Abstract: This invention relates to azirconium hydroxideor zirconium oxide comprising, on an oxide basis, up to 30 wt % of a dopant comprising one or more of silicon, sulphate, phosphate, tungsten, niobium, aluminium, molybdenum, titanium or tin, and having acid sites, wherein the majority of the acid sites are Lewis acid sites. In addition, the invention relates to a catalyst, catalyst support or precursor, binder, functional binder, coating or sorbent comprising the zirconium hydroxide or zirconium oxide.

Abstract: A method of producing an oxide of manganese including reacting, in a first aqueous solution, a manganese salt and an alkali agent to form manganese hydroxide; separating the manganese hydroxide from the first solution; mixing the manganese hydroxide into an aqueous medium to form a manganese hydroxide suspension; mixing the manganese hydroxide suspension with alkali metal hydroxide to form a second aqueous solution; and oxidizing the manganese hydroxide in the second aqueous solution to form an oxide of manganese. The dried oxide of manganese includes birnessite, a maximum of 20% hausmannite, and a maximum of 10% feitknechtite, may further include a maximum of 400 ppm of anions, may have a specific surface area of at least 25 m2/g, and may have an average oxidation state of greater than 3.5.

Abstract: A method for producing a nickel-containing hydroxide is provided that includes a particle growth step of promoting growth of nickel-containing hydroxide particles by neutralization crystallization in an aqueous solution accommodated in an agitation tank. In the particle growth step, an averaged value of the maximum accelerations of the flows of streamlines for the aqueous solution is greater than 600 m/s2.

Abstract: A vessel that has a pre-filtered liquid area, a compressible portion, and filter material. The pre-filtered liquid area is configured to receive an unfiltered liquid. The compressible portion defines at least in part a filtered liquid storage area. The compressible portion is configured to be compressed into a compressed state and to return to an uncompressed state when no longer compressed. The filter material is positioned between the pre-filtered liquid area and the filtered liquid storage area. The unfiltered liquid is sucked from the pre-filtered liquid area through the filter material and into the filtered liquid storage area when the compressible portion returns to the uncompressed state. The filter material filters the unfiltered liquid, as the unfiltered liquid is sucked through the filter material, to produce a processed liquid that includes filtered liquid and/or purified liquid.

Abstract: A system for and method of cleaving a bond between a first atom and a second atom in a molecule of a material are presented. One embodiment of the technique includes selecting a first electromagnetic radiation frequency, the first electromagnetic radiation frequency including a product of a golden mean and a base frequency associated with at least one of the first atom and the second atom. Such an embodiment further includes directing a first electromagnetic radiation at the material, where the first electromagnetic radiation has a frequency equal to the first electromagnetic radiation frequency, and where the first electromagnetic radiation frequency is sufficient to cleave the bond between the first atom and the second atom.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for monitoring the separation of lime particles from a water stream, including a water inlet via which water that contains lime particles is fed, a separation chamber, within which the lime particles are separated from the water by centrifugal forces, and a water outlet, via which the water from which the lime particles have been separated is discharged, a collection chamber being provided for receiving the lime particles separated from the water and a sensor system being provided on the collection chamber, by means of which sensor system the separation process of the lime particles from the water stream can be monitored.

Abstract: A vapor compression distillation assembly for distilling influent liquid, the vapor compression distillation assembly comprising a housing defining an interior and having an inlet for influent liquid, an evaporator and a condenser provided within the housing interior, an outlet for distillate, and at least one compressor fluidly coupled with the housing interior.

Abstract: Techniques for solar thermal water purification by recycling photovoltaic reflection losses are provided. In one aspect, a solar thermal water purification system includes: a water purification component for desalinating salt water, the water purification component having multiple stages through which the salt water passes, and condensers in each of the stages; and a photovoltaic component configured to heat the salt water prior to the salt water entering a first stage of the water purification component, wherein desalinated water evaporates and condenses in each of the stages to be collected as pure water. A system using reverse osmosis and a heat-driven water pump is also provided. Methods for water purification are also provided.

Abstract: Synthesis, fabrication, and application of nanocomposite polymers in different form (as membrane/filter coatings, as beads, or as porous sponges) for the removal of microorganisms, heavy metals, organic, and inorganic chemicals from different contaminated water sources.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method of removing pesticides from water. An electrolysis cell oxidizes pesticides and/or other organic components, optionally in conjunction with one or more filtration steps. Hydrogen peroxide may be added to the electrolysis process to aid oxidation.

Abstract: A liquid processing apparatus includes a processing tank, a liquid introduction port, a discharge portion, a first electrode, a second electrode, and a power supply. The liquid introduction port is disposed on a first end side of the processing tank, causes a liquid to swirl in the processing tank by introducing the liquid into the processing tank in a tangential direction of the processing tank, and generates a gas phase in a swirling flow of the liquid. The first electrode has a rod shape and is disposed at the first end on a central axis of the processing tank. The second electrode is disposed so as to be exposed to the discharge portion of the processing tank. A voltage is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode to generate plasma in the gas phase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for removal and prevention of 5 scale deposition comprising SMPS (switched mode power supply) (1) for generating DC signal, retrofittable pipe section (3) being fitted in residence water carrying pipe wherefrom the scale is removed or prevented to be deposited, a signal cable (2) being wound around the pipe section (3) to form overlapped coils of optimum turns being connected by center tap (2c), a 10 transistor (4) of low operating frequency electrically connected with signal cable (2) at center tap (2c) formed between overlapped coils. The conductor lead (2a) and conductor lead (2b) are respectively connected to the terminal Band C of the transistor (4). By said configuration, when the signal is applied to the signal cable (2), an alternative electromagnetic field with variable 15 frequency is induced around pipe that effectively removes and prevents the scale forming through the water passed from said conduit.

Abstract: A method of removing food soils from a recirculated washing solution includes adding a flocculating agent to the recirculated washing solution and separating the particulates from the recirculated washing solution using a hydrocyclone. The flocculating agent causes a portion of the food soils to combine into particulates having a higher density.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for treating the production water originating from enhanced hydrocarbon recovery, and containing one or more water-soluble polymers and Fe2+ ions, consisting of at least partially oxidizing the Fe2+ ions by introducing at least one reaction activator and oxygen into said production water, the molar ratio of introduced oxygen to Fe2+ ions being less than or equal to 0.25.

Abstract: A mixer support assembly for use in an integrated cover and mixer apparatus and anaerobic digester system incorporating same provided. The digester system includes a tank with an integrated cover and mixer apparatus which provides a completely or substantially gas tight enclosure for the collection of biogas. The integrated cover and mixer apparatus includes a cover, a mixer, and a mixer support assembly for supporting the mixer. The mixer support assembly includes a float ring and a support body that is selectively removable from the float ring. The support body is attached to the float ring by way of a clamping arrangement.

Abstract: A process for aerobic treatment of wastewater is provided, which process comprises: (a) supplying a liquid influent comprising wastewater to a reactor containing granular biomass; (b) subjecting the reaction mixture to aerobic conditions comprising a concentration of dissolved oxygen from 0.1 mg/L to 4.0 mg/L, and a hydraulic retention time from 0.5 to 72 hours; (c) separating the reaction mixture into granular biomass and treated wastewater; and (d) recycling separated granular biomass to the reaction mixture. A bioreactor for the process is also disclosed, comprising a reaction vessel provided with an aeration means, a solids separation device with an inlet in the lower part of the reaction vessel having an outlet line for solids arranged to transport separated solids to a riser driven by airlift action and arranged to transport the solids to the upper part of the reaction chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for high throughput purification of liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus for evaporative concentration of water, containing hardness-causing substances, to be treated using hot lime softening, includes: a first evaporator configured to form first concentrated water from the water to be treated by evaporatively concentrating the water by first heat exchange with hot steam; a hot lime softener configured to precipitate and to separate hardness-causing substances contained in the first concentrated water from at least a portion of the first concentrated water from the first evaporator by reaction with lime and configured to remove the hardness-causing substances from the first concentrated water; and a second evaporator configured to form second concentrated water by further evaporatively concentrating at least a portion of the first concentrated water that passed through the hot lime softener by second heat exchange with hot steam.

Abstract: A stirrer includes a shaft, and a plurality of stirring blades mounted on the shaft along a longitudinal direction of the shaft. The stirrer is configured to stir molten glass in a stirring vessel by causing the plurality of stirring blades to turn about the shaft in association with rotation of the shaft. The plurality of stirring blades (blade bodies) each have a through opening and a distal end portion extending along the longitudinal direction of the shaft. The plurality of stirring blades are mounted on the shaft so that, when the plurality of stirring blades turn about the shaft, the stirring blades that are closer to one end side of the shaft are delayed in phase around the shaft with respect to the stirring blades on another end side of the shaft.

Abstract: A refractory orifice ring of a glass forming apparatus. The orifice ring includes an annular side wall and a base wall. At least one discharge hole is formed in the base wall. The discharge hole includes a top opening and a bottom opening, wherein the top opening has a surface area greater than a surface area of the bottom opening.

Abstract: Provided is a method comprises: continuously forming an elongated, glass film having marginal portions from molten glass into a given shape having two marginal portions, in width-directional opposite edge regions thereof, wherein the glass film having marginal portions has the marginal portions, and an effective portion formed in a width-directional central region of the glass film having marginal portions; annealing the glass film having marginal portions; continuously forming resin tapes on the glass film having marginal portions at positions adjacent to and away by a given distance from the respective marginal portions, to extend in a length direction of the glass film having marginal portions; and continuously removing each of the marginal portions from the glass film having marginal portions, along a position between the marginal portion and a corresponding one of the resin tapes, or at a given width-directional position within the corresponding resin tape.

Abstract: An optical fiber preform manufacturing apparatus comprising a seal member, wherein the seal member is attached to a flange portion formed in an open portion of a reaction chamber into which a burner is inserted, the seal member includes a first sheet that is flexible and includes an open portion that is smaller than an outer diameter of the burner, through which the burner is inserted; a second sheet having the same thickness as the first sheet and including an open portion that is larger than an outer diameter of the first sheet; and two third sheets that each include an open portion that is larger than the outer diameter of the burner and smaller than the outer diameter of the first sheet, the second sheet is arranged in the same plane as the first sheet, and the first and second sheets are sandwiched by the two third sheets.

Abstract: To provide a method of sintering an optical fiber porous glass base material, capable of sufficient dehydration and reducing a transmission loss caused by residual moisture by efficiently transferring heat from the heater to the base material during a process in dehydration/sintering for an optical fiber porous glass base material, a porous glass base material having a heat shield plate installed in a vicinity of a lower end is vertically inserted into a furnace core tube provided with a heater along an outer circumference, and heating using the heater is performed. The heat shield plate has an outer diameter which is 70% or larger than a diameter of the porous glass base material and smaller than an inner diameter of the furnace core tube.

Abstract: The present embodiment relates to an optical fiber preform manufacturing method in which two or more kinds of alkali metal elements are diffused and doped to an inner surface of a glass pipe. The manufacturing method includes: a first drying step performed at a temperature equal to or lower than a lowest temperature among melting point temperatures of the alkali metal salt raw materials; and a second drying step performed at a temperature which is equal to or higher than a highest temperature among the melting point temperatures of the alkali metal salt raw materials and at which vapor pressures of the alkali metal salt raw materials are 2 mmHg or lower.

Abstract: A furnace system includes a muffle defining a furnace cavity. A lower heater is coupled to the muffle and is configured to create a hot zone within the furnace cavity having a temperature of about 1900° C. or greater. An upper muffle extension is positioned above the muffle and defines a handle cavity. A downfeed handle is positioned within the handle cavity such that a gap is defined between an outer surface of the downfeed handle and an inner surface of the upper muffle extension. An upper heater is thermally coupled to the upper muffle extension and configured to heat the gap. A gas screen is positioned in the upper muffle extension and is configured to inject a process gas into the handle cavity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a glass wool cutting device. The device includes a cutting section housing that has a cutting section chamber, a feed port that is connected to the cutting section chamber, and a discharge port that is connected to the cutting section chamber. A stationary knife is disposed on the cutting section housing to protrude into the cutting section chamber and a movable cutter that has a rotary support body is disposed in the cutting section chamber and a movable knife is supported on the rotary support body to apply a shearing force to the glass wool together with the stationary knife. Additionally, a cutter actuator provides a driving force to the rotary support body.

Abstract: A composition for solar cell electrodes and a solar cell electrode fabricated using the composition, the composition including a conductive powder; a glass frit; and an organic vehicle, wherein the glass frit has a reaction index (RI) of about 0.5 to about 1.0, as calculated according to Equation 1: Reaction index (RI)=Ib/Ia??<Equation 1> wherein, in Equation 1, Ia denotes a maximum peak intensity measured on a specimen at 20.5° to 20.7° (2?) by XRD analysis, the specimen being obtained by mixing the glass frit with Si3N4 powder in a weight ratio of 1:1 to prepare pellets, followed by heat-treatment at 800° C. for 10 minutes, and Ib denotes a maximum peak intensity measured on the specimen at 20.75° to 20.95° (2?) by XRD analysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ceramic glaze with improved aesthetic and technical possibilities for application on ceramic substrates by means of digital inkjet technology, and which comprises a high content of frits and/or ceramic raw materials having a large particle size. Said glaze also comprises water, at least one solvent from the family of glycols, carboxymethylcellulose, sodium chloride, and/or at least one acrylic compound, and/or at least one polyurethane compound.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compositions that can be used for optical fibers and other systems that transmit light in the near-, mid- and/or far-ranges of the infrared spectrum, such as for example in the wavelength range of 1.5 ?m to 14 ?m. The optical fibers may comprise a light-transmitting chalcogenide core composition and a cladding composition. In some embodiments, the light-transmitting chalcogenide core composition has a refractive index n(core) and a coefficient of thermal expansion CTE(core), and the cladding composition has a refractive index n(cladding) and a coefficient of thermal expansion CTE(cladding), wherein n(cladding) is less than n(core) and in some embodiments wherein CTE(cladding) is less than CTE(core). In some embodiments, the chalcogenide glass core composition comprises a) sulfur and/or selenium, b) germanium, and c) gallium, indium, tin and/or one or more metal halides.

Abstract: A glass article including a first main surface, a second main surface, and an end face, in which: the glass article includes an antiglare layer on the first main surface side; the antiglare layer has a glass transition point Tg of equal to or less than a glass transition point Tg0 of the glass article at a center portion in a cross section along a thickness direction; and the first main surface has a protrusion diameter y (?m) that satisfies the relation (1) with respect to a 60° specular gloss (gloss value) x (%) of the first main surface, y>?0.0245x+3.65??(1).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for manufacturing glass sheets with diffuse finish and the resulting glass sheet by this process. The glass sheet is subjected to a series of alternate immersions in acidic solutions and alkaline solutions to remove impurities and waste and to generate a diffuse finish on both sides of the glass sheet. The process generates in the glass sheet in at least one side, a diffuse surface with a peak to valley roughness (Rt) of between 5.8343 ?m and 9.3790 ?m; an average roughness (Ra) value between 0.8020 ?m and 0.9538 ?m; an RMS roughness between 0.9653 ?m and 1.1917 ?m; a solar transmission between 84.8% and 46.50%; a solar reflection between 7.4 and 4.4%; a light transmission between 88.5% and 67.70%; a reflection of light between 6.50% and 5.20%; and UV transmission between 35.60% and 70.20%.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a hybrid organo-mineral layer (12) for coating the inner surface (13) of a receptacle as well as to said receptacle for holding products that are biocompatible for humans and/or animals. According to the invention, a solution is formed that contains at least one solvent, water, at least one complexing molecular alkoxysilane precursor, at least one organo-functional molecular precursor and/or silicone, and a catalytic acid, the complexed solution, which is undergoing hydrolysis and condensation, is applied to at least one portion of the inner surface of the receptacle, the applied solution is dried at a specific temperature, and the receptacle is conveyed away and stored.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to methods for the integration of electrochromic films onto a substrate, such as a glass window, and the systems/structures formed via such methods.

Abstract: A chemically strengthened glass having a thickness t of 2 mm or less, having a compressive stress value (CS90) at a portion of 90 ?m deep from a glass surface being 25 MPa or more, and satisfying a number of fragments generated within a size of 25 mm×25 mm being 20 or less in a fracture test according to an indenter indentation test under a condition of holding a load ranging from 5 kgf to 10 kgf for 15 seconds with a pyramidal diamond indenter having an indenter angle of a facing angle of 60°.

Abstract: A lime hydrator integrated into a flue gas desulfurization system or other industrial system is provided that provides an in-situ variable rate of cured hydrated lime production for a variable supply rate of the in-situ produced cured hydrated lime for use within a flue gas stream as a moistened hydrated lime for a reduction of acid gas present in a flue gas stream. Also provided is a method of using a lime hydrator integrated into a flue gas desulfurization system or other industrial system to provide in-situ a variable production rate of cured hydrated lime for a variable supply rate of the in-situ produced cured hydrated lime for use within a flue gas stream as a moistened hydrated lime for a reduction of acid gas present in a flue gas stream.

Abstract: A composite product comprising a metakaolin-based mineral polymer. The composite product has a number of applications including use as a fire resistant material, use as a thermally insulating material and use as an impact resistance material. Methods of preparing a composite product according to the present invention and a kit of parts for preparing the composite product are also disclosed.

Abstract: A dry composition formulated to be combined with water to form a jamb spray mix, the dry composition comprising, by weight: 0.1% to 10% phosphate by weight based on total weight of the dry composition; 5% to 15% plasticizer by weight based on total weight of the dry composition; and the balance including fused silica particles and impurities.

Abstract: There are provided an oxide sintered material containing an In2O3 crystal phase, a Zn4In2O7 crystal phase and a ZnWO4 crystal phase, and a method of producing the oxide sintered material. The method includes forming the oxide sintered material by sintering a molded body containing In, W and Zn, and forming the oxide sintered material including placing the molded body at a first constant temperature selected from a temperature range of 500° C. or more and 1000° C. or less for 30 minutes or longer.

Abstract: A porous material includes aggregate particles and a binding material. In the aggregate particles, oxide films containing cristobalite are provided on surfaces of particle bodies that are silicon carbide particles or silicon nitride particles. The binding material contains cordierite and binds the aggregate particles together in a state where pores are provided therein. The mass ratio of the cordierite to the whole of the porous material is in the range of 10 to 40 mass %. The oxide films that exist between the particle bodies and the binding material have a thickness less than or equal to 0.90 ?m.

Abstract: The composite sintered body includes AlN and MgAl2O4. The open porosity of the composite sintered body is lower than 0.1%. The relative density of the composite sintered body is not lower than 99.5%. The total percentage of the AlN and the MgAl2O4 contained in the composite sintered body is not lower than 95 weight percentage and not higher than 100 weight percentage. The percentage of the MgAl2O4 contained in the composite sintered body is not lower than 15 weight percentage and not higher than 70 weight percentage. It is thereby possible to provide a high-density composite sintered body having high plasma corrosion resistance, high volume resistivity, and high thermal conductivity.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a nanolaminated material of the formula (M1x±?,M2y±?)2??A1??C1±? wherein Ml is a first transition metal and M2 is a second transition metal. The M1 and M2 atoms are chemically ordered in relation to each other within the plane. The disclosure also relates to a process for producing a substantially two-dimensional material from said nanolaminated material, as well as a substantially two-dimensional material. The substantially two-dimensional material may comprise ordered vacancies or two transition metals which are chemically ordered.

Abstract: A method of treating a carbon/carbon composite is provided. The method may include infiltrating a carbonized fibrous structure with hydrocarbon gas to form a densified fibrous structure. The method may include treating the densified fibrous structure with heat at a first temperature range from about 1600 to about 2400° C. to form a heat treated densified fibrous structure. The method may include infiltrating the heat treated densified fibrous structure with silicon to form a silicon carbide infiltrated fibrous structure.

Abstract: A porous material includes aggregate particles and a binding material. In the aggregate particles, oxide films containing cristobalite are provided on surfaces of particle bodies that are silicon carbide particles or silicon nitride particles. The binding material binds the aggregate particles together in a state where pores are provided therein. The porous material contains at least one of copper, calcium, and nickel as an ancillary component.

Abstract: A method for improving the hydrophobic properties of a fiber cement product, said method comprising the steps of: providing a fiber cement product comprising at least one profiled surface; applying a hydrophobation agent to the at least one profiled surface; wherein the obtained fiber cement product has a water take up of less than 1.5 mL after 48 hours as measured by the RILEM Test No 11.4 in horizontal application.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fertilizer composition comprising nitrogen and phosphorus, wherein nitrogen is provided by basic L-amino acid(s) complexed to polyphosphate(s). The complex may be precipitated with multivalent metal ion(s) to provide a solid phase fertilizer composition. The basic L-amino acid is advantageously L-arginine and/or L-lysine. The fertilizer composition is capable of providing controlled release of nitrogen during prolonged periods of time.

Abstract: A granular cohered MOP fertilizer having one or more micronutrients, and one or more binding ingredients. The fertilizer is prepared by compacting MOP feed material with a source of zinc and one or more optional binders to form a cohered MOP composition. The cohered MOP composition is then further processed, such as by crushing and sizing, to form a cohered granular MOP product containing a source of zinc. The process yields a fertilizer product containing micronutrients with superior elemental and granule size distribution without compromising handling or storage qualities.

Abstract: The present invention provides the use of silicon as a stimulant for iron absorption in a plant. It also provides a method of stimulating iron absorption in a plant, characterized in that it comprises supplying said plant or soils with an effective quantity of silicon.

Abstract: A new fertilizer composed of calcium sulfate and elemental sulfur, with total sulfur analysis ranging from 30-50%. The new fertilizer will contain both sulfur in the sulfate form for prompt uptake by the crop, along with elemental sulfur which will slowly convert to sulfate sulfur, providing season-long crop nutrition. The new fertilizer will deliver improved environmental benefits by reducing nitrogen runoff that can occur from the use of ammonium sulfate. It will also deliver economic benefits for farmers because they are not paying for nitrogen in ammonium sulfate that will likely not be available for the needs of their spring crop. A manufacturing process that safely and economically sources and adds elemental sulfur to synthetic gypsum prior to being formed into pellets via an extruder, agglomerator or briquetter.

Abstract: Methods of making a fertilizer through the anaerobic digestion of organic matter and applying the fertilizer to plants and plant media have been developed. The method involves primarily the anaerobic digestion of food waste and animal manure, with the food waste being used in greater amounts than animal manure. The method can be applied to a variety of anaerobic digestion devices or systems implementing anaerobic digestion. After the anaerobic digestion of organic matter has occurred, liquid digestate can be separate from solid digestate, the liquid digestate can be heat pasteurized, and filtered. Thereafter, the liquid digestate can be applied as a fertilizer to plants and plant media for the promotion of plant growth, reproduction, and health.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a homogeneous microorganism extract using useful and functional microorganisms and a method for producing the same, and particularly to: a homogeneous microorganism extract which is obtained by homogenizing and extracting a complex enzyme, various inducing substances and the like by using useful microorganisms and functional microorganisms that are isolated from soil for the purpose of soil improvement, crop growth and pest control; and a method for producing said homogeneous microorganism extract.