Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described, including a water trap (28) that includes an inlet portion (40), via which a mixture of gas and water is configured to enter the water trap, and an outlet portion (42), via which the gas is configured to exit the water trap, the inlet portion and the outlet portion being formed separately from one another and being coupled to one another, such as to form a tube (44) that defines a longitudinal axis and that defines an internal hollow volume through which the gas is configured to flow. A membrane filter (46) is disposed in a flat configuration within the tube, between the inlet portion and the outlet portion, such that the membrane filter is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tube, the membrane filter being configured to prevent the water from passing therethrough. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: A wet scrubber (14) useful for reducing flue gas sulphur oxides and particulate matter comprising an at least first spray level arrangement (34) arranged horizontally in a wet scrubber tower (16). The at least first spray level arrangement (34) may comprise downwardly, upwardly, and/or combination downwardly and upwardly spraying nozzles (40). Arranged between the nozzles (40) is a plurality of single plates (76, 76A) and/or double plates (82) to direct flue gas flow into absorbent liquid or slurry atomized by the nozzles (40) for flue gas sulphur oxide and particulate matter reduction.

Abstract: A method for scavenging airborne formaldehyde comprising a step of contacting the airborne formaldehyde with an amine compound or a salt thereof.

Abstract: A two or particularly three-phase process, and corresponding apparatus, desulfurizes sour hydrocarbon gas, e.g., natural gas, generally better than known, using a fixed-bed, two-phase processes in terms of the amount of H2S scavenged and the breakthrough time of H2S. The three-phase process is effective in scavenging H2S at ambient temperature and pressure, using a copper salt catalyst impregnated on alumina or other generally inert support, which is regenerable.

Abstract: Implementations described herein relate to features for an integrated aftertreatment system. In one implementation, an integrated aftertreatment system comprises a casing that includes a mating flange having a first constant diameter and a catalyst component configured to mate to the mating flange of the casing. The catalyst component includes a canned body including a first portion sized to a second constant diameter to mate with the first constant diameter of the mating flange. In another implementation, an integrated aftertreatment system comprises a casing, a catalyst component positioned within the casing, a particulate filter having an outer casing with an outlet, and a particulate filter joint coupled to the outer casing of the particulate filter at the outlet. An end of the particulate filter joint is aligned with an end of the particulate filter.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments in desalination by direct contact membrane distillation present a cylindrical cross-flow module containing high-flux composite hydrophobic hollow fiber membranes. The present embodiments are directed to a model that has been developed to describe the observed water production rates of such devices in multiple brine feed introduction configurations. The model describes the observed water vapor production rates for different feed brine temperatures at various feed brine flow rates. The model flux predictions have been explored over a range of hollow fiber lengths to compare the present results with those obtained earlier from rectangular modules which had significantly shorter hollow fibers.

Abstract: A porous membrane includes a porous membrane base containing a polymer compound and having pores interconnected in a thickness direction, and a metal oxide film on inner wall surfaces of the pores.

Abstract: The extent of fouling of a spiral wound membrane module such as used in water treatment plants can be monitored using one or more sensors disposed between wraps of the membrane. The sensors, including electrodes, can communicate signals to a two-part computing device. A first part is located inside the pressure vessel in which the membrane module is disposed. The first part provides input signals and power to the sensors and receives sensor signals. A second part is located on the outside of the pressure vessel and communicates power to the first part via inductive coupling. The second part wirelessly receives the sensor signals from the first part and processes the signals to determine the extent of fouling of the membrane module.

Abstract: A spiral wound membrane module including a specialized end cap assembly including a connecting conduit defining a passageway extending radially inward from its outer periphery, and a differential pressure sensor connected to the passageway of the connecting conduit.

Abstract: A method of obtaining a compound may include adding a substrate to a medium in a reactor, and reacting the substrate in the reactor to form the compound. A first stream is separated from the reaction liquid through a first membrane. A second stream is separated from the reaction liquid through a second membrane. The first membrane is a filtration membrane and the second membrane is configured for liquid-gas or liquid-liquid extraction The first membrane and the second membrane are at least partially immersed in the medium and are moved relative to the reactor during the separation steps.

Abstract: A water treatment membrane washing apparatus includes two ozone dissolving tanks for storing filtrate generated by filtering raw water through a water treatment membrane and gas aspirators provided for the respective ozone dissolving tanks, for mixing the filtrate with ozone gas supplied from an ozone supply unit to generate ozone gas containing filtrate, and is configured such that waste ozone gas generated in one of the ozone dissolving tanks is aspirated by the gas aspirator provided for the other ozone dissolving tank. After the filtrate from the raw water is pretreated by being mixed with the waste ozone gas in the aspirator, the pretreated filtrate is mixed with the ozone gas in the other ozone dissolving tank until it reaches a predetermined concentration. The ozone gas containing filtrate is supplied from the secondary side of the water treatment membrane to the primary side thereof to wash the eater treatment membrane.

Abstract: A filter system of the type having a pressure vessel having an annular filter media therein with a filter wiper piston moved by an air or hydraulic piston actuator. An electrically operated drain valve purges wiped contaminants from the filter media. Pressure sensors provide a signal to a controller of vessel inlet and outlet pressure. Position detectors provide signals to the controller of the drain valve position and filter actuation position. The controller has a computer which computes from the sensor inputs parameters representative, in real time, of entry fluid condition, relative amount of filter contamination, relative amount of filter wear, and relative amount of contaminant removal, and provides signals of the representation to indicators providing visual display thereof.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to, inter alia, a modified surface comprising an optically active monomer, a polymeric material having a surface onto which the optically active monomer is covalently bound. In one aspect, a membrane comprising an optically active monomer, a poly(aryl sulfone) membrane having a surface onto which the optically active monomer is covalently bound. The present disclosure also relates to a method of modifying a surface, the method comprising applying sufficient energy to a surface to induce covalent bonding with an optically active monomer, and contacting the optically active monomer with the surface. In one aspect, a method of modifying a surface of a poly(aryl sulfone) membrane is disclosed. In another aspect, a method of synthesizing an optically active monomer is disclosed. In one aspect, a method of filtration of chiral compounds is disclosed.

Abstract: A fluorometric monitoring technique can be used to rapidly evaluate the efficiency of an osmosis membrane. In some examples, the technique includes injecting a bolus of fluorescent tracer into a feed stream. The tracer may be introduced for a period of time less than what is required for the tracer to reach an equilibrium concentration in the permeate stream. The feed stream and the permeate stream may be fluorometrically analyzed to determine a flow rate-independent cumulative-time concentration of the fluorescent tracer in the both streams. The efficiency of the osmosis membrane can then be determined based on these flow rate-independent cumulative-time concentrations.

Abstract: A test center for collecting data related to a diffusiophoretic water filtration module. A method for improving the water quality includes determining at least one undesired colloidal particle and operating a test diffusiophoretic filtration device for effectiveness in removing the undesired colloidal particle. A method for designing a diffusiophoretic water filter also includes analyzing data on colloidal particulates removed from water having passed through a diffusiophoretic water filter having known physical characteristics and known operating conditions; and determining an importance of at least one of the colloidal particulates with respect to at least one of the physical conditions and the known operating conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composite body having, on a porous substrate and in the interstices of the substrate that includes fibers, preferably of an electrically nonconductive material, a porous layer (1) composed of oxide particles bonded to one another and partly to the substrate that include at least one oxide selected from oxides of the elements Al, Zr, Ti and Si, preferably selected from Al2O3, ZrO2, TiO2 and SiO2, and having, at least on one side, a further porous layer (2) including oxide particles bonded to one another and partly to layer (1) that include at least one oxide selected from oxides of the elements Al, Zr, Ti and Si, preferably selected from Al2O3, ZrO2, TiO2 and SiO2, where the oxide particles present in layer (1) have a greater median particle size than the oxide particles present in layer (2), which is characterized in that the median particle size (d50) of the oxide particles in layer (1) is from 0.

Abstract: A hybrid membrane, particularly of polyacrylonitrile (PAN)/graphene oxide (GO)/SiO2, separates oil and water even from emulsions. The membrane can be made by one-step electrospinning, adding GO and SiO2 nanofillers in PAN in various concentrations. The nanofillers may be uniformly embedded in the nanofibrous structure of the electrospun hybrid membrane, with GO mainly embedded inside the PAN nanofibers and may cause knots, and/or SiO2 nanoparticles embedded on the nanofiber surface and may form micro-nano fiber surface protrusions. Hierarchical structures formed can have enhanced hydrophilicity due to oxygen-containing groups on both SiO2 and GO, and have >99% oil rejection from oil-water emulsions. Separation flux and phase rejection of gravity separation may be enhanced by incorporation of nanofillers, which may also enhance membrane mechanical properties. Separated water flux may be enhanced from 2600 (pure PAN) to 3151 Lm?2h?1 for the hybrid.

Abstract: A zeolite membrane complex comprises: a support; and a zeolite membrane formed on the support. The membrane is of SAT-type zeolite, and in an X-ray diffraction pattern obtained by X-ray irradiation to the zeolite membrane, a peak intensity around 2?=13.9° is 1.5 times or more a peak intensity around 2?=8.5°.

Abstract: A problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a separation membrane having excellent separation performance, having high membrane strength and high permeation performance, and mainly including a cellulose-based resin. The present invention is concerned with a separation membrane including a cellulose ester, having, in the interior thereof, voids each having a specified structure, and having a tensile elasticity of 1,000 to 6,500 MPa.

Abstract: Provided is a container for liquids associated with a carbonator is provided including a base, a containment body, the container body and the base defining a first inner volume for a liquid, and an opening closable by a cap, configured to allow access to the liquid in the first inner volume, and wherein the base includes constraining means for a gas container having a second inner volume for the gas, a connection configured to place in fluidic connection the second inner volume with the first inner volume, a valve configured to obstruct or free the connection, and control means configured to control from outside the inner volume of the valve, and wherein the connection is separate from the opening.

Abstract: A fluid preparation system includes a tank, a chemical supply line, a mixer, and a deionized (DI) water supply line. The tank contains a first chemical solution. The chemical supply line is coupled to the tank and configured to supply the first chemical solution. The mixer is coupled to the tank. The DI water supply line is coupled to the mixer and configured to supply DI water. The first chemicals solution and the DI water are mixed at the mixer to generate a second chemical solution.

Abstract: A slurry injection system includes low and high pressure clear fluid manifolds. Low pressure clear fluid is pressurized and communicated to high pressure manifold. A blender unit communicates slurry through a sensor system that generates a flow rate signal and a density signal of the low pressure slurry. The slurry pressurizer is in fluid communication with the high pressure clear fluid manifold through a bypass pump, a mixer, the blender unit and the low pressure clear fluid manifold. The slurry pressurizer forms high pressure slurry that is communicated to the mixer and communicates fluid to the low pressure clear fluid manifold. The mixer mixes the high pressure slurry and high pressure clear fluid from the high pressure clear fluid manifold to form a mixture that is communicated to a slurry injection site. A controller controls the bypass pump using the flow rate and density to control a density of slurry.

Abstract: A manifold having a first side, a second side, a first channel extending from the first side to the second side, and a second channel extending from the first side to the second side is disclosed. The first channel and the second channel each define a linear longitudinal axis. In one embodiment, the first channel longitudinal axis and the second channel longitudinal axis are oblique to the first side and the second side of the manifold. The manifold of the present disclosure provides channels that can be easily cleaned and allow for an increased flow performance.

Abstract: A feed mixture distribution device configured to even out a feed of feed mixture in an annular feed mixture feed channel of a burner. The feed mixture distribution device includes a cylindrical member having a cylindrical wall, a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal central axis X. The cylindrical member is at the first end provided with rectangular flat plate means, which extend radially from the cylindrical wall of the cylindrical member and which are arranged symmetrically about the longitudinal central axis X of the cylindrical member. The cylindrical wall of the cylindrical member is between the rectangular flat plate and the second end provided with helical plate means arranged symmetrically about the longitudinal central axis X of the cylindrical member.

Abstract: An improved a device and method for dispersion and simultaneous orientation of nanoparticles within a matrix is provided. A mixer having a shaft and a stator is provided. The shaft may have a rupture region and erosion region. Further, an orienter having an angled stationary plate and a moving plate are provided. The nanoparticles and the matrix are fed into the mixer. A rotational force is applied to the shaft to produce shearing forces. The shearing forces disperse and exfoliate the nanoparticles within the matrix. The dispersed mixture is outputted onto the moving plate. The moving plate is forced across the angled stationary plate to produce fully developed laminar shear flow. The fully developed laminar shear flow or the two-dimensional extensional drag flow orients the dispersed nanoparticles-matrix mixture.

Abstract: Introduced here are rotors that can be placed inside of microplate wells that include liquid samples. Each rotor can be comprised of a ferromagnetic material. Accordingly, when a rotor is subjected to an external rotational magnetic field, the rotor spins and agitates the liquid sample inside the corresponding well. The spin speed may be adjusted by changing the rotation speed, direction, and/or orientation of the external rotational magnetic field. The rotor typically includes a central cavity within which a probe can be suspended during the biochemical test.

Abstract: A method for mixing a heat-dissipating material, is provided. The method for mixing a heat-dissipating material includes determining a capacity (V) of the static mixer based on an injection amount (Q) per process unit time, a process unit time (td) and a time (t2) during which the viscosity of the heat-dissipating material flowing out of the static mixer becomes twice of the initial mixing viscosity, where when the heat-dissipating material is sequentially injected into first and second external devices using the static mixer, the process unit time is the difference between a first time point on which the heat-dissipating material starts to be injected into the second external device and a second time point on which the heat-dissipating material starts to be injected into the first external device.

Abstract: The present specification discloses a membrane reactor comprising a reaction region; a permeate region; and a composite membrane disposed at a boundary of the reaction region and the permeate region, wherein the reaction region comprises a bed filled with a catalyst for dehydrogenation reaction, wherein the composite membrane comprises a support layer including a metal with a body-centered-cubic (BCC) crystal structure, and a catalyst layer including a palladium (Pd) or a palladium alloy formed onto the support layer, wherein ammonia (NH3) is supplied to the reaction region, the ammonia is converted into hydrogen (H2) by the dehydrogenation reaction in the presence of the catalyst for dehydrogenation reaction, and the hydrogen permeates the composite membrane and is emitted from the membrane reactor through the permeate region.

Abstract: A reactor for conducting exothermic equilibrium reactions, especially for the performance of methanol synthesis by heterogeneously catalysed conversion of synthesis gas, is proposed, which enables readjustment and hence optimization of the reaction conditions along the longitudinal coordinate of the reactor. For this purpose, in accordance with the invention, the reactor is divided into a multitude of series-connected reaction cells, each of which comprises a preheating zone, a cooled reaction zone, one or more cooling zones and a deposition zone for condensable reaction products. In this way, the reaction conditions are adjustable to the respective, local composition of the reaction mixture and variable over the reactor length.

Abstract: A method for processing a chemical stream includes contacting a feed stream with a catalyst in an upstream reactor section of a reactor having the upstream reactor section and a downstream reactor section, passing an intermediate product stream to the downstream reactor section, and introducing a riser quench fluid into the downstream reactor section, upstream reactor section, or transition section and into contact with the intermediate product stream and the catalyst to slow or stop the reaction. The method includes separating at least a portion of the catalyst from the product stream, passing the product stream to a product processing section, cooling the product stream, and separating a portion of the riser quench fluid from the product stream. The riser quench fluid separated from the product stream may be recycled back to the downstream reactor section, upstream reactor section, or transition section as the riser quench fluid.

Abstract: A metal boride aerogel includes a three-dimensional aerogel structure comprising metal boride particles having an average diameter of less than one micron. A method is disclosed for forming a metal boride aerogel including dispersing boron nanoparticles in a solution of a metal salt, forming a boron-loaded metal oxide precursor gel using the dispersed boron nanoparticles in the solution of the metal salt, drying the boron-loaded metal oxide precursor gel to form a boron-loaded metal oxide precursor aerogel, and heating the boron-loaded metal oxide precursor aerogel to form a metal boride aerogel. The metal boride aerogel is essentially free of metal oxide.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for a mass production of microspheres and a multichannel forming device incorporatable therein. The apparatus includes a multi-channel microsphere forming unit, a first source material reservoir containing the first source material and in fluid communication with the plurality of first microchannels, a second source material reservoir containing the second source material and in fluid communication with the plurality of second microchannels, a flow control unit configured to supply a first gas to the first source material reservoir at a first source material flow rate and to supply a second gas to a second source material reservoir at a second source material flow rate and a product reservoir for accommodating the microspheres formed from the multi-channel forming unit.

Abstract: Microcapsules and techniques for the formation of microcapsules are generally described. In some embodiments, the microcapsules are formed in an emulsion (e.g., a multiple emulsion). In some embodiments, the microcapsule may be suspended in a carrying fluid containing the microcapsule that, in turn, contain the smaller droplets. In some embodiments, the microcapsules comprise a shell and a droplet at least partially contained within the shell (e.g., encapsulated within the shell), and may be suspended in a carrier fluid. In certain embodiments, the shell is a hydrogel comprising a poly(acid). In some cases, the poly(acid) is a polyanion. In some cases, the shell does not comprise a poly(base) or polycation (e.g., a polycationic poly electrolyte). In some embodiments, the microcapsules comprise a shell comprising a poly(acid) and a poly(anhydride).

Abstract: This disclosure relates to methods of converting an HF alkylation unit which utilizes HF as a reaction catalyst to a sulfuric acid alkylation unit which utilizes sulfuric acid as a reaction catalyst. This disclosure also relates to a segmented sulfuric acid settler for separating a sulfuric acid phase from a hydrocarbon phase. This disclosure also relates to methods of converting a vertical HF acid settler to a segmented sulfuric acid settler. This disclosure also relates to converted sulfuric acid alkylation units and alkylation processes performed in the converted sulfuric acid alkylation units.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relate to the synthesis of polynucleotides having a predefined sequence on a support. Assembly methods include primer extension to generate overlapping construction oligonucleotides and assembly of the polynucleotides of interest onto an anchor support-bound oligonucleotides. Methods and apparatus for selection of polynucleotides having the predefined sequence and/or length are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems are provided for using laser ablation to manufacture nanoparticles. An example method includes steps of generating, by a laser beam generator, a laser beam, splitting, by a set of beam splitters, the laser beam into a plurality of derivative laser beams, and directing each derivative laser beam towards a plurality of targets. In this example method, the plurality of targets are submerged in corresponding synthesis solvents within corresponding synthesis chambers. Moreover, interaction of each derivative laser beam with its corresponding target releases nanoparticles into the corresponding synthesis solvent to create a nanoparticle solution including both the corresponding synthesis solvent and the released nanoparticles.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for creating parametric resonance of energies in atoms of chemical elements in a substance relate to the field of mechanochemistry. The method is based on the excitation of chemical elements in the composition of the substance by creating artificial conditions for Bohr orbits in atoms of chemical elements in the macrocosm using a rotary exciter at a circumferential rotor speed of v1=466.975 m/sec and rotational speed n=n1/k3/2 [r/min], where n1 is the number of revolutions of the electron in the first stationary orbit, for any chemical element n1=3.839545e6/Nel [rpm], k is the number of grooves of the rotor, Nel is the atomic number of the chemical element in the composition of the substance [m]. The method includes feeding the substance into the inner cavity of the rotor, its passing through the grooves (4) evenly distributed over the peripheral surface, followed by the release of the treated substance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to different liquid distributors for monolith in multiphase applications. The present invention more particularly relates to distributor devices in the form of a single injection and multiple injection pipe distributors; shower head distributor comprising a plurality of holes for plunging liquid; a packing of spherical particles with a pre-distributor to split the liquid into manifold streams, before entry into the monolith bed. The present invention provides liquid distributors for monolith in multiphase applications providing improved liquid distribution into the monolith bed resulting in uniform fluid flow in each channel so as to make maximum use of the catalyst surface area.

Abstract: A process for separations and recovery from mixtures via specific adsorption using high-surface area, flexible silica-based nanostructured gel adsorbents and articles of manufacture relating to same.

Abstract: There is described herein a metal organic framework (MOF) composite material, the composite material having a MOF entrapped within a hydrogel.

Abstract: The present invention provide novel immunofiber compositions for protein or peptide purification and simple and cost-efficient methods and systems using these compositions. In some embodiments, the immunofibers comprise a customized Z-33 peptide derived from Staphylococcus aureus Protein A which is used to construct immuno-amphiphile molecules that assemble into immunofibers in aqueous solution with bioactive epitopes on the surface and have peptide or protein binding ability.

Abstract: An adsorbent for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, wherein the adsorbent comprises one or more proteins. The one or more proteins may be selected from plant proteins, albumins, globulins, edestin, glycinin and/or beta-conglycinin. Use of an adsorbent for treatment of a material contaminated with perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances. There is also provided a process for the treatment of ground water contaminated with perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, wherein the contaminated ground water is pumped to the surface and directed to an adsorption step comprising the adsorbent.

Abstract: Provided are superabsorbent materials composed of agar, and one or more water-soluble natural polysaccharides, and dietary compositions containing such superabsorbent materials. The disclosed superabsorbent materials have various food and therapeutic applications and can be used as loading vehicles for nutrients and therapeutic agents. Also provided are methods for preparing such superabsorbent materials.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a carbon dioxide adsorbent includes: forming a kneaded product containing a hydrophilic fiber, a powdery porous material, and an aqueous hydrophilic binder dispersion into particles and drying the particles to generate porous material particles containing the hydrophilic fiber and the powdery porous material combined by the hydrophilic binder; and preparing an aqueous amine solution having an amine concentration of 5% or more and 70% or less and a temperature of 10° C. or higher and 100° C. or lower, impregnating the aqueous amine solution into the porous material particles, and aeration-drying the porous material particles impregnating the amine. The carbon dioxide adsorbent contains the porous material particles and the amine carried by the porous material particles, the porous material particles containing the hydrophilic fiber and the powdery porous material combined by the hydrophilic binder.

Abstract: Polymeric beads useful for aldehyde abatement, a process for preparing the polymeric beads, a gas filter device comprising the polymeric beads, and a method of removing aldehydes from air by contacting the air with the polymeric beads.

Abstract: Polymeric adsorbents useful for solid phase extraction (SPE) comprising a copolymer formed by copolymerizing at least one hydrophobic monomer including divinylbenzene and at least one hydrophilic monomer including acrylonitrile. Also provided are SPE cartridges including a divinylbenzene-acrylonitrile hydrophilic-lipophilic balance adsorbent. Further provides are methods of using a divinylbenzene-acrylonitrile hydrophilic-lipophilic balance adsorbent in conventional and simplified SPE techniques.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing biocidal, porous particles of a cross-linked polymer, and to the porous particles that can be produced according to the method of the invention. The invention further relates to porous particles of an amino-group-containing polymer (polyamine) having a relatively low swelling factor. The porous particles according to the invention are used to remove biological contaminants from water and to bind metal-containing ions from solutions. The present invention further relates to a filter cartridge which contains the porous cross-linked polymer particles according to the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing superabsorbent polymer that has not only excellent permeability and absorption speed, but also minimized absorbency under pressure decrease rate, and superabsorbent polymer prepared thereby.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mixed oxide with enhanced resistance and NOx storage capacity. The mixed oxide may be used as a component of a NOx trap material in an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine. The invention also relates to a method for treating an exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine using the mixed oxide.

Abstract: This invention relates to a supported catalyst for synthesizing ammonia (NH3) from nitrogen gas (N2) and hydrogen gas (H2), method of making the support, and methods of decorating the support with the catalyst.