Abstract: A bubble machine has a fan assembly that has a fan housing, and a fan coupled to the fan housing. A bubble dispenser is disposed above the fan housing, and has a mounting section that is secured inside the fan housing, and a bubble solution collection section covering the fan below. The housing, the mounting section and the bubble solution collection section define at least one space through which air generated by the fan can flow upwardly. A bubble wand assembly has a plurality of bubble wands that are disposed above the bubble dispenser in a manner such that each of the plurality of bubble wands is rotated over the bubble solution collection section to be coated with bubble solution, and then rotated over the at least one space so that air from below can be blown through the bubble wand to generate bubbles.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an evaporation system for wastewater wherein the staging tank is utilized to pretreat the wastewater to strip hydrocarbons from the staging tank before sending to the evaporator by sparging the wastewater in staging tank with air from the blower and or hot gases from the combustion utilized in the evaporation system.

Abstract: The present invention describes a device for supplying the catalytic zone of a reactive distillation column using a liquid stream as the reaction stream, the flow of liquid in the reactive zone being of the upflow type and gas not encountering the liquid in the reactive zone.

Abstract: A system and method for distillation of a liquid sample at atmospheric pressure for the improved prediction of the heating necessary before the initial boiling point (IBP) of the sample is detected regardless of sample composition to ensure the IBP is observed within certain time constraints. A plurality of infrared (IR) sensors provides real-time temperature control in addition to a conventional measurement of vapor temperature. One IR-sensor monitors the liquid sample temperature in the distillation flask to obtain a corrected IBP time independent of the sample properties. Another IR-sensor monitors the temperature of the rising vapor column as the vapor rises up the neck of the distillation flask. Alternatively, an IR matrix may monitor the temperature of the rising vapor column. The system and method expand the scope of samples analyzed with improved signal, reproducibility, and test accuracy and still remain within the prescribed limits of a selected standard.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for purification of monoclonal antibodies or of a fusion protein between the Fc segment of an antibody and a second polypeptide, including a) an affinity chromatography step on a resin having as a matrix a crosslinked methacrylate polymer gel, on which the protein A is grafted, b) a viral inactivation step, c) a chromatography step exchanging cations on a resin having a crosslinked agarose gel matrix, on which sulfonate groups (—SO3—) are grafted using dextran-based spacer arms, d) a chromatography step exchanging anions on a hydrophilic membrane of polyethersulfone coated with a crosslinked polymer on which quaternary amine groups (Q) are grafted, and e) a nanofiltration step using a filter having an asymmetric polyethersulfone double membrane with a porosity of approximately 20 nm.

Abstract: A method and chemical delivery system and device are provided. One method useful in the present invention includes contacting a non-aqueous hydrazine solution with a carrier gas and/or vacuum and delivering a gas stream comprising hydrazine to a critical process or application. One chemical delivery system and device useful in the present invention includes a non-aqueous hydrazine solution having a vapor phase that is in contact with a process carrier gas and/or vacuum. One device useful in the present invention includes a chamber for containing a liquid comprising at least one volatile process chemical, such as a non-aqueous hydrazine solution, a hydrogen peroxide solution, or another suitable process chemical, in fluid communication with a permeable or semi-permeable membrane from which the volatile process chemical can be drawn using a carrier gas and/or vacuum.

Abstract: A method and device used for treating effluents by the biological aerobic activated sludge process with hydrodynamic separation, sludge collection, internal sludge recirculation and atmospheric air or oxygen dissolution functions implemented by a device that accumulates the functions of solids retention and gas dissolution in the biological reactor, increasing the hydraulic load capacity of the secondary settler, as well as the load absorption capacity of the biological reactor, thus almost doubling the treatment capacity in relation to a conventional activated sludge process.

Abstract: A tumbler may be used as defluidizer, dryer, coater, classifier, or dynamic filter. The tumbler includes a rotatable drum that receives a solid/fluid slurry through an inlet chute. As the slurry travels through the drum, fluid exits the drum through a plurality of apertures in screens attached to the sides of the drum, while the solids continue along the drum's length until they reach one or more openings and exit the drum into an outlet chute. The outlet chute includes ridges that wrap around rings extending from the openings of the drum to prevent solids from escaping the outlet chute. To further dry the solids before they exit the drum, an air tube at least partially disposed within the drum is configured to introduce a flow of air into the drum.

Abstract: A double-action pusher centrifuge separates a mixture into solid cake and liquid. The pusher centrifuge includes a screen drum rotatable about an axis and in which a pusher base device is arranged to be movable along the axis of rotation. The solid cake is displaced by an outer ring region of the pusher base device. A plurality of axial passage openings are disposed in the outer ring region and connect front and rear regions of the screen drum. A feed unit is arranged at an inflow disk such that the mixture can be introduced via the feed unit and the inflow disk into empty space on the screen drum on displacement of the solid cake. An inflow gap applies the mixture into the empty space, and is between an inflow edge of the inflow disk and a pusher base plate of the pusher base device with an inflow region.

Abstract: A magnetic filter 10 includes first and second separation chambers 10, 12. The separation chambers 10, 12 each have an inlet and an outlet, and the separation chambers 10, 12 are joined together such that the inlets of the first and second chambers are adjacent, and the outlets of the first and second chambers are adjacent. An inlet port arrangement 28 connects both inlets to a single inlet pipe, and an outlet port arrangement 30 connects both outlets to a single outlet pipe.

Abstract: In general, techniques are described for filter media monitoring within a filtration system. The filter media monitoring techniques described herein include, for example, direct contact with the filter media, e.g., a sensor may be located inside a boundary defined by a surface of the filter media, or indirect contact with the filter media, e.g., a sensor may be located outside the boundary defined by the surface of the filter media such that the sensor does not make direct physical contact with the filter media being monitored.

Abstract: A reconfigurable foldable water filter system includes a plurality of filter units. Each filter unit includes a filter cartridge receiver that can accept and retain a water filter cartridge which includes a water filter. Both the well of each filter cartridge receiver and each filter cartridge are have a rectangular horizontal cross section. The filter cartridge receivers are joined together at corresponding corners, consecutively, in a series in a way that allows the filter cartridge receivers to pivot with respect to each other about the corresponding corners where they are joined. This allows the series of filter units to be arranged in a flat configuration or a folded configuration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filter device (1) for filtering liquids, comprising: a filter element (2) having an interior (3) for accommodating a liquid, and a compensating element (5) made of elastically deformable material for accommodating a liquid volume that increases when the liquid freezes. The compensating element (5) is arranged in the interior (3), and a gap (6), in particular an annular gap, for accommodating the liquid is formed between the compensating element (5) and the filter element (3).

Abstract: High efficiency and high capacity glass-free filtration media include a blend of synthetic non-fibrillated staple fibers and fibrillated cellulosic staple fibers, wherein the fibrillated cellulosic fibers are present in the media in an amount to achieve an overall filtration efficiency at 4 microns of 95% or higher and a ratio of filtration capacity to media caliper of 0.5 mg/in2/mils and greater. The filtration media is made by forming a wet laid sheet from a fibrous slurry blend of the synthetic non-fibrillated staple fibers and fibrillated cellulosic staple fibers, followed by drying the sheet to obtain the filtration media. Optionally, the filtration media may be provided with a resin binder and may be grooved and/or pleated.

Abstract: A filter element (3), which has an oval cross-section in a longitudinal direction (LR) thereof and includes a circumferential sealing device (10) for, in particular, radially sealing the filter element (3) off from a filter holder (2) for the filter element (3), wherein the sealing device (3) has two first curvature sections (35, 36) arranged one facing the other and two second curvature sections (38, 39) arranged one facing the other, wherein the first curvature sections (35, 36) each have a first radius of curvature (R35, R36) and the second curvature sections (38, 39) each have a second radius of curvature (R38, R39), and wherein the first radius of curvature (R35, R36) differs from the second radius of curvature (R38, R39).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an air filter housing for supplying air to a space, said air filter housing being configured to be arranged in a ceiling of said space, said housing having a mouth facing downward, said mouth comprising a sealing surface configured to receive a panel type air filter comprising a frame and a filter medium held within said frame, such that a sealing connection between said sealing surface and said frame is achieved, characterized in that said filter housing further comprises at least one resilient member arranged below the sealing surface such that when a panel type air filter is inserted into the mouth, the resilient member will be deformed by the filter frame as the filter passes the resilient member, and resume its original shape once the filter has passed, such that the filter is retained between the sealing surface and the resilient member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an air filter housing for supplying air to a space, said air filter housing being configured to be arranged in a ceiling of said space, said housing having a mouth facing downward, said mouth comprising a sealing surface configured to receive a panel type air filter comprising a frame and a filter medium held within said frame, such that a sealing connection between said sealing surface and said frame is achieved, characterized in that said filter housing further comprises at least one resilient member arranged below the sealing surface such that when a panel type air filter is inserted into the mouth, the resilient member will be deformed by the filter frame as the filter passes the resilient member, and resume its original shape once the filter has passed, such that the filter is retained between the sealing surface and the resilient member.

Abstract: An air filter includes filter media, a sensor, and circuitry coupled to the sensor, the circuitry configured to receive data from the sensor representative of the condition of the filter media and wirelessly transmit such data. The data may be received by a device with a display to use the information to present an indication of the filter media condition to a user.

Abstract: A climate control filter monitoring system includes a control module adapted to periodically set a climate control system to a filter test configuration, test the filter and then indicate when the climate control system filter needs changing or cleaning.

Abstract: A dust collector provided with a shunt guide plate includes a main body, a filter drum, a dust collecting barrel and an induced draft device. A cover plate is fixed between the main body and the dust collecting barrel, having a central portion bored with an insert hole corresponding to the main body, and a guide plate is transversely disposed under the cover plate. Thus, the induced draft device is started to absorb airflow with dust into the main body and, when passing through the insert hole of the cover plate, the airflow will be stopped by the guide plate and forced to flow through two sides of the guide plate to form a shunt effect. Thus, when airflow gets into the dust collecting barrel, the dust in the dust collecting barrel will not be affected to rise, enhancing dust collecting effect of the dust collecting barrel.

Abstract: A filter cylinder having a dust cleaning device of a dust collector is provided. The filter cylinder has a cylindrical outer frame. An HEPA filter is provided inside the filter cylinder. The inner wall of the filter is provided with a collar. A cleaning device is disposed in the filter cylinder. The cleaning device includes a bracket. Two ends of the bracket are each provided with a flap member corresponding to the inner wall of the collar. The cleaning device is rotatable in the filter cylinder, with the flap member to flap the collar and further to vibrate the filter, so that the dust adsorbed to the filter drops from the filter to enhance the structural strength of the filter and to prolong the service life of the filter.

Abstract: A method form forming fluted filtration media is provided. The method includes forming fluted filtration media having a repeating pattern of flutes wherein at least one flute in the repeating pattern of flutes comprises at least one ridge in a flute period between adjacent same side peaks, the flutes showing a tapered cross sectional area.

Abstract: The invention provides a sensor device which comprises an input flow channel (10) for receiving a gas flow with entrained matter to be sensed. A thermophoretic arrangement (14a, 14b) is used to induce a thermophoretic particle movement from a first, warmer, region (16) of the input flow channel to a second, cooler, region (18) of the input flow channel (10). A sensor (24) comprises a particle sensor component at or downstream of the first region (16) of the input flow channel (10). The invention provides the benefit of pre-filtering (e.g. removal of most suspended solids/liquids) without the need for a physical filter that can become blocked.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a system that provides an environmentally friendly method to clean air over towns and cities. The system utilizes tourmaline filters and rocks, sunlight, and water to simulate the cleaning properties of waterfalls in order to create an ionized surface within a cylindrical tube and creates raindrops and mist to simulate precipitation. The system eliminates pollutants instead of transferring them to the surrounding environment.

Abstract: In various aspects, apparatuses and methods are provided for low pressure drop gas separations. In PSA processes, where there are large swings in pressure and corresponding swings in fluid velocity through the adsorbent, mechanical stresses during pressure cycling are of considerable concern. When that pressure is relieved in a lower pressure portion of the cycle, the high velocity of gas moving through the adsorbent bed can erode, strip away, or otherwise damage the channels within the adsorbent. Provided herein are methods which utilize flexible boundaries between adsorbent beds that are operated out of phase with one another. The flexible boundaries permit an increase in void space through the adsorbent during high pressure stages of the cycle and a decrease in void space through the adsorbent during low pressure stages of the cycle.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for producing oil and gas in a plant while removing hydrogen sulfide and water from fluids produced from oil and gas reservoirs and injecting a sour gas stream containing the hydrogen sulfide into an underground formation. Water-selective membranes are used to debottleneck known systems and methods by removing water from bottlenecked sections of the plant including pretreatment of a sour gas feed to one or more gas processing plants. In other aspects, water-selective membranes are used to debottleneck the pretreatment of an acid gas feed to a Claus unit to convert hydrogen sulfide to sulfur in a gas processing plant. The water-selective membranes pretreat the acid gas feed.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for increasing oil production in an integrated oil and gas production plant including hydrogen sulfide removal and sour-gas injection into an underground formation. Hydrogen sulfide-selective membranes are used to debottleneck known systems and methods by removing hydrogen sulfide from bottlenecked plant process steps including sour gas compression, hydrogen sulfide removal and sour gas injection. A method of retrofitting an integrated plant includes adding a hydrogen sulfide-selective membrane upstream of an amine unit to remove hydrogen sulfide from an associated gas stream and form a permeate stream enriched in hydrogen sulfide and a retentate stream depleted in hydrogen sulfide and enriched in hydrocarbon gases. Less hydrogen sulfide is sent to the amine unit and oil production is higher than in the integrated plant without the hydrogen sulfide-selective membrane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aqueous alkanolamine solution and use therein a process for the selective removal of hydrogen sulfide from gaseous mixtures comprising hydrogen sulfide. The aqueous alkanolamine solution consists of —an amino compound with the formula: R1R2NCH2CH(OH)CH2OH wherein R1 and R2 independently represent methyl, ethyl, propyl or isopropyl groups —and bis(2-hydroxyethyl)methylamine, —optionally one or more of a physical solvent, an antifoaming agent, an antioxidant, a corrosion inhibitor, a film former, a chelating agent or a pH adjuster and —water The process for selectively removing hydrogen sulfide, comprising the step of contacting the gaseous mixture with the aqueous alkanolamine solution, preferably wherein the temperature of the aqueous alkanolamine solution is equal to or greater than 140° F.

Abstract: A cartridge-based gas drying device for external electrical boxes. The device attaches to the box via box connector fitted through an existing knock-out in a wall of the box. The device includes an indicating molecular sieve filled with hydroscopic desiccant that absorbs water vapor in the box to maintain the humidity below ambient outside humidity levels. A two-piece design allows the device to be serviced without requiring subsequent access to the inside of the electrical box.

Abstract: [Problem] The object of the invention is to provide the filter device disposed in the moist fluid passage of the fuel cell system in that, water is not adhered and never remains in the filter and when leaving it under the low temperature after the system stops, blockage by freezing the filter can surely be prevented, and the complex control and the heat source such as heaters for the decompression as conventional is unnecessary, and the filter device is cheap and compact.

Abstract: Ionization systems configured with a catalyst-bearing sleeve provide improved filtration while keeping ozone levels within acceptable limits. Modular configurations provide for serviceability and replaceability. System controls monitor particulates, temperature, humidity, and other relevant factors and adjust an ionization level accordingly for optimal performance.

Abstract: Provided is an exhaust gas purifying apparatus capable of purifying exhaust gas by using water. The exhaust gas purifying apparatus includes an electrolyzed alkaline water generator which includes a cathode and an anode formed of Mg or an Mg alloy, and in which water is electrolyzed through application of voltage across the cathode and anode, to generate electrolyzed alkaline water. The purifying apparatus includes an exhaust gas absorption tower into which exhaust gas is introduced. Spray nozzles spray the electrolyzed alkaline water in the exhaust gas absorption tower.

Abstract: Oxygen is effectively removed from hydrocarbon-containing gas streams while minimizing danger of explosion by contacting the gas stream with a catalyst comprising shaped bentonite supports having an outer shell containing catalytic metals gold, and at least one of palladium platinum, rhodium, or iridium.

Abstract: A filtration module includes a stack of at least two spacers. At least one spacer in the stack includes a first and a second outer plate and at least one internal permeate channel arranged in between the first and second outer plates such that the outer plates form two of the walls that define at least one internal permeate channel. The at least one internal permeate channel extends between two opposite side, other than the first and second outer plates, of the spacer. Moreover, the first and second outer plates of at least one spacer are porous or perforated and a filtration membrane is attached to the first and second outer plate of at least one spacer such that liquid transferred across the membrane is further transported through the pores or perforations to the at least one internal permeate channel.

Abstract: An entry mixing element is provided for mixing an incoming fluid flow having first and second unmixed components arranged so as to define a transverse flow cross-section perpendicular to a flow direction. The entry mixing element includes a central axis configured to be aligned with the flow direction of the incoming fluid flow, and an entry dividing wall extending parallel to the central axis and positioned to divide the incoming fluid flow into first and second fluid flow portions, each portion containing an amount of the first component and an amount of the second component. The entry dividing wall is configured to divide the incoming fluid flow into the first and second fluid flow portions in any rotational orientation of the entry mixing element about its central axis relative to the transverse flow cross-section of the incoming fluid flow. Related static mixers and methods of mixing are also provided.

Abstract: A mixing container is disclosed having a moving grip positioned outside of its lid such that the grip is rotatable to allow contents inside the container to pour out or to prevent the pouring of contents.

Abstract: A mixing and thawing device (1) has a rocker drive (2) and a bag holder (3) for holding a bag (7). The bag holder (3) has a base part (8) and a lid part (9) that enclose a holding space (10) for the bag (7). A heating element (11) is arranged in the base part (8). Thus, the holding space (10) is designed as a heat-insulating closed chamber. Interconnected intermediate spaces (14, 15) are arranged between the bag (7) and the base part (8) and between the bag (7) and the lid part (9). One or more flow generators (16) are provided to generate a circulating fluid flow (17).

Abstract: A method of mixing a crosslinking blend in a portable tote for use to crosslink polymer modified asphalts. The method includes providing a portable tote, where the tote includes a tank having a sidewall, a top and a bottom portion. Fixedly positioned partially within the tank interior is an air mixing system that includes a hollow wand that has a distal and a proximal end. The proximal end of the wand exits the tank. The distal end of the tote is connected to at least one accumulator plate, where the accumulator plate is adjacent to the interior bottom portion of the tank. Stored in the interior of the tank is a crosslinking blend suitable for use to crosslink polymer modified asphalts. The method includes the steps of attaching a pulsed gas controller to the proximal end of the wand and coupling a source of compressed gas to the controller, then activating the controller to cause mixing of the crosslinking blend by pulsing gases into the crosslinking blend for a sufficient period of time.

Abstract: A blending device includes a motor, a motor controller, and a wireless controller configured to receive a wireless signal. The motor controller may be configured to alter the operations of the motor based the wireless signal. The wireless signal may include a blending program to be carried out by the blending device. The blending device may include one or more sensors configured to sense parameters of the blending device. The wireless signal may include information related to the sensed parameters. A blending device network may be formed by providing a second blending device having a wireless controller in communication with the first blending device wireless controller. The first and second blending devices may share information over the network.

Abstract: A beverage preparation system for making hot or cold beverages includes a beverage dispenser which comprises an electromagnet and a control unit for controlling the electromagnet. The system further comprises a new disposable container for beverage ingredients, which comprises a magnetically actuated dispensing means having an anchor that is movable between an open and a closed position. When the anchor opens the dispensing means in the open position, a continuous flow of beverage ingredients from the reservoir through and from the dispensing means occurs.

Abstract: A coating apparatus having a rotatable drum with at least one moveable separating element arranged on an end side, and granular bodies can be transferred into the drum and/or out of the drum by a movement that leads to release. A separating element can be moved from a closed position into an open position by rotation about an axis of rotation. In the closed position, a subregion lies with its underside against an inner wall of the drum or has a small gap there. In the open position, the subregion on the underside is spaced apart from the inner wall of the drum and there is an opening there through which granular bodies can pass. On the end sides of the drum there are stop elements with which a drum of at least one further module is connectable in order to form a coating apparatus and/or a closure element.

Abstract: A tubular reactor that produces maleic anhydride from a gas mixture containing n-butane and oxygen includes a first reaction zone including an inlet for the gas mixture and a second reaction zone including an outlet for a reaction gas mixture, a plurality of tubes extending in an axial direction through the first and second reaction zones, a temperature control system, configured for controlling a reaction temperature in each of the reaction zones independently, includes a heat transfer system for each of the reaction zones configured for controlling the temperature of a liquid coolant flowing through one of the reaction zones, and a circulation pumping system configured for controlling flow conditions of the liquid coolant flowing through the reactor and one of the heat transfer systems, and a preheating arrangement configured for preheating the gas mixture such that the gas mixture enters the first reaction zone at a predefined inlet temperature.

Abstract: Assembly of a fluidized bed reactor for the preparation of polycrystalline silicon granules by chemical vapor deposition of silicon onto seed particles and removal of polycrystalline silicon granules is facilitated without breakage and with gas tightness by a specific assembly sequence.

Abstract: A gas-liquid-solid three-phase slurry bed industrial reactor capable of achieving continuous operation comprises an inlet gas distribution component composed of a false bottom and inlet gas distribution tubes, one or more layers of heat exchange tube components used for heating/cooling the bed, one or more layers of liquid-solid separator components capable of being cleaned automatically, an outlet gas-liquid-solid entrainment separation component located in the upper portion of the interior of the reactor and used for removing liquid foam and solid entrainments, a plurality of layers of solid concentration uniform distribution devices used for reducing the catalyst concentration gradient and the inlet-outlet temperature difference of the reactor, a flow guiding device located on a component support beam and used for preventing catalyst accumulation, and auxiliary systems including a filter-backflush system and a washing system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gelled carbon-based composition forming an organic polymeric monolithic gel which is suitable for forming an aerogel by drying, to uses and to a process for preparing this carbon-based composition. The invention applies especially to the production of such gels having a very low density and a very low heat conductivity, a very high specific surface area and a satisfactory compression strength, for their use as thermal superinsulators or as carbon-based electrode precursors of supercondensers. A composition according to the invention comprises a resin at least partly derived from polyhydroxybenzenes H and from formaldehyde(s) F, said polyhydroxybenzenes comprising at least one unsubstituted polyhydroxybenzene R? and at least one polyhydroxybenzene substituted with one or two alkyl groups.

Abstract: A system for combinatorial deposition of a thin layer on a substrate is described. The system comprises at least one deposition material source holder and a substrate holder. The system also comprises a rotatable positioning system for subsequently positioning the at least one substrate in parallel and in non-parallel configuration with at least one deposition material source. The system comprises at least one mask holder arranged for positioning a mask between at least one of the target holder and the positioning system, for allowing variation of the material flux across the at least one substrate when the combinatorial deposition is performed. The mask holder is in a fixed arrangement with respect to the at least one deposition material source holder during the combinatorial depositing.

Abstract: A substrate for biochips, in which carboxyl groups are immobilized on a substrate whose surface at least is composed of carbon; and a method for producing the substrate are disclosed. The substrate for biochips comprises a substrate whose surface at least is composed of carbon; and an acrylic polymer having free carboxyl groups in the molecular structure thereof, which acrylic polymer is immobilized on the surface of the substrate. The method for producing the substrate comprises irradiating the substrate whose surface at least is composed of carbon with ultraviolet light during the acrylic polymer having free carboxyl groups in the molecular structure thereof contacts the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a system and method for controlled manufacturing of mono-disperse microbubbles. According to the invention, the mono-disperse nature of the collection of generated microbubbles can be improved by releasing the pressurized gaseous medium used in the system using release valve units. This further allows the system to be embodied as a portable system. In turn, the operator of an ultrasound imaging apparatus may use the system according to the invention to generate microbubbles on a patient-by-patient basis.

Abstract: A production apparatus for fine particles includes a vacuum chamber, a material feeding device connected to the vacuum chamber and feeding material particles from a material feeding port into the vacuum chamber, electrodes arranged in the vacuum chamber for generating plasma and a fine particle collection device connected to the vacuum chamber and collecting fine particles. The fine particles are produced from the material by generating electric discharge inside the vacuum chamber. The apparatus includes an inner chamber which forms an outside space with respect to the vacuum chamber installed between a wall of the vacuum chamber and a plasma generation region and gas supply pipes which supply a gas to the outside space between the wall of the vacuum chamber and a wall of the inner chamber.

Abstract: A method and a system for producing a change in a medium. The method places in a vicinity of the medium at least one energy modulation agent. The method applies an initiation energy to the medium. The initiation energy interacts with the energy modulation agent to directly or indirectly produce the change in the medium. The system includes an initiation energy source configured to apply an initiation energy to the medium to activate the energy modulation agent.