Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to the use of elemental or speciated iodine and bromine to control total mercury emissions.

Abstract: An on-board fuel separation system includes a supply fuel tank configured to store an input fuel stream; a fuel separator fluidly coupled to the supply fuel tank and configured to separate the input fuel stream into a first fractional fuel stream and a second fractional fuel stream. The fuel separator includes a membrane that includes a plurality of pores sized based on a molecular size of one or more components of the first fractional fuel stream. The system includes a first fractional fuel tank fluidly coupled to the fuel separator to receive the first fractional fuel stream passed through the membrane and defined by a first auto-ignition characteristic value. The system includes a second fractional fuel stream coupled to the fuel separator to receive the second fractional fuel stream from the fuel separator that is defined by a second auto-ignition characteristic value that is different than the first auto-ignition characteristic value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a seawater desalination system for desalinating seawater by removing salinity from the seawater and an energy recovery apparatus which is preferably used in the seawater desalination system. The energy recovery apparatus includes a cylindrical chamber (CH) being installed such that a longitudinal direction of the chamber is placed in a vertical direction, a concentrated seawater port (P1) for supplying and discharging the concentrated seawater, a seawater port (P2) for supplying and discharging the seawater, a flow resistor (23) provided at a concentrated seawater port (P1) side in the chamber (CH), and a flow resistor (23) provided at a seawater port (P2) side in the chamber (CH).

Abstract: Disclosed herein are ceramic selective membranes and methods of forming the ceramic selective membranes by forming a selective silica ceramic on a porous membrane substrate. Representative ceramic selective membranes include ion-conductive membranes (e.g., proton-conducting membranes) and gas selective membranes. Representative uses for the membranes include incorporation into fuel cells and redox flow batteries (RFB) as ion-conducting membranes.

Abstract: A thin film nanocomposite nanofiltration membrane or TFC-NF membrane includes an ultrafiltration support membrane coated with a trimesic acid coating layer. The trimesic acid coating layer is formed or self-assembled on the ultrafiltration support membrane by pouring an aqueous solution of a water soluble tertiary amine on the support membrane to form a first coating layer and then applying a solution of trimesolychloride on the first coating layer. In other words, the trimesic acid coating layer can be formed as a result of the liquid-liquid interface of the water soluble tertiary amine and the trimesolychloride. A total thickness of the TFC-NF membrane can be about 150 ?m. The thin film nanocomposite nanofiltration membrane can be free from MPD monomers.

Abstract: A filter medium for oil-water separation, the filter medium being a composite, nanofibrous mat formed from electrospinning a single solution of one natural polymer and one synthetic polystyrene polymer together, where fibers of the natural polymer are reinforced by fibers of the synthetic polystyrene polymer. The nanofibrous mat may initially be hydrophobic and oleophilic, making it a suitable filter medium for separating oil from oil-water mixtures. The mat may be treated with one or more surfactants to change the surface wettability of the mat to hydrophilic and oleophobic for separating water from oil-water mixtures or to hydrophobic and oleophobic for separating oil and water droplets from wet gas.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a graphene-based membrane and a method of manufacturing the same. The graphene-based membrane includes: monolayer graphene containing defects; a deposition layer disposed on the defects; and nanopores surrounded by the deposition layer. The method of manufacturing a graphene-based membrane includes forming a monolayer graphene sheet and partially forming a deposition layer on the graphene sheet.

Abstract: Hierarchical porous membranes suitable for use in oil/water separation processes are provided. The membranes described herein are particularly well suited for separating trace amounts of water (e.g., no greater than 3 wt % water content, no greater than 1 wt % water content, or 50-1000 ppm water) from oil in droplets less than 1 um in size. The membranes have a wide range of applications, including deep seep oil exploration, oil purification, and oil spill cleanup.

Abstract: The filtration material includes a supporting layer, a first selective layer disposed on the supporting layer, and a second selective layer disposed on the first selective layer. The first selective layer includes a polyimide and an ionic polymer intertwined with the polyimide. In particular, the polyimide includes at least one repeat unit having a structure represented by Formula (I) wherein A1 is A2 is R1 and R2 are independently —H, —CF3, —OH, —Br, —Cl, —F, C1-6 alkyl group, or C1-6 alkoxy group; and X and Y are independently single bond, —O—, —CH2—, —C(CH3)2—, or —NH—.

Abstract: Sulfur contaminants, such as elemental sulfur (S8), hydrogen sulfide and other sulfur components in water are removed using a silicone-based chemical filter. In one embodiment, a silicone-based chemical filter includes a membrane having a cross-linked silicone that is a reaction product of an olefin and a polyhydrosiloxane.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for dispensing small beads of a viscous, mixed fluid material formed by first and second viscous fluids. The apparatus includes first and second metering rods for moving in a reciprocating manner, such that the first metering rod extends into a first fluid passageway, and the second metering rod extends into a second fluid passageway. A mixing passage communicates with the first and second fluid passageways to receive the first and second viscous fluids from the first and second fluid passageways. A dispensing passageway is in fluid communication with the mixing passage, and dispenses a small bead of viscous, mixed fluid material formed by the mixed first and second viscous fluids. A control retracts the first and second metering rods to prevent drooling of the viscous, mixed fluid material from the dispensing passageway after a dispensing cycle.

Abstract: Assembly of a tintometric machine and a trolley includes an external frame and a dispenser system. The dispenser system dispenses a fluid into a vessel or container, when the vessel or container is positioned in a dispensing station. The trolley includes: a supporting top, whereon the container can be positioned; rotary elements allowing the trolley to move; a gripping element, through which the user can grip the trolley and move it. The dispensing station has a housing into which the trolley can be positioned. The assembly includes a plug-socket system, wherein a first part of the system is located on the trolley and a second part is located in the dispensing station. The parts of the system can be assembled together when the trolley is placed into the housing of the dispensing station, for the purpose of conducting an electric current. The trolley includes an actuating device that can move the supporting top.

Abstract: An agitation device used in the production of red wine that breaks the cap during fermentation is provided. The device has a body, a depth sensor and a flotation device secured to the exterior of the body. Holes in the body enable the body to submerge into wine in a vessel below the surface. A control system is coupled to the agitator and inflates the inflation device to move the device to the surface of the wine to break through a fermentation cap formed on the surface of the wine.

Abstract: A food preparation apparatus is presented that has fast-stop capability. It includes a base unit, a mixing container attached to the base unit, a mixing tool configured to extend into and move within the mixing container, and a motor within the base unit. The motor is configured to provide a torque to the mixing tool. A control unit within the base unit is connected to the motor. A contact sensor is connected to the control unit, and the control unit is configured to stop rotation of the motor when the contact sensor detects a touch of a human hand. In some cases, contact with the mixing tool stops the motor, and in other cases, contact with an outer surface or user interface of the base unit stops the motor.

Abstract: A dilution system for a hydraulic fracturing fluid includes a dilution manifold, a hydration unit configured to provide a source of liquid, a diluent line connecting the hydration unit to the dilution manifold, a diluent flow control valve on the diluent line, a hydration tank configured to hydrate a mixed additive, a gravity-driven viscous fluid line connecting an exit of the hydration tank to the dilution manifold, a viscous fluid flow meter on the viscous fluid line, and a viscous fluid control valve on the viscous fluid line.

Abstract: Apparatus and systems are disclosed for improved set-up of multi-ingredient compounders. An improved apparatus includes a manifold and a plurality of valve members disposed for movement relative to different corresponding ones of a plurality of inlet ports of the manifold. The valve members are moveable to open and close a corresponding fluid passageway between the corresponding inlet port and an internal passageway of the manifold. A plurality of caps are locatable on different corresponding ones of the inlet ports, with each of the caps being engageable with the corresponding valve member for co-movement from a locked position at which the cap is restricted from removal to an unlocked position at which the cap is removable, e.g. by manual, axial retraction of the cap.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a one-shell aminoplast core-shell microcapsule crosslinked with a polyisocyanate and encapsulating a perfume oil, prepared with very low amount of aminoplast resin. It also provides use of said aminoplast microcapsules in liquid aqueous and powder surfactant-rich consumer products.

Abstract: A method of making a multilayer metal particle having an irregular surface architecture includes introducing a molten eutectic metal alloy into a solution to produce a eutectic-solvent mixture, shearing the eutectic-solvent mixture for a sufficient period of time to induce surface tension driven phase segregation in the molten eutectic metal alloy to produce an irregular surface architecture on the eutectic metal alloy, allowing the molten eutectic metal alloy to precipitate to produce a plurality of particles, allowing the plurality of particles to oxidize in the presence of an oxidizer, and functionalizing the particles with an organic species to form an organic layer to produce a multilayer metal particle having an irregular surface architecture.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for using acoustic radiation forces to order particles suspended in a host liquid are described. The particles may range in size from nanometers to millimeters, and may have any shape. The suspension is placed in an acoustic resonator cavity, and acoustical energy is supplied thereto using acoustic transducers. The resulting pattern may be fixed by using a solidifiable host liquid, forming thereby a solid material. Patterns may be quickly generated; typical times ranging from a few seconds to a few minutes. In a one-dimensional arrangement, parallel layers of particles are formed. With two and three dimensional transducer arrangements, more complex particle configurations are possible since different standing-wave patterns may be generated in the resonator.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods of photopatterning molecules directly on a surface by photochemical means.

Abstract: A modular photochemical reactor system having a plurality of fluidic modules each having i) a central planar process fluid layer and ii) two outer planar thermal control fluid layers for containing flowing thermal control fluid and a plurality of illumination modules, the illumination modules of the plurality each having a planar form with first and second major surfaces and each having at least a first array of semiconductor emitters, the emitters positioned to emit from or through the first major surface, wherein the first array of semiconductor emitters has at least a first emitter and a second emitter, the first emitter capable of emitting at a first center wavelength and the second emitter capable of emitting at a second center wavelength, the first and second center wavelengths differing from each other.

Abstract: A process for pretreatment of biomass and an installation for practicing the process, the process including, as well, the subsequent biological treatment and obtaining of biofuel from the biomass. The process is based on the use of at least one scraped surface exchanger and comprises the following steps: heating the biomass to a temperature equal to or lower than 110° C. in an exchanger; further heating the heated biomass so obtained to a temperature between 150 and 175° C. in a scraped surface exchanger; thermal hydrolyzing the biomass at a temperature between 150 and 175° C.; and cooling the thermal hydrolyzed biomass for the subsequent biological treatment thereof.

Abstract: In a water-absorbent resin production apparatus for producing a water-absorbent resin by polymerizing a water-soluble ethylenically unsaturated monomer, a water-absorbent resin powder obtained by drying a water-absorbent resin composition with a dryer passes through a first powder flow path pipe, is discharged therefrom toward a classifier while a flow rate is regulated so as to a predetermined value by a powder flow rate regulating discharge member composed of a hopper and a rotary valve, and is classified by the classifier. In the water-absorbent resin production apparatus, a collector for collecting a powder aggregate composed of aggregated particles of the water-absorbent resin powder is disposed in the first powder flow path pipe. Accordingly, a water-absorbent resin in the form of a particulate powder from which the powder aggregate is removed can be produced at a high production efficiency.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a superabsorbent polymer with a surface modified with both a polyvalent cationic salt and a polycarbonic acid-based copolymer, which is able to effectively absorb blood or highly viscous liquid, and a method for preparing the same.

Abstract: A filter contains fluent particulate, such as carbon granules. The filter is divided into a plurality of cell chambers by walls, including an upper wall. The upper wall has a surface that faces, and is closest to, the top surface of the particles. The upper wall surface is oriented so that, as the particles settle, any gap formed between the top surface of the particles and a portion of the upper wall surface will not extend from the upstream to the downstream sides of the filter. Instead, contact is maintained between the top surface of the particles and the upper wall surface during fluid flow through the filter, and therefore any gas flowing through the frame must flow through, and through spaces around, particles. An angle between the upper wall surface and the flow direction of gas striking the filter is greater than about three degrees.

Abstract: A precursor mixture for producing a porous body, wherein the precursor mixture comprises: (i) milled alpha alumina powder having a particle size of 0.1 to 6 microns, (ii) boehmite powder that functions as a binder of the alpha alumina powders, and (iii) burnout materials having a particle sizes of 1-10 microns. In some embodiments, an unmilled alpha alumina powder having a particle size of 10 to 100 microns is also included in said precursor mixture. Also described herein is a method for producing a porous body in which the above-described precursor mixture is formed to a given shape, and subjected to a heat treatment step in which the formed shape is sintered to produce the porous body.

Abstract: If a conductive mayenite compound having a large specific surface area is obtained, the usefulness thereof in respective applications is remarkably increased. A conductive mayenite compound powder having a conduction electron density of 1015 cm?3 or more and a specific surface area of 5 m2g?1 or more is produced by: the following steps: (1) forming a precursor powder by subjecting a mixture of a starting material powder and water to a hydrothermal treatment; (2) forming a mayenite compound powder by heating and dehydrating the precursor powder; (3) forming an activated mayenite compound powder by heating the compound powder in an inert gas atmosphere or in a vacuum; and (4) injecting electrons into the mayenite compound through a reduction treatment by mixing the activated mayenite compound powder with a reducing agent.

Abstract: A catalyst of vanadium oxide supported on cerium oxide and zirconium oxide is specified. The catalyst comprises 0.1-10 wt % vanadium oxide relative to the total catalyst weight, and the catalyst is in the form of microparticles. A method using a wetness impregnation technique to produce the catalyst is described. The use of the catalyst in the oxidative dehydration of methanol to produce dimethyl ether is specified, along with the catalyst's stability for reaction periods of 50 or more hours.

Abstract: A carbon nitride heterogeneous catalyst containing rhodium, a method for preparing the catalyst, and a method for preparing acetic acid using the catalyst is disclosed. The heterogeneous catalyst is characterized in that the rhodium metal is contained in carbon nitride which is a support insoluble in a liquid solvent, such as water or alcohol. Thus, the catalyst can easily be separated from a resulting product even by a simple process such as filtration. Accordingly, the carbon nitride heterogeneous catalyst exhibits excellent long-term stability and activity by being capable of overcoming the disadvantages of the method using a conventional homogeneous catalyst and minimizing the phenomenon of rhodium leaching, compared to the results of the conventional homogeneous catalytic reactions. The catalyst can thus be effectively used for the preparation of acetic acid by a carbonylation reaction between methanol and carbon monoxide.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to micron-sized particle used for catalyzing and storing NOx gases, such as those found in vehicle exhaust emissions, washcoats employing micron-sized particle used for catalyzing and storing NOx gases, washcoat coated substrates, lean NOx trap (LNT) systems, and vehicles using such systems. Also provided are methods of preparing micron-sized particle used for catalyzing and storing NOx gases, as well as preparation of washcoats and coated substrates. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a lean NOx trapping materials, wherein the materials include a NOx catalytic component attached to a micron-sized carrier particle and a NOx storage component, as well as washcoats and coated substrates useful in the treatment of exhaust gases. In some embodiments, a portion of the NOx storage component is attached to the micron-sized carrier particle.

Abstract: A nano-nickel catalyst and a hydrogenation device of carbon oxides are provided. The hydrogenation device is configured to reduce the carbon oxides to form low carbon hydrocarbons. The nano-nickel catalyst has a metallic nickel body and a plurality of microstructures connecting with at least one surface of the metallic nickel body. The microstructures are sharp, and have a length-diameter ratio ranging from 2 to 5.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Ziegler-Natta catalyst component for olefin polymerization containing an amide element in combination with one or more internal electron donors. The catalyst components, according to the present invention, are able to produce polypropylene polymers with higher stereo-regularity. The present invention also provides a phthalate-free catalyst system capable of producing polypropylene with an isotacticity that is equal to or higher than catalyst systems containing phthalate derivatives.

Abstract: Catalysts and articles useful for selective catalytic reduction (SCR) are disclosed. The catalyst comprises a cerium oxide and an octahedral molecular sieve (OMS) comprising manganese oxide. The catalysts, which comprise 0.1 to 50 wt. % of cerium, can be made by doping, ion-exchange, deposition, or other techniques. Also disclosed is an SCR process in which a gaseous mixture comprising nitrogen oxides is selectively reduced in the presence of a reductant and the cerium-modified OMS catalyst. The cerium-modified manganese oxide OMS catalysts offer unexpected advantages for selective catalytic reduction, especially NH3-SCR, including improved thermal stability and improved activity for NOx conversion, especially at relatively low temperatures (100° C. to 250° C.).

Abstract: A modified solid polyalkylaluminoxane is provided, which is capable of providing ?-olefin suppressing adhesion of any polymer produced as a by-product onto the reactor wall and the stirrer, and which is capable of providing a highly active olefin oligomerization reaction catalyst. An olefin oligomerization reaction catalyst containing the modified solid polyalkylaluminoxane is also provided. The modified solid polyalkylaluminoxane for olefin oligomerization reactions contains structural units represented by general formula (a) and structural units represented by general formula (b), whose median diameter is equal to or larger than 0.1 ?m and equal to or smaller than 50 ?m, in which R? in the general formula (a) represents an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, and R? in the general formula (b) represents a halogenated alkoxy group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms or a halogenated aryloxy group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A method of producing nano-composites has the following steps: providing a solution, with the solution having a substrate and a precursor of a zero-dimensional nanoparticles; and subjecting a surface of the solution to a plasma to activate the precursor to generate the zero-dimensional nanoparticles in the solution. The nanoparticles are self-assembled on the substrate uniformly to generate the nano-composites.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method of separating a biomolecule from at least one other component in a liquid, comprising a step of contacting said liquid with a separation matrix comprising a solid support and polymer chains bound to said solid support. The polymer chains comprise units derived from a first monomer of structure CH2?CH-L-X, where L is a covalent bond or an alkyl ether or hydroxysubstituted alkyl ether chain comprising 2-6 carbon atoms, and X is a sulfonate or phosphonate group.

Abstract: An oil degradation suppressor according to one aspect of the present invention contains a reactant having an ability to adsorb a given component in an oil such as an acidic anion, and a gel-like material to hold the reactant. The reactant is preferably a hydrotalcite-like compound. The gel-like material contains a highly heat resistive gel and an amphiphilic solvent. A gel-like member containing the reactant and the gel-like material is disposed in a casing, and thereby an oil filter is provided. The gel-like material can work for supporting the reactant suitably.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for the removal of polyvalent cations, in particular divalent cations, from mono ethylene glycol. Mono Ethylene Glycol (MEG) is used to prevent hydrate formation in pipelines transporting gas, condensate and water. It may also contribute to pipeline corrosion control.

Abstract: In one aspect, optofluidic lasers are described herein. In some embodiments, an optofluidic laser described herein comprises a first liquid having a first refractive index, a second liquid having a second refractive index that is different than the first refractive index, and a liquid-liquid interface defined by the first and second liquids and disposed between the first and second liquids. Moreover, the first and second liquids are immiscible. Additionally, the optofluidic laser further comprises a layer of gain material disposed at the liquid-liquid interface between the first and second liquids.

Abstract: A reversible bonded microfluidic structure comprises an overhanging cap or gasket structure atop a continuous microfluidic channel wall. An overhanging gasket structure may reduce stress concentrations at the edge of the channel wall and can permit improved reversible adhesion of the channel wall and adjacent dry adhesive fibers. In one example, reversible adhesion of the overhanging channel wall gasket and adjacent dry adhesive fibers may approach 1 MPa in axial loading. An overhanging gasket structure of the microfluidic channel wall may comprise a single “fiber” that is continuous around the perimeter of the desired microfluidic channel shape, and may define a self-sealing gasket which will contain fluid. The overhanging gasket structure may be surrounded by further overhanging or undercut dry adhesive fibers to enhance the adhesion and help make the rest of the surface more tolerant to defects and surface roughness.

Abstract: A module may be provided with at least one opening, the opening being an endpoint of a microfluidic channel that passes through at least part of the module. A set of multiple such modules may be arranged into an arrangement of modules, which may be coupled together using one or more coupling mechanisms included on each module. The arrangement of modules may fit within a regular polyhedral grid, and each module within the arrangement of modules may have a form suitable for arrangement of the modules within the regular polyhedral grid. Fluid may then flow through at least a subset of the arrangement of modules via the microfluidic channel of each module of the subset of the arrangement of modules. Some modules may include sensors, actuators, or inner microfluidic channel surface coatings. The arrangement of modules may form a microfluidic circuit that can perform a microfluidic circuit function.

Abstract: A hand-held molecular diagnostic test device includes a housing, an amplification (or PCR) module, and a detection module. The amplification module is configured to receive an input sample, and defines a reaction volume. The amplification module includes a heater such that the amplification module can perform a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on the input sample. The detection module is configured to receive an output from the amplification module and a reagent formulated to produce a signal that indicates a presence of a target amplicon within the input sample. The amplification module and the detection module are integrated within the housing.

Abstract: An integrated fluidic module includes a fluid manifold, a valve stator, a valve rotor and a valve housing. The fluid manifold includes microchannels connected to a sample reaction unit, and fluid input channels connected to fluid sources. The valve stator includes at least one groove and plural through holes, at least one groove is connected with at least one of the plural through holes, and parts of the groove and through holes are communicated with the microchannels and the fluid input channels. The valve rotor includes at least one groove. The valve housing accommodates the valve rotor and the valve stator. When the valve rotor is rotated to different positions, at least one groove of the valve rotor is connected with at least one through hole or groove of the valve stator to provide at least one fluid path and enable fluids provided by the fluid sources to be directed to corresponding chambers of the sample reaction unit through the fluid path.

Abstract: Isolating or identifying a cell based on a physical property of said cell can include providing a cell suspension; passing said suspension through a microfluidic channel that includes a constriction; passing the cell suspension through the constriction; and, contacting said cell suspension solution with a compound. The constriction can be sized to preferentially deform a relatively larger cell compared to a relatively smaller cell.

Abstract: Various embodiments are described herein for controlling the self-assembly process of paramagnetic particles and the final particle cluster size using a liquid-liquid interface. The number of paramagnetic particles within a particle cluster and coating at the liquid-liquid interface may be controlled by systematically varying the strength of an applied magnetic field gradient and the interfacial tension of the liquid-liquid interface.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to microbubble generator devices for deflecting objects in a liquid, systems for sorting objects that utilize such devices, and methods for fabricating such devices. At least one embodiment relates to a micro-fluidic device for deflecting objects in a liquid. The device includes a substrate for providing an object-containing liquid thereon. The device also includes a microbubble generator that includes at least one microbubble generating element. The microbubble generator is located on a surface of the substrate and in direct contact with the object-containing liquid when the object-containing liquid is provided on the substrate. The at least one microbubble generating element is configured to deflect a single object in the object-containing liquid through generation of a plurality of microbubbles.

Abstract: A composite collection device suitable for the collection of fluid samples is disclosed. The device is suitable for the collection of a multitude of fluid samples, including biological fluids like blood, urine, saliva, plasma specimens for subsequent determination of analytes contained therein. An accurate volume fluid collection card system with a single or multiplicity of cells comprises three strata, a middle absorbent stratum, layered between an impermeable cover stratum containing at least one aperture and a transparent stratum containing indicia. The aperture in the impermeable cover stratum directs the fluid onto the middle absorbent. The middle absorbent stratum contains no alterations. The transparent stratum contains indicia that indicate the extent of the absorption of the fluid.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a reagent storage device and a bio-reaction apparatus including the same. Provided is a reagent storage device connected to a biochip to provide reagents into the biochip. The reagent storage device includes a storage container having a tube shape of which one end is opened, and the other end opposite to the one end is closed and a plurality of diaphragms provided in the storage container and installed to be closely attached to an inner wall of the storage container. Here, the diaphragms are spaced apart from each other in one direction in which the one end and the other end are disposed opposite to each other, and each of the diaphragms includes a through-hole passing therethrough.

Abstract: The storage device is adapted to store a plurality of objects, such as sample tube holders, at low temperatures, e.g. at ?80° C. It comprises a storage chamber with a plurality of storage cassettes arranged in its bottom section. A cassette lift in its top section can be used to lift individual storage cassettes up and to move them to an access opening, where the contents of the storage cassette can be accessed.

Abstract: The present invention generally pertains to a system which utilizes floating thermal contact to enable PCR, in a thermal management device. Comprised of multiple thermal zones attached to a framework, each zone an individually actuated, isolated sub-assembly. The actuation of each zone ensures physical contact with an uneven, yet flat microfluidic chip to achieve effective, conductive heat transfer. The isolation of each zone serves to insulate the thermal zones from each other and minimize undesired heat transfer between adjacent zones, so that each zone is at a proper, uniform temperature.