Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to apparatuses, systems, and methods for separating a target species (e.g., CO2) from a gas mixture (e.g., gas stream) via an electrochemical process.

Abstract: A method for capturing CO2 from a flue gas from a district heating plant fired on a carbonaceous fuel, where the flue gas is compressed and thereafter cooled before the flue gas is introduced into an absorber (16), where the flue gas is brought in countercurrent flow to an aqueous CO2 absorbent solution introduced into the absorber (16), to give a lean flue gas that is withdrawn from the absorber (16), reheated against incoming compressed flue gas, and thereafter expanded and released into the atmosphere, where the rich absorbent is introduced into a regenerator (30) and stripped to release CO2, withdrawing the lean absorbent from the regenerator (30) and introduction of the lean absorbent into the absorber (16), where the flow of lean absorbent is split in two, a first flow which is introduced at the top of an absorbent packing (17) in the absorber (16), and a second flow which is cooled against a heat fluid received from the district heating plant an returned thereto, and where the thus cooled absorbent is

Abstract: A replaceable membrane distillation module has a membrane distillation plate with an upper portion and a lower portion at two ends respectively. Two upper holes and two lower holes are defined through the upper portion and the lower portion at two ends respectively. A distillation portion is recessed in at least one side of the membrane distillation plate, and a distillation membrane covers on the distillation portion that a distillation space forms between the distillation portions and the distillation membrane. Multiple channels are disposed in the membrane distillation plate to communicate one of the upper holes, the distillation space and one of the lower flow holes. A blocking element is selectively combined with one of the upper holes or one of the lower flow holes.

Abstract: A three-dimensional photo/electrodialysis unit includes four compartments. A first compartment holds a three-dimensional electrode and a group of one or more electrochemically active redox species. A first electroactive cation selective membrane couples the first compartment to a second compartment that provides a first feedstock. An electroactive anion selective membrane couples the second compartment to a third compartment that provides a second feedstock. And a second electroactive cation selective membrane couples the third compartment to a fourth compartment that holds a second group of one or more electrochemically active redox species.

Abstract: A polymeric membrane. The polymeric membrane includes a modified surface obtained from coating with hydrophilic monomers and curing the hydrophilic monomers with electron beam, wherein the polymeric membrane is selected from polyamide membranes and Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) membranes; and wherein the hydrophilic monomers comprise at least one amino moiety; at least one polyoxyalkylene unit; and at least one (meth)acrylate moiety.

Abstract: A zeolite membrane complex includes a porous support and a zeolite membrane formed on the support. The zeolite membrane includes a low density layer covering the support and a dense layer covering the low density layer. The dense layer has a content percentage of zeolite crystals higher than that of the low density layer. In a cross section of the zeolite membrane complex perpendicular to a surface of the support, an average aspect ratio of zeolite crystals contained in the dense layer is not smaller than 2 and not larger than 4. When a surface of the zeolite membrane which is a surface of the dense layer is observed from a direction perpendicular to the surface, 20% or more of zeolite crystals among zeolite crystals positioned on the surface each have a triangular shape.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite semipermeable membrane including: a microporous support layer; and a separation functional layer provided on the microporous support layer, in which the separation functional layer includes a plurality of protrusions formed of a thin membrane including a cross-linked aromatic polyamide, in arbitrary ten cross sections perpendicular to a membrane surface direction and having a length of 2.0 ?m in the membrane surface direction, an average number density of the protrusions whose height with respect to a surface of the support layer as reference is one-fifth or more of a ten-point average surface roughness of the separation functional layer is 13.0 protrusions/?m or more, and an average value of a deformation amount when the protrusions are pressed with a force of 5 nN is 2.2 nm or less, and a standard deviation of the deformation amount is 1.2 nm or less.

Abstract: A hydrogen permeable membrane that includes a PdCu alloy and can be used for hydrogen purification. The hydrogen permeable membrane includes 38.75 mass % or more and 39.5 mass % or less of Cu with the balance being Pd and inevitable impurities as the PdCu alloy, and the area percentage of a ? phase on an arbitrary cross section is 95% or more. The hydrogen permeable membrane of the present invention has a hydrogen permeability coefficient ? of 2.0×10?8 mol/m·S·Pa1/2 or more at any temperature in a temperature range of 150° C. or higher and 350°° C. or lower. This value exceeds the hydrogen permeability coefficient of a PdCu alloy membrane containing Cu concentration of 40 mass %, which has been thus far considered to be optimal, demonstrating that the present invention is excellent in terms of hydrogen permeability.

Abstract: Provided are a polyethylene microporous membrane, a method for manufacturing the same, and a separator including the microporous membrane. According to an embodiment, a polyethylene microporous membrane which has a thickness of 3 ?m to 30 ?m, a puncture strength of 0.15 N/?m or more, a shrinkage rate in the transverse direction of 5% or less as measured after being allowed to stand at 121° C. for 1 hour, and a PS index represented by the following Equation 1 of 110 or more is provided: PS index=[gas permeability (×1031 5 Darcy)×porosity (%)]+[shrinkage rate (%) in the transverse direction at 121° C.].

Abstract: Described are hydrophilic polymers (including in the form of a filter membranes that includes hydrophilic polymer) having pendant ionic groups; to methods of making the hydrophilic polymer with pendant ionic groups and derivative membranes and filters; and to method of using the filter membranes for filtering a fluid such as a liquid chemical to remove unwanted material from the fluid.

Abstract: The present invention claims a vortex gas-liquid apparatus for dissolving a gas or combination of gases in liquid to obtain a gas-liquid solution. The gas-liquid solution is obtained in a mixing chamber in the center of which a flow swirler is arranged to activate stirring and improve gas absorption by the liquid. The most effective use of the apparatus seems to be for dissolving hydrogen in petroleum products, such as gasoline or diesel fuel, and transporting them through main pipelines under pressure. Transportation of hydrogen in a state of solution in petroleum fuel will eliminate diffusion losses through the pipe walls or measuring devices along the pipeline.

Abstract: A mixing device includes a main body, a plurality of first material inlet portions and a second material inlet portion. The main body includes a blending chamber and a discharging portion which is in fluid communication with the blending chamber. The first material inlet portions are connected to the main body. The second material inlet portion is connected to the main body and spaced apart from one another. The first material inlet portions and the second material inlet portion are in fluid communication with the blending chamber, and a first inlet direction of at least one of the first material inlet portions are different from a second inlet direction of the second material inlet portion.

Abstract: A static mixer assembly for pH-modification in geothermal power plants. The static mixer assembly includes a first tube extending along an axis, and a plurality of primary baffles extending from the first tube. The static mixer assembly further includes a second tube positioned within the first tube, and a plurality of secondary baffles extending from the second tube. An inlet tube includes a first end positioned outside the first tube and a second end positioned within the second tube.

Abstract: A stirring device includes a tank, a first stirring mechanism, a second stirring mechanism, and a flow blocking mechanism located in the tank and arranged on a side wall of the tank. A first stirring shaft of the first stirring mechanism is located in a middle part of the tank, and one end of the first stirring shaft is provided with a radial-flow stirring paddle located in the tank. A second stirring shaft of the second stirring mechanism is located on one side of the first stirring shaft. The second stirring shaft and the first stirring shaft are arranged in a radial direction of the tank. One end of the second stirring shaft is provided with an axial-flow stirring paddle located in the tank. The flow blocking mechanism is configured to block movement of materials in the tank.

Abstract: A biological production system includes a mixing vessel and an agitation device. The mixing vessel includes an outer housing, an internal mixing structure, and a reaction chamber. The mixing vessel is configured to provide low shear agitation to materials in the reaction chamber in response to force from the agitation device.

Abstract: A magnetic stir bar is described that includes a first portion with an outer perimeter that has a shape in plan view and a center point being a geometric center of the shape. The magnetic stir bar includes a second portion with a magnet that is connected to the first portion. The second portion is arranged so that at least part of the second portion is positioned within the outer perimeter of the first portion and so that a magnetic center point of the magnet in plan view is positioned off-center with respect to the center point of the outer perimeter. A method of mixing a fluid includes providing the fluid in a mixing container with the magnetic stir bar and rotating the magnetic stir bar with a magnetic stirrer.

Abstract: A method for producing absorbent, fiber-based, in particular cellulose fiber-based, granular material as pellet-like units, wherein fiber-based starting-material parts are pressed through a granulating channel having a feed region, a compaction region and a loosening region and are crushed between two rollers. A device for carrying out the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a catalyst feeder for a polymerization process that uses a solid catalyst. A catalyst feeder includes a housing, a plug disposed radially inside the housing and rotatable relative to the housing, and an end plate coupled to the housing. If the plug is in a first rotational position, each one of a first plurality of magnets coupled, to an axial end of the plug is axially aligned with one of a. second plurality of magnets coupled to a surface of the end plate facing towards the axial end of the plug, thereby moving the plug towards a first seated position in relation to the housing. If the plug is in a second rotational position, the plurality of first magnets and the plurality of second magnets are axially offset from each other, thereby moving the plug towards an unseated position in relation to the housing.

Abstract: A short contact reaction system for preparing ethylene and propylene from methanol includes an MTO short contact reactor, a riser reactor, a dense bed, and a stripper. The MTO short contact reactor has the following components coaxially distributed from inside to outside: a methanol feeding pipeline, a filter pipe wall, a product gas channel, and a catalyst distributor arranged at the top of the reactor, and a seal pipe arranged at the bottom of the reactor. The seal pipe is located in the stripper. The diameter at the top of the product gas channel is smaller than the diameter at the bottom of the product gas channel. Methanol is in crossflow contact with the descending coked catalyst II in the MTO short contact reactor.

Abstract: A system for providing Closed Loop Reformation (CLR) based synthesis gas (syngas) production processes and systems where the metal oxidation and reduction systems are decoupled from the system and process thereby avoiding the closed and coupled loop metal oxidation and reduction systems used with prior art CLR based syngas production processes and systems, and the high temperature complexities associated with prior art CLR based syngas production processes and systems.

Abstract: A reactor configuration, system and method for producing a carbon material and a syngas, such as, for CARGEN® technology, are provided. The reactor configuration, system and method includes/utilizes a reactor including a fluidized bed reactor having one or more vertical reactor tubes, or the reactor system includes a chemical vapor deposition reactor including one or more horizontal reactor tubes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of closed-loop control of the temperature in a chemical engineering apparatus (101, 201, 301, 401), in which, in a primary circuit (102, 202, 302, 402), a liquid is conveyed out of the apparatus (101, 201, 301, 401), fed at least partly to a heat transferer (103, 203, 303, 403) and recycled at least partly back to the apparatus (101, 201, 301, 401), where the heat transferer (103, 203, 303, 403) is cooled or heated by a heat transfer medium in a secondary circuit (104, 204, 304, 404), comprising the steps of: providing a target value for the temperature of the liquid in the apparatus (101, 201, 301, 401), detecting an actual value for the temperature of the liquid in the apparatus (101, 201, 301, 401) and calculating the temperature difference between the actual value and the target value of the liquid in the apparatus (101, 201, 301, 401).

Abstract: The invention concerns a setup (5) for implementing a multi-step chemical process, comprising: a first and a second fluidic circulation systems (10a, 10b), at least one fluidic interaction structure (25) comprising inlets configured to be fluidically connected to both the first and second fluidic distribution systems (10a, 10b), wherein the first and second fluidic circulation systems (10a, 10b) are configured to be in a first setting to supply the fluidic interaction structure (25) with reagents for performing a first step of the multi-step chemical process, and in a second setting, different from the first setting, to supply the fluidic interaction structure (25) with reagents for performing a second a step of the multi-step chemical process, at least one intermediate product container (37a, 37b) configured to be fluidically connected to the outlet of the fluidic interaction structure (25) and to one of the fluidic circulation systems (10a, 10b), the intermediate product container (37a, 37b) being config

Abstract: An apparatus for producing carbon nanotubes includes a plasma apparatus and a CVD reactor which are connected in series is disclosed, and a nanoparticle catalyst in an aerosol state prepared in the plasma apparatus is transferred into the CVD reactor to synthesize carbon nanotubes, thereby continuously synthesizing the carbon nanotubes having excellent physical properties.

Abstract: Proposed are a method of preparing a cesium adsorbent and a cesium adsorbent prepared thereby. The method includes (a) preparing a powder mixture of coal mine drainage sludge (CMDS) powder, sodium hydroxide (NaOH) powder, and sulfur (S) powder and (b) heat-treating the powder mixture to prepare a cesium adsorbent. The cesium adsorbent increases the active ion exchange of Na and Cs and the bonding of S—Cs when adsorbing cesium ions, resulting in an average of 5 times higher Cs removal efficiency and adsorption capacity under various conditions compared to CMDS since CMDS relies on cesium adsorption by simple physical and electrostatic attraction. Moreover, the cesium adsorbent is eco-friendly and has excellent economic efficiency by utilizing waste CMDS.

Abstract: A GIS-type zeolite having a silica/alumina ratio of 3.40 or more, in which, when area intensities of peaks assigned to Q4(3Al), Q4(2AL), Q4(1Al) and Q4(0Al) observed in a 29Si-MAS-NMR spectrum are respectively defined as a, b, c and d, (a+d)/(b+c)?0.192 is satisfied.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new zeolitic adsorbent materials which are particularly specific and adapted for the non-cryogenic separation of gases, and more particularly for the separation of nitrogen by adsorption in gas streams such as air, and also for the purification of hydrogen by adsorption of carbon monoxide (CO) and/or nitrogen (N2), and also to the use thereof especially for the preparation of medical oxygen in oxygen concentrators for respiratory assistance.

Abstract: It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a YFl-type zeolite with a small difference in desorption starting temperature due to hydrothermal durability treatment, a method for producing the YFl-type zeolite, a hydrocarbon adsorbent containing the YFl-type zeolite and a hydrocarbon adsorption method using the YFl-type zeolite The YFl-type zeolite is characterized in that the ratio of the mass of extra-framework aluminum to the mass of contained aluminum is 0% by mass or more and 28% by mass or less.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to obtain a gas adsorbent, a gas adsorption sheet, a filter medium, and an air filter that are excellent in gas component adsorption capacity and excellent in long-term stability of the adsorption capacity and also re-release little odor after being used as an air filter. A main object of the present invention is to provide a gas adsorbent that contains an acid-impregnated activated carbon, a base-impregnated activated carbon, and an aldehyde adsorbent.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a polyindole-montmorillonite (Pind-mmt) complex and a preparation method and application thereof. The preparation method includes the following steps: subjecting mmt to cation saturation using ferric chloride, to prepare ferric ion-exchanged montmorillonite (Fe3+-mmt); and formulating an indole aqueous solution; adding Fe3+-mmt to the indole aqueous solution to enable indole molecules to generate Pind at mmt interlayer by in-situ polymerization, and obtaining a Pind-mmt complex body; and subjecting the Pind-mmt complex body to organic modification with quaternary ammonium salt cationic surfactant to obtain the Pind-mmt complex.

Abstract: Provided is a method for preparing a superabsorbent polymer which realizes excellent drying efficiency by using a specific reducing agent compound selected from the group consisting of oxalic acid, sodium metabisulfite, sodium benzoate, or a combination thereof, and sodium dodecyl sulfate in combination in the polymerization step, thereby improving absorption properties of the polymer.

Abstract: A superporous material comprises: a crosslinked linear polyethyleneimine (PEI) microgel comprising the reaction product of linear polyethyleneimine and a crosslinker; an embedded body; and amine functional groups, wherein the embedded body and amine functional groups are available for CO2 association. There is disclosed a method of removing CO2 from a fluidic waste stream, wherein the method comprises contacting the waste stream with the superporous material, wherein the CO2 from the fluidic waste stream bonds to an amine functional group in the superporous material. There is also disclosed a method of removing CO2 from a fluidic waste stream, wherein the method comprises contacting the waste stream with the catalytic superporous material and a flowing gas, and converting CO2 to at least one of methanol, ethanol, carbonic acid, and methane.

Abstract: A method for producing a stationary phase for chromatography including radical copolymerization of a base material having a radically polymerizable functional group and a monomer having a radically polymerizable functional group in the presence of a radical initiator, wherein the radical copolymerization is performed in a heterogeneous system including a phase of the monomer having the radically polymerizable functional group and a phase of a solvent.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing coffee activated carbon includes performing a pretreatment process of manufacturing coffee grains using a binding mixture including coffee powder particles and a binder, performing a main treatment process of carbonizing and activating the coffee grains and manufacturing coffee activated carbon, and performing a post-treatment process of impregnating an impregnating agent including an amine group into the coffee activated carbon.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing coffee activated carbon using coffee waste includes performing a main treatment process of carbonizing and activating dried coffee powder particles and manufacturing coffee activated carbon, and performing a post-treatment process of sieving and drying the coffee activated carbon and selecting coffee activated carbon particles having a particle diameter of 185 ?m to 864 ?m.

Abstract: A hybrid material comprising modified porous silica and biologically active agents is disclosed. In particular, the invention discloses the design and development of amorphous silica to stabilize biologically active microorganisms and their derived enzymes, for bioremediation of hazardous substances including polar or non-polar chemicals, biological hazardous waste, radioactive hazardous waste, with potential application in the field of environmental remediation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vanadium and phosphorus mixed oxide (VPO) catalyst for the partial oxidation of n-butane to maleic anhydride. comprising vanadyl pyrophosphate as main component and at least one first promoter element selected from cobalt, iron, copper and mixtures thereof. The present invention further relates to a process for the production of maleic anhydride by partial oxidation of n-butane in the presence of the above mentioned catalyst.

Abstract: A process for preparing a zeolite having a CHA-type framework structure, the framework structure comprising X2O3 and YO2, wherein X is a trivalent element and Y is a tetravalent element, which includes (1) preparing a synthesis mixture comprising (A) a source for X2O3, (B) a source for YO2, and (C) a source for piperidinium cations represented by formula (I) wherein R1a is selected from C1-C8 alkyl and C3-C10 cycloalkyl, R1b is selected from C2-C8 alkyl and C3-C10 cycloalkyl, and R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6 independently from each other, are H, hydroxyl or C1-C8 alkyl; and (2) subjecting the synthesis mixture to crystallization conditions to form a CHA zeolite.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a degradation method of a perfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS). The degradation method includes the following steps: polymerizing indole to synthesize pind; and mixing synthesized pind with the PFAS to form a mixed solution, and illuminating the formed mixed solution to allow pind to generate hydrated electrons (eaq?) for degrading the PFAS. In the degradation method of the present disclosure, indole with a high yield of hydrated electrons is polymerized to generate pind, and pind is used as a precursor for the generation of the hydrated electrons to increase the stability of a molecular structure of pind through a highly conjugated structure formed after polymerization, thereby achieving the purpose of continuously generating the hydrated electrons under ultraviolet irradiation and effectively degrading PFASs, which is of great significance for addressing the environmental pollution problem of PFASs.

Abstract: A new catalytic metal supporting resin production method that can streamline the purification process, and an ultrapure water production method that uses the catalytic metal supporting resin production method are provided. The method for producing a resin includes first filling a single vessel with first anion exchange resin that supports a catalytic metal and second anion exchange resin that does not support a catalytic metal and then purifying together first anion exchange resin and second anion exchange resin that fill the vessel. The ultrapure water production method includes reducing the amount of hydrogen peroxide or dissolved oxygen by causing water being treated that contains hydrogen peroxide or dissolved oxygen to come into contact with an ion exchange resin that contains at least the resin and that is produced by the resin production method.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the recovery of an alkoxide catalyst used in a process depolymerizing a polyester to form a diacid or diester and a diol. The present disclosure also relates to the recovery of an alkoxide catalyst used in a process depolymerizing polyethylene terephthalate to form dimethyl terephthalate and mono ethylene glycol.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an exhaust gas purification catalyst including a wall-flow type substrate and a catalyst portion, the exhaust gas purification catalyst being capable of achieving an improvement of PM collecting performance and suppression of an increase in pressure loss, and the present invention provides an exhaust gas purification catalyst (1) including a substrate (10) extending in an exhaust gas flow direction (E), and at least one of a first catalyst portion (20) and a second catalyst portion (30) each provided on the substrate (10), wherein the first catalyst portion (20) satisfies the following expressions (11) and (12): 0 . 2 ? 0 ? R 11 ? 0.8 ( 11 ) 0.3 ? R 12 ? 0.85 , ( 12 ) and wherein the second catalyst portion (30) satisfies the following expressions (21) and (22): 0 . 2 ? 0 ? R 2 ? 1 ? 0 .80 ( 21 ) 0.3 ? R 2 ? 2 ? 0 ? .85 .

Abstract: A honeycomb body for a catalyst for aftertreatment of exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine, formed of a plurality of metal foils, which are stacked one on top of the other to form a layer stack and wound about at least one point of rotation. At least some metal foils have an at least partial structuring, by which flow channels are formed between the individual layers, through which flow channels gas can flow in a main flow direction from a gas inlet side of the honeycomb body to a gas outlet side. The honeycomb body is formed of two sub-portions over which the flow channels extend substantially without interruption, the sub-portions are positioned at an angle of at least 45 degrees relative to one another.

Abstract: Method of making and filtration article comprising a plugged honeycomb filter body comprising: intersecting porous walls extending an axial length in an axial direction from a proximal end to a distal end of the honeycomb filter body and defining a plurality of axial channels comprised of inlet channels, which are plugged at the distal end of the plugged honeycomb filter body, and outlet channels, which are plugged at the proximal end of the plugged honeycomb filter body, the porous walls comprising: porous ceramic base portions with a plurality of pores and an average thickness and having inlet sides and outlet sides; inlet surfaces defining the inlet channels; outlet surfaces defining the outlet channels; and treated sides comprising hydrophobic material deposits disposed at one of the inlet sides or the outlet sides of the porous ceramic base portions.

Abstract: An ion exchange-functionalized polymer molecule includes a repeating unit having a benzimidazole unit as at least part of a main chain, a side chain, or both. The ion exchange-functionalized polymer molecule also includes an ion exchange group linked to the repeating unit. The ion exchange group may be a tetravalent boron group or a metal fluoride, and the metal fluoride may be a multivalent metal atom.

Abstract: A fluid transfer device that aspirates and dispenses fluid without a user needing to directly actuate the fluid transfer device by being actuated for aspiration when inserted into a device such as a vial or for dispensing when inserted into a receiving device such as a cassette. In embodiments, the cassette is designed as part of a system with the fluid transfer device which securely attaches to the cassette when dispensing a fluid sample.

Abstract: An assembly for a positive displacement sampling device, the assembly comprising a tip and an ejector, the tip comprising a body, a mobile capillary retention portion connected to the body by a connector, and a lever secured to the mobile portion, such that moving this portion radially inwards, via the connector, leads to the lever moving radially outwards, the ejector being equipped with a locking member which engages with the lever such that, in the top position of the ejector, the locking member assumes a locking position in which it holds the mobile portion in an active capillary retention position by preventing the lever from moving radially outwards and, during the ejection travel, the locking member permits the lever to move radially outwards.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure disclose manifolds, methods, and systems for measuring cell functions. In various embodiments, a first reservoir storing a first fluid and a second reservoir storing a second fluid may be fluidically connected via a fluid channel. Further, the first fluid and the second fluid may be such that an entropic gradient force causes the first fluid to flow towards a container that is located therebetween and contains cells therein. The cells release cell products into the first fluid flowing in the fluidic channel, which in turn flows into the second reservoir. The cell products can be sampled from the second reservoir and/or from the container to measure the function of the cells.

Abstract: A device and method for separating serum or plasma from blood cells in a whole blood specimen. The present invention uses a cap with a reservoir, such that blood cells are packed into the cap when the specimen container is centrifuged. When the cap is removed, the blood cells are also removed, and the serum or plasma is left in the specimen tube where it can be readily extracted by a pipette which is able to reach all the way to the bottom of the specimen tube minimizing the dead volume.

Abstract: Disclosed is a deck assembly for a diagnostic system, the deck assembly comprises a deck plate, a heating means, a cooling means and at least one insulation partition. Further, the deck plate, has a defined number of a set of place holders. Further, the heating means is mounted on the deck plate. Further, the cooling means is mounted on the deck plate. Further, the at least one insulation partition is mounted on the deck plate. Further, the at least one insulation is configured to provide insulation by restricting transfer of heat or cold from the at least one place holder from the set of place holders. Further, at least one place holder from the set of the place holder is enabled to discard piercing tips.