Abstract: A process for the preparation of ultrafiltration and microfiltration polymeric flat sheet separation membranes is disclosed, the process comprising a unidirectional cooling step. Membranes prepared according to the process exhibit numerous advantages over ultrafiltration and microfiltration membranes prepared via conventional processes. In particular, the membranes prepared by the present process exhibit remarkable pure water flux, superior mechanical properties and increased anti-fouling characteristics. Also disclosed are particular PVDF ultrafiltration and microfiltration membranes having improved flux, mechanical and anti-fouling properties.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a separation membrane module in which an end member is prevented from coming out even at the occurrence of a reverse pressure or the like. The invention relates to a separation membrane module which is equipped with a cylinder-shaped housing and a tubular separation membrane and which takes out a fluid which has permeated the tubular separation membrane. An end pipe is connected to one end portion of the tubular separation membrane; the end pipe is supported by a support plate which is disposed so as to traverse the housing; and an end plug is connected to the other end portion of the tubular separation membrane. The separation membrane module is further equipped with a coming-out preventive member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to synthetic membranes and use of these synthetic membranes for isolation of volatile organic compounds and purification of water. The synthetic membrane includes a hydrophobic polymer layer located on a polymeric membrane support layer. The invention includes a method of isolating volatile organic compounds with the synthetic membrane by contacting a volatile organic mixture with the hydrophobic polymer layer of the synthetic membrane and removing volatile organic compounds from the polymeric membrane support layer of the synthetic membrane by a process of pervaporation. The invention also includes a method of purifying water with the synthetic membrane by contacting an ionic solution with the hydrophobic polymer layer of the synthetic membrane and removing water from the polymeric membrane support layer of the synthetic membrane by a process of reverse osmosis. The invention also relates to methods of isolating non-polar gases by gas fractionation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a porous support-zeolite membrane composite, which comprises forming a CHA type zeolite membrane on a porous support by a hydrothermal synthesis in the presence of seed crystals, wherein an FAU type zeolite is used as the seed crystals.

Abstract: The invention relates to membranes formed from long chain branched fluoropolymers, and especially long chain branched homopolymers and copolymers of polyvinylidene fluoride such as KYNAR resins. The novel membranes retain all the advantages of a fluoropolymer membrane (excellent chemical resistance especially to strong acids and oxidizing agents, and good mechanical strength), and additionally offer improved permeability, improved strain hardening, and even better resistance to caustic attacks. The improvements are believed to be related to an improvement to the microstructure of the membranes, producing a more open structure due to the long chain branched fluoropolymers. Further improvements in the mechanical properties of the membranes can be induced by strain hardening.

Abstract: A fluid processing method with which processing properties of fluids to be processed can be effectively controlled. Processing surfaces which are capable of being brought closer to each other and being separated from each other, and which rotate relatively are provided. A fluid to be processed is made to pass from inside to outside in a processing area between the processing surfaces to obtain a fluid thin film, and the resultant fluid thin film of the fluid to be processed is subjected to processing. Processing properties are controlled by changing the ratio of the distance to an outer peripheral end from a centre of rotation.

Abstract: An agitator comprising a rotatable impeller comprising blades, magnets, and a shaft, wherein the impeller is configured to be driven by a drive unit magnetically coupled to the impeller, and an impeller seat receiving the rotatable impeller, the impeller seat comprising an upwardly arranged cylindrical housing, a flange, and a base, the cylindrical housing comprising a central opening for the impeller shaft, and the base comprising a collar and pins arranged to engage with a locking and centering mechanism, as well as a mixer engagement unit including the agitator, a mixer system, a mixing vessel, and methods of using the agitator, mixer engagement unit, mixer system, and mixing vessel, are disclosed.

Abstract: The present application is a generation device including a reaction section which generates a product gas and product water in which the product gas is dissolved through an exothermic reaction of gaseous reactants, a cooling tower which cools cooling water that removes heat generated by the exothermic reaction, a cooling water circulation system which circulates the cooling water between the reaction section and the cooling tower, and piping for mixing the product water generated in the reaction section into the cooling water circulation system.

Abstract: A method and reactor for performing exothermic reactions with parallel operated catalyst modules arranged in stacked order within a pressure shell and adapted to axial flow of process gas through one or more catalyst layers and at least one catalyst layer cooled by an intrabed heat exchanger.

Abstract: In a process as disclosed according to the present invention, gases or gas mixtures used to form a reactant mixture in an at least temporarily ignitable composition are fed into a mixing chamber (11) through the passages (131) in a boundary wall (13) of the mixing chamber (11) and by means of one or more feed conduits (14) which have feed orifices (141) and extend into the mixing chamber (11), respectively. The present invention likewise provides a corresponding reactor (1).

Abstract: Microcapsules encapsulating a reflective agent are provided herein. The microcapsules are comprised of an inner core, which comprises the reflective agent and optionally an oily substance, and an outer shell formed of wall-forming polymeric materials. The microcapsules may further comprise an opaque substance and/or a fatty acyl salt in the outer shell. Processes of preparing the microcapsules are also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a continuous flow process for preparing conducting polymers, for example polyaniline. The continuous flow process can provide a controlled synthesis of a conducting polymer from an emulsion comprising a polymerizable organic monomer and a free radical initiator in flow within a temperature controlled continuous flow reactor comprising at least one mixing element. The present disclosure also relates to the conducting polymers prepared by the continuous flow process.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a system having a reactor system with a polymerization reactor and a feed system fluidly coupled to a feed inlet of the reactor. The feed system supplies components to the reactor via the feed inlet, and the reactor has a flow path that continuously conveys the components through the reactor and subjects the components to polymerization conditions to produce a polymer. The system also has an analysis system coupled to the reactor for online monitoring of a particle size of the polymer. Further, the system includes a control system, coupled to the analysis and feed systems, that receives a signal from the analysis system indicative of the monitored particle size of the polymer and adjusts an operating parameter of the feed system to control a flow rate of at least one of the components to the reactor based at least on the signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a metal anchoring mesh intended to be secured to a metal wall of a chamber of a fluid catalytic cracking unit, in order to form cells (64). Said metal anchoring mesh comprises a plurality of wavy elementary parts (12, 14) connected successively together, forming cylindrical surfaces that are able to respectively define said cells, said cylindrical surfaces each having a central axis of symmetry A, the wavy elementary parts (12,14) each having protruding tongues (42?, 44?), said protruding tongues being able to extend respectively inside said cells (64). Said tongues (42?, 44?) extend along a length less than a quarter of the distance d that extends between said cylindrical surface and said central axis of symmetry A of said cylindrical surface.

Abstract: A xenon adsorbent capable of efficiently adsorbing xenon, even at a low concentration, from a mixture gas is Provided. A xenon adsorbent comprising a zeolite having a pore size in the range of 3.5 to 5 ? and a silica alumina molar ratio in the range of 10 to 30.

Abstract: Compositions are provided for binding mercury based in porous organic polymers having (i) a plurality of repeat units having heavy metal chelator moieties covalently attached thereto and (ii) a plurality of pores having a hierarchical pore size distribution over a range of pore sizes. In some aspects, the range of pore sizes is about 5 nm to 10 nm. The compositions can have a maximum mercury uptake capacity of 1,000 mg g?1 to 2,000 mg g?1 at 1 atm and 296 K and has a mercury uptake capacity that is stable and recyclable. Methods of making the compositions and methods of using the compositions for uptake of mercury are also provided.

Abstract: Provided is a resin bead comprising functional groups of structure (S1).

Abstract: The invention concerns biocompatible polymer systems comprising at least one polymer with a plurality of pores, said polymer comprising either polyol or zwitterionic groups designed to adsorb endotoxins and other inflammatory mediator molecules. The inventions are in the field of porous polymeric sorbents, also in the field of broadly reducing endotoxins in blood and blood products that can cause endotoxemia, additionally, in the field of broadly removing endotoxins by perfusion or hemoperfusion.

Abstract: A separation medium for use in the separation of analytes from a feed stream containing suspended solids, processes of separation using the separation medium, and the use of the separation medium to separate analytes from a feed stream containing suspended solids. The separation medium is provided as a hydrogel having a structure whose surfaces are defined by a triply periodic minimal surface, the hydrogel comprising at least one ligand that binds at least one target analyte.

Abstract: A method of recovering crude oil from crude oil drenched adsorbent and simultaneously regenerating the adsorbent to render it suitable for re-use in crude oil adsorption. The method includes contacting crude oil drenched adsorbent, in the form of solid nanofibrous expanded polystyrene drenched with adsorbed crude oil, with a non-polar solvent, thereby obtaining regenerated crude oil lean adsorbent and crude oil rich solvent.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a porous carbon material having a nitrogen content of 0.6 to 2.0% by mass, a G band half-value width of 51 to 60 cm?1 and an R value of 1.08 to 1.40 measured in a Raman spectrum using a laser having a wavelength of 532 nm, and iodine adsorption performance of 1000 to 1500 mg/g.

Abstract: A catalyst for producing light aromatics with heavy aromatics, a method for preparing the catalyst, and a use thereof are disclosed. The catalyst comprises a carrier, component (1), and component (2), wherein component (1) comprises one metal element or more metal elements selected from a group consisting of Pt, Pd, Ir, and Rh, and component (2) comprises one metal element or more metal elements selected from a group consisting of IA group, IIA group, IIIA group, IVA group, IB group, IIB group, IIIB group, IVB group, VB group, VIB group, VIIB group, La group, and VIII group other than Pt, Pd, Ir, and Rh. The catalyst can be used for producing light aromatics with heavy aromatics, whereby heavy aromatics hydrogenation selectivity and light aromatics yield can be improved.

Abstract: A method for preparing a multi-component alloy catalyst on which a catalytic metal is supported includes preparing a carbon composite having a carbon support coated with a cationic polymer, supporting a catalytic metal containing at least two metal elements on the carbon composite to prepare an alloy catalyst precursor, and washing the alloy catalyst precursor to remove the cationic polymer.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a metal-substituted beta zeolite that exhibits a more excellent catalytic performance than conventional one, and a method for producing the same. The present invention provides a metal-substituted beta zeolite by subjecting an alkali metal-form beta zeolite produced without using an organic structure-directing agent to ion exchange with ammonium ion and then, using a filter cake procedure, to ion exchange with copper ion or iron(II) ion. The present invention also provides a metal-substituted beta zeolite which has been ion exchanged with copper ion or iron(II) ion and in which the amount of Lewis acid sites is greater than the amount of Bronsted acid sites when the amount of Bronsted acid sites and the amount of Lewis acid sites are measured by ammonia infrared-mass spectroscopy temperature-programmed desorption on the as-produced state.

Abstract: A vinylpyridine resin for a catalyst support; a method for producing thereof; and a catalyst for carbonylation of methanol are disclosed. The vinylpyridine resin has: content of nitrogen derived from a pyridine group of 3.00% by mass or more and 8.00% by mass or less; degree of crosslinking of 35% by mole or more and 70% by mole or less; molar ratio C/N of carbon atoms to nitrogen atoms of 12.00 or more and 36.00 or less; total pore volume of 0.20 cc/g or more and 0.45 cc/g or less; specific surface area of 70.0 m2/g or more and 280 m2/g or less; average pore diameter of 5.0 nm or more and 25.0 nm or less; and proportion of a volume of pores having a pore diameter of 10 nm or more to a volume of the whole pores of 4.0% or more and 90.0% or less.

Abstract: The present invention provides, inter alia, a multidentate ligand having the structure of: Also provided are methods of preparing metal complexes from the multidentate ligand, and the metal complexes prepared by such methods. Further provided are catalysts comprising such metal complexes, and various uses of such catalysts.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to olefin metathesis catalysts, to the preparation of such compounds, compositions comprising such compounds, methods of using such compounds, and the use of such compounds in the metathesis of olefins and in the synthesis of related olefin metathesis catalysts. The invention has utility in the fields of catalysis, organic synthesis, polymer chemistry, and in industrial applications such as oil and gas, fine chemicals, and pharmaceuticals.

Abstract: A method for preparing a Fenton catalytic material includes the following steps: (1) placing a nitrogen-containing compound in a muffle furnace for calcination, then dissolving the product in deionized water to form a suspension solution; (2) dissolving aluminum nitrate nonahydrate, copper nitrate trihydrate and glucose in deionized water to form a solution; (3) adding the suspension solution in a dropwise manner to the solution, then performing a closed hydrothermal reaction, washing with water, centrifuging and drying to obtain a solid; and (4) placing the prepared solid in a muffle furnace for calcination to obtain the Fenton catalytic material. The catalytic material presents a complete ball-flower shaped mesoporous structure, has a large specific surface area and dual reaction centers to expose more catalytic active sites, so that H2O2 is reduced at the electron-rich center as much as possible to generate hydroxyl radicals during the reaction.

Abstract: Catalyst regeneration processes that include measures for controlling emissions generated during the regeneration are described. The present invention further relates to catalytic processes for producing various chlorinated aromatic compounds that include provisions for controlling emissions during catalyst regeneration.

Abstract: A pipette may comprise a length, a longitudinal axis, and an inner curved surface enclosing a space. The pipette may have a tip region having a tip thickness. The tip region may be connected to a body region having a body thickness. The tip thickness may be greater than the body thickness. The body region may be connected to a mouth region having a mouth thickness. The mouth thickness may be greater than the body thickness. The inner curved surface may not contain bumps or ridges either between the tip region and the body region or between the body region and the mouth region. The pipette may be formed by blow molding or vacuum forming.

Abstract: Pipette tip couplers, pipette tips, coupler and tip combinations, and methods for coupling and decoupling a pipette tip to or from, respectively, a pipette tip coupler mounted on a pipette device. The pipette tip couplers include an elastomeric element, a discrete segment assembly, and a coupler stop shoulder surface. The pipette tips include a groove in a first cylindrical section, a second cylindrical section, a tip stop shoulder surface at the interface of the first and second cylindrical sections, a third cylindrical section, a sealing seat surface at the interface of the second and third cylindrical sections, and a fourth section adjacent to the third cylindrical section. When the pipette tip is mounted on the pipette tip coupler, the discrete segment assembly abuts the tip groove, the coupler stop shoulder surface abuts the tip stop shoulder surface, and the elastomeric element abuts the sealing seat surface.

Abstract: Pipette tip coupler and a disposable pipette tip for a pipette device comprises a stepped coupler shoulder complementary to an axially stepped pipette tip shoulder; a plurality of circumferentially disposed elements or segments carried by the coupler at a location superior to the coupler shoulder; and a distal elastomeric element carried by the coupler at a location distal to the coupler shoulder wherein the plurality of elements or segments have a circumferential, radially translated state that provides an abutment with a first working surface formed in the interior surface of the tip while compressing the distal elastomeric element into sealing abutment with a second working surface formed in the interior surface of the tip and while abutting the proximally facing axial stop surface of the tip with the distally facing axial stop surface of the coupler to define an axial coupling position of the pipette tip on the pipette device.

Abstract: We describe assay modules (e.g., assay plates, cartridges, multi-well assay plates, reaction vessels, etc.), processes for their preparation, and method of their use for conducting assays. Reagents may be present in free form or supported on solid phases including the surfaces of compartments (e.g., chambers, channels, flow cells, wells, etc.) in the assay modules or the surface of colloids, beads, or other particulate supports. In particular, dry reagents can be incorporated into the compartments of these assay modules and reconstituted prior to their use in accordance with the assay methods. A desiccant material may be used to maintain and stabilize these reagents in a dry state.

Abstract: Microfluidics has advanced in terms of designs and structures, however, fabrication methods are either time consuming or expensive to produce, in terms of the facilities and equipment needed. A fast and economically viable method is provided to allow, for example, research groups to have access to microfluidic fabrication. Unlike most fabrication methods, a method is provided to fabricate a microfluidic device in one step. In an embodiment, a resolution of 50 micrometers was achieved by using maskless high-resolution digital light projection (MDLP). Bonding and channel fabrication of complex or simple structures can be rapidly incorporated to fabricate the microfluidic devices.

Abstract: A flow passage design for multi-reaction biological detection includes a first temporary tank, a second temporary tank, a first microchannel, and a second microchannel. The first temporary tank is configured to temporarily store a first liquid in an initial state. The second temporary tank is configured to temporarily store a second liquid in the initial state. The first microchannel is located upstream of the first temporary tank. The first microchannel has an outlet end and an inlet end, respectively connecting to the first temporary tank and the second temporary tank. The second microchannel is located downstream of the first temporary tank and connects to the first temporary tank. In the initial state, a portion of the first liquid enters the second microchannel, the outlet end of the first microchannel is covered by the first liquid, and the inlet end of the first microchannel is covered by the second liquid.

Abstract: A device for controlling a fluid flow in an array of fluid pathways on a microfluidic chip is provided. The device comprising: two or more resistors provided upstream of the chip wherein each upstream resistor is configured to provide a resistance at an upstream end of a fluid pathway; two or more resistors provided downstream of the chip wherein each downstream resistor is configured to provide a resistance at a downstream end of a fluid pathway, wherein the values of the resistances are selected in order to control a proportion of fluid that flows through each fluid pathway.

Abstract: A cassette may include a substrate, a die coupled to the substrate, and an electrical interconnection pad layout formed on a first side of the substrate. The electrical interconnection pad layout may include a first row of interconnect pads including at least one interconnect pad. Each interconnect pad of the first row of interconnect pads may be electrically coupled to one of a first set of vias. The electrical interconnection pad layout may also include a second row of interconnection pads including at least one interconnect pad. Each interconnect pad of the second row of interconnect pads being electrically coupled to one of a second set of vias. The second set of vias electrically coupled to the second row of interconnect pads are offset relative to an alignment of the interconnect pads of the first and second rows.

Abstract: Methods of removing bubbles from a microfluidic device are described where the flow is not stopped. Methods are described that combine pressure and flow to remove bubbles from a microfluidic device. Bubbles can be removed even where the device is made of a polymer that is largely gas impermeable.

Abstract: A microfluidic device includes a chamber substrate, a cover substrate, a flexible membrane, and a punch unit. The chamber substrate includes a fluid chamber configured to receive a fluid and having a fluid chamber opening. The cover substrate includes a punch opening lying opposite the fluid chamber opening. The flexible membrane is positioned between the chamber substrate and the cover substrate, and spans the punch opening and the fluid chamber opening. The punch unit is configured to move into the fluid chamber through the punch opening in order to deflect the flexible membrane into the fluid chamber so as to enable the fluid to flow out of the fluid chamber when fluid is received in the fluid chamber.

Abstract: Provided herein are pipette tip racks, and in particular, pipette tip rack plates that restrict lateral displacement of pipette tips loaded therein.

Abstract: A grinding blade having a blade body, a plurality of tooth mounts, a plurality of cutting teeth, and a plurality of blade stops is disclosed. The blade body has a front surface, a back surface, and a blade mounting hole along a central axis. The tooth mounts and blade stops are integral with the blade body and protrude upward and away from the back surface and the central axis. Each tooth mount has a cutting tooth releasably coupled through a tooth aperture. The blade stops and tooth mounts are equal in number and are distributed alternatingly and with radial symmetry about the central axis. A cross section of the solid of revolution defined by rotating the blade stops about the central axis overlaps with at least two thirds of a cross section of the solid of revolution defined by rotating the cutting teeth about the central axis.

Abstract: A package reducing device includes a hopper having lap over rings, first and second main shafts which traverse the hopper, first and second pipe shafts are secured to the main shafts, where the ends of the pipe shafts are positioned interior to the lap over rings. First and second rings extend from the pipe shafts having recessed openings to position a fastener interior to the surface of the rings. Tooth plates having teeth are attached to the rings. A first motor rotates the one pipe shaft at a first rate and a second motor rotates another pipe shaft at a slower rate of rotation. The pipe shafts are rotated in an inboard direction, and the motors include variable frequency drives. The teeth reduce the size of packaging and food transported inside of the packaging during use of the invention.

Abstract: An auger for a grinder material for a tire filling machine, having: a cylindrical column; and a plurality of flights extending outwardly from the cylindrical core, wherein (i) the flights are arranged in pairs extending radially outwards from the cylindrical column at 180 degrees to one another, and (ii) each flight has a sharpened leading edge. Each pair of flights are positioned at angles of approximately 50 or 60 degrees to one another, and each flight extends approximately half way around the circumference of the cylindrical column, and there are no outer edge notches in the flights.

Abstract: A self-optimizing, adaptive product processing system and a corresponding method for grinding and/or crushing cereals and seeds. The grinding and/or crushing takes place in at least one roller mill which includes a roller pair. So as to detect the temperature of the surfaces of the rollers, at least two temperature sensors are disposed on at least one of the rollers. The detected temperature measurement values are used for optimal adjustment and signal generation of the roller setting.

Abstract: A separator for extracting magnetic material from an airstream of magnetic material and non-magnetic material includes a planar chamber with an inlet port, outlet port and a waste port, and a series of magnets in a plane parallel to the chamber. The magnets rotate about a common axis thereby drawing magnetic material around the chamber and towards the outlet port whilst non-magnetic material is remains in the airstream and is discharged by the waste port.

Abstract: Wear resistant centrifuge tile assemblies include a backing portion and a wear-resistant tile. Wear resistant centrifuge tile assemblies are provided with self-fixturing features to provide a desired mounting position and to restrict movement of the wear-resistant tile with respect to the backing plate during bonding. The self-fixturing features provide the ability to perform repeatable and consistent bonding of the wear-resistant tile to the backing plate. The bonding of the wear-resistant tile to the backing plate can be performed with a braze material.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating cell suspension material into centrate and concentrate, includes a single use structure (178, 240, 250) releasably positioned in a cavity in a solid wall rotatable centrifuge bowl (172). The bowl and portions of single use structure rotate about an axis (174). A stationary inlet feed tube (184), a centrate discharge tube (212) and a concentrate discharge tube (230) extend along the axis of the rotating single use structure. A centrate centripetal pump (208) is in fluid connection with the centrate discharge tube. A concentrate centripetal pump (216) is in fluid connection with the concentrate discharge tube. A controller (274) operates responsive to sensors (264, 270) in respective centrate and concentrate discharge lines (262, 268), to control flow rates of a concentrate pump (272) and a centrate pump (266) to produce output flows of cell concentrate and generally cell free centrate.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a tool for holding a spray painting instrument, such as a painting gun for painting an internal surface of a pipe. In particular, the inventive tool is ideal for painting the interior of curves and angles in a pipe and is capable of moving through and uniformly painting up to 90 degree angles of pipes or hollow tubes. The tool has a hollow central tube for carrying a spray-painting gun and at least two projections extending outwardly from an outer surface of the hollow tube. A retracting arm assembly is provided on each projection. Each retracting arm assembly includes first and second retracting arms and a corresponding force exertion mechanism. In operation, when the tool is inserted inside the pipe, each retracting arm touches the internal surface of the pipe due to an outward force exerted thereon. The tool is movable inside the pipe and adjusts automatically to different pipe diameters.

Abstract: A spraying nozzle, intended for spraying a product, defines a passage for the circulation of the product through the nozzle, wherein the passage opens through a wide connection orifice to the outside of the nozzle at an upstream end thereof, and through a narrow spraying orifice at a downstream end of the nozzle in order to spray the product; the passage has, between the connection orifice and the spraying orifice, at least one pre-atomization narrowing capable of atomizing the product, followed by a broadening downstream of the pre-atomization narrowing.

Abstract: A conveying device is provided for the conveying of coating powder and includes a powder reservoir container that includes, on the bottom, a powder outlet channel. The powder outlet channel is connected to a first powder conveyor for conveying powder out of the powder reservoir container back to a powder storage container. Moreover, a second powder conveyor is provided for conveying powder out of the powder reservoir container to a powder applicator.