Abstract: A gas dehumidification device having two heat exchangers, each including a first and second fluid line. Each second fluid line at least partially surrounds the respective first fluid line. Each heat exchanger thermally couples a fluid in the respective heat exchanger second fluid line with a first coolant on an outside surface of the respective heat exchanger second fluid line. The gas dehumidification device further comprises a two-position valve. In a first position, a fluid comprising a higher temperature than the first and/or second coolant is conducted into the first heat exchanger first fluid line and in the second position, the fluid is conducted into the second heat exchanger first fluid line. A controller is configured to place the valve selectively into the first or second position.

Abstract: A porous material comprises at least 60 wt % of a calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite having a Ca/P molar ratio of less than 1.67, having a specific BET surface area of at least 110 m2/g and a pore volume of at least 0.41 cm3/g, both measured after heat treatment at 120° C. A catalyst composition for catalytic reduction of NOx compounds, comprising an active catalyst component: Cu and/or CuO deposited on the porous material as support. A deNOx process according to which an ammonia source is injected into a combustion waste gas stream containing NOx; and to which the catalyst composition is brought into contact with the waste gas stream at a temperature of at least 100° C. and preferably at most 600° C. to carry out, in the presence of O2, a reduction by NH3 of at least a portion of the NOx.

Abstract: Process for treating a combustion waste gas stream containing NOx and contaminants such as heavy metals and/or acid gases, e.g., halogens, SOx, comprising: injecting an alkali sorbent, into the waste gas stream; removing some contaminants with the alkali sorbent from the waste gas stream; injecting an ammonia source into the gas stream; injecting a deNOx catalyst into the gas stream at a temperature of 100° C. to preferably not more than 600° C. to reduce with NH3, in the presence of O2, some NOx to N2 and water in the gas stream, wherein the deNOx catalyst comprises copper and/or copper oxide deposited on a porous support comprising at least 60 wt % of a calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite having a Ca/P of less than 1.67. A blend comprising the alkali sorbent and the deNOx catalyst may be formed to inject them together into the waste gas stream. The ammonia source and the deNOx catalyst are preferably injected simultaneously.

Abstract: Provided is a metal catalyst support including: a case having a space through which exhaust gas passes; and flat plates and corrugated plates which are alternately stacked in the case and coated with a catalyst, wherein the corrugated plates are formed such that a first corrugated plate and a second corrugated plate are disposed with the flat plate therebetween, the first corrugated plate and the second corrugated plate are disposed such that a first corrugated portion and a second corrugated portion are alternately and repeatedly formed, and the vertex of the first corrugated portion and the vertex of the second corrugated portion face and coincide with each other, to thereby minimize deformation during thermal expansion due to external impact, vibration and temperature change.

Abstract: The catalyst heating device includes: an irradiation unit; and a control unit. The irradiation unit includes an antenna and is configured to radiate a microwave through the antenna to a catalyst device which has microwave absorbability and is configured to purify gas, to heat the catalyst device. The control unit has a function of allowing the irradiation unit to make irradiation with the microwave under an irradiation condition including at least any of a frequency of the microwave and a position of the antenna, and has a function of changing the irradiation condition.

Abstract: A method for managing an operation of a reverse osmosis membrane device, includes managing the operation of the reverse osmosis membrane device based on an aluminum ion concentration and/or an iron ion concentration of a feed water and/or a concentrated water of the reverse osmosis membrane device. Any one or more of suitability of a raw water as the feed water, a water temperature of the feed water, a concentration ratio (recovery rate), a pressure (feed water supply pressure, concentrated water pressure, or treated water pressure of the reverse osmosis membrane), an amount of the concentrated water, a continuous operation period, a washing time, a wash frequency, and a timing of replacement of the reverse osmosis membrane are managed based on the aluminum ion concentration and/or the iron ion concentration of the feed water and/or the concentrated water.

Abstract: A platform has a filter system with a first set of filter modules and a second set of filter modules that is different from the first set of filter modules. Each set of filter modules includes an inflow channel and an outflow channel. A fluid inlet is connected to the first set of filter modules, a fluid outlet is connected to the second set of filter modules, and a separation interface separates the first and second sets of filter modules. The separation interface has a first interface channel to connect to the module outflow channel of the first set of filter modules, and a second interface channel to connect to the module inflow channel of the second set of filter modules. The filter system receives fluid through the fluid inlet and, after the fluid has passed through each set of filter modules, discharges the fluid through the fluid outlet.

Abstract: A system, method and device are disclosed for bio-processing a feed stream and providing a constant output by operating a continuous single-pass tangential-flow process. The single-pass process provides high conversion concentration while operating at relatively low feed flow rates, and the process can also be used to provide constant output diafiltration.

Abstract: An automated modular filtration system, particularly for low volume tangential flow filtration processes, comprises a plurality of filtration modules formed as separate assemblies and at least one control unit for jointly controlling filtration processes of individual filtration units. Each filtration module contains at least one individual filtration unit for executing a filtration process independent of the other filtration units, first input ports for receiving a first type of fluids, second input ports for receiving a second type of fluids, and exit ports for outputting unused system fluids. First type fluids are process fluids are specific to the filtration processes executed in individual filtration units. Second type fluids are system fluids not specific to filtration processes executed in the individual filtration units.

Abstract: A heat-pipe membrane module belongs to a heat recycle device. The heat-pipe membrane module is composed of a membrane module and heat pipes. The whole heat pipe is placed in the membrane module where there is heat can be recycled; or one end of heat pipe is placed in the membrane module where there is heat can be recycled and the other end of heat pipe is outside the membrane module. Here, the heat pipe comprises a metal tube, wick and the working fluid, wherein, both ends of the metal tube have covers; the wick is evenly distributed in the inner surface of metal tube, which has a capillary effect; the working fluid fills the wick. The heat-pipe membrane module mentioned above is simple, cheap, and heat efficiency.

Abstract: A membrane filtration system and a membrane bio reactor including the same are described. In an example, the membrane filtration system includes: a treatment tank; a membrane support frame disposed in the treatment tank and mounted with a filtration membrane; a reciprocating portion connected to the membrane support frame and reciprocating the membrane support frame; a sliding portion disposed in the treatment tank, connected to the reciprocating portion, and guiding a moving direction of the membrane support frame; and a sludge lifting portion flexibly disposed at a lower end of the membrane support frame to lift sludge accumulated at a lower part of the treatment tank.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a hollow fiber membrane bundle from a plurality of polysulfone and PVP-based hollow fiber membranes which encompasses the providing of a spinning solution comprising a polysulfone-based material, in particular polysulfone, a vinylpyrrolidone-based polymer, in particular polyvinylpyrrolidone, an aprotic solvent, in particular dimethylacetamide, providing a coagulant liquid comprising water and an aprotic solvent, in particular dimethylacetamide, co-extruding the spinning solution and the coagulant liquid through a concentric annular spinneret into a hollow strand, whereby the cavity of the strand is filled with coagulant liquid, conducting the strand through a precipitation gap, introducing the strand into a precipitating bath comprised substantially of water so as to obtain a hollow fiber membrane, conducting the hollow fiber membranes through at least one rinsing bath and drying the hollow fiber membrane obtained, arranging the resulting hollow fiber membra

Abstract: An asymmetric membrane including a crosslinked polyimide resin, the crosslinked polyimide resin being formed by crosslinking a polyimide resin by a crosslinking agent; the polyimide resin including a structural unit (A) derived from tetracarboxylic dianhydride and a structural unit (B) derived from diamine; the structural unit (A) including a structural unit (A-1) derived from a compound represented by Formula (a-1); the structural unit (B) including a structural unit (B-1) derived from Formula (b-1), and a proportion of the structural unit (B-1) per 100 mol % of the structural unit (B) being from 0.1 to 50 mol %; and the crosslinking agent being a compound having not less than two functional groups that bond with carboxy groups. In Formula (b-1), Q1 and Q2 are each independently a group including an aromatic group, an aliphatic hydrocarbon group, and/or an alicyclic hydrocarbon group; X is a single bond or a particular group.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid mixing device which has a control system and electronic regulation, in charge of receiving the parameters set with respect to the liquid which is expected to be supplied by the tap or supply means whereto said device is connected and which acts on the regulation means of the different supply lines of liquids to mix to achieve said parameters, which has a high measurement and actuation dynamic thanks to measuring sections with ultrasonic transducers and proportional solenoid valves and a configuration and geometry of said measuring sections which allows having a multitude of reliable measurements per second.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for locally producing a solution using a concentrate. In a localized solution production unit, a solution is identified in association with the concentrate. A mixing profile is selected from among a plurality of mixing profiles based on the solution identified. A base fluid is dispensed into a mixing container docked in a container dock. The mixing container includes a mixing impeller rotatably coupled to the mixing container via an impeller shaft extending from a base of the mixing container. A controller actuates an actuator in the container dock to cause an impeller to in the mixing container to rotate. The concentrate is dispensed into the mixing container and mixed with the base fluid via the impeller based on the selected mixing profile.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing water having a high concentration of dissolved ozone is characterized by being configured by connecting: a filtering device; a water tank connected to the filtering device; a pump connected to the water tank; a Venturi tube connected to the pump; a first gas dissolving pressure device connected to the Venturi tube; and a second gas dissolving pressure device connected to the first gas dissolving pressure device.

Abstract: A production plant for processing a suspension and a method for dispersing suspensions. The production plant comprises an extractor or a planetary roller mixer (1), a conveying device and a metering device. The planetary roller mixer (1) comprises at least one central spindle (2) with a toothing (3), at least one planetary spindle (4) with a toothing (5) and a housing (6) with an inner toothing (7) or a housing comprising at least one bushing (8) with an inner toothing (7). The planetary roller mixer (1) further comprises at least one product inlet (9) and at least one product outlet (10). During normal operation, the product outlet (10) is above the product inlet (9) and/or comprises an overflow (14) in the product discharge line (13) provided at the product outlet (10) so that the processing zone of the planetary roller mixer (1) can be substantially completely filled with the suspension.

Abstract: A rotating drum apparatus for the mixing and processing of materials, the rotating drum apparatus comprising: a rotating drum (12) arranged with the length of the drum and the axis of rotation of the drum extending along the horizontal; an inlet at a first point on the drum (12) for receiving materials prior to mixing and/or processing; a screw (14) within the drum (12) for mixing the materials whilst conveying them lengthwise along the drum (12), wherein the screw (14) includes a helical blade extending along the length of the drum (12) with the outer edge of the helical blade being fixed to the inner surface of the drum (12) such that material can be conveyed and mixed in separated volumes (16) between each turn of the screw blade (14); an outlet at a second point along the drum for discharge of materials after mixing and/or processing; and a plurality mixing devices (18) for promoting mixing of the material in each of the separated volumes (16) of material as the material is conveyed along the screw (14),

Abstract: A temperature-responsive hydrogel exhibiting a high viscosity at a high temperature, a low viscosity at a low temperature and a high ratio of the viscosity at a high temperature to the viscosity at a low temperature produced by mixing of an aqueous solution containing a polyalkylene glycol having an average molecular weight of 20,000 to 10,000,000 with an aqueous dispersion containing a silicate salt so as to achieve a specific compositional range of the components in the hydrogel, at a mass concentration of A of 0.01 to 1.5% by mass, at a mass concentration of A of 0.1 to 0.4% by mass and at a mass concentration of B of 0.5 to 10% by mass, at a mass concentration of B of 1 to 5% by mass, with the mass ratio R of A to B (R=(mass of A)/(mass of B)) within the range of 0.01 to 0.5.

Abstract: A method for making an aerogel includes the steps of a) soaking a wet gel having a liquid phase in at least one solvent to substantially replace the liquid phase in the wet gel with the solvent to form a soaked gel; b) freezing the soaked gel to form a frozen gel; and c) drying the frozen gel in a vacuum chamber to form an aerogel.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a process for the preparation of core-shell particles by the coacervation method encapsulating contrast agents for multimodal imaging. The process consists in: a. Providing a water in oil emulsion of a biocompatible polyelectrolyte polymer. b. Providing an aqueous solution of a biocompatible polyelectrolyte polymer having opposite charges of the polyelectrolyte of step a). c. Adding a crosslinking agent to the primary emulsion and the secondary solution. d. Adding at least a tracer independently to the primary emulsion or the secondary solution or emulsion. e. Adding the secondary aqueous solution to the primary emulsions and occurring of the complex coacervation leading to the separation of the coacervate particles. f. Optionally absorb a further tracer into the nanoparticles The disclosure also relates to the coacervates obtained by the above described process and their use as probe for multimodal imaging in the diagnostic field.

Abstract: A chlorine dioxide solution generating apparatus is provided for use primarily in water treatment. The apparatus has a reaction chamber supplied with metered quantities of an acidic solution and a chlorite or chlorate solution whereby a reservoir of a chlorine dioxide solution is generated and retained within the reaction chamber. A conduit is provided along which a pressurized flow of a motive fluid is fed and with which the interior of the reaction chamber communicates via a dip tube. A venturi is located in the conduit adjacent an outlet from the dip tube whereby suction is applied to the reaction chamber by the pressurized flow of motive fluid. The suction draws chlorine dioxide solution from the reservoir whereby it is entrained into the flow of motive fluid. A controller is provided to control flow of motive fluid and metering of the supply of the solutions to the reaction chamber.

Abstract: A method for producing a nucleic acid array which includes (a) a step of forming a layer (a PAG layer) made of a resin composition containing a photoacid generator (PAG) for generating an acid as a result of being exposed to light on a solid phase which has a molecule immobilized thereon and having a functional group protected by an acid-decomposable protective group; (b) a step of exposing a desired position of the PAG layer to light; (c) a step of removing the PAG layer which has been exposed to light; and (d) a step of bringing the solid phase from which the PAG layer has been removed into contact with a nucleotide derivative having an acid-decomposable protective group is provided.

Abstract: The invention providing methods of loading and unloading particulate from micorchannels 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 problem addressed by the invention is that of providing a plasma reactor for decomposition of hydrocarbons which allows stable operation over a prolonged time period. This problem is solved by a plasma reactor for decomposing a hydrocarbon fluid, which comprises a reactor chamber surrounded by a reactor wall and further comprises at least one hydrocarbon inlet and an outlet. A plasma torch having at least two electrodes, which comprise a base part at a first end, is fixed to the reactor wall. At a second end, the electrodes comprise a burner part which projects into the reactor chamber, and a plasma zone is defined between the burner parts of adjacent electrodes. In a region between the plasma zone and the outlet, the hydrocarbon inlet opens into the reactor chamber, and the hydrocarbon inlet is oriented toward the plasma zone such that hydrocarbon fluid flowing therefrom is directed towards the plasma zone.

Abstract: An improved photocatalytic device in which within semiconductors, absorbed electromagnetic radiation is known to generate electron-hole pairs; unwanted recombination of the radiation-generated electrons and holes is a significant limitation of photocatalytic efficiency, while the simultaneous local presence of both electrons and holes at the photocatalyst surface make reaction-specificity difficult to control. A photocatalytic device is described in which radiation-generated electrons and holes are spatially separated to be individually introduced into the reactant flow, minimizing unwanted recombination while promoting reaction-specific outcomes.

Abstract: An inorganic oxide material doped with nano-rare earth oxide particles that is capable of trapping one or more of NOx or SOx at a temperature that is less than 400° C. The nano-rare earth oxide particles have a particle size that is less than 10 nanometers. The catalyst support can trap at least 0.5% NO2 at a temperature less than 350° C. and/or at least 0.4% SO2 at a temperature less than 325° C. The catalyst support can trap at least 0.5% NO2 and/or at least 0.2% SO2 at a temperature that is less than 250° C. after being aged at 800° C. for 16 hours in a 10% steam environment. The catalyst support exhibits at least a 25% increase in capacity for at least one of NOx or SOx trapping at a temperature that is less than 400° C. when compared to a conventional rare earth doped support in a 10% steam environment.

Abstract: An activated carbon slurry supply method comprises: a step A of obtaining activated carbon slurry containing ground activated carbon and raw material water, the step A including, in any order, a step A1 of grinding raw material activated carbon in a grinder to prepare the ground activated carbon having a smaller particle size than a particle size of the raw material activated carbon, and a step A2 of mixing either the raw material water and the raw material activated carbon or the raw material water and the ground activated carbon in a mixer; a step B of conveying the activated carbon slurry to a point of mixing with dilution water or a point of mixing with water to b e treated; and a step C of adding an acid at least before end of the step A.

Abstract: A method for producing a hydrocarbon absorber by extraction and processing of vegetable fibers from the Australian king palm (Archontophoenix cunninghamiana), discarded as waste by the agricultural industry and possessing a high hydrocarbon sorption and agglutination capacity in land environments.

Abstract: A separation matrix comprising porous particles to which antibody-binding protein ligands have been covalently immobilized, wherein the density of said ligands is above 5 mg/ml, the volume-weighted median diameter of said porous particles is at least 10 and below 30 ?m and the said porous particles have a gel phase distribution coefficient, expressed as KD for dextran of molecular weight 110 kDa, of 0.5-0.9.

Abstract: To provide a molded article which can have excellent strength, can also have high durability during repeated use, and can maintain high adsorption performance even when the content of a binder resin is reduced. A molded article containing cerium oxide particles and a binder resin, wherein cerium oxide particles which has an average particle diameter of 1 to 15 ?m and in each of which a crystallite size is 40 to 200 ? are used.

Abstract: A process for producing doped nanoparticles, in particular for N-doped nanoparticles, includes a hydrothermal process using an organic nitrogen-containing compound or a mineral acid having at least one nitrogen atom. In particular, the photocatalytically active particles produced are characterized by a particularly high activity even in visible light.

Abstract: Oxidative dehydrogenation catalysts including mixed oxides of Mo, V, Nb, Te, and optionally a promoter may be dissolved in aqueous solutions of oxalic acid. This permits the removal of catalyst and catalyst residues from reactors for the oxidative dehydrogenation of paraffins and particularly ethane.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a calcium salts-supported metal catalyst, a method for preparing the same, and a method for the hydrodeoxygenation reaction of oxygenates using the same. The catalyst, in which a metal catalyst is supported on a carrier of a calcium salt, for example, calcium carbonate, has the effect of increasing the efficiency of hydrodeoxygenation reaction of oxygenates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel process for the preparation of a nitrogen containing biopolymer-based catalyst and to the novel nitrogen containing biopolymer-based catalysts obtainable by this process. In particular, the invention relates to a novel nitrogen containing biopolymer-based catalyst comprising metal particles and at least one nitrogen containing carbon layer. The invention also relates to the use of a nitrogen containing biopolymer-based catalyst in a hydrogenation process, preferably in a process for hydrogenation of nitroarenes, nitriles or imines; in a reductive dehalogenation process of C—X bonds, wherein X is Cl, Br or I, preferably in a process for dehalogenation of organohalides or in a process for deuterium labelling of arenes via dehalogenation of organohalides; or in an oxidation process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catalyst for the methanation of carbon monoxide and/or carbon dioxide, said catalyst comprising aluminium oxide, an Ni-active substance and Mn and being characterised in that the molar Ni/Mn ratio in the catalyst is 3.0 to 10.0, preferably 4.0 to 9.0 and especially preferably 5.5 to 6.5. The catalyst is characterised by an increased activity with high selectivity and stability. The invention also relates to a method for producing a catalyst according to the invention, comprising the steps: a) co-precipitation from a solution containing Al, Ni and Mn in dissolved form in order to obtain a precipitate; b) isolation of the precipitate from step a); c) drying the isolated precipitate from step b); and d) calcination of the dried precipitate from step c).

Abstract: A carbon nitride membrane composite material modified by black phosphorus/metal organic framework (MOF) and a preparation method and application thereof to waste gas treatment are disclosed. First, taking urea as a raw material to calcine at a high temperature and prepare porous carbon nitride nanosheet; then carrying out surface carboxylation on the porous carbon nitride nanosheet, and modifying metal organic framework (MOF) on the surface of the porous carbon nitride through a layer-by-layer self-assembling method; stripping block black phosphorus materials into a two-dimensional black phosphorus slice by solvent exfoliation method; mixing the MOF-modified porous carbon nitride material with the two-dimensional black phosphorus material, carrying out suction filtration on the mixture under a vacuum pump to obtain the black phosphorus/MOF-modified carbon nitride membrane composite material.

Abstract: The invention relates to an oxygen carrier solid, its preparation and its use in a method of combustion of a hydrocarbon feedstock by active mass chemical-looping oxidation-reduction, i.e. chemical-looping combustion (CLC). The solid, which is hi the form of particles, comprises an oxidation-reduction active mass composed of metal oxide(s) dispersed in a ceramic matrix comprising at least at least one feldspar or feldspathoid with a melting point higher than 1500° C., such as celsian, and has, initially, a specific macroporous texture. The oxygen carrier solid is prepared from a precursor of the ceramic matrix, obtained from a macroporous zeolitic material with zeolite crystals of a specific size, and a precursor of the oxidation-reduction active mass.

Abstract: There is provided a method for producing a catalyst liquid containing a Group 6 to 11 transition metal catalyst in which the transition metal catalyst can be prevented from being blackened during storage, the method including performing addition of an alkenyl compound and addition of a phosphorus ligand, and then performing addition of a Group 6 to 11 transition metal catalyst

Abstract: A composite photocatalyst is provided. The composite photocatalyst includes a nanomotor and a plurality of cocatalysts, the nanomotor comprises a shell formed by porous material, at least one inner core formed by a photocatalyst, and a cavity between the shell and the at least one inner core, the plurality of cocatalysts are located in the cavity. The plurality of cocatalysts are selected from the group consisting of metal nanoparticles, metal oxide nanoparticles, metal sulfide nanoparticles, phosphate nanoparticles, up-conversion material nanoparticles, and any combination thereof. A method for making the composite photocatalyst and application thereof are further provided. The plurality of cocatalysts and the nanomotor forms a photocatalytic synergistic reaction system, improving photo-catalytic activity of the composite photocatalyst.

Abstract: A method for producing a three-dimensional porous catalyst monolith of stacked catalyst fibers, comprising the following steps: a) Preparing a suspension paste in a liquid diluent of metal, metal alloy and/or metal oxide particles of catalytically active metal or metal alloy in which the metals, metal alloy and metal oxide particles can be supported on or mixed with inorganic oxide catalyst support particles, and which suspension can furthermore comprise a binder material, all particles in the suspension having an average particle size in the range of from 0.

Abstract: Oxidative dehydrogenation catalysts comprising MoVNbTeO having improved consistency of composition and a 25% conversion of ethylene at less than 420° C. and a selectivity to ethylene above 95% are prepared by treating the catalyst precursor with H2O2 in an amount equivalent to 0.30-2.8 mL H2O2 of a 30% solution per gram of catalyst precursor prior to calcining and treating the resulting catalyst with the equivalent amount of peroxide after calcining.

Abstract: Processes for regenerating ionic liquid catalyst by contacting the ionic liquid catalyst with hydrogen gas in a regeneration reactor. The amount of hydrogen is less than 550 SCF/BBL (97.96 m3/m3) of spent ionic liquid catalyst, or less than 500 SCF/BBL (89.05 m3/m3) of spent ionic liquid catalyst, or between 550 and 45 SCF/BBL (97.96 and 8.015 m3/m3) of spent ionic liquid catalyst, or between 500 and 50 SCF/BBL (89.05 and 8.905 m3/m3) of spent ionic liquid catalyst. Alkylation processes are also disclosed.

Abstract: Processes for regenerating ionic liquid catalyst in which reaction vessel is operated under conditions sufficient to perform, in the presence of an ionic liquid catalyst, a hydrocarbon conversion reaction and provide a reaction effluent. The reaction effluent is separated into a hydrocarbon phase and a spent ionic liquid catalyst, wherein the spent ionic liquid catalyst includes conjunct polymer. The spent ionic liquid catalyst is contacted with hydrogen in a regeneration zone at conditions sufficient to reduce an amount of conjunct polymer in the spent ionic liquid catalyst to provide a regenerated effluent. The regenerated effluent is separated into a liquid phase comprising regenerated ionic liquid catalyst and a vapor phase comprising hydrogen and hydrogen chloride. The hydrocarbon phase is separated into a plurality of liquid hydrocarbon streams. The vapor phase is isolated from the liquid hydrocarbon streams. Alkylation processes are also disclosed.

Abstract: A collection pipette that collects a microscopic object includes a first tube part, a second tube part connected to an end of the first tube part, and a third tube part connected to the other end of the first tube part. The longitudinal direction of the third tube part intersects with the longitudinal direction of the first tube part, and is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the second tube part. For example, the length in the longitudinal direction of the third tube part is shorter than the length in the longitudinal direction of the first tube part.

Abstract: According to an example aspect of the present invention, there is provided a liquid handling device comprising: means for harvesting energy; energy storage arranged for storing the harvested energy in the liquid handling device; and an electronic component connected to the energy storage and configured to use the energy storage as a power source.

Abstract: Sub-millimeter scale three-dimensional (3D) structures are disclosed with customizable chemical properties and/or functionality. The 3D structures are referred to as drop-carrier particles. The drop-carrier particles allow the selective association of one solution (i.e., a dispersed phased) with an interior portion of each of the drop-carrier particles, while a second non-miscible solution (i.e., a continuous phase) associates with an exterior portion of each of the drop-carrier particles due to the specific chemical and/or physical properties of the interior and exterior regions of the drop-carrier particles. The combined drop-carrier particle with the dispersed phase contained therein is referred to as a particle-drop. The selective association results in compartmentalization of the dispersed phase solution into sub-microliter-sized volumes contained in the drop-carrier particles. The compartmentalized volumes can be used for single-molecule assays as well as single-cell, and other single-entity assays.

Abstract: A method is provided for testing for presence of a particulate selected from the group consisting of: a microorganism, a fungus, a bacteria, a spore, a virus, a mite, a biological cell, a biological antigen, a protein, a protein antigen, and a carbohydrate antigen. The method includes (a) collecting, in a tube (22), fluid that potentially contains the particulate, (b) using a plunger (24) to push the fluid through a filter (26) disposed at a distal portion of the tube or at a distal end of the plunger, and subsequently, (c) while the filter is inside the tube, ascertaining if any of the particulate was trapped by the filter by applying a particulate-presence-testing-facilitation solution to the filter. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A blood sample collection and/or storage device includes a two-piece housing that encompasses a port at which a fingertip blood sample is collected at a sample port. After the sample is taken, the two-piece housing is moved to a closed position deposit the sample onto a storage membrane Embodiments of the device include a one or more capillaries with movable plungers that dispense fluid from the sample port onto the membrane as the housing is closed. A desiccant, which may be held in place by a backbone structure within the housing, is positioned adjacent the membrane. The housing may also be opened to access the stored sample for further processing.

Abstract: Provided is a cell contained container including at least two concaves, wherein the concaves contain cells, wherein a number of kinds of the cells is at least two with respect to the cell contained container, and wherein a shortest distance between centers of most closely adjacent two concaves of the at least two concaves is 9.0 mm or less. In a preferable mode, the concaves contain a liquid, and a total liquid amount of the liquid with respect to the concaves is 10.0 microliters or less. In a more preferable mode, a filling accuracy in terms of a number in which the cells are contained in the concaves is 30% or lower.