Abstract: A method of making Si3N4 nanotubes and nanorods comprising adding agricultural husk material powder to a container, wherein the container is a covered boron nitride crucible, creating an inert atmosphere of nitrogen inside the container, applying heat, heating the agricultural husk material, and reacting the agricultural husk material and forming silicon nitride, wherein the silicon nitride is nanotubes and nanorods.

Abstract: A silica sol which has excellent moisture absorption resistance and stability as well as high purity and which does not cause coloring of a solvent or a resin to which the silica sol has been applied. The silica sol contains high-purity silica particles, water and/or a liquid organic medium serving as a dispersion medium, and an organic base compound, the silica particles being dispersed in the dispersion medium, wherein the silica particles satisfy the following requirements (a) to (c): (a) the silica particles have a specific surface area, as determined through a nitrogen absorption method, of 20 to 500 m2/g; (b) the silica particles have a moisture absorption amount per specific surface area thereof of 0.5 mg/m2 or less; and (c) the organic base compound is not substantially contained in the inside thereof.

Abstract: A method of producing silica-based particles includes, when a dispersion liquid of composite oxide particles is prepared by simultaneously adding an aqueous silicate solution and/or an acidic silicic acid solution and an aqueous solution of an alkali-soluble inorganic compound in an alkali aqueous solution or in an alkali aqueous solution with seed particles dispersed therein, if required, the aqueous silicate solution and/or the acidic silicic acid solution and the aqueous solution of alkali-soluble inorganic compound are added so that the molar ratio of MOx/SiO2 are in a range from 0.01 to 2, herein MOx denoting an inorganic oxide other than silica and SiO2 denoting silica to prepare the dispersion liquid of composite oxide particles with an average diameter (Dp1) in a range from 3 to 300 nm.

Abstract: There is provided a method for producing a zeolite more excellent in moisture absorption characteristics. The method includes physically pulverizing a zeolite that has a gradient of a Na/Si value from a surface of the zeolite in a depth direction, that has a proportion of the Na/Si value at a depth of 10 nm from the surface to the Na/Si value at the surface of 90% or more, and that has a proportion of the Na/Si value at a depth of 30 nm from the surface to the Na/Si value at the surface of 70% or more, the Na/Si value representing a composition ratio between Na and Si, and crystallizing the physically pulverized zeolite.

Abstract: A method is provided for synthesizing zeolite SSZ-31 using 2-ethyl-N,N,N-trimethylbutan-1-aminium cations as a structure directing agent.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to power plants. The teachings thereof may be embodied in processes for producing ammonia and energy, e.g., a method for producing ammonia and energy comprising: spraying or atomizing an electropositive metal; burning the metal with a reaction gas; mixing the reacted mixture with water; separating the mixture into (a) solid and liquid constituents and (b) gaseous constituents; at least partially converting energy of the solid and liquid constituents and of the gaseous constituents; and separating ammonia from the gaseous constituents. Mixing the reacted mixture may include spraying or atomizing the water or the aqueous solution or the suspension of the hydroxide of the electropositive metal into the reacted mixture.

Abstract: A process for recovering sulfur from a tail gas stream comprising the steps of providing a tail gas stream to a chemical looping combustion (CLC) unit, the tail gas stream comprising a sulfide component, providing an oxygen carrier to the CLC unit, the oxygen carrier comprising a calcium carbonate, providing an air stream to the CLC unit, the air stream comprising oxygen, and reacting the sulfide component in the CLC unit with the calcium compound and the air to produce a product effluent, the product effluent comprising calcium sulfate.

Abstract: An aqueous cobalt chloride solution purification method, in which impurities can be efficiently removed from a cobalt salt solution, includes bringing metallic nickel into contact with an aqueous solution containing cobalt chloride to remove an impurity by a substitution reaction, in which the pH of the aqueous solution containing cobalt chloride is adjusted to not less than 1.5 and not more than 2.5. Since the pH of the aqueous solution containing cobalt chloride is adjusted to not less than 1.5 and not more than 2.5, a passive film on a surface of the metallic nickel can be effectively removed, and the metallic nickel comes in contact with the aqueous solution containing cobalt chloride, so that an impurity more noble than the metallic nickel can be precipitated by the substitution reaction. The metallic nickel is only brought into contact with the aqueous solution containing cobalt chloride, and the impurity can be easily removed.

Abstract: A counter-flow simultaneous heat and mass exchange device is operated by directing flows of two fluids into a heat and mass exchange device at initial mass flow rates where ideal changes in total enthalpy rates of the two fluids are unequal. At least one of the following state variables in the fluids is measured: temperature, pressure and concentration, which together define the thermodynamic state of the two fluid streams at the points of entry to and exit from the device. The flow rates of the fluids at the points of entry and/or exit to/from the device are measured; and the mass flow rate of at least one of the two fluids is changed such that the ideal change in total enthalpy rates of the two fluids through the device are brought closer to being equal.

Abstract: A horizontal sump for producing high quality steam, includes at least one inlet, for connection to an evaporator, for receiving steam and contaminated water from the evaporator, the evaporator having a tube side and a shell side. The horizontal sump further includes at least one steam outlet for feeding steam to an evaporator compressor. The at least one steam outlet further includes at least one wash tray, for washing any entrained brine from the steam prior to introduction of the steam to the evaporator compressor, wherein the horizontal sump increases residence time of water and steam in the sump resulting in a steam of quality greater than that of the steam from the steam and contaminated water from the evaporator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable, solar-thermal device for the treatment of drinking water from waste water, comprising an evaporation container that accommodates the waste water, a condensation apparatus having a flow connection to the evaporation container, and a separator arranged between the evaporation container and the condensation apparatus for separating and leading away the condensate obtained in the condensation apparatus. According to the invention, the separator has passage openings for the transfer of water vapor into the condensation apparatus, which is arranged on the top side of the device in the operating position of the device, and a drain opening for the condensate arising in the condensation apparatus, which drain opening can be connected to a collecting container, wherein the evaporation container, which is arranged on the bottom side of the separator, is designed as a flexible film bag.

Abstract: A method and system for de-oiling a feed comprising oil and water. The feed has an input temperature above the boiling point of water and an input pressure sufficient to maintain the water in a liquid state. In at least one embodiment, the method comprises pumping the feed with a motive pump through a phase separator having a restriction to effect a phase separation of oil and water in the feed and produce an agitated mixture, supplying the agitated mixture from the phase separator into a pressure vessel operating at a pressure sufficient to maintain in a liquid state water that is at a temperature above the boiling point of water, removing an oil phase from the pressure vessel, and removing a water phase from the pressure vessel.

Abstract: A process for treating contaminated wastewater that includes flowing the contaminated wastewater into at least one pre-pond solids filter tank comprising sand; flowing the contaminated wastewater from at least one pre-pond solids filter tank into at least one sedimentation pond; flowing the contaminated wastewater from the at least one sedimentation pond into at least one filter tank including sand and a mixture of sand and zero-valent iron; and discharging treated wastewater from the at least one filter tank.

Abstract: A multi-stage submerged membrane distillation water treatment apparatus including: a plurality of raw water tanks arranged in multiple stages ranging from a first stage to an n-th stage and storing raw water, the raw water flowing sequentially from the first stage to the n-th stage; membrane distillation (MD) modules submerged in the respective raw water tanks and discharging a portion of the raw water as vapor; heat exchangers submerged in the respective raw water tanks and maintaining the raw water at a predetermined temperature by performing heat exchange between the raw water and vapor supplied from the respective previous-stage MD modules; a vapor generator generating and supplying high-temperature vapor to the first-stage heat exchanger; a condenser condensing vapor supplied by the n-th-stage MD module; and a raw water feeder feeding low-temperature raw water to the first-stage raw water tank via the condenser.

Abstract: An electrocoagulation unit that may include an outer shell, and a set of electrodes disposed within the inner housing. Each electrode is separated from an adjacent electrode by an electrode gap spacing. The outer shell may further include a fluid inlet; a fluid outlet; a first busbar opening with a first busbar gland associated therewith.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for the production of ozone from water comprising at least one cell, consisting of an anode, a cathode and an interposed cation-conducting membrane, wherein the membrane conductively connects the anode and the cathode while forming flow channels for water that are separated from one another as anode and cathode chambers and wherein the flow channels are configured to allow for the recirculation of the water flow within the chambers. The present invention further relates to an electrochemical method and apparatus for producing ozone or dissolved ozone in water in high concentrations by mean of recirculation of water between at least one chamber and at least one water tank.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to processes and systems for maintaining a live culture of microorganisms in the activated sludge unit of a refinery during an extended refinery shut-down.

Abstract: The field of advanced wastewater treatment, and more specifically, to a natural pyrrhotite biofilter and a method for utilizing same to synchronously remove nitrate-nitrogen and phosphorus from water is provided. The method includes the following steps: (1) preparation of the packing material and construction of the biofilter; (2) start-up of the biofilter; (3) operation of the biofilter. The method disclosed in the present invention on the one hand takes pyrrhotite as the electron donor to help sulfur-based autotrophic denitrifying bacteria reduce nitrates into nitrogen gas, and on the other hand utilizes pyrrhotite and its oxidates to eliminate phosphorus through adsorption and chemical precipitation. Therefore, this method realizes synchronous removal of nitrate-nitrogen and phosphorus in water.

Abstract: The invention discloses an apparatus for relieving surface-layer clogging of a denitrification deep-bed filter and a method for running the same, which belongs to the field of sewage treatment.

Abstract: Sludge from an anaerobic digester is treated to recover one or more of fibers, or solids or liquids with a high nutrient content. The solids or liquids can be used as a fertilizer. The fibers can be used in a plant growing medium. Solids are separated from liquids in the sludge and dried. The solids may be dried to produce a flake or pellet. Ammonia in the liquids is recovered and used to produce a concentrated acidic ammonium salt solution. This solution may be mixed with the solids to produce a nitrogen enhanced solid. The fibers and solids or liquids can also be used in combination to produce an enhanced plant growing medium. A device and process for removing ammonia from a liquid can be used in the system or separately.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for ultra-dehydrating thickened or pasty biomass products, in particular sludge from wastewater treatment plants, according to which the products, in particular products having a dryness of 4% to 25%, are subjected to the following steps: hydrothermal carbonization treatment, including pressurization (1, 2) and thermal conditioning (30) for a duration in a closed reactor (4); followed by dehydration of the products by a ram press (12), obtaining a dryness of more than 50%; the temperature of the product upstream from the ram press dehydration being regulated by cooling between 40° C. and 90° C., advantageously to around 70° C., in order to optimize the filterability in the piston press; the steps of the method being performed in a confined space making it possible to prevent the release of smells into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A method for severing a glass sheet includes preferentially heating a region of the glass sheet to form a softened region. A slit is formed in the softened region of the glass sheet to form a slit region. The slit extends at least partially into a thickness of the glass sheet. Heat is preferentially applied to the slit region of the glass sheet.

Abstract: A glass ceramic article is provided so that a reliable coloring with a defined transmittance is ensured. The reliable coloring of the glass ceramic article is based on a high content of iron oxide of more than 0.1 percent by weight which itself has a strongly coloring effect does not further reduce transmittance but rather interacts with vanadium oxide to attenuate the absorption caused by vanadium oxide.

Abstract: Glass and glass ceramic compositions having a combination of lithium silicate and petalite crystalline phases along with methods of making the glass and glass ceramic compositions are described. The compositions are compatible with conventional rolling and float processes, are transparent or translucent, and have high mechanical strength and fracture resistance. Further, the compositions are able to be chemically tempered to even higher strength glass ceramics that are useful as large substrates in multiple applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high-modulus glass fiber composition, a glass fiber and a composite material therefrom. The glass fiber composition comprises the following components expressed as percentage by weight: 55-64% SiO2, 13-24% Al2O3, 0.1-6% Y2O3, 3.4-10.9% CaO, 8-14% MgO, lower than 22% CaO+MgO+SrO, lower than 2% Li2O+Na2O+K2O, lower than 2% TiO2, lower than 1.5% Fe2O3, 0-1.2% La2O3, wherein the range of the weight percentage ratio C1=(Li2O+Na2O+K2O)/(Y2O3+La2O3) is greater than 0.26. Said composition can significantly increase the glass elastic modulus, effectively inhibit the crystallization tendency of glass, decrease the liquidus temperature, secure a desirable temperature range (?T) for fiber formation and enhance the fining of molten glass, thus making it particularly suitable for production of high-modulus glass fiber with refractory-lined furnaces.

Abstract: A method for increasing the tactile feel of a glass-ceramic article includes (a) performing a first etching of a surface of the glass-ceramic article with a first etchant to create a plurality of features on the surface, wherein the first etchant comprises hydrofluoric acid and an inorganic fluoride salt, and the plurality of features comprises protrusions and recesses and (b) performing a second etching of the surface with a second etchant different from the first etchant to enlarge a distance between adjacent features of a same type, wherein the second etching occurs after the first etching, after the second etching an average distance between adjacent features of a same type is in a range from 0.5 ?m to 20 ?m and a density of features of the same type is in a range from 9,000 to 25,000 features/mm2, and a tactile feel of the surface after the second etching is greater than the tactile feel of the surface before the first etching.

Abstract: A method of producing a glass substrate having a first layer formed on a surface of the substrate by low-temperature CVD includes preparing the glass substrate and forming the first layer on the glass substrate by the low-temperature CVD. In the glass substrate after forming the first layer, an integrated value after a baseline correction in a wavenumber range of 2600 cm?1 to 3800 cm?1 in a peak due to OH groups obtained by an FTIR measurement on the first layer is 9.0 or less, and the C content of the first layer is 1.64 at % or less.

Abstract: A non-frangible glass article strengthened by a dual or two-step ion exchange (IOX) process, where the first IOX step leads to a depth of compressive layer FSM_DOL>0.1·t or, in some embodiments, FSM_DOL>0.15·t, where t is the thickness of the glass, is provided. The glass article has a compressive stress CS1 after the first IOX step at the surface of from 100 MPa to 400 MPa or, in some embodiments, from 150 MPa to 300 MPa. The first IOX step is followed by a second IOX step, leading to a “spike” compressive stress CS2 after the second IOX step at the surface of greater than 500 MPa or, in some embodiments, 700 MPa. The width of the spike generated by the second IOX is between 1 ?m and 30 ?m, or between 8 ?m and 15 ?m, using the criteria where the magnitude (absolute value) of the slope of the spike is higher than 20 MPa/?m.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cementitious composition adapted to form mortars or cements comprising glass as an additive having reduced tendency to reaction with alkali, characterized in that said glass is obtained by grinding and subsequent washing with water.

Abstract: The invention relates to geopolymer compositions, geopolymers and methods for their production and use. The geopolymers may be used as aggregates, and those aggregates may be used in concrete manufacture. The geopolymer composition comprises fly ash or a fly ash substitute, an aluminum phyllosilicate, an alkaline component and water, wherein the water is present at an amount of about 6% to about 10% by weight of the composition. The geopolymers are made by forming a geopolymer composition as described above, compacting the mixture by applying pressure of about 50 to about 90 kgf/cm2; and curing the compacted mixture to form the geopolymer.

Abstract: A resin mixture is described, comprising at least one compound that can be radically polymerized, at least one reactive diluent selected from 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds, and at least one polymerization inhibitor, selected from stable N-oxyl-radicals or 4-hydroxy-3,5-di-tert-butyl toluene, with the molar ratio of at least one 1,3-dicarbonyl compound and the polymerization inhibitor ranging from 30:1 to 150:1, a reaction resin mortar comprising said resin mixture, a two-component or multi-component system, as well as the use for construction purposes, particularly for the chemical fastening in mineral undergrounds.

Abstract: A composition comprising thermoset polymer, shape memory polymer to facilitate macro scale damage closure, and means for molecular scale healing has the ability to repair structural defects by a bio-mimetic, close-then-heal process. The shape memory polymer serves to bring surfaces of a structural defect into proximity, after which the healing means moves into the defect and provides molecular scale healing. The means for molecular scale healing can be a thermoplastic, such as fibers, particles or spheres, which are heated to or above the thermoplastic's melting point, and then the composition is cooled below that melting temperature. The compositions can not only close macroscopic defects, but they can also do so repeatedly even if damage recurs in a previously healed/repaired area.

Abstract: The invention relates to fiber-containing concrete compositions containing hydraulically setting binders, fillers, one or more fibers, and possibly other additives or admixtures, characterized in that one or more vinylester-ethylene copolymers are contained as additional components.

Abstract: A low-density, high-strength concrete composition that is both self-compacting and lightweight, with a low weight-fraction of aggregate to total dry raw materials, and a highly-homogenous distribution of a non-absorptive and closed-cell lightweight aggregate such as glass microspheres or copolymer polymer beads or a combination thereof, and the steps of providing the composition or components. Lightweight concretes formed therefrom have low density, high strength-to-weight ratios, and high R-value. The concrete has strength similar to that ordinarily found in structural lightweight concrete but at an oven-dried density as low as 40 lbs./cu.ft. The concrete, at the density ordinarily found in structural lightweight concrete, has a higher strength and, at the strength ordinarily found in structural lightweight concrete, a lower density. Such strength-to-density ratios range approximately from above 30 cu.ft/sq.in. to above 110 cu.ft/sq.in., with a 28-day compressive strength ranging from about 3400 to 8000 psi.

Abstract: The invention relates to a refractory ceramic batch for the production of an unformed refractory ceramic batch, the use of a batch of this kind for lining metallurgical melting vessels and also a metallurgical melting vessel which is lined with an unformed refractory ceramic product based on a batch of this kind.

Abstract: A method of forming composition-modified barium titanate ceramic particulate includes mixing a plurality of precursor materials and a precipitant solution to form an aqueous suspension. The plurality of precursors include barium nitrate, titanium chelate, and a metal or oxometal chelate. The precipitant solution includes tetraalkylammonium hydroxide and tetraalkylammonium oxalate. The method further includes treating the aqueous suspension at a temperature of at least 150° C. and a pressure of at least 200 psi, and separating particulate from the aqueous suspension after treating.

Abstract: A fused-cast refractory product including, as mass percentages on the basis of the oxides and for a total of 100% of the oxides: ZrO2+HfO2: remainder to 100%, with HfO2?5%; SiO2: 1.5% to 7.5%; Al2O3: 1.0% to 3.0%; CaO+SrO: 1.2% to 3.0%; Y2O3: 1.5% to 3.0%; Na2O+K2O: <0.15%; B2O3: <1.0%; P2O5: <0.15%; Fe2O3+TiO2: <0.55%; oxide species other than ZrO2, HfO2, SiO2, Al2O3, Na2O, K2O, B2O3, CaO, SrO, Y2O3, P2O5, Fe2O3 and TiO2: <1.5%.

Abstract: A sintered molded article includes a ceramic of ?/?-sialon having a grain boundary phase, the grain boundary phase containing at least one hard material formed in situ as an additional phase. A method for the production of the sintered molded article uses at least the following compounds as a starting material: Si3N4, AlN, and, if applicable, Al2O3, at least one oxide of the rare earths, and at least one oxide of the element titanium.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a fiber preform filled with refractory ceramic particles, includes placing a fiber texture including refractory ceramic fibers in a mold cavity; injecting a slip including a powder of refractory ceramic particles present in a liquid medium, the slip being injected into the pores of the fiber texture present in the mold cavity, injection being performed through at least a first face or a first edge of the fiber texture; and draining the liquid medium of the slip that has penetrated into the fiber texture through the porous material part, the draining being performed at least through a second face or a second edge of the fiber texture different from the first face or the first edge, the porous material part also serving to retain the refractory particle powder in the pores of the fiber texture to obtain a fiber preform filled with refractory particles.

Abstract: The invention provides tooling (100) for acting during heat treatment to support a preform (110) of a three-dimensional part obtained by shaping a metal or ceramic powder, the preform presenting at least one bearing surface (112) on which it can rest and at least one suspended surface (111) that is suspended relative to the bearing surface, the tooling comprising a tray (120), and a plurality of blocks (130) arranged on the tray and each having at least one surface (130a) for supporting the preform, the blocks being suitable for moving relative to one another by sliding on the tray between a first position in which the blocks are spaced apart from one another and together define a first volume, and a second position in which the blocks together define a second volume that is smaller than the first volume. The invention also provides a method of heat treating a preform made of powder and using such tooling.

Abstract: A water insoluble micronutrient fertilizer, methods of producing, and methods of using the same are provided. The fertilizer may comprise at least one first micronutrient selected from the group consisting of chromium, cobalt, copper, iron, manganese, and zinc; a polyphosphate; and optionally at least one second micronutrient selected from the group consisting of boron, chlorine, iodine, molybdenum or selenium. The fertilizer compounds are preferably water insoluble, dilute acid soluble, and free-flowing powders.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of enhancing plant growth, comprising treating seed at least one month prior to planting with an effective amount of a plant signal molecule, wherein upon harvesting the plant exhibits at least one of increased plant yield measured in terms of bushels/acre, increased root number, increased root length, increased root mass, increased root volume and increased leaf area, compared to plants harvested from untreated seed, or compared to plants harvested from seed treated with the signal molecule just prior to or within a week or less of planting.

Abstract: Reaction products and methods for making and using the same are provided. The reaction products particularly may include adducts of two or more reactants. The adducts particularly can incorporate a nitrification inhibitor, such as DCD. In particular embodiments, reaction products may be formed from the reaction of formaldehyde, DCD, urea, and an ammonia source. The adducts may be included in agricultural products, including fertilizer compositions and nitrification inhibitor systems. Fertilizer compositions including the adducts can be beneficial for reducing leaching of nitrification inhibitors applied to soil.

Abstract: A catalyst composition containing cobalt manganese oxide which is modified with silicon in the form of a hydrophilic silica, the catalyst also containing at least one of lanthanum, phosphorus, Fe, Zr, and Zn, and optionally one or more basic elements selected from the group of alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, and transition metals. Also, methods for preparing and using the catalyst composition for producing aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons using the catalyst composition.

Abstract: The present application relates to a process for production of hydrocarbons comprising the steps of: converting a feed stream comprising alcohols, ethers or mixtures hereof over a Zn-containing zeolite based catalyst wherein Zn is at least partly present as ZnAl2O4, active in dehydrogenation of hydrocarbons, in a conversion step thereby obtaining a conversion effluent, separating said effluent to obtain an aqueous process condensate stream, a liquid hydrocarbon stream and a gaseous stream, removing part of the hydrogen formed in the conversion step, and recycling at least part of the gaseous and/or liquid hydrocarbon stream to the conversion step.

Abstract: This present disclosure relates to processes and apparatuses for toluene methylation in an aromatics complex for producing paraxylene. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to processes and apparatuses wherein a toluene methylation zone is integrated within an aromatics complex for producing paraxylene thus allowing no benzene byproduct to be produced. This may be accomplished by incorporating a toluene methylation process into the aromatics complex and recycling the benzene to the transalkylation unit the aromatics complex.

Abstract: A process for the production of vinyl chloride comprises the step of passing a feed stream comprising ethylene dichloride (EDC) over a catalyst system comprising a dehydrochlorination catalyst and a hydrochlorination catalyst at a temperature, which may be in the range 150-350° C., sufficient to effect dehydrochlorination of the ethylene dichloride to produce vinyl chloride.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparation of olefins containing fluorine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising trifluoroethylene and 1,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropene characterized that the weight ratio trifluoroethylene/1,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropene is from 5/95 to 95/5.

Abstract: The present invention belongs to the technology field of microbial fermentation of the sugar-containing raw materials for producing fuel ethanol. It specifically relates to a continuous separation device and process for producing fuel ethanol. The device is continuous distillation device, and is improvement of the distillation device in the prior art. The present invention utilizes a continuous ethanol separation process, which can make full use of fermentable sugar of the sweet sorghum straw (or sugar cane, sugar beet), increase ethanol yield, change the traditional mode of production, truly realize continuous ethanol separation process; and the waste materials produced in the procedure of distillation can be used either as fuel, or as animal feed, and this not only saves the cost, but also is greatly significant in environmental protection.