid at the reactive scrubbing station to form a reactive liquid-formaldehyde compound.

Abstract: A liquid fuel product system is configured to produce liquid fuels from carbonaceous materials. The liquid fuel product system includes a plurality of feedstock delivery systems, a plurality of first stage product gas generation systems, a plurality of second stage product gas generation systems, a plurality of third stage product gas generation systems, a primary gas clean-up system, a compression system, a secondary gas clean-up system, and a synthesis system that includes one or more from the group consisting of ethanol, mixed alcohols, methanol, dimethyl ether, and Fischer-Tropsch products.

Abstract: A molecular sieve blend containing a zeolite, particularly a zeolite X or A, blended with a halloysite clay binder, wherein the binder contains at least 90% by weight halloysite clay, with a particle length less than about 1 ?m and processes for the production and use of this blend, particularly for adsorption of water from a feedstream and for the production of oxygen.

Abstract: The present invention provides a water-resistant composition for adsorbing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) derived from organic matter including: a) palladium doped hydrogen-ZSM-5, wherein the Si:AI ratio of the hydrogen-ZSM-5 is less than or equal to 200:1; and b) at least one water-soluble binder. The invention also provides a method for using the water-resistant composition for adsorbing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) derived from organic matter.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of a metal-organic compound is provided. This method comprises the steps of (a) providing at least one metal precursor, (b) providing at least one bridging organic ligand, and (c) exposing together the metal precursor and the ligand to liquid CO2 or supercritical CO2 as a reaction medium, thereby producing said metal-organic compound.

Abstract: An exhaust gas-purifying catalyst of the present invention comprises a substrate, and one or more catalytic layers provided on the substrate, wherein at least one of the catalytic layers (i) contains a precious metal, alumina, and an acidic oxide element, (ii) has a correlation coefficient ?Al,AE of 0.70 or more, and (iii) has a correlation coefficient ?PM,AE of 0.70 or more.

Abstract: Disclosed are a catalyst, its preparation and use in selective hydrogenation, which catalyst has a porous support grain on which are deposited palladium and silver, and at least one alkali and/or alkaline earth metal; the porous support contains a refractory silica, alumina and/or silica-alumina oxide, where at least 80 wt. % of the palladium is distributed in a crust at the periphery of the support, and at least 80 wt. % of the silver is distributed in a crust at the periphery of the support, the local content of palladium at each point along the diameter of the grain follows the same course as the local content of silver.

Abstract: A catalytically active material is provided. The material includes a mixed oxide having a first metal selected from group 4 of the periodic table of elements and/or a second metal, and at least one further metal selected from group 11 of the periodic table of elements, wherein the macroscopic composition of the material given by the chemical formula corresponds to the composition of the material at a molecular level. A coating made of such a material is also provide, as is an article having such a coating, and a method for producing such a material.

Abstract: A multimetallic core/interlayer/shell nanoparticle comprises an inner core formed from a first metal. An interlayer is disposed on the first layer. The interlayer includes a plurality of gold atoms. An outer shell is disposed over the interlayer. The outer shell includes platinum and the first metal. A surface of the NP is substantially free of gold. The first metal is selected from the group consisting of nickel, titanium, chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt, copper, vanadium, yttrium, ruthenium, palladium, scandium, tin, lead and zinc.

Abstract: A hydroprocessing catalyst composition that comprises a shaped support that is formed from a mixture of inorganic oxide powder and catalyst fines and wherein the shaped support has incorporated therein at least one metal component, a chelating agent and a polar additive. The hydroprocessing catalyst composition is prepared by incorporating into the shaped support a metal component, a chelating agent and a polar additive. The hydroprocessing catalyst composition has particular application in the catalytic hydroprocessing of petroleum derived feedstocks.

Abstract: A catalyst composition comprising a zeolite, an alumina binder, and a Group 12 transition metal selected from Zn and/or Cd, the zeolite having a Si/Al ratio of at least about 10 and a micropore surface area of at least about 340 m2/g, the catalyst composition comprising about 50 wt % or less of the binder, based on a total weight of the catalyst composition, and having a micropore surface area of at least about 290 m2/g, a molar ratio of Group 12 transition metal to aluminum of about 0.1 to about 1.3, and at least one of: a mesoporosity of about 20 m2/g to about 120 m2/g; a diffusivity for 2,2-dimethylbutane of greater than about 1×10?2 sec?1 when measured at a temperature of about 120° C. and a 2,2-dimethylbutane pressure of about 60 torr (8 kPa); and a combined micropore surface area and mesoporosity of at least about 380 m2/g.

Abstract: The inventions described herein relate to catalysts comprising a zeolite comprising at least one metal or ion thereof, wherein the at least one metal or ion thereof comprises barium, strontium, titanium, tungsten, or a mixture thereof, and wherein the zeolite does not comprise molybdenum, or phosphorus, and methods related thereto.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing preparations including one or more mononuclear platinum complex compounds of formula (X), one or more compounds comprising carbon atoms, hydrogen atoms and at least two oxygen atoms as compound(s) from compound class II, and one or more olefinically unsaturated compound(s) selected from olefin1 and olefin2 as compound(s) from compound class III, by contacting at least one compound from each of compound classes II and III with one or more dinuclear platinum (II) compound(s) as compound(s) from compound class I. The process includes performing a first step of preparing a mixture by adding together at least two compounds selected from two different compound classes and a subsequent step of admixing the mixture obtained in the first step with one or more compounds of the still absent compound class.

Abstract: An oxidation catalyst may include hydrocarbon storage material. One implementation relates to a diesel oxidation catalyst that includes a catalyst having a front zone and a rear zone and a gradient of hydrocarbon storage material on the catalyst extending from the front zone to the rear zone. The gradient of hydrocarbon storage material, may comprise a linear gradient, a step gradient, a parabolic gradient, a logarithmic gradient, or other forms thereof.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to processes for regenerating catalysts. In certain aspects, a process for regenerating a deactivated catalyst disposed in a first organic material includes removing a substantial portion of the first organic material from the catalyst to provide a dewaxed catalyst having less than about 40 wt % (e.g., less than about 20%) organic material disposed thereon. The dewaxed catalyst is then contacted with a flow of a substantially inert gas at a temperature of at least about 200° C. to provide an inert gas-treated catalyst having less than about 10 wt % organic material disposed thereon. The inert gas-treated catalyst is then contacted with an oxygen-containing gas at a temperature of at least about 200 ° C. to form an oxidized catalyst (e.g., having less than 2 wt % carbonaceous material disposed thereon). The oxidized catalyst is then contacted with a hydrogen-containing gas at a temperature of at least about 200° C. to form a regenerated catalyst.

Abstract: Control logic and processes for monitoring and controlling sorbent rechargers are presented. The control logic and processes use control systems to monitor the rechargers for performance problems and to control the recharging process. Various sensors in communication with the control systems are provided to ensure proper operation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing effluent from recharging zirconium phosphate and/or zirconium oxide are provided. The systems and methods control the pH of the zirconium phosphate and zirconium oxide effluent to allow for safe disposal. The systems and methods provide for management of the recharger effluent pH while recharging zirconium phosphate and zirconium oxide either independently or concurrently.

Abstract: A fluidic testing system is presented that includes a plurality of test chambers, a plurality of inlet channels, and a fluidic network that connects the inlet channels to one or more other chambers. The plurality of test chambers are each characterized by a length and a hydraulic diameter. The length of each test chamber is aligned substantially parallel to a gravity vector. Each of the test chambers has only one opening disposed along the length of the corresponding test chamber. Additionally, each of the test chambers is coupled via its respective opening to only one of the plurality of inlet channels.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a biological sample is provided. The apparatus includes a body having a processing chamber, a first reservoir, a second reservoir, a filter, a first one-way valve, a second one-way valve, a first fluid pathway, and a second fluid pathway. The first fluid pathway and the second fluid pathway pass through the filter. A method of processing a sample using the apparatus is also provided. The method includes placing a sample comprising a liquid into the processing chamber; urging at least a portion of the liquid through the filter; after urging the at least a portion of the liquid through the filter, urging a portion of a back-flush liquid through the filter into the process chamber to form a first processed sample; and analyzing at least a portion of the first processed sample to detect an indication of a microorganism.

Abstract: In one aspect, disclosed herein are methods for packaging biochips, including microfluidic chips. The method can comprise bonding a substrate and a cover slide, packaging the bonded chip, creating a vacuum in the package, and applying a pressure on the packaged chip. The method is particularly useful for minimizing bubble formation during low-cost and mass production of microfluidic chips.

Abstract: A system, including method and apparatus, for generating droplets suitable for droplet-based assays. The disclosed systems may include either one-piece or multi-piece droplet generation components configured to form sample-containing droplets by merging aqueous, sample-containing fluid with a background emulsion fluid such as oil, to form an emulsion of sample-containing droplets suspended in the background fluid. In some cases, the disclosed systems may include channels or other suitable mechanisms configured to transport the sample-containing droplets to an outlet region, so that subsequent assay steps may be performed.