Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for assisting a thermally-induced change to a nano-sized solute or dispersed-phase in a liquid. The method comprises the step of passing gas bubbles through the liquid, the gas in the gas bubbles having a temperature higher than the bulk temperature of the liquid.

Abstract: The present technology relates to control systems for use with fluid treatment systems. In one embodiment, for example, a fluid treatment system includes a vessel configured to receive a fluid having one or more constituents and to separate one or more constituents from the fluid. The system can also include a tube extending along at least a portion of the vessel and a sensor. The tube can be in fluid communication with a pressurized air source, and the sensor can be configured to obtain a measurement of an operating parameter. The system can also include a controller in communication with the sensor and pressurized air source. The controller can execute one or more algorithms to determine a filter parameter based on the measurement of the operating parameter, compare the filter parameter to a threshold, and, based on the comparison, activate or deactivate the pressurized air source.

Abstract: A no filter no run bidirectional pin element is disclosed. A shell housing is removably coupled to a filtration housing, a removable no filter no run attachment, and a filter element. The filter element comprises a filtration media and a bidirectional pin element. The bidirectional pin element comprises a center tube formed as a single piece with a bidirectional pin. The installation of the filter element and the shell housing into the filtration system results in the bidirectional pin entering a pin aperture of the removable no filter no run attachment and the bidirectional pin preventing the operative engagement of a blocking element with a divider inside the no filter no run attachment.

Abstract: A “no filter, no run” filtration system that is designed to verify that a filter cartridge is present to safe-guard against damage to fuel injectors, associated fuel components, etc. and engine malfunctions. Fuel flow to the engine is prevented altogether or permitted in an amount insufficient to allow engine operation if a filter cartridge is not installed, and an appropriately designed filter cartridge is required to be used in order to permit sufficient fuel flow for engine operation. In one embodiment, a flow restriction valve is provided that includes a ball.

Abstract: A chemical liquid manufacturing apparatus, including a first system and a second system, is provided. The first system includes at least one first filtration medium, selected from a first filter, a first ion exchange membrane and a first ion adsorption membrane, wherein the first system is configured to process a material of at least one time. The second system includes at least one second filtration medium, selected from a second filter, a second ion exchange membrane and a second ion adsorption membrane, wherein the second system is configured for recirculation and to process the material of at least two times.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filter material comprising a carrier material that is impregnated on one side with a thermally pre-crosslinked binder system (VB) and on the other side with a thermally crosslinkable but un-crosslinked binder system (UB). The filter material is characterised by improved deformability and a very good level of heat sealability, particularly using ultrasound, and a low pressure differential particularly when filtering high-viscosity liquids.

Abstract: An oil separator is provided with: a heating device for heating liquid accumulated in a drainage storage section; a connection pipe for connecting the drainage storage section to an external device utilizing oil; an opening and closing device for opening and closing the flow passage of the connection pipe; and a determination device for determining whether or not to deliver the liquid, which is accumulated in the drainage storage section, to the external device. The opening and closing device is configured so as to open the flow passage of the connection pipe when the determination device determines that the liquid accumulated in the drainage storage section is to be delivered to the external device.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for filter racks for blower coil units. An example filter rack for a blower coil unit includes a frame. The frame includes a rear frame structure, a front frame structure coupled to and spaced apart from the rear frame structure to define a slot that is configured to house a filter for filtering air flowing from a blow coil unit, and a side extending between the front frame structure and the rear frame structure. The side defines a first opening to the slot to enable the filter to be inserted into and removed from the slot. The example filter rack also includes a magnet fixed along the side and a panel configured to couple to the side via the magnet. The panel securely encloses the filter within the slot when coupled to the side and provides access to the slot when decoupled from the side.

Abstract: According to the present disclosure, air cleaner assemblies, components, features, and methods relating thereto, are described. These features, in part, relate to configuration of a preferred seal arrangement and seal surface of the cartridge. Particular arrangements are shown, in which: the filter cartridge includes a seal arrangement having a axial pinch seal surface with a projection/recess contour including at least one projection thereon; and, the cartridge includes a seal contour projection stabilizing portion at a location in perimeter alignment with the portion of the seal pinch arrangement including the first housing engagement projection. Additional features are included that relate to clean air separator section tubes of a precleaner arrangement secured to a cartridge. These features can be used in cartridges including features outlined above, or in alternative cartridges. Additional features of air cleaner arrangements and filter cartridges in accord with the above are described.

Abstract: Air cleaner assemblies, components, and features are described. The features can be used to provide that the air cleaner assembly cannot be fully closed, even if a cartridge is nested therein, and appears to be sealed, unless that cartridge is a proper one for the system of concern. The effect is to prevent an inappropriate cartridge, that does not properly seal, from being inadvertently installed in the assembly.

Abstract: Provided is a pneumatic system for a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle. The system comprises a compressor, an air dryer cartridge, and a purge valve. The purge valve is protected by a filter. The filter is arranged in a housing and covers an inlet of an air channel formed in the housing which connects the inlet and the purge valve.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus having an air flow path from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet and including an air treatment member, a suction motor and a filter assembly in the air flow path. The filter assembly includes at least two spaced apart physical filter elements with the upstream face of the second filter facing the downstream face of the first filter element. The filter assembly is configured to prevent air from bypassing the first physical filter media. The filter assembly includes a gap between the first filter element and the second filter element that acts as a header and reduces the flow rate of air incident on the second filter element.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of filtering air in a closed work environment that includes placing a primary air filter assembly in the closed work environment, where the primary air filter assembly includes a first air input and a first air output. The first air output is poised to emit once-filtered air outside the closed work environment. The method also includes placing a secondary air filter assembly in the closed work environment, where the secondary air filter assembly includes a second air input and a second air output. The method continues with repositioning the first air output to feed the second air input of the secondary air filter assembly, where the second air output is positioned to provide twice-filtered air to the closed work environment, and operating the primary air filter assembly and the secondary air filter assembly simultaneously.

Abstract: Technology improving the effect of cleaning a filter by a high pressure air current is provided. A first dust collector 27 has a housing into which a gas carrying capture material is carried; a filter 240 having a filter element 305 that captures the capture material, and an opening 305b from which air passing through the filter element 305 flows out; and an injector having a nozzle with an injection opening that injects a gas, moves the nozzle to a position in contact with the opening, and injects the gas from the injection opening 305b when the nozzle is in contact with the opening 305b.

Abstract: The present utility model discloses an air-purifying apparatus. The air-purifying apparatus comprises a filter screen, filter screen type determining component, and filter screen service life determining component. The filter screen is for filtering particles and at least one of specific chemical matters in the air. The filter screen determining component is configured to determine a type of the filter screen. The filter screen service life determining component is configured to determine whether the filter screen needs to be changed according to the determined type of the filter screen and a use condition of the filter screen. With the air-purifying device of the present disclosure, remaining service lives of the filter screens of different types or specifications may be obtained, then a user may be prompted when the filter screen needs to be changed, thereby allowing the user to maintain a good air-purifying effect at any time.

Abstract: A panel filter is provided. The panel filter can have extended life or higher dust holding capacity by one or more of the following provisions of (a) placing the dimpled pattern (compressed region) on the downstream side and outlet face of the media, (b) using the dimpled media in combination with adhesive spacers and embossments, (c) selection of a media that is depth loading rather than surface loading, (d) operating the pleater/embossing assembly in a manner so as to maintain integrity of the dimples and/or other features as described herein.

Abstract: A method for regenerating an amine-based, acid gas absorbent using a mixed catalyst containing silver oxide and silver carbonate includes the steps of absorbing an acid gas into an acid gas absorbent having an amine group to obtain an acid gas-absorbed absorbent; and regenerating the amine-based, acid gas absorbent by adding a catalyst mixture containing silver oxide and silver carbonate to the acid gas-absorbed absorbent and by removing the acid gas at a temperature ranging from 40° C. to 86° C. When the amine-based acid gas absorbent is an acid gas absorbent solution and when the acid gas that is absorbed into the acid gas absorbent solution is carbon dioxide, the catalyst mixture efficiently promotes decomposition of carbon dioxide-bound carbamate in the acid gas absorbent solution that absorbs the carbon dioxide through a novel catalytic reaction pathway.

Abstract: The present invention proposes to use a dry stream which is rich in C4 to C10 hydrocarbons as stripping agent for improving the regeneration of the liquid desiccant according to the invention. This dry stream rich in C4 to C10 hydrocarbons is extracted from the gas derived from the dehydration, for example during a step of extraction of NGL located downstream of the gas dehydration unit. The stream of stripping agent recovered at the outlet of the liquid desiccant regeneration unit may be recycled into the process of the invention or sent to a unit external to the process according to the invention. For example, this stream of stripping agent recovered at the outlet of the regeneration unit is sent to a unit which can receive wet condensates, such as a three-phase separation unit at the inlet of a crude gas processing plant, a condensate stabilization unit, etc.

Abstract: This invention provides a continuous liquid phase type wet exhaust gas treatment method for removing sulfur oxides from exhaust gas and collecting it as gypsum, which method is simple and humidifying liquid is uniformly sprayed into exhaust gas with it. The method is characterized in that humidifying liquid is injected downwardly in a region where exhaust gas flows vertically downwardly.

Abstract: A method for cleaning an off-gas from viscose production, essentially containing H2S and CS2, comprises passing the gas through a catalytic reactor containing a direct oxidation type catalyst, such as V2O5 on silica, to convert H2S in the gas to elemental sulfur, SO2 or mixtures thereof, either via the oxygen present in the gas or via oxygen added to the gas stream. Elemental sulfur and SO2 are removed from the effluent gas from the catalytic reactor, and the unconverted CS2 is recycled to the viscose production process.

Abstract: An ammonia slip catalyst having an SCR catalyst and an oxidation catalyst comprising at least two metals, each of which is selected from a specific group, and a substrate upon which at least oxidation catalyst is located is described. The ammonia slip catalyst can have dual layers, with one of the layers containing an SCR catalyst, a second layer containing the oxidation catalyst with comprises at least two metals, each of which is selected from a specific group, and the ammonia slip catalyst does not contain a platinum group metal. Methods of making and using the ammonia slip catalyst to reduce ammonia slip are described.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and apparatus for producing silica concentrates from geothermal fluids containing at least 300 ppm silica, by passing the fluid at a temperature above 80° C. and at a pH reduced to between 4.0 and 7.5 through a reverse osmosis membrane. In the diagram, geothermal fluid (I) is passed to a separator (2) to be flashed to produce steam (3) and separated geothermal water (SGW) (4). The SGW (4) is passed to a heat exchanger (5) then inlet pump (7). Acid is introduced to the geothermal fluid flow at a dosing means (6) to reduce the pH and an anti-sealant may also be introduced. The geothermal fluid is then passed to a reverse osmosis unit (8) to produce a concentrate (9) and a permeate (10). Following reverse osmosis, the concentrate and permeate may be treated with other processes to produce the desired product and concentration. For example, if precipitated silica is produced, the concentrate is passed to a curing tank (11) and to a thickener (12).

Abstract: The inventive system and method comprises one or more batch closed circuit desalination (CCD) unit(s) linked by conducting lines and valves means to a pressure exchange (PE) means, such that each said CCD can be engaged periodically with said PE means for brine replacement by fresh pressurized feed, thereby, enable a continuous consecutive sequential batch desalination under fixed flow and variable pressure conditions of low energy and high recovery of unchanged flux. The inventive system and method opens the door to large scale CCD systems operated by predetermined fixed set points of pressurized feed low, cross-flow or module recovery, and system recovery, independent of each other, of infinite operational combinations and high flexibility for effective process optimization. The inventive system and method overcome former volume requirement limitations of large scale SWRO CCD installations.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems for producing a concentrated feed stream and a diluted feed stream using a solute stream provided to the low pressure side of the semi-permeable membrane during a reverse osmosis process. The process includes providing a semipermeable membrane having a first side and a second side and introducing a first feed solution stream on the first side of the membrane and a second feed solution stream on the second side, wherein the osmotic pressure of the of the first feed solution stream is greater than or equal to the osmotic pressure of the second feed solution stream. The process further includes exerting hydrostatic pressure on the first side of the membrane such that solvent passes from the first side to the second side thereby producing a concentrated first feed solution stream and a diluted second feed solution stream. Devices and systems for performing the processes are provided.

Abstract: A spiral wound module assembly including: a plurality of spiral wound modules aligned within a pressure vessel with a first module located adjacent the first end and a second module located adjacent the second end, a flow plate including opposing first and second sides positioned within the pressure vessel between the first spiral wound module and the first end of the pressure vessel with the first side facing the first spiral wound module and the second side facing the first end, and wherein the flow plate includes a plurality of holes passing from the first side to the second side which create a pressure drop in fluid passing from the first spiral wound module and the closer of the feed inlet port and concentrate outlet port; and a differential pressure sensor adapted to measure differences in pressure between fluid located on the opposing sides of the flow plate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a porous sheet product, to a filter element comprising the porous sheet product, to a method for producing the porous sheet product, to a method for producing the filter element, and to the use of the sheet product and of the filter element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite semipermeable membrane including: a supporting membrane including a substrate and a porous supporting layer; and a separation functional layer disposed on the porous supporting layer, in which the separation functional layer includes: a crosslinked polyamide; and a hydrophilic polymer which is a polymer of a monomer having an ethylenically unsaturated group, and a surface of the separation functional layer has a ratio of the number of oxygen atoms to the number of nitrogen atoms (O/N ratio), both determined by X-ray photoelectron spectrometry, of 1.5-10, and a standard deviation of the O/N ratio of 0.15 or larger.

Abstract: Cation exchange membranes and materials including silica-based ceramics, and associated methods, are provided. In some aspects, cation exchange membranes that include a silica-based ceramic that forms a coating on and/or within a porous support membrane are described. The cation exchange membranes and materials may have certain structural or chemical attributes (e.g., pore size/distribution, chemical functionalization) that, alone or in combination, can result in advantageous performance characteristics in any of a variety of applications for which selective transport of positively charged ions through membranes/materials is desired. In some embodiments, the silica-based ceramic contains relatively small pores (e.g., substantially spherical nanopores) that may contribute to some such advantageous properties. In some embodiments, the cation exchange membrane or material includes sulfonate and/or sulfonic acid groups covalently bound to the silica-based ceramic.

Abstract: Provided is a method for producing a composition for forming a gas separation membrane active layer, the method including: obtaining a first reactant by allowing a cellulose-based compound and an acid substituted with fluorine to react; and adding dropwise an acid anhydride substituted with fluorine to the first reactant at a temperature higher than room temperature. Also provided is a composition for forming a gas separation membrane active layer.

Abstract: A two-layer membrane including a polymer layer and a support layer, the polymer layer being disposed on a surface of the support layer. The polymer layer, having a pore size of at most 50 nm and a thickness of 5 nm to 10 ?m, is formed of an amphiphilic copolymer that contains both charged groups and hydrophobic groups. The support layer has a pore size of 3 nm to 10 ?m, which is larger than the pore size of the polymer layer. Also disclosed is a process of filtering a liquid using the two-layer membrane described above.

Abstract: A device for cooling a slurry manufacturing mixer-comprises: a rotation container that comprises a mixing part, which mixes slurry and has a temperature detection part, and a slurry discharge part, which is formed under the mixing part and has a discharge hole for discharging the slurry; a body that is positioned under the rotation container and has a through-hole formed therethrough, through which the rotation container is inserted; and a sealing member interposed between the rotation container and the body, wherein the mixing part comprises an inner container and an outer container, and a cooling water passage is formed between the inner container and the outer container.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a material in divided form solid at ambient temperature and usable as a road binder or as a sealing binder, such as a road bitumen, a pitch, a stock solution for a bitumen/polymer composition, a clear binder, the method including the implementation of a device intended for granulation having at least two coaxial drums and a horizontal running belt: a fixed inner drum having an orifice and rotating outer drum with orifices, the method including: (i) heating a first composition to a temperature at which it is fluid, (ii) introducing the first composition in the fluid state into the inner drum of the granulation device, (iii) distributing the first composition outwards in drops through the orifices in the rotating outer drum, (iv) depositing the drops on the running belt, and (v) optionally, coating the drops with the second composition. A device for manufacturing these materials.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a method for producing a capsule or microbead having high encapsulation efficiency of an encapsulated substance, high production efficiency, and high versatility. The invention relates to a method for producing a microcapsule or microbead, comprising: a step of disposing a monomer droplet or polymer droplet containing a substance to be encapsulated, which has a surface coated with a plurality of solid fine particles, on a flat surface; and a step of solidifying the monomer droplet or polymer droplet disposed on the flat surface in a gas phase so as to form an outer shell of a capsule or microbead, thereby forming a region enclosed by the outer shell, wherein the substance is encapsulated in the region.

Abstract: A conduit contactor for conducting chemical reactions or chemical extractions between immiscible liquids includes a conduit having a hollow interior, a first open end, and a second open end opposite the first open end; a separator in fluid communication with and proximate the second open end; and a plurality of fibers disposed within the conduit. A total surface area of the fibers per volume of the hollow interior of the conduit is from 100 cm2/cm3 to 490 cm2/cm3.

Abstract: Producing C5 olefins from steam cracker C5 feeds may include reacting a mixed hydrocarbon stream comprising cyclopentadiene, C5 olefins, and C6+ hydrocarbons in a dimerization reactor where cyclopentadiene is dimerized to dicyclopentadiene. The dimerization reactor effluent may be separated into a fraction comprising the C6+ hydrocarbons and dicyclopentadiene and a second fraction comprising C5 olefins and C5 dienes. The second fraction, a saturated hydrocarbon diluent stream, and hydrogen may be fed to a catalytic distillation reactor system for concurrently separating linear C5 olefins from saturated hydrocarbon diluent, cyclic C5 olefins, and C5 dienes contained in the second fraction and selectively hydrogenating C5 dienes. An overhead distillate including the linear C5 olefins and a bottoms product including cyclic C5 olefins are recovered from the catalytic distillation reactor system.

Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to CCS sorbents, particularly for CO2/H2O displacement desorption process. The sorbents include an aluminum oxide support that includes two alkali metal salts impregnated on the support. The two alkali metals include a potassium metal salts and a second alkali metal salt which is not potassium. The second metal salt disrupts poisoning effects that degrade sorbent lifetime. The sorbents demonstrate improved CO2 loadings and better H2O/CO2 ratios, as well as improved stability. Compositions and methods of making are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of fabricating an organic structure directing agent-free CHA type zeolite membrane and a membrane fabricated thereby, and more particularly to a method of fabricating a continuous CHA type zeolite membrane, which exhibits CO2/N2 and CO2/CH4 separation performances comparable with those of conventional membranes, in a cost-effective manner without a calcination process by hydrothermal synthesis using an alkali metal hydroxide without using an organic structure directing agent, and to a membrane fabricated thereby.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a catalyst for dehydrogenation of liquid organic hydrogen carriers, including: a support; and a catalytically active ingredient on the support, wherein the support has a pore size of 10 nm or more.

Abstract: The invention discloses a dinuclear rhodium complex-doped platinum/hollow mesoporous silica sphere composite material, and a preparation method and an application thereof. The preparation method comprises the following steps: preparing hollow mesoporous silica by a selective etching technology, uniformly distributed a precious metal platinum in the channels of the hollow mesoporous silica by using simple impregnation, and mixing the obtained catalyst with dinuclear rhodium complex adsorbed silica gel to obtain the composite material integrating a chromogenic probe with the catalyst.

Abstract: A catalyst system for dewaxing of a hydrocarbon feedstock comprising at least two catalytic sections, the first section comprising a first dewaxing catalyst and a subsequent section comprising a second dewaxing catalyst, wherein the first dewaxing catalyst is a ZSM-12 zeolite based catalyst and the second dewaxing catalyst is a EU-2 and/or ZSM-48 zeolite based catalyst. The catalyst system displays enhanced performance when compared to systems containing either ony ZSM-12 based catalyst or EU-2/ZSM-48 based catalyst only.

Abstract: Methods are provided for forming noble metal catalysts comprising both platinum and a second Group VIII metal, such as palladium, with improved aromatic saturation activity. Instead of impregnating a catalyst with both platinum and another Group VIII metal at the same time, a sequential impregnation can be used, with the Group VIII metal being impregnated prior to platinum. It has been discovered that by forming a Group VIII metal-impregnated catalyst first, and then impregnating with platinum, the distribution of platinum throughout the catalyst can be improved. The improved distribution of platinum can result in a catalyst with enhanced aromatic saturation activity relative to a catalyst with a similar composition formed by simultaneous impregnation.

Abstract: To be able to produce an SCR catalyst (2), in particular one having a zeolite fraction (Z) as catalytically active fraction, in a reliable process and at the same time achieve good catalytic activity of the catalyst (2), an inorganic binder fraction (B) which is catalytically inactive in the starting state and has been treated to develop catalytic activity is mixed into a catalyst composition (4). The inorganic binder component for the binder fraction (B) is, in the starting state, preferably porous particles (10), in particular diatomaceous earth, which display mesoporosity. To effect catalytic activation, the individual particles (10) are either coated with a catalytically active layer (12) or transformed into a catalytically active zeolite (14) with maintenance of the mesoporosity.

Abstract: An ion exchange chromatography column contains an ion exchange stationary phase that includes a charged substrate, a plurality of first particles, and a plurality of second particles. The plurality of first particles each include first ion exchange groups and the first particles are ionically bound to the charged substrate. The plurality of second particles each include second ion exchange groups and the second particles are ionically bound to the charged substrate. The first particles having a first ion exchange group density, and the second particles having a second ion exchange group density. The first ion exchange group density is greater than the second ion exchange group density. The ion exchange chromatography column has a number of zones connected in series where each zone can have a varying level of first ion exchange groups and second ion exchange group from the inlet zone to the outlet zone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an immunoaffinity device for capturing, isolating and purifying one or more analytes of interest present at high or low concentration in simple or complex matrices. The device is designed as an integrated modular unit that includes one or more analyte concentrator-microreactor devices anchored into a T-shaped support box, which is built-in or connected to a interchangeable cartridge-cassette of a capillary electrophoresis or liquid chromatography apparatus for the isolation, enrichment, derivatization, separation and characterization of small molecules and polymeric macromolecules, primarily protein and peptide biomarkers. The integrated modular unit is also designed to perform metabolic or bioactivity studies.

Abstract: The present invention is notably directed to methods of fabrication of a microfluidic chip package or assembly (1), comprising: providing (S1) a substrate (10, 30) having at least one block (14, 14a) comprising one or more microfluidic structures on a face (F) of the substrate; partially cutting (S2) into the substrate to obtain partial cuts (10c), such that a residual thickness of the substrate at the level of the partial cuts (10c) enables singulation of said at least one block (14, 14a); cleaning (S4) said at least one block; and applying (S5-S7) a cover-film (62) to cover said at least one block (14, 14a), whereby at least one covered block is obtained, the applied cover film still enabling singulation of each covered block, wherein each covered block corresponds to a microfluidic chip after singulation. The present invention is further directed to microfluidic chips, packing or assembly, obtainable with such methods.

Abstract: A microfluidic thermalization chip, a system using such a chip and a PCR method for detecting DNA sequences. The chip contains a block of material in which a cavity is configured to contain at least one fluid. The cavity includes at least one inlet orifice and at least one outlet orifice. The inlet orifice for the fluid is connected to at least one, preferably at least two, fluid-injecting channels. Further, the chip includes at least one microfluidic channel for bypassing the cavity. The channel is connected by a first end to at least one of the fluid-injecting channels. The junction between the bypassing channel and the fluid-injecting channel is located at a distance L from the inlet orifice of the fluid-injecting channel. The distance L is preferably smaller than 2 cm.

Abstract: Flow cell devices, cartridges, and systems are described that provide reduced manufacturing complexity, lowered consumable costs, and flexible system throughput for nucleic acid sequencing and other chemical or biological analysis applications. The flow cell device can include a capillary flow cell device or a microfluidic flow cell device.

Abstract: A diagnostic test assembly, including: a substrate having formed therein a plurality of mutually spaced open reservoirs and fluidic channels; a deformable membrane attached to the substrate to cover the open reservoirs and fluidic channels; a rigid covering disposed over the deformable membrane, the rigid covering being configured to allow respective actuators external to the diagnostic test assembly to displace corresponding portions of the deformable membrane; wherein at least some of the portions of the deformable membrane act as pumping portions, each pumping portion being disposed over a corresponding one of the reservoirs and being configured so that when it is displaced by a corresponding actuator, it is displaced into the corresponding reservoir to pump fluid from the corresponding reservoir through at least a corresponding one of the fluidic channels; and wherein one or more of the portions of the deformable membrane act as valve portions, each valve portion being configured so that when it is displa

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to analytical testing devices comprising microfluidics and methods for performing an assay on a fluid sample received within the microfluidics, and in particular, to mitigating drift of fluid samples over a sensor by incorporating a bypass channel into the microfluidics. For example, a test cartridge device is provided that includes a fluid sample entry port and holding chamber connected to a bifurcation junction of a sensor channel and a bypass channel. The sensor channel includes an upstream region and a downstream region, and an analyte sensor is in the upstream region. As a cross-sectional area of the bypass channel is greater than the cross-sectional area of the downstream region of the sensor channel, the bypass channel is a preferred path for excess sample flow and pressure, and thus sample drift above the analyte sensor is mitigated.

Abstract: A microfluidic probe includes a probe head with a processing surface that includes a first aperture and a second aperture. The probe further includes a liquid injection channel, which leads to the first aperture, and a liquid aspiration channel, which extends from the second aperture. The probe also includes a bypass channel, arranged so as to fluidly connect the liquid injection channel to the liquid aspiration channel, as well as a control channel. The latter fluidly connects to the bypass channel, hence forming a junction therewith, so as to define two portions of the bypass channel. These portions includes: a first portion that extends from the junction to the liquid injection channel; and a second portion that extends from that same junction to the liquid aspiration channel. The invention is further directed to methods of operation of a probe as described above, to process a surface.