Abstract: The very purpose of an improved oil recovery or an enhanced oil recovery method is to mobilize oil from an oil-bearing formation as stable wet oil emulsion to an oil gathering center. Yet, the very purpose of the latter is to de-stabilize such a stable emulsion using a multitude of redundant oil-water separation steps and bulky equipment. Methods are herein provided for preparing a material for casting a flat-sheet, extruding a solid-fiber, and/or extruding a hollow-fiber utilizing an aqueous amine solution as an effective solvent to form a crystalline polymorph structure of the material. This material in the form of, for example, an effective and selective oil-wet membrane can be used to simultaneously de-mix oil and water phases from a wet oil emulsion, whether the emulsion is stable or instable.

Abstract: An asymmetric membrane having a layer containing a zeolite supported on a geopolymer substrate and methods for making an asymmetric membrane having a layer containing a zeolite supported on a geopolymer substrate. A cross-flow membrane separation method for increasing the concentration of ethanol from a feed mixture comprising water and ethanol, comprising: cross-flowing a feed mixture comprising water and ethanol across the layer comprising a zeolite of the asymmetric membrane of the instant invention to produce a permeate having an ethanol concentration less than the ethanol concentration of the feed mixture and a retentate having an ethanol concentration greater than the ethanol concentration of the feed mixture, the pressure of the feed mixture being greater than the pressure of the permeate.

Abstract: A zeolite membrane structure includes a porous support, and a zeolite membrane. The zeolite membrane has a first zeolite layer located in a surface of the porous support, and a second zeolite layer located outside of the surface of the porous support and integrally formed with the first zeolite layer. The porous support has an outermost layer in which the first zeolite layer is located. An average thickness of the first zeolite layer is less than or equal to 5.4 micrometers. A porosity of the outermost layer is greater than or equal to 20% and less than or equal to 60%.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is a new cryopolymerization process that provides crosslinked polymeric materials in the form of a macroporous gel (cryogel) capable of sequestering (neutralize) the anticoagulant heparin, its low molecular weight derivatives (LMWH and ULMWH) and heparinoids, from aqueous solutions, physiological solutions and biological fluids, such as whole blood, serum and plasma. A further object of the invention are also crosslinked polymeric materials in the form of a macroporous gel (cryogel) obtained by the cryopolymerization process of the invention that, thanks to said specific process, result to be comprised of varying proportions of HEMA and HEMA-R monomers. The molar ratio between the components (HEMA/HEMA-R) may vary between 99.9% HEMA:0.1% HEMA-R and 0.1% HEMA:99.9% HEMA-R.

Abstract: Fluid mixing system for mixing components for a fluid product comprising a mixing regulator for mixing the components and a feed comprising at least two separate conduits, where a base component can be supplied to the mixing regulator in a first conduit and a component to be admixed in a second conduit, where a first sensor for determining the concentration of a chemical compound in the component to be admixed and a Brix sensor for determining a Brix value of the component to be admixed are disposed upstream of the mixing regulator in the second conduit and where a control unit is provided which can control the mixing process of the components by the mixing regulator in dependence of the concentration measured and the Brix value measured.

Abstract: A device for infusing gas into a liquid includes a housing and a tube having a width that is smaller than that of the housing and which is positioned within the housing such that the longitudinal axis of the tube is approximately parallel to that of the housing. The device further includes potting compound interposed between an outside surface of the tube and an inside surface of the housing at both ends of the tube. Microporous hollow fibers extend from the potting compound at the first end of the tube and through the potting compound at the second end of the tube. Openings in the device allow for the introduction of gas and liquid into the device. Gas enters the device and into the microporous hollow fibers. Liquid enters the device and is exposed to the outer surfaces of the microporous hollow fibers. Gas passes from the microporous hollow fibers to the liquid and is dissolved into the liquid. Liquid infused with gas exits the device.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to mixing devices included in automotive exhaust treatment systems. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to reducing agent mixers for mixing reducing agents with exhaust streams to induce a chemical reaction between the reducing agent and exhaust gasses to reduce Nitrous Oxides (NOx) in the exhaust gas. Reducing agent mixers in accordance with the present disclosure include reducing agent delivery devices for conducting reducing agents into an internal mixing space through which exhaust gasses flow.

Abstract: A system for dissolving gases in water comprises a mixing chamber that holds gas and a container in fluid communication with the mixing chamber. In operation, the mixing chamber is flooded to purge the ambient air. A gas delivery system introduces gas into the mixing chamber to push the water out. A pump then pumps temperature and salinity-treated water into the mixing chamber, and a distributor sprays or disperses the water into the mixing chamber. An optional impingement plate and/or mixing medium trap gas bubbles and hold gas-saturated water within the mixing chamber. This produces a volume of substantially bubble-free, highly-saturated gas-infused water that is then released into the container to mix with the water contained therein. This system can be incorporated in aquariums, ice chests, buckets, and live wells found on boats, kayaks, trucks, and other transports.

Abstract: A point-of-sale custom color system for tinting base paints and stains includes an array of powdered colorants, including at least white, green, blue and red colorants, which can be used to tint water-borne paints and stains. When tinting solvent-borne base paints or stains, a synergist containing one or more cosolvents, dispersing agents or surfactants is added to or is a part of the solvent-borne base paint or stains, and enables effective tinting using the powdered colorants.

Abstract: A system for fabricating microparticles useful for example in managing invasive species is provided. The system provides a nozzle for atomizing liquefied droplet material which is then suspended in a cyclonic separator receiving refrigerated gas until the droplets can solidify. In this way small droplets (less than 100 ?m) can be readily fabricated in bulk without clumping and aggregating.

Abstract: A pressurized appliance comprising, a tank, suitable for receiving liquid contents, a cover, suitable for sealing the tank in a closed position, said cover comprising a sampling tip, said tip comprising a cannula capable of being in contact with the contents when the cover is in the closed position, the sampling tip comprising at least one sealable orifice making it possible, when the cover is in its closed position and said orifice is a through-orifice, to ensure a pressure equilibrium between the inside of the cannula and the inside of the tank, and when the cover is in its closed position and said orifice is sealed, to sample the contents via the cannula.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for delivering catalyst to a reaction vessel. The methods include the use of a positive displacement reciprocating piston system having a catalyst delivery housing that contains a piston system. The piston system includes a top section, a bottom section, and a catalyst holding space between the top and bottom section such that the piston system is movable between a first and a second position to inject catalyst from the catalyst holding space into the reaction vessel when the piston system is in the second position and fill the catalyst holding space with catalyst from a catalyst feed supply when the piston system is in the first position.

Abstract: To provide a reducing gas supplying apparatus and a method for manufacturing a processed target object, which are capable of supplying a reducing liquid without causing it to scatter. The reducing gas supplying apparatus 1 includes a chamber 10 defining a space where soldering is performed on a target object T, a vaporizer 20 for generating a reducing gas FG to be supplied into the chamber 10 by receiving a reducing liquid FL to be converted into the reducing gas FG and vaporizing the reducing liquid FL, an intermediate container 30 for temporarily reserving the reducing liquid FL before the reducing liquid FL in a reducing liquid bottle 80 is introduced into the vaporizer 20, a transport tube 51, a supply tube 41, a transport part 58 for delivering the reducing liquid FL in the bottle 80 into the intermediate container 30, and a supply part 48 for delivering the reducing liquid FL in the intermediate container 30 into the vaporizer 20.

Abstract: An apparatus for improving thermal efficiency of steam production is provided.

Abstract: A reforming reactor and process of using same in which a flow distributor distributes the process gas circumferentially to the reactive zone. Feed is injected into the reactor into a non-reactive zone. The non-reactive zone has two portions, a first portion receiving the feed, and a second portion receiving a purge gas. The purge gas will flow from the second portion to the first portion to prevent flow of the feed from the first portion to the second portion. The combined gas may be passed to a reaction zone for catalytic reforming. The first portion and the second portion may be separated by a flow distributor having two horizontal portions connected to opposite ends of a vertical portion.

Abstract: Provided is a fluidized bed reactor (1) that makes it possible to stably measure a temperature distribution in the fluidized bed reactor (1) while no damage is caused to a temperature measuring section. Provided is a fluidized bed reactor (1) configured to generate trichlorosilane by reacting metallurgical grade silicon powder and hydrogen chloride gas, the fluidized bed reactor (1) including: a reaction vessel (10); and a plurality of temperature measuring sections (50), provided on an outer surface of the reaction vessel (10), each for measuring a temperature inside the reaction vessel (10).

Abstract: A system and method removes bound water from partially dewatered sludge by cavitating the partially dewatered sludge mixture with air bubbles; irradiating the cavitated partially dewatered sludge with an electron beam to create ozone within air bubbles; and filtering the water from the irradiated cavitated partially dewatered sludge.

Abstract: A device for carrying out a chemical reaction by a continuous method has a reactor with at least two reactor sections which define a direction of flow. The reactor has plug flow properties along the direction of flow. A recirculation line is present to withdraw a partial flow from the reactor at a first point and return it to the reactor at a second point located above the first point in the direction of flow. Means are provided which prevent a temperature increase in the reactor over a predetermined temperature range, for example change of more than approximately 50 K.

Abstract: A method of removing barium from a liquid includes adding a two-dimensional metal carbide water contaminant adsorbent to water to adsorb contaminants, such as barium (II), from the liquid. The two-dimensional metal carbide water contaminant adsorbent is in the form of at least one MXene, having the formula Mn+1Xn, where n=1, 2 or 3, M is an early transition metal, such as scandium (Sc), titanium (Ti), vanadium (V), chromium (Cr), yttrium (Y), zirconium (Zr), niobium (Nb), molybdenum (Mo) or the like, and X is either carbon or nitrogen. The MXene may be Ti3C2. The liquid may be, for example, at least one water by-product from at least one oilfield reservoir, such as produced water, co-produced water or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Three dimensional (3D), porous, Sr(II)/Ir(III) layered double hydroxide materials with a spherical/balls like shape, are composed of nanohexagonal sheets intercalated with 1-(1-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-phenylazo)-2-naphthol-4-sulfonic acid have a number of uses including removing undesirable organic compounds and materials from polluted water. This removal can be accomplished without disturbing the pH of the water, and with high absorption capacity (2000 mg of pollutants/1 mg of LDH). The spherical/ball like materials are easily cleaned and are amenable to being reused several times.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a magnetic cesium adsorbent, a preparation method therefor, and a cesium removal method using the same, the preparation method comprising the steps of: (a) preparing a metal hexacyanoferrate; and (b) hydrothermally reacting the metal hexacyanoferrate so as to prepare a metal hexacyanoferrate having a rhombohedral crystal structure.

Abstract: A catalysis substrate, which includes an open cell carbon foam substrate having a geometric surface area of at least about 5000 m2/m3, wherein the substrate includes a catalytic metal.

Abstract: Carbon nanoparticles are decorated with ultrafine hafnium promethium nanowires. Exemplary nanowires of hafnium promethium oxide (e.g., Hf0.7Pm0.3O2) have been fabricated. The carbon nanoparticles decorated with hafnium promethium nanowires may be used in reactions for reducing carbon dioxide to methanol, and have applications as a photocatalyst for energy applications.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a preparation method of a silver-modified spiral Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) nano-fiber photocatalyst, comprising the following steps: preparing a spiral TiO2 nano-fiber; preparing a nano-silver aqueous solution; and preparing a silver-modified spiral TiO2 nano-fiber photocatalyst. The photocatalyst is coupled with the spiral structure of the nano-fiber and nano-silver particles with a specific size, improving the photocatalytic activity of the photocatalyst. Moreover, the sterilizing and biological pollution resisting capacities of the photocatalyst are also improved through the modified nano-silver particles, and therefore, the photocatalyst can be widely applied to a deep sewage treatment system.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to dehydrogenation catalysts based on one or more certain group 13 and group 14 elements that further include additional metal components, to methods for making such catalysts, and to methods for dehydrogenating hydrocarbons using such catalysts. One aspect of the disclosure provides a calcined dehydrogenation catalyst that includes a primary species P1 selected from the group consisting of Ga, In, Tl, Ge, Sn and Pb and combinations thereof; a primary species P2 selected from the lanthanides; a promoter M1 selected from the group consisting of Ni, Pd and Pt; a promoter M2 selected from the group consisting of Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Be, Mg, Ca, Sr and Ba, on a silica-alumina support.

Abstract: A method of preparing large-size high-porosity Fe-doped photocatalytic porous magnetic microspheres, including: dissolving a soluble macromolecule in a distilled water to obtain a solution A having a concentration of 0.5-1.5 wt %; adding a photocatalyst to the solution A, and uniformly stirring the solution A to obtain a suspension B; mixing a saturated soluble ferric salt solution with the suspension B, and uniformly stirring the mixture to obtain a suspension C; dropwise adding the suspension C to a high-concentration alkali solution by a syringe equipped with a suitable needle size to form microspheres; ageing the reaction system and drying the formed microspheres after adding; calcining the dried microspheres at 600-1100° C.; cooling the calcined microspheres to obtain the large-size high-porosity Fe-doped photocatalytic porous magnetic microspheres.

Abstract: A highly active quaternary mixed transition metal oxide material has been developed. The material may be sulfided to generate metal sulfides which are used as a catalyst in a conversion process such as hydroprocessing. The hydroprocessing may include hydrodenitrification, hydrodesulfurization, hydrodemetallation, hydrodesilication, hydrodearomatization, hydroisomerization, hydrotreating, hydrofining, and hydrocracking.

Abstract: Catalyst and use of the catalyst comprising a molecular sieve belonging to the ABC-6 framework family with disorder in the ABC stacking sequence essentially composed of double-six-ring periodic building units and having a mole ratio of silicon oxide to aluminum oxide from about 8 to about 60.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel transition metal complex containing N-heterocyclic carbene and a sulfonamide group, or N-heterocyclic carbene and an amide group, and application thereof, the traquesnsition metal complex having a wider range of general purposes in olefin metathesis and being able to be variably controlled in reactivity.

Abstract: A composite extractant-enhanced polymer resin comprising an extractant and a polymer resin for direct extraction of valuable metals such as rare earth metals, and more specifically, scandium, from an acid-leaching slurry and/or acid-leaching solution in which ferric ions are not required to be reduced into ferrous ions. The extractant may be cationic, non-ionic, or anionic. More specifically, the extractant di(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid may be used. The polymer resin may be non-functional or have functional groups of sulfonic acid, carboxylic acid, iminodiacetic acid, phosphoric acid, or amines. The composite extractant-enhanced polymer resin may be used for extraction of rare earth metals from acid-leaching slurries or solutions.

Abstract: In order to increase the compatibility of a pipetting system tip with various types of cones, the invention provides a tip comprising a first group of first cone retention elements defining a first maximum outer diameter; a second group of second cone retention elements defining a second maximum outer diameter; a third group of third cone retention elements defining a third maximum outer diameter. The first maximum outer diameter and the second maximum outer diameter being different so as to together define a first tip portion having a first conicity, and the second maximum outer diameter and the third maximum outer diameter being different so as to together define a second tip portion having a second conicity smaller than the first conicity.

Abstract: Devices that can transport biological materials are described. The devices incorporate capillary channeled fibers that can effectively transport living cells as well as other biological materials such as nutrients, growth factors, waste materials, etc. The devices can include a sorptive material at one end of the fibers that can improve transport of materials through the devices. The devices can differentially transport different cell types, particularly when the fibers are held in a vertical orientation. Diagnostic devices that incorporate the capillary channeled fibers are described that can be utilized to separate cell types from one another. Tissue engineering scaffolds that incorporate the capillary channeled fibers are described that can more efficiently transport materials into and out of the scaffolds.

Abstract: An analyzing device has one end of a supplying capillary channel opened at a spot application section formed so as to protrude from an analyzing device main body. The supplying capillary channel is connected to a microchannel structure formed inside the analyzing device main body. A sample liquid is applied to the spot application section and is suctioned by a capillary force of the supplying capillary channel. The analyzing device is used for reading in which a suctioned solution is accessed. The analyzing device includes a leading end of the spot application section that has an inclined face. The end of the supplying capillary channel is opened on the inclined face.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to microchemical (or microfluidic) apparatus as well as related methods for making the same. The methods generally include partial sintering of sintering powder (e.g., binderless or otherwise free-flowing sintering powder) that encloses a fugitive phase material having a shape corresponding to a desired cavity structure in the formed apparatus. Partial sintering removes the fugitive phase and produces a porous compact, which can then be machined if desired and then further fully sintered to form the final apparatus. The process can produce apparatus with small, controllable cavities shaped as desired for various microchemical or microfluidic unit operations, with a generally smooth interior cavity finish, and with materials (e.g., ceramics) able to withstand harsh environments for such unit operations.

Abstract: An analysis container comprises a main body; a first chamber that is provided inside the main body and holds a liquid sample; a second chamber; a liquid passage; and an air passage. The liquid passage connects the first chamber and the second chamber, and moves the liquid sample from the first chamber to the second chamber. The air flow chamber connects the first chamber and the second chamber, and moves air from the second chamber to the first chamber.

Abstract: The invention proposes a device for analyzing nucleic acid molecules (M), comprising: —a bead (20), on which one molecule can be anchored at one end, —a surface (520), on which the molecule can be anchored at the other end, —an actuator (30), adapted to cause the bead to move relative to said surface in one direction, —a sensor (50), adapted to measure a distance between the bead and the surface, the device further comprising a well (11), having an axis (X-X) extending along the direction of motion of the bead and a bottom (110) formed by said surface, said well being filled with electrically conductive solution (40), and receiving the bead, the sensor being adapted to measure an impedance of the well, depending on a distance between the bead and the surface, to determine, the distance between the bead and the surface.

Abstract: A portable system for extracting, optionally amplifying, and detecting nucleic acids or proteins using a compact integrated chip in combination with a mobile device system for analyzing detected signals, and comparing and distributing the results via a wireless network. Related systems and methods are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biological sensing apparatus (12) which is configured to sense particles comprised in fluent material. The biological sensing apparatus (12) comprises particle sensing apparatus (32) comprised in an integrated circuit formed by a semiconductor fabrication process, the particle sensing apparatus being configured to sense an electrical property. The biological sensing apparatus further comprises a flow arrangement 30 configured to contain and provide for flow of fluent material. The particle sensing apparatus (32) is disposed relative to the flow arrangement (30) such that the particle sensing apparatus is operative to sense an electrical property of particles comprised in the fluent material as the fluent material flows through the flow arrangement.

Abstract: A pipetting reservoir kit includes a base, a disposable liner, and a lid. The disposable liner includes anti-vacuum channels on the bottom wall to prevent a pipette tip vacuum engaging the wall during aspiration. The groupings of anti-vacuum channels located on the bottom surface of the liner face upward into the basin that holds liquid samples or reagents. The groupings of anti-vacuum channels are spaced in an array 4.5 mm apart for a 384 pipetting head and 9 mm apart for a 96 pipetting head. The anti-vacuum channels also lower the required working volume for the liner and reduce liquid waste.

Abstract: The tray for the storage of sample slides includes a plate with a plurality of cells. The plate has at least a bottom and two opposing side walls, having an entrance opening and being at least partly closed by a transverse wall. Each cell includes at least two protrusions protruding respectively at each of the side walls and forming adjacent sliding elements to guide the edges of a slide upon introduction into a cell. The bottom of each cell is inclined at an angle ? relative to the plane of the tray, while the length of each slide is less than the length of the slide that is intended to be stored in a cell. The invention also relates to a cabinet for storing such a tray and a device for identifying the slides stored in such a tray.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a device and method for the easy removal of selected individual wells, selected groups/strips of wells, or all strips of wells quickly and safely from a well strip plate. A well strip extractor press may include a manually pivotable well strip plate carrier having an open bottom, and an adjustable well strip extractor assembly having multiple press arms positioned to engage the bottom of a well strip plate positioned in the well strip plate carrier. A user may manually position a selection of press arms to align with those well strips that the user wishes to remove from the well strip plate.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiments herein provide a roller grain mill assembly having a lower frame, a plurality of roller grain mills attached to the lower frame, an upper frame extending upwardly from the lower frame, a single electric drive mechanically coupled to each of the roller grain mills, and a cyclone separator placed in gaseous communication with the roller grain mills and located above the electric drive. In some embodiments, a centrifugal scatterer may be suspended from the upper frame and placed in gaseous communication with the roller grain mill. In other embodiments, a cyclone separator may be placed in gaseous communication with the roller grain mill and centrifugal scatterer. An electric drive coupled to each roller grain mill may be cantilevered off the lower frame.

Abstract: A method of producing flour and/or semolina by raw material being fed into a feed opening of a roller press. The milling gap of the roller press is fixed, or damping of at least one of the rollers with respect to the lateral deflection is set, such that a first subset of the fill containing finer milling material forms a packed particle fill in the milling gap. In addition, the setting is carried out in such a way that individual particles of a second subset of the fill containing coarser milling material are in contact with the first roller and the second roller of the roller press. Subsequently, the bulk material is milled into milled product in the roller press (9) and the milled product is discharged through a discharge opening.

Abstract: A grinding apparatus may include a frame and a pair of rolls each having a circumferential surface and being rotatably mounted on the frame, and a plurality of teeth located on the circumferential surface. In embodiments, at least one roll comprises a roll body structure rotatably mounted on the frame and a roll cover structure forming the circumferential surface, and the roll cover structure may be at least partially removable from the roll body structure to permit replacement of at least a portion of the circumferential surface without requiring removal of the roll body structure from the frame. In embodiments, the teeth on one roll may include an upper cap portion formed of a relatively harder material and a lower base portion formed of a relatively softer material. In embodiments, the teeth on one roll have a coating of a relatively harder material than a relatively softer base material forming the tooth.

Abstract: Method and apparatus (100) for transforming organic and inorganic solid urban waste into aggregates, comprising an extruding machine connected to a reactor. The extruding machine is formed by an extrusion cylinder (103) through which a piston circulates (104) inside an extrusion cavity (106), which comprises three sections (107, 110, 111) and is fed with a parget obtained after pre-processing the waste. The end (115) of the third section (111) is connected to the reactor (112) through an opening (114). The reactor's longitudinal shaft is formed by a rotatory steel shaft (116) in which some steel blades are arranged (108), whose ends play the roles of cutting, hammering, punching and hydraulic helix as they rotate. Between the end of the blades and the wall of the reactor, there is a clearance of more than 0.1 mm of thickness.

Abstract: A machine for grinding food includes an outlet of a discharge duct for ground food closed by a perforated plate, which is part of a kit of interchangeable plates which has at least a first type with a first type of perforation and a second type with a second type of perforation. The machine further includes an axial coupling and an annular cap. The axial coupling is defined by at least two parts, a first part arranged on the outlet of the discharge duct and a second part arranged on an interchangeable element that is part of a safety kit having at least two mutually different interchangeable elements. The first interchangeable element is compatible both with plates of the first type and plates of the second type as well as an integrated protection body; the second interchangeable element is compatible exclusively with the plates of the second type.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and facility for preparing lignocellulosic biomass, in particular by means of water extraction and optionally particle-size refinement, for subsequent use particularly in a process of torrefaction, carbonization, pellet production, such as fuel pellets or soil enhancement pellets, or the manufacturing of building materials, or even the preparation of agri-food products, comprising centrifugation (100) of the biomass followed by attrition milling and drying (200).

Abstract: The present disclosure provides apparatuses and methods related to a high pressure processing device that is configured to simplify batch processing. In an embodiment, a high pressure processing device includes a processing module configured to reduce a particle size of a material or achieve a desired liquid processing result for the material, a pump configured to pump the material to an inlet of the processing module, a recirculation pathway configured to recirculate the material from an outlet of the processing module back to the pump, an input device configured to receive at least one user input variable, and a controller configured to (i) determine a number of pump strokes for the pump based on the user input variable, and (ii) control the pump according to the determined number of pump strokes so that the material makes a plurality of passes through the processing module.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a method of separating particles using a combination of acoustophoresis and acoustic fluid relocation. The disclosure also describes a microfluidic device that can be used to separate particles using a combination of acoustophoresis and acoustic fluid relocation. The disclosure describes methods of separating nanoparticles, microparticles, nanoparticles from microparticles, and micron-sized particles from sub-micron-sized particles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to: a device (1, 101, 151) for separating off liquid and/or particulate contaminants from a gas flow (7, 107), in which a flow path of the gas flow (7, 107) runs between at least one first electrode (9, 31, 109) acting as a counter electrode and at least one second electrode (11, 111, 51, 53, 57, 135, 135?, 135?, 155) acting as an emitter electrode and having an electrode end (71, 77, 90) oriented in the direction of the first electrode, and a direct-current voltage exceeding the breakdown voltage can be applied between the first electrode (9, 31, 109) and the second electrode (11, 111, 51, 53, 57, 135, 135?, 135?, 155) in order to form a stable low-energy plasma (41, 125), wherein the second electrode (11) extends substantially along a first axis (X) in a first direction and the first electrode (31) has at least one plateau region (33) which is arranged opposite the second electrode (11) and which extends at least regionally in a first plane running substantially perpendicular t