Abstract: A method for preparing the network-pore polyvinylidene fluoride membrane based on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) gel includes the steps of (1) mix and stir PVA, masking agent and solvent, heat and dissolve the mixture evenly under 105 degree Celsius to obtain a PVA solution; (2) in the PVA solution, add PVDF and pore-forming agent, where the rest shall be added with the solvent until the total mass fraction sum is 1, stir, heat and dissolve the solution evenly to obtain the homogeneous casting solution; (3) the casting solution is filtered, deaerated, phase-separated and solidified as membrane A; (4) removes the PVA gel from membrane A to obtain membrane B; (5) membrane B is washed with water to remove the residual solvent to obtain the PVDF membrane with network-pore structure. The resulting PVDF membrane is an asymmetric membrane with an ultra-thin cortex and an interpenetrating network-pore sub-cortex structure.

Abstract: Durable asymmetric composite membranes consisting of a film of cross-linked poly(ether ether ketone) adhered to a sheet of hydrophilic microporous poly(ethylene) are disclosed. The membranes are suitable for use in the recovery or removal of water from feed streams where repeated clean-in-place protocols are required such as in the processing of dairy products.

Abstract: A composite membrane including an organic polymer matrix and a plurality of porous inorganic particles is disclosed, wherein each of the porous inorganic particles has a plurality of pores arranged while forming a channel in a predetermined direction, and wherein an average length of the porous inorganic particles in a direction parallel to the channel is less than three times the average maximum length of the porous inorganic particles in the direction perpendicular to the channel.

Abstract: A sheet filter membrane is arranged on a surface of a filter plate of a thermoplastic resin, and a plurality of projections provided in a hot plate is pressed against the filter plate above a periphery of the filter membrane with different timing for each of the projections to abut on the filter membrane. A plurality of recessed bonding portions with different depths are thus formed in the filter plate, and the filter membrane is bonded to the filter plate by heat welding in each of the recessed bonding portions. Sealing is therefore provided between the filter membrane and the filter plate along the periphery of the filter membrane.

Abstract: The present invention provides a semipermeable membrane having enhanced alkaline stability and a method of forming a semipermeable membrane having enhanced alkaline stability, comprising steps of: providing an ultrafiltration (UF) base membrane, immersing said UF membrane in a solution comprising at least one substance selected from the group consisting of a polymer preferably polyethylenimine (PEI), a condensate solution and a mixture thereof, thereby forming reactive moieties upon said UF membrane, and forming at least one first layer upon at least portion of said UF base support membrane by immersing said UF base support membrane of step (b) in a solution comprising at least one ingredient selected from the group consisting of polymer preferably polyethylenimine (PEI), condensate solution and a mixture thereof thereby forming a cross-linked skin on the surface of said base membrane.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for obtaining a product chemistry from a product and a fluid is provided. A product is housed within a dispenser. A fluid is introduced through a manifold diffuse member having a plurality of ports. A cover is positioned adjacent the manifold diffuse member and includes a plurality of ports. The cover is able to be adjusted, for example, by rotating the cover, to align and un-align the manifold diffuse ports and the cover ports. This adjustment controls the flow characteristics of the fluid through the manifold diffuse member and cover to control the characteristics of the fluid in contact with the product. The adjustment of the cover to control the flow will provide a generally consistent concentration and erosion rate based upon known relationships between a characteristic of the fluid and the flow of the fluid in relation to the product.

Abstract: An adhesive-air infuser comprises a hollow body through which adhesive and air flow. The air is directed into the hollow body at an upstream end of the hollow body through an air nozzle positioned within the hollow body, and the adhesive is directed into the hollow body at the upstream end of the hollow body such that the adhesive flows around at least a portion of the air nozzle as the adhesive flows through the hollow body. The adhesive and air are directed by adhesive supply pressure and air supply pressure to flow through the hollow body toward an output port. In various embodiments, adhesive and air flow along a tortuous path that causes the air to mix into the adhesive to form an adhesive-air solution having a density less than the adhesive supplied to the upstream end of the hollow body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stirring device (1) which has at least one stirring element (4) which is driven by a stirring drive (2), contacts a stirring medium (3) in the use position, can be moved relative to the stirring drive (2) and to the stirring medium (3), and can be at least partly immersed into the stirring medium (3) in the use position. The invention is characterized in that stirring drive (2) is arranged in the interior of the stirring element (4). The stirring device (1) is and/or can be supported by the stirring medium (3), in particular without a holder and/or without a stand, whereby a separate mounting, a stand for a stirring element and/or for a stirring drive, and/or a stirring drive housing can be omitted.

Abstract: The present application is directed towards systems for adding components to materials being fluidized in a vibratory mixer by use of atomizers or sprayers. A mechanical system can fluidizes, mix, coat, dry, combine, or segregate materials. The system may comprise a vibratory mixer, mixing vessel containing a first material and a sprayer to introduce a second material. The vibratory mixer may generate a fluidized bed of a first material and the sprayer, coupled to the mixing vessel, may introduce a second material onto the fluidized bed to mix the materials in a uniform and even fashion.

Abstract: The system and method of the invention pertains to use of a back iron on one or both ends of the impeller to increase the magnetic field density, and thus strengthen the magnetic coupling. In addition, pie-shaped (i.e. wedge) magnets, or variations thereof, increase the utilization volume and hence provide higher torque to allow the use of less expensive material (e.g. ferrites). In another embodiment, the rotor side is constructed with a Halbach array which increases the torque without the need to add a back iron piece. In another embodiment, an axial flux stator is implemented to replace the drive-end magnets and the drive motor.

Abstract: A bioreactor includes a flexible container and an impeller assembly having a hollow tube. The impeller assembly is coupled to the flexible container. At least one mixing element is removably disposed on the hollow tube. A drive shaft is adapted to engage the hollow tube of the impeller assembly and facilitate rotational movement of the hollow tube.

Abstract: A pouring shield for a stand mixer includes an upper collar for mounting to a mixer head of the stand mixer in a friction-fit manner without the need for clamps or other mounting accessories. The stand mixer is configured to receive a mixing bowl with an open top, and the pouring shield is configured to cover the open top of the mixing bowl at an upper rim of the mixing bowl using a seal member which is disposed around an outer perimeter of the pouring shield. The seal member is a flexibly resilient member configured to close the open top of the mixing bowl when the stand mixer is in a closed position, and includes a wide surface for accommodating mixing bowls of various sizes.

Abstract: Disclosed is an assembly for mixing fluids (i.e., gases or liquids), and more particularly an assembly that accurately mixes two or more high-pressure fluid sources and is adapted for use in applications, such as for example, chromatography. The mixer assembly (100) includes, inter alia, a housing (10), an inlet fitting (40), and a mixer cartridge assembly (60). The housing (10) has a fluid receiving section (16) and a fluid discharge section (18) with an outlet (20) formed therein. A central bore (22) extends between the fluid receiving section (16) and fluid discharge section (18). An inlet fitting (40) is engaged with the housing (10) and has first (42) and second (44) fluid ports formed therein that extend from the fitting exterior to the fluid receiving section (16) of the housing (10). A mixer cartridge assembly (60) is disposed within the central bore (22) of the housing (10) and is positioned between the inlet fitting (40) and the downstream end portion of the housing (10).

Abstract: A nozzle for producing microparticles includes a nozzle body having an oscillating device and an amplifying portion connected to the oscillating device and located between first and second ends of the nozzle body. A through-hole extends from the first end through the amplifying portion and the second end. A tube assembly is mounted in the through-hole and includes first and second tubes between which a first fluid passageway is defined. A second fluid passageway is defined in the second tube. Two ends of the first tube respectively form a first filling port and a plurality of first outlet ports both of which intercommunicate with the first fluid passageway. Two ends of the second tube respectively form a second filling port and a second outlet port both of which intercommunicate with the second fluid passageway. A formation space is defined between the second outlet port and the first outlet ports.

Abstract: A reaction apparatus includes a hollow chamber with a stirring shaft. The chamber is maintained at a predetermined pressure and accepts at least two reactants from two storage tanks. The stirring shaft rotates around an axis and creates a reaction product. Taylor vortexes are created while the pressure minimizes the volume possession of the gas phase. The reaction product of micron and sub-micron particles is removed from the chamber and depressurized.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for introduction of droplets into a reactor, comprising a holder for at least one dropletizer unit, where the dropletizer unit has a feed for a liquid to be dropletized and a dropletizer plate and the dropletizer plate has holes through which a liquid to be dropletized is introduced into the reactor, where the holder for the at least one dropletizer unit can be pushed into the reactor or pulled out of the reactor through an opening in the shell of the reactor. At least one rail is accommodated within the reactor and is used to guide the holder for the at least one dropletizer unit along it.

Abstract: A process for making a reduced size oxidant particle is provided. The process forms reduced sized oxidant particles by feeding a coating material and oxidant particles of an initial size into a mill. The coating material may be oleophilic, hydrophobic, siliphilic, hydrocarbon soluble, or a combination thereof. The oxidant particles are then milled, reducing the particle size of the oxidant particles. During the milling step, the coating coats a substantial portion of each reduced sized oxidant particle reducing reagglomeration during the milling step. Optionally, the oxidant particles produced by the process of the instant invention are encapsulated. Alternatively or additionally, the oxidant particles may be placed in suspension. An outermost encapsulant may be substantially non-reacting, impermeable and non-dissolving with water. The oxidant particles formed by the process of the present invention may be placed directly into or in the path of the contaminant(s) in the environmental media to be treated.

Abstract: Rupturable, dual reagent mono-capsules are disclosed that have a core composition, which includes a carboxylic acid, encapsulated within a phenolic resin-containing polymer wall that ruptures upon exposure to alkaline conditions over a period of time, and a shell connected to an exterior surface of the polymer wall by a surfactant. The shell is made from a mineral containing a metal that is chemically bonded to the surfactant by a chemical electrostatic interaction. Upon rupture of the polymer wall of the mono-capsule, the carboxylic acid and the mineral containing the metal chemically react with one another to form a reaction product that seals a rupture in the capsule and/or seals a feature of a surface upon which the capsules are disposed.

Abstract: The invention providing methods of loading and unloading particulate from microchannels in apparatus that contains multiple microchannels, typically apparatus that is designed to operate with hundreds or thousands of particulate-containing microchannels. Aligning a sonicating head at one end of a set of microchannels provides a particularly effective mode for densifying particulate in microchannels.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for reducing or controlling wastewater and pollutant from emulsion polymerization resin production, comprising the following steps: (1) optimizing an emulsion polymerization reactor to lengthen a cleaning interval of the reactor so as to reduce the volumes of reactor cleaning wastewater and pollutant discharge; (2) demulsifying latex filter cleaning wastewater and removing a latex material so as to reduce the volume of the pollutant discharge; (3) demulsifying the highly concentrated reactor cleaning wastewater, then performing flotation recovery; (4) mixing graft polymerization wastewater and 1,3-diene polymerization wastewater, then performing demulsification; (5) mixing the demulsified latex wastewater and condensation and drying wastewater, then performing a coagulation and dissolved air flotation treatment; and (6) implementing a biological treatment process on the effluent from the coagulation and dissolved air flotation treatment to remove an organic material, ni

Abstract: A reactor and process for the production of bio-diesel. The reactor includes one or more coiled reaction lines. The lines are positioned within a tank containing a heat transfer media such as molten salt, maintained at about 750° F. A pump circulates the media within the tank. An emulsion of alcohol; refined feed stock, including glycerides and/or fatty acids; and preferably water is pumped through the reaction lines at temperatures and pressures sufficient to maintain the alcohol in a super-critical state. The curvature of the coils, pump pulsing, and the flow rate of the emulsion keep the emulsion in a turbulent state while in the reactor, ensuring thorough mixing of the alcohol and feed stock. The alcohol reacts with the glycerides and fatty acids to form bio-diesel. The reaction is fast, efficient with regard to energy input and waste generation, and requires minimal alcohol.

Abstract: Provided are a composition and a manufacturing method of a solid CO2 sorbent having excellent physical properties and chemical reaction characteristics, particularly having an excellent mid-temperature range activity for a fluidized bed process, for use in collecting a CO2 source (pre-combustion or pre-utilization) in syngas application fields such as integrated coal gasification combined cycle (IGCC) power systems, synthetic natural gas (SNG) and synthetic liquid fuel (CTL).

Abstract: A carbon pyrolyzate material is disclosed, having utility as an adsorbent as well as for energy storage and other applications. The pyrolyzate material comprises microporous carbon derived from low cost naturally-occurring carbohydrate source material such as polysaccharides. In adsorbent applications, the carbon pyrolyzate may for example be produced in a particulate form or a monolithic form, having high density and high pore volume to maximize gas storage and delivery, with the pore size distribution of the carbon pyrolyzate adsorbent being tunable via activation conditions to optimize storage capacity and delivery for specific gases of interest.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a plasterboard including activated carbon, includes: preparing a main mixed batch including a foaming agent and devoid of activated carbon; preparing a secondary mixed batch including powdered activated carbon; providing a first facing sheet; pouring the secondary mixed batch over the first facing sheet, the secondary mixed batch forming a first plaster layer; pouring the main mixed batch over the first plaster layer, the main mixed batch forming a second plaster layer; providing a second facing sheet on the first and second plaster layers; and forming the plasterboard; wherein the secondary mixed batch has a greater density than the main mixed batch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a complex comprising a covalent organic framework (COF) synthesized on the surface of a carbon structure, a preparation method therefor, and use thereof, and specifically to a complex of a carbon structure and a covalent organic framework, wherein the specific surface area or pore volume of the covalent organic framework synthesized on the surface of the carbon surface is larger than the specific surface area or the pore volume of the covalent organic framework prepared without the carbon structure; a preparation method therefor; and use thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a super absorbent polymer and a manufacturing method thereof, and more specifically, to a super absorbent polymer having improved porosity and permeability and a manufacturing method thereof.

Abstract: A sol-gel sorbent or chromatography stationary phase is a particulate metal oxide gel containing polymeric segments uniformly distributed throughout the metal oxide gel. The metal oxide gel is an oxide from silicone or other metal oxide that can have one of the valence bonds attached to an organic group and the remainder occupied by oxygens that can be provided as an oxide or an alkoxide or aryl oxide of the polymeric segments. The particles are used for an SPE sorbent or as a packing for a reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC), a normal phase high-performance liquid chromatography (NP-HPLC) column or a hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) column.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a super absorbent polymer which is excellent in various physical properties required for a super absorbent polymer, while exhibiting excellent water absorption capacity, absorption rate and liquid permeability, and a method for preparing the same.

Abstract: A layered emission control device for an engine system is provided, including a plurality of catalytic layers, the catalytic layers optionally or additionally comprising sublayers, each sublayer having a distinct composition. Advantages of such a device include providing increased treatment rates of one or more engine exhaust gas species over a wide range of engine exhaust operating conditions, while reducing exhaust emissions, and reducing a size of the emissions control system.

Abstract: An aqueous dispersion of an embodiment includes visible-light responsive photocatalytic composite microparticles containing tungsten oxide and zirconium oxide, and an aqueous dispersion medium in which the photocatalytic composite microparticles are dispersed. In the photocatalytic composite microparticles, a ratio of a mass of the zirconium oxide to a mass of the tungsten oxide is in a range of from 0.05% to 200%, and a D50 particle size in particle size distribution is in a range of from 20 nm to 10 ?m. The aqueous dispersion has pH in a range of from 1 to 9.

Abstract: A catalyst comprising gold and a porous support containing at least one refractory oxide, in which the gold content is in the range 0.01% to 5% by weight with respect to the total weight of catalyst, and in which the particles of gold are distributed homogeneously through said porous support and have a dimension, measured by transmission electron microscopy, in the range 0.5 to 5 nm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Fe-based hydrogenation catalyst having Fe as a primary active metal component, and zinc and potassium as a first co-active metal component. The molar ratio of the primary active metal component to the first co-active metal component is 0.5-200:1. The Fe-based hydrogenation catalyst in present invention overcomes the problem of limiting to the active metal components as used over decades for the conventional hydrogenation catalyst, and thus has long-term values for industrial application.

Abstract: A catalyst system for a liquid phase carbonylation reaction comprising a homogeneous acid catalyst component and a porous solid component, in particular for use in the formation of glycolic acid by carbonylation of formaldehyde. The homogeneous acid catalyst component is, for instance, sulphuric acid while the solid component can be unfunctionalized silica. A process for the carbonylation of an aldehyde to form a carboxylic? acid or derivative thereof is also described. The process comprises the steps of contacting the catalyst with carbon monoxide, water and the aldehyde.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an iron-based nitrogen doped graphene catalyst, process for preparation thereof and use of said catalyst in oxidant-free catalytic dehydrogenation of alcohols and amines to the corresponding carbonyl compounds, amines and N-heterocylic compounds with extraction of molecular hydrogen as the only by-product.

Abstract: An oxidation catalyst composite, methods, and systems for the treatment of exhaust gas emissions from a diesel engine are described. More particularly, an oxidation catalyst composite including a first washcoat layer comprising a Pt component and a Pd component, and a second washcoat layer including a refractory metal oxide support containing manganese, a zeolite, and a platinum component is described.

Abstract: Disclosed in certain embodiments are ZSM-5 zeolite microspheres. Disclosed in certain embodiments is a method of forming ZSM-5 zeolite microspheres including: 1) shaping a mixture into microspheres where the mixture includes a silica material and of particulates selected from at least one high-density material with an absolute bulk density of at least 0.3 g/cc, ZSM-5 zeolite crystals, and combinations thereof; 2) calcining the microspheres; and 3) reacting and subsequently heating the microspheres with at least one alkali solution to form ZSM-5 zeolite in-situ on the microspheres, where the ZSM-5 zeolite microspheres contain substantially no clay or calcined clay material.

Abstract: Disclosed are a heteropolyacid catalyst for producing gamma-valerolactone, which is supported on M-Beta zeolite (M=Sn, Ti, Zr or Hf), and a method for preparing the same and a method for manufacturing gamma-valerolactone using the catalyst. The catalyst has an effect of producing gamma-valerolactone from biomass-derived furfural at a high yield through a one-pot process.

Abstract: Provided herein are metal organic frameworks comprising metal nodes and N-donor organic ligands. Methods for capturing chemical species from fluid compositions comprise contacting a metal organic framework characterized by the formula [MaMbF6-n(O/H2O)w(Ligand)x(solvent)y]z with a fluid composition and capturing one or more chemical species from the fluid composition.

Abstract: A method for regenerating an NOx removal catalyst, which includes connecting an upstream fixing member (10) to one end of a member to be ground, and connecting a downstream fixing member (20) to the other end; connecting a mixing part (40) for mixing an abrasive with a gas to an upstream portion of the upstream fixing member, and disposing a screen member in the expanded part, and connecting a classification part (70) and a dust-collecting part (80) to the downstream fixing member; and transferring the abrasive which has been mixed with the gas from the mixing part to the upstream fixing member, reducing the flow rate of the mixture in the expanded part, subsequently, causing the mixture to pass through the through-hole of the NOx removal catalyst and the downstream fixing member, and then collecting dust by means of the dust-collecting part via the classification part.

Abstract: Disclosed are a nanopipette provided with a membrane containing a saturated ion-sensitive material, a method for preparing the same, and an ion measuring apparatus comprising the same.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lateral flow capillary device and uses thereof comprising a unipath bibulous capillary flow matrix and at least two reservoirs each in fluid communication with the capillary flow matrix wherein a reservoir contacts the capillary flow matrix through a passage having a rim pressing the matrix. The pressure that the rim applies on the matrix prevents leakage of liquids out of the capillary flow matrix at the reservoir/matrix interface, allowing accurate sequential draining of liquid from the reservoirs.

Abstract: A lab-on-chip-based system is described for the direct and multiple sampling, control of the volume, fluid filtration, biochemical reactions, sample transfer, and dried spot generation on the conventional and commercial cards for dried fluid spot. Within an all-in-one integrated holder, the invention allows the complete process required to ensure a quantitative analysis of blood, plasma or any other fluids, modification and enrichment of molecule subsets, and formation of a dried fluid spot on the specific spot location of a passive cellulose, non-cellulose, absorbent, or non-absorbent membrane material sampling.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods, devices and kits for separating, accumulating, characterizing and/or identifying microorganisms in a test sample. The method of the invention includes optionally lysing non-microorganism cells and/or particulates that may be present in a test sample, followed by a subsequent filtration step for isolation and/or accumulation of microorganisms. The filtration and sample transfer device may be used for isolation and/or accumulation of microorganisms by filtration. Once the microorganisms have been filtered for isolation and/or accumulation, the microorganisms can be analyzed to acquire measurements for the characterization and/or identification of said microorganisms.

Abstract: A cartridge configured for use in a blood analyzer is provided. The cartridge may include a substantially rigid frame, a flow path within the rigid frame, at least one opening in the substantially rigid frame configured to align and stabilize a capillary tube, and a seal within the flow path. The seal may be configured to temporarily obstruct flow through at least a portion of the flow path. The seal may also be configured to open in response to a force exerted via a capillary tube inserted into the at least one opening.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a device for storing a liquid sample, in which the device has a sample acceptance well, one or more storage chambers, and one or more fluidic channels fluidly coupling the sample acceptance well to the one or more storage chambers. The apparatus also includes a well plate having a plate and multiple wells formed in the plate, in which the device and the well plate are configured to be attached to one another.

Abstract: Methods of removing bubbles from a microfluidic device are described where the flow is not stopped. Methods are described that combine pressure and flow to remove bubbles from a microfluidic device. Bubbles can be removed even where the device is made of a polymer that is largely gas impermeable.

Abstract: A magnetic separation device has a membrane having a plurality of pores, a magnetically soft material layer disposed on the membrane, and a passivation layer disposed on the magnetically soft material layer. The magnetic separation device may be part of a microfluidic device having a lateral flow channel and a vertical flow magnetic separation filter. The magnetic separation device may be used to separate magnetically tagged particles, such as cells.

Abstract: A microfluidic detection system for micrometer-sized entities, such as biological cells, includes a detector component incorporating a plate with a plurality of opening, the plate separating two chambers, one in communication with a fluid source containing target cells bound to magnetic beads. The openings are sized to always permit passage of the magnetic beads therethrough into a lower one of the chambers and are further sized to always prevent passage of the target cells from the upper one of the chambers. The detector component further includes a magnet positioned to pull unbound magnetic beads through the openings and to capture target cells bound to magnetic beads on the surface of the plate. The microfluidic detection system includes a pump flowing the fluid through the detector component at high flow rates of milliliters per minute for high throughput detection of target cells.

Abstract: Methods for detecting target analytes utilizing an array of wells are advantageous for detection of low concentrations of target analytes. Use of an array of wells requires sealing of the wells. The methods provided herein utilize digital microfluidics to seal wells of an array with a fluid that is immiscible with the aqueous liquid present in the wells to prevent evaporation and contamination of the aqueous fluid during analysis of signals from the wells. The disclosed method include generating a biphasic droplet composed of the immiscible fluid and an aqueous fluid. The immiscible fluid present in the biphasic droplet is moved over the array of wells to seal the wells by electrically actuating the aqueous fluid present in the biphasic droplet which in turn pulls the immiscible fluid.

Abstract: A reagent bottle includes an outer cap and an inner closing cap. The inner closing cap has a recess for gripping the cap. In addition, a system for handling closures is provided wherein a method removes a closing cap from a reagent bottle and a related gripper.