Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing an artificial graphite electrode that enables kneading and subsequent mixing to be carried out without having to increase an amount of binder pitch used even in the case of needle coke having a large pore volume. An artificial graphite electrode is produced by kneading binder pitch with needle coke, and performing extrusion molding and then performing baking and graphitization process on the same, wherein a process for kneading the binder pitch with needle coke includes at least two separate kneading stages, and the amount of binder pitch added and kneading time in these kneading stages satisfy a kneading index as represented by formula (1) below within a range of 0.1 to 0.7.

Abstract: Nitric oxide-releasing materials, methods of making nitric oxide-releasing materials, and uses of nitric oxide-releasing materials are provided. The nitric oxide-releasing materials include a mesoporous silica core and an outer surface having a plurality of nitric oxide donors. In an exemplary aspects, the nitric oxide-releasing material includes a mesoporous diatomaceous earth core, and an outer surface having a plurality of S-nitroso-N-acetyl-penicillamine groups covalently attached thereto. Uses of the nitric oxide-releasing materials can include coatings for medical devices such as catheters, grafts, and stents; wound gauzes; acne medications; and antiseptic mouthwashes; among others.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to methods of preparing spherical salt particles for industrial, medical, and other uses. The methods can include combining the angular salt particles with a quantity of finishing media, for example, into a receptacle. Thereafter, the angular salt particles and the finishing media can be moved or agitated until the angular salt particles have a desired sphericity.

Abstract: A method of concentrating and/or producing lithium hydroxide in an evaporator entails feeding a stream comprising lithium, hydroxide and carbonate to the evaporator. In the evaporator, the feed is concentrated to form lithium hydroxide and lithium carbonate crystals. Further, the method entails reducing the tendency of lithium carbonate to scale the evaporator by increasing the concentration of lithium carbonate crystals in the evaporator by: (1) clarifying at least a portion of the concentrate in the evaporator to form a clarified solution; and (2) discharging the clarified solution as a clarified solution stream from the evaporator.

Abstract: A method embodiment involves preparing single metal or mixed transition metal chalcogenide using exfoliation of two or more different bulk transition metal dichalcogenides in a manner to form an intermediate hetero-layered transition metal chalcogenide structure, which can be treated to provide a single-phase transition metal chalcogenide.

Abstract: A water processing device is provided for removing micro-pollutants, in particular medicaments, from water, the device comprising at least one filter unit which is provided for at least one filtering of water in at least one operating state and which comprises at least one tubular filter element with at least two end portions, and comprising at least one adsorption unit which at least partially adsorbs the micro-pollutants in at least one operating state, wherein the at least two end portions enclose an inner angle of from 0° to 90° when in the assembled state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an environmentally friendly balanced waste water treatment system for diversified medical use, comprises a conditioning tank, a cleaning solution tank, a gas separator, a waste water lifting pump, a beveled wall sedimentation pool and a membrane filter device. The conditioning tank is connected to an external washing cloth waste water pipe. The conditioning tank is connected to the air separator and the waste water lifting pump, an output end of the waste water lifting pump is connected to the beveled wall sedimentation pool. The water treatment system of the present invention can break down hazardous materials in the waste water, does not cause secondary pollution, provides a good cleaning effect for medical waste water, complying with water treatment standard.

Abstract: A system for flue-gas hydrate-based desalination using LNG cold energy belongs to the field of hydrate technology application. The CO2 in the flue-gas is captured based on the hydrate formation. Two stage formation chambers are set to improve the hydrate formation. The two steps to purify the hydrates respectively are the gas separation and the liquid separation. The two methods of hydrate dissociation to realize the recycling of the waste heat of flue-gas and the CO2 are the heat-exchanged and the exhausted. The present invention realizes the integrated CO2 capture and seawater desalination with a proper structure and a subtle system and solves the cold energy source for hydrate-based desalination by means of using LNG cold energy. The two stage formation chambers solve the capture of CO2 in the flue-gas and guarantee the hydrate formation amounts. The two types of dissociation chambers decrease the heat emission by using the waste heat of flue-gas and realize the recycling and storage of CO2.

Abstract: A water processing device is provided for removing micro-pollutants, in particular medicaments, from water, the device comprising at least one housing and at least one adsorption unit which is arranged in the housing and which at least partially adsorbs the micro-pollutants in at least one operating state and which comprises at least one non-specific adsorption element, wherein the at least one adsorption unit comprises at least one specific adsorption element.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for removing ions from waste water, which process comprises providing plant-derived cationic nanofibrillar cellulose, carrying out a purification treatment comprising sorption of ions contained in the waste water to the plant-derived cationic nanofibrillar cellulose, separating used plant-derived cationic nanofibrillar cellulose from the waste water, and recovering treated waste water. The invention also concerns use of plant-derived cationic nanofibrillar cellulose in water treatment for removing charged contaminants.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a method of filtering pollutants from a contaminated fluid stream. The method includes disposing unprepared humic shale in a container, contacting the unprepared humic shale with an aqueous solution, maintaining the aqueous composition in contact with the unprepared humic shale for a period of time, drying the humic shale, and then placing polluted water in contact with the humic shale until pollutants have been removed from the fluid.

Abstract: A solution for disinfecting a fluid, colloid, mixture, and/or the like using ultraviolet radiation is provided. An ultraviolet transparent enclosure can include an inlet and an outlet for a flow of media to be disinfected. The ultraviolet transparent enclosure can include a material that is configured to prevent biofouling within the ultraviolet transparent enclosure. A set of ultraviolet radiation sources are located adjacent to the ultraviolet transparent enclosure and are configured to generate ultraviolet radiation towards the ultraviolet transparent enclosure.

Abstract: A gas generating apparatus with separated water pump, comprising a delivery device, an electrolytic device and a water pump. The delivery device accommodates electrolyzed water. The electrolytic device is configured for electrolyzing electrolyzed water to generate hydrogen. The water pump comprises a stirring fan and a drive motor. The stirring fan is configured inside the delivery device to promote the electrolyzed water flowing. The drive motor is coupled to an outer surface of the delivery device and is configured for driving the stirring fan to promote the electrolyzed water flowing. In present invention, the flowing electrolyzed water driven by the separated water pump cools down the electrolytic device, and the drive motor is prevented from corroding by the electrolyzed water and the cooling efficiency of the drive motor is increased. Therefore, the operational safety is improved and the life of the gas generating apparatus with separated water pump is extended.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of an aqueous solution comprising at least one earth alkali hydrogen carbonate, a process for the mineralization and/or stabilization of water as well as the use of the aqueous solution comprising at least one earth alkali hydrogen carbonate obtained by the process for the mineralization and/or stabilization of water.

Abstract: A device for treating harmful algal blooms using modified clay includes a power system, a screw conveying storage bin storing and conveying modified clay to a mixed flow system, the mixed flow system that continuously disperses the modified clay in water which is pumped in in site and endowed an impulse so that an adjustable turbulence is formed to instantly adopt the fed powder and then make sure the slurry uniform and ripened, a high-pressure sprinkling system for pressurizing a ripened modified clay slurry and sprinkling the slurry onto the surface of the bloomed water, and a central control system that controls the whole auxiliary device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating an oxidation reduction potential (ORP) in water for pathogenic control are described. The systems and methods generate an oxidation reduction potential that provides pathogenic control of the solution as well as pathogenic control of the surfaces with which the solution comes in immediate contact.

Abstract: The invention comprises an activated sludge treatment system and process that aerates wastewater undergoing treatment using venturis.

Abstract: Processes are disclosed for the microbial nitritation of ammonia that attenuate the production of at least one of nitrate anion and nitrous oxide. The processes use an ME biocatalyst having a highly porous, hydrophilic polymeric structure with ammonia-oxidizing microorganisms substantially irreversibly retained therein. The processes are particularly useful for integration with anammox processes.

Abstract: The invention provides structures, methods, and assemblies for bioretention systems, including tree box filters with substantially permeable panels integrated into a bottom portion of the tree box filter. The invention also provides methods and additional structures that are useful for managing stormwater flow and inhibiting the flow of pollutants, debris, and other contaminants into drainage systems.

Abstract: A treated water tank in oil sand plant, comprising a first housing; an inlet provided in the first housing, through which a treated water flows in; an outlet provided in the first housing, through which the treated water stored is discharged; a second housing installed in the upper side of the first housing and communicated with the first housing by a pressure-controlling pipe; a gas discharge pipe provided in one side of the second housing for opening to the air; and a gas curtain provided in the second housing for preventing the treated water stored in the first housing from being in contact with the air. The treated water tank in oil sand plant according to the present invention simplifies the process of producing the treated water to be reused from the production water, reduces the risk of environment contamination due to the reuse of more purified treated water.

Abstract: An organic contaminants treatment system comprises a first pH adjustment tank, a Fenton reaction tank, an H2O2 purging tank, a second pH adjustment tank, a holding tank, and a membrane tank. An organic contaminants treatment method couples Fenton reaction and membrane filtration.

Abstract: A pedicure, manicure, and massage spa water treatment system is disclosed. The pedicure, manicure, and massage spa water treatment system provides a container for containing spa treatment water and multiple fish, a spa water treatment container having a first spa water treatment section hydraulically connected to the container and a second spa water treatment section hydraulically connected to both the container and the first spa water treatment section. The spa treatment water hydraulically and sequentially flows from the container to the first spa water treatment section, to the second spa water treatment section, and subsequently to the container. The spa treatment water hydraulically flows from the container through a filtering device prior to hydraulic introduction to the first spa water treatment section and forming filtered spa treatment water.

Abstract: A Multi-Stage Wastewater Treatment and Hydroponic Farming Device comprises a compact basin, a moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR), a modified wetland material, at least one microbial fuel cell (MFC) and a distributor. The MBBR and modified wetland material are disposed within the basin. Openings in the distributor retain hydroponic plants. In one example, wastewater enters through the MBBR which performs primary treatment of wastewater. Treated wastewater is further treated by modified wetland material and the MFC which generates electrical energy that supplies other components. Treated wastewater is pumped through the distributor and processed by hydroponic plants which extract growth inducing nutrients from the treated wastewater. Resultant water treated by the device is selectively recycled through various parts of the device or extracted from the device and used for other purposes.

Abstract: Methods are provided for reducing or eliminating the amount of exogenous carbon sources added to wastewater or sludge thereof by the addition of a hydrolytic enzyme to primary or secondary sludge of wastewater wherein said hydrolytic enzyme enhances the hydrolysis and subsequent fermentation of the sludge, thereby generating more carbon sources in situ

Abstract: The inventive concept relates to a sludge drying apparatus, and more particularly to a sludge drying apparatus that may improve an efficiency of drying sludge that is sewage deposit residues and simplify a drying process.

Abstract: Described herein is a method of preparing glass structures having tunable material properties. By varying process conditions, physical, thermal, optical, electrical, and mechanical properties of the glass particles can be altered in a predictable manner. By varying porosity, density, and pore structures, for example, a wide range of physical, thermal, optical, electrical, and mechanical characteristics of micron and nanometer sized glass particles can be achieved and/or modified.

Abstract: The principles and embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to complexly curved glass articles and methods of cold forming complexly curved glass articles, such as complexly curved glass articles having a first bend region with a set of first bend line segments, and a second bend region with a set of second bend line segments, wherein the first bend line segments and the second bend line segments are independent, are not parallel, and do not intersect.

Abstract: A glass sheet thermally strengthened such that at the first major surface is under compressive stress; the sheet having an a characteristic 2D autocorrelation matrix c(x,y) given by c(x,y)=F?1(F(g)·F?(g)) where F is a 2D Fourier transform and ? represents a complex conjugate operation and g is a high pass filtered data array given by g(x,y)=F?1(F(f(1?F(h)) where h is a spatial 2D low pass filter array and f is a square data array of Shear 0 and Shear 45 data, taken over an area away from any birefringence edge effects on the sheet, wherein an autocorrelation peak maximum width of the matrix c(x,y) at 40% of peak height, for the c(x,y) matrices from both the Shear 0 and Shear 45 data, is between 1 and 5 mm.

Abstract: A strengthened glass or glass ceramic sheet has a first major surface, a second major surface opposite the first major surface, an interior region between the first and second surfaces, an outer edge surface extending between the first and second major surfaces, and a thickness between the first major surface and the second major surfaces, wherein the sheet comprises a glass or glass ceramic and is thermally strengthened and wherein the first major surface has a roughness of more than 0.1 nm Ra and less than 500 nm Ra over an area of 10 ?m×10 ?m and wherein PP<0.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for the controlled transport of glass sheets (13) or glass ribbons (15) undergoing heating and/or cooling (e.g., thermal tempering) by conduction more than convection. The controlled transport is achieved by applying a gas-based force (17,19,21) to the glass sheet (13) or glass ribbon (15). The gas-based force (17,19,21) can move the glass sheet (13) or glass ribbon (15) in a desired direction and/or cause it to acquire a desired orientation. The gas-based force (17,19,21) can also cause the glass sheet (13) or glass ribbon (15) to retain a desired position and/or a desired orientation. The gas-based force (17,19,21) can be applied to the glass sheet (13) or glass ribbon (15) continuously or intermittently. Systems for transitioning a glass sheet (13) or a glass ribbon (15) between a heating zone (27) and a quench zone (31) are also discussed.

Abstract: A strengthened glass or glass ceramic sheet has a roughness of greater than 0.05 nm Ra and less than 0.08 nm Ra over an area of 10 ?m×10 ?m and has the property that, excluding areas within three sheet thicknesses of the outer edge surface of the sheet, the slope of a measured value of a thermally affected property of glass over distance along the first major surface of the sheet is higher bordering one or more lower-cooling-rate-effect-exhibiting areas on the first surface of the sheet than elsewhere on the first surface of the sheet, and at least one of said one or more areas has a shortest linear dimension, in a direction parallel to the first major surface, of less than 100000 ?m.

Abstract: A laser beam(s) is used to cut heat strengthened (e.g., thermally tempered) glass. The heat strengthened glass may be coated in certain example embodiments, such as with a multi-layer low-emissivity (low-E) coating and/or an antireflective (AR) coating. It has been found that focusing the laser beam(s) in a tensile stress zone, in a central area of the heat strengthened glass (as opposed to in a compression stress zone), during a cutting process provides for improved cutting characteristics to avoid and/or reduce fragmenting of the glass and to provide for a clean cut edge. The wavelength emitted from the laser may be tailored based on spectral characteristics of the coating.

Abstract: A method includes projecting a first energy beam onto an annular edge of a glass substrate. A first portion of the annular edge of the glass substrate is removed with the first energy beam. Removing the first portion increases the roundness of the annular edge of the glass substrate. A second energy beam is projected onto the annular edge of the glass substrate. A second portion of the annular edge of the glass substrate is removed with the second energy beam. Removing the second portion increases the roundness of the annular edge of the glass substrate.

Abstract: A glass article includes an alkali-alkaline-alumino-silicate composition, wherein the glass article has a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) in a range from about 110×10?7/° C. to about 130×10?7/° C. over a temperature range of 0-300° C.

Abstract: UV- and IR-absorbing materials with brown tint for sunglasses are described. The sunglass materials are prepared from a base glass through a post-fabrication process that includes ion exchange with silver. The tint of the sunglass material can be adjusted by controlling the level of ion exchange of the base glass with silver by varying the conditions of ion exchange. A wide range of tint is possible, including multiple shades of brown tint. In a typical process, a base glass having strong absorption in the UV and IR is fabricated and the resulting glass is subjected to a post-fabrication silver ion exchange process to control tint. The post-fabrication silver ion exchange process permits control of tint while maintaining strong UV and IR absorption and adequate transmittance in the visible.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the preparation of a lithium silicate glass or a lithium silicate glass ceramic which comprise cerium ions and are suitable in particular for the preparation of dental restorations, the fluorescence properties of which largely correspond to those of natural teeth. The invention also relates to a lithium silicate glass and a lithium silicate glass ceramic which can be obtained using the method according to the invention, the use thereof as dental material and in particular for the preparation of dental restorations, as well as a glass-forming composition which is suitable for use in the method according to the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to glass compositions incorporating rare earth oxides (RE2O3). In one embodiment, a glass composition suitable for fiber forming comprises 51-70 wt. % SiO2, 12.5-22 wt. % Al2O3, 0-20 wt. % CaO, 0-11 wt. % MgO, 0.2-1 wt. % Fe2O3, 0.05 or greater wt. % RE2O3, and greater than 1 wt. % MnOx. In another embodiment, a glass composition suitable for fiber forming comprises 51-70 wt. % SiO2, 12.5-22 wt. % Al2O3, 0-20 wt. % CaO, 0-11 wt. % MgO, 0.2-1 wt. % Fe2O3, 0.05 or greater wt. % RE2O3, 0-4 wt. % BaO, 0-4 wt. % SrO, and 0-5.5 wt. % ZnO, wherein the sum of BaO+SrO+ZnO is greater than about 2 wt. %. In another embodiment, a glass composition suitable for fiber forming comprises 51-70 wt. % SiO2, 12.5-22 wt. % Al2O3, 0-20 wt. % CaO, 0-11 wt. % MgO, 0.2-1 wt. % Fe2O3, 0.05 or greater wt. % RE2O3, and from greater than 0 to 2.5 wt. % Cu2O. In another embodiment, a glass composition suitable for fiber forming comprises 51-70 wt. % SiO2, 12.5-22 wt. % Al2O3, 0-20 wt. % CaO, 0-12.

Abstract: A glass-film laminate or article having a narrow failure distribution or a Weibull modulus of greater than 10. In embodiments, the glass-film laminate or article includes at least one first film disposed on a strengthened glass substrate. A first film or any additional films can exhibit an average strain-to-failure that is less than the strain-to-failure of the strengthened glass substrate. In embodiments, the first first film is adhered to the glass substrate such that the first film does not exhibit visible delamination from the glass substrate. Methods of forming glass-film laminates or articles with a desired strength level and narrow failure strength distrubution are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of processing coated articles, such as transparencies, are provided comprising flash annealing one or more layers of the coated article. The one or more layers may be reflective metallic layers, such as silver layers, or comprise a transparent conductive oxide, such as indium tin oxide, or a semiconductor.

Abstract: A method of making a copper-doped glass comprising placing a target glass in a container, placing a target glass in a container, surrounding the target glass with a powder mixture comprised of fused silica (SiO2) powder and copper sulfide (Cu2S) powder, such that both the target glass and the surrounding powder are contained in the container, and heating the container and the target glass and the surrounding powder mixture to a temperature of between 800° C. and 1150° C.

Abstract: In a process for the production of cement clinker, in which raw meal is preheated in a preheater (3) using the hot exhaust gases from a clinker kiln, and the preheated raw meal, which is optionally calcined in a calciner (4), is burned to clinker in the clinker kiln (2), wherein the preheater (3) includes at least one string of a plurality of cyclone suspension-type heat exchangers (8, 9, 10), through which the kiln exhaust gas successively flows and in which the raw meal is preheated in stages, a partial stream of the kiln exhaust gas is diverted such that only a remaining residual stream of the kiln exhaust gas is utilized for preheating the raw meal.

Abstract: The permeability of barrier layers formed from sodium bentonite clay may be significantly and unpredictably impacted upon contacting various ionic substances. Modifying agents may be admixed with sodium bentonite clay to lessen the impacts resulting from its contact with an ionic substance. Suitable modifying agents may comprise an anionic substance selected from the group consisting of a diutan, a polymer containing a 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid monomer, any salt thereof, and any combination thereof. Methods for forming a barrier layer may comprise: providing a barrier material comprising sodium bentonite clay and a modifying agent admixed with the sodium bentonite clay, the modifying agent comprising an anionic substance selected from the group consisting of a diutan, a polymer containing a 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid monomer, any salt thereof, and any combination thereof; and forming a barrier layer comprising the barrier material.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a construction material containing water glass, fumed silica, ground sand and post-industrial waste material, characterised in that the post-industrial waste material constitutes dried flotation tailings with a content of 19.67-57.24% of SiO2; 11.87-24.85% of CaO; 4.23-6.19% of MgO and 2.35-4.17% of Al2O3, and also the object of the invention is a method for preparing the construction material.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are generally related to roadway maintenance and repair, and, in particular, to enhanced crack filler materials, systems, and methods for filling and repairing cracks in asphalt surfaces, such as asphalt roadways. The enhanced crack filler material includes crack filler and a silane additive. The silane additive includes organosilane, benzyl alcohol, and ethylene glycol. The crack filler can be a conventional crack filler material that, when combined with the silane additive, provide an enhanced crack filling material that enables improved crack filling operations, cleaning, and repair durability beyond conventional crack filler materials alone.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a multi-component composition comprising A) a polyol component (A) comprising at least one polyol and water, B) a hardener component (B) comprising at least one polyisocyanate, and C) a solid component (C) comprising a hydraulic binder and one or more aggregates, as an early water resistant construction or repair material for constructing, repairing or refurbishing component parts, wherein the mixed and applied multi-component composition is immersed in water not later than 8 hours, preferably not later than 2 h, after application. The use as an early water resistant construction or repair material is especially suitable for component parts, which are in contact with water during operation such as offshore wind energy plants or water retaining systems, e.g. pipelines.

Abstract: Portland cements of type and category CEM I 52.5 R are governed by standard UNE-EN 197-1. These cements additionally have a granulometric distribution with a Blaine fineness greater than 6500 cm2/g, a tricalcium silicate content, C3S, greater than 55% by weight and a tricalcium aluminate content, C3A, greater than 4% and less than 25% by weight and with a sum of both greater than 75%. These cements have a strength according to UNE 196-1 at 1 day greater than 40 MPa and at 28 days greater than 65 MPa. Mixtures of these cements with a common cement are governed by standard UNE-EN 197-1. These mixtures present high mechanical performance at short ages. A procedure obtains these mixtures and their use in the manufacture of cement derivatives, such as concretes, mortars and slurries.

Abstract: The invention provides novel aerated composite materials that possess excellent physical and performance characteristics of aerated 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: A fused grain is essentially composed of a matrix of a magnesium aluminum oxide of MgAl2O4 spinel structure and/or of the MgO—MgAl2O4 eutectic structure, and of inclusions essentially composed of magnesium oxide. The grain has the following overall chemical composition, as percentages by weight, expressed in the form of oxides: more than 5.0% and less than 19.9% of Al2O3, Al2O3 and MgO together represent more than 95.0% of the weight of the grain. The cumulative content of CaO and of ZrO2 is less than 4000 ppm, by weight.

Abstract: A low-temperature co-fired microwave dielectric ceramic material includes: (a) 85 wt % to 99 wt % ceramic material comprising Mg2SiO4, Ca2SiO4, CaTiO3, and CaZrO3, wherein a weight ratio of Mg2SiO4 relative to Ca2SiO4 is of (1-x): x, a weight ratio of CaTiO3 relative to CaZrO3 is of y:z, and a weight ratio of entities of Mg2SiO4 and Ca2SiO4 relative to CaTiO3 is of (1-y-z):y, 0.2?x?0.7, 0.05?y?0.2, 0.05?z?0.4; and (b) 1 wt % to 15 wt % glass material composed of Li2O, BaO, SrO, CaO, B2O3, and SiO2.

Abstract: Hexagonal Boron Nitride (hBN) is a synthetic material that may be used in several applications due to its chemical inertness, thermal stability, and other beneficial properties. hBN composite materials and method for making such composites are described here. In particular composite materials including both functionalized hBN and cement or cementitious materials and methods for making the same are discussed. Such materials may be useful for construction, well cementing (both primary and remedial cementing), nuclear industry, 3D printing of advanced multifunctional composites, and refractory materials.