Abstract: A cartridge for use in an electrowetting sample processing system, the cartridge having at least one inlet port for introducing an input liquid in an internal gap of the cartridge, wherein the gap has at least one hydrophobic surface and is configured to provide an electrowetting induced movement of a microfluidic droplet of input liquid, wherein the input liquid has a carrier liquid and a processing liquid and the gap has a capture zone that is configured to capture at least a part of the processing liquid as a microfluidic droplet by use of electrowetting force and the gap further has a transfer zone that is configured to provide a passage for the carrier liquid next to the microfluidic droplet, while processing liquid is captured in the capture zone.

Abstract: Hydraulic fluid flushing valve for hydrostatic units usable in closed hydraulic circuit propel applications, having a flushing valve housing with a first inlet port connected to a first working line, a second inlet port connected to a second working line, and a discharge port for draining hydraulic fluid. A two-sided flushing valve flushing valve spool which can be shifted is mounted within the flushing valve housing in a cylindrical valve bore, which, in a shifted position, enables a fluid flow from one of the first or the second inlet port at which the lower hydraulic pressure is present, to the discharge port. The flushing valve spool includes on each side a pressure surface each of which is connected to one of the two inlet ports.

Abstract: A metering console (100) includes a housing (110) adapted to allow flow of a liquid (F) therethrough. The housing (110) is adapted to attach with one or more gardening devices (132, 152). The metering console (100) includes a display (170) associated with the housing (110). The metering console (100) is characterized in that the display (170) is rotatably engaged with the housing (110) of the metering console (100) such that the display (170) rotates along a central axis (A-A?) of the housing (110).

Abstract: A system for spraying hot-melt adhesive onto glued surfaces comprising a melter to heat hot-melt adhesive, an air compressor, a power and control system and a gun. The gun is connected to the melter by a pipe with screw connectors, through which a hot-melt adhesive being heated flows, and the air compressor by an air pipe with screw connectors through which a pressurized compressed air flows. The gun has a nozzle with a hot-melt adhesive outlet or orifice and a compressed air outlet. The pipe through which flows the hot-melt adhesive having a viscosity between 2500 mPa·s and 7000 mPa·s and a temperature between 120° C. and 200° C., and a density between 0.8 kg/dcm3 and 1.4 kg/dcm3, and the air pipe are fitted in an insulating layer of a hose.

Abstract: A toner cartridge includes a pump portion that is variable in volume, a feeding path portion including a connection opening connected to the pump portion at a first end and including a discharge opening at a second end, and a toner accommodating portion connected to an intermediate portion between the first end of the feeding path portion and the second end of the feeding path portion. A volume change amount of the pump portion is greater than a total volume from the connection opening to the discharge opening.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing a valve is described, which has an electrodynamic actuator, which includes a magnet arrangement for generating a magnetic field and a control element which is movable relative to the magnet arrangement and is coupled to a movably arranged coil. At least one electrical variable of the electrodynamic actuator is measured over a measurement period to detect a time course of the electrical variable. The time course of the electrical variable is evaluated over an evaluation period to determine at least one induction-dependent valve variable which is assigned to the motion profile of the electrodynamic actuator. A diagnosis module and a valve are furthermore described.

Abstract: A filtration device, in particular a disposable filtration device, has a flow path in which a filter element and an integrated flow reducer are arranged one behind the other. The flow reducer is adapted to be brought to a first operating position, which permits a defined first volume flow rate, and at least to a second operating position, which permits a defined second volume flow rate which is smaller than the first volume flow rate.

Abstract: Fracturing fluid delivery systems having flexible fracturing fluid delivery conduits secured with quick connectors are provided. In one example, a fracturing system includes a wellhead assembly and a fracturing fluid conduit coupled to the wellhead assembly to route fracturing fluid to the wellhead assembly. The fracturing fluid conduit includes a flexible body defining a bore for conveying the fracturing fluid to the wellhead assembly. The fracturing fluid conduit is coupled to the wellhead assembly via an actuated connector including one or more locking members that move from an unlocked position to a locked position to secure the fracturing fluid conduit to the wellhead assembly. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An agricultural machine, comprising is disclosed, wherein the machine comprises a body frame; a cutting system mounted on the body frame; a drive system mounted on the body frame; a power unit, mounted on the body frame, adapted to provide power to the drive system and/or the cutting system; and a fluid distribution system adapted to provide fluid to the power unit. The fluid distribution system further comprises a dock and a replaceable fluid container adapted to contain fluid to be supplied to the power unit the dock being adapted to retain the replaceable fluid container in fluid communication with the fluid distribution system so as to supply fluid from the replaceable fluid container via the fluid distribution system to the power unit. A method of facilitating an oil change in an agricultural machine is also disclosed.

Abstract: A microfluidic arrangement for manipulating fluids is provided. The microfluidic arrangement comprises a substrate, a first fluid and a second fluid, which is immiscible with the first fluid. The first fluid is arranged to be at least partially covered by the second fluid. The first fluid is arranged in a desired shape on an unpatterned surface of the substrate. The first fluid is retained in said shape by a fluid interface between the first and second fluids. A microfluidic arrangement comprising an array of drops is also provided. The microfluidic arrangement comprises a substrate, a first fluid and a second fluid, which is immiscible with the first fluid. The first fluid is arranged to be at least partially covered by the second fluid. The first fluid is arranged to be covered at least partially by the second fluid. The first fluid is arranged in a given array of drops on an unpatterned surface of the substrate. Each drop cross section area having a (height:width) aspect ratio of (1:2) or less.

Abstract: A superconducting down-hole heating device with a superconducting cable, a cryostat around the superconducting cable, and a heat source coupled to the superconducting cable. The device is configured to use within a well-casing, and to produce heat outside of the cryostat and not inside of the cryostat.

Abstract: A feedstock processing system extracts a product from a solid using a CTSE system comprising a plurality of continuous stirred tank extraction stages arranged in fluid communication with each other in series such that effluent from one stage flows to a next stage in the series. One of the stages has an inlet to allow a measured amount of liquid solvent and the solid to be introduced to the continuous stirred tank extraction stage. The stage mixes the solid with the introduced solvent to form a homogeneous slurry to enable the product associated with the solid to be extracted with the solvent. A solid-liquid separator is arranged in fluid communication with the continuous stirred tank extraction stages, and receives an effluent from one of the stages and separates the liquid solvent containing the product from the solid to form a product-containing liquid and a product-depleted solid.

Abstract: An electronic faucet including a delivery spout, a valve cartridge, a bonnet nut securing the valve cartridge within the delivery spout, and a handle operably coupled to a valve stem of the valve cartridge. The bonnet nut is illustratively formed of a conductive polymer. A contact spring is supported by the valve stem, wherein an electrically conductive path extends from the faucet handle, the contact spring, the bonnet nut and the delivery spout.

Abstract: A plumbing drain trap treatment mixture is disclosed. The mixture is poured into a plumbing drain trap to form a layer of the mixture that floats on top of the water in the trap. The mixture layer forms a boundary to prevent evaporation of the water from the trap, thereby maintaining the water in the trap to prevent sewer gas infiltration and pest infiltration to the building. The anti-pest and antimicrobial properties of the mixture may serve to further prevent migration of pests from the sewage drain beyond the trap through the plumbing trap and into the building and/or to protect the barrier itself from microbial infestation. A method of use of a treatment for a plumbing drain trap is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of manipulating microdroplets having an average volume in the range 0.5 femtolitres to 10 nanolitres comprised of at least one biological component and a first aqueous medium having a water activity of aw1 of less than 1 is provided. It is characterised by the step of maintaining the microdroplets in a water-immiscible carrier fluid which further includes secondary droplets having an average volume less than 25% of the average volume of the microdroplets up to and including a maximum of 4 femtolitres and wherein the volume ratio of carrier fluid to total volume of microdroplets per unit volume of the total is greater than 2:1. The method may be employed for example with microdroplets containing biological cells or with microdroplets containing single nucleoside phosphate such as are prepared in a droplet-based nucleic acid sequencer.

Abstract: A process for transferring a method from a starting system to a target system in liquid chromatography, in particular in high performance liquid chromatography, is described. A first chromatogram of the method carried out on the starting system is available or determined. The method developed for the starting system is carried out on the target system without any change in its physical parameters, and a second chromatogram is thereby determined. The two chromatograms of the starting system and the target system are compared, and measures for adjusting the physical system parameters of the target system are derived from the deviations.

Abstract: In a plasma processing apparatus, an additional viewing window is disposed between an infrared temperature sensor and a view window, and the additional viewing window is cooled to be retained at room temperature (20° C. to 25° C.), to reduce and to stabilize electromagnetic waves emitted from the viewing window. By correcting the value of the electromagnetic waves, the measurement precision of the temperature monitor is increased and it is possible to measure and to control the dielectric window temperature in a stable state.

Abstract: This application describes a method and device for safely, effectively, perfusing distal to occluded arteries, based on diagnostic information from the catheter-perfusion-system based on sensors, effectors, controllers and algorithms included, with particular attention to the specific characteristics of the tissue and the fluid. Key actionable physiological values for the tissue can be calculated and derived. They include the auto-regulatory curve, with Upper and Lower limits of Auto regulation, vascular reserve, and collateral flow reserve and as auto-regulation exhaustion.

Abstract: A suction device including a casing having a central post extending through the casing. A flexible member is provided across a free end of the central post. One or more artificial muscles are housed within the casing and encircle the central post, each artificial muscle including a housing having a first wall and a second wall opposite the first wall. The housing having an electrode region adjacent an expandable fluid region, a dielectric fluid housed within the housing, and an electrode pair housed within the electrode region of the housing. The electrode pair includes a first electrode coupled to the first wall and a second electrode coupled to the second wall. The electrode pair is actuatable between a non-actuated state and an actuated state such that actuation from the non-actuated state to the actuated state directs the dielectric fluid into the expandable fluid region and deforms the flexible member to form a suction area at the free end of the central post.

Abstract: A system and method for cleaning and inspecting ring frames is disclosed here. In one embodiment, a vacuum valve comprising at least one sealing O-ring; and a pressure monitoring tape on a mating surface on a vacuum processing chamber, wherein the pressure monitoring tape is configured to perform a pressure profile mapping between the mating surface on the vacuum processing chamber and a surface of the at least one sealing O-ring on the vacuum valve to determine a closing condition of the vacuum valve.

Abstract: A needleless injection port assembly includes first and second body parts and a resilient barrier received within the body. A cannula attached to the first body part is received within an internal cavity of the resilient barrier. The resilient barrier is moveable between a less axially compressed first position in which fluid flow through the injection port assembly is prevented and a more axially compressed second position in which fluid flow through the assembly is allowed. An interference fit is provided between the resilient barrier and the cannula to seal against fluid flow through the cannula when the resilient barrier is in the first position. The cannula has an internal fluid passageway with a non-circular cross section providing increased fluid flow.

Abstract: A tankless water heater for RV includes a heat exchanger disposed in a housing with an inlet cold water line and an outlet hot water line extending outside a front side of the housing. A burner, disposed in an operative relationship with the heat exchanger, is provided for heating water flowing through the heat exchanger and an exhaust system induces is provided to move exhaust fumes out a vent duct. The tankless water heater for RV can be partially automated using a microprocessor, which can receive signals from various sensors mounted with the water heater and can send control signals to control one or more parameters.

Abstract: An electrostatic machine employs a high dielectric fluid comprised of a dielectric liquid with suspended dielectric particles. Electrorheological effects are minimized through small particle sizes and steric coatings on those particles limiting the minimum particle-to-particle distance. Low particle volume densities provide greater torque density with managed reduced viscosity.

Abstract: A method and system for measuring, controlling, and recording flushing of a water distribution system (WDS) comprising each portion or subject WDS piping, by measuring, controlling and recording the selected flow rate ranges of water into and out of. The selected volume of water utilized into and out of the WDS piping can then be measured, controlled and recorded. The flow rate and volume of water into and out of the WDS piping can then be selected for each maintenance event protocol and used to determine the condition of the WDS.

Abstract: A method for performing a continuous infusion process includes delivering a first fluid through a first delivery line at a first flow rate using a first infusion device in a first phase, and delivering a second fluid through a second delivery line at a second flow rate using a second infusion device in a second phase following the first phase. A relay device connected to said first and second delivery lines configured to discharge first or second fluid to an outlet delivery line connected to the relay device, the outlet delivery line having a predefined delivery volume. Subsequent to the delivery of the first fluid in the first phase, the second infusion device in an intermediate phase is operated for a predetermined delivery time to deliver the second fluid at the first flow rate, the predetermined delivery time determined taking the predefined delivery volume into account.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for processing a substrate are provided herein. In some embodiments, a substrate processing chamber includes: a chamber body; a chamber lid assembly having a housing enclosing a central channel that extends along a central axis and has an upper portion and a lower portion; a lid plate coupled to the housing and having a contoured bottom surface that extends downwardly and outwardly from a central opening coupled to the lower portion of the central channel to a peripheral portion of the lid plate; and a gas distribution plate disposed below the lid plate and having a plurality of apertures disposed through the gas distribution plate.

Abstract: A method of controlling an electro-hydraulic actuator (101). An electric voltage applied to the actuator (101) is established by superimposing a control variable with an oscillatory signal. A hydraulic pressure, influenced by the actuator (101), is measured. The oscillatory signal is adapted as a function of the measured hydraulic pressure.

Abstract: Provided is a method for replicating a mirror nucleic acid, comprising: reacting a mirror nucleic acid template, a mirror nucleic acid primer and mirror dNTPs/rNTPs in the presence of a mirror nucleic acid polymerase, so as to obtain the mirror nucleic acid.

Abstract: Implementations described herein provide for thermal substrate processing apparatus including two thermal process chambers, each defining a process volume, and a substrate support disposed within each process volume. One or more remote plasma sources may be in fluid communication with the process volumes and the remote plasma sources may be configured to deliver a plasma to the process volumes. Various arrangements of remote plasma sources and chambers are described.

Abstract: Described is a medical adapter assembly comprising an end including a neuraxial fitting that is not directly connectable to a standard luer fitting, an opposing end including a fitting connectable to an intravenous medical device, and a check valve that allows fluid flow from the end with the standard luer fitting to the end with the neuraxial fitting, but prevents fluid flow from the end with the neuraxial fitting to the end with the standard luer fitting. Methods of using the medical adapter assembly and kits containing the medical adapter assembly are also described.

Abstract: A vacuum sewage system includes a sump pit for receiving sewage, a valve pit, a valve, a sensor-controller, a first sensor pipe, a sump breather and a second sensor pipe. The sensor-controller activates the valve so as to discharge sewage from the sump pit. The first sensor pipe communicates pressure to the sensor-controller as the level of sewage rises within the sump pit. The second sensor pipe communicates pressure to the sump breather to move the sump breather from a first state to a second state to prevent sewage from entering the sensor-controller and valve. Alternatively, the system may be provided with a single sensor pipe that communicates pressure to both the sensor-controller and to the sump breather.

Abstract: A method for testing for a possible water leak in at least a part of a water system, comprising: closing all known water usage taps (42) within the part of the water system to be tested; closing at least one stop cock (14) or valve of the water system to isolate the part of the water system from its replacement water source (12) (or sources), and any external replacement pressure source (or sources); and then a) detecting a first pressure P0 within the isolated part of the water system at a sensor (62, 48) connected to the part of the water system, waiting a period of time t and then detecting a second pressure within the isolated part of the water system at that sensor (62, 48); and b) releasing a volume of water VR from the water system out of the isolated part of the water system via a vent (42) in the isolated part of the water system, before then closing the vent (42), step b) further comprising detecting the pressures either side of that release at that sensor (62, 48); using the pressure drop caused by

Abstract: A monitoring system that monitors a steam-using facility includes a temperature sensor that is a trap temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature of a steam trap provided in a steam discharge unit and/or a steam temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature of steam flowing into the steam trap and a pressure sensor configured to detect a pressure of steam flowing into the steam trap. The monitoring system determines that there is an occurrence of an abnormality or a sign of the abnormality in the steam trap when (i) a temperature detection value obtained by the temperature sensor and/or statistical temperature data obtained by performing statistical processing on the temperature detection value deviates from a predetermined criterion thereof and (ii) a pressure detection value obtained by the pressure sensor and/or statistical pressure data obtained by performing statistical processing on the pressure detection value deviates from a predetermined criterion thereof.

Abstract: A fluid management system includes a fluid management controller and a fluid dispenser. The controller authorizes control of the one or more fluid management components over a wireless interface. A dispensing meter can be activated by an authentication device. The fluid meter includes a cartridge valve with a valve cartridge and a valve stem. The cartridge valve guides the valve stem and provides the only sealing surface for the dynamic seals and control seal disposed on the valve stem. The handheld meter dispenses through a nozzle, which includes an overmolded stem tip that generates a laminar fluid flow as the fluid exits the nozzle. The handheld fluid meter includes circuitry configured to invert the orientation of a visual output provided by a display of the handheld fluid meter to facilitate installation of the handheld fluid meter for use in an oil bar application.

Abstract: Example fluidic channels for microfluidic devices are disclosed. In examples disclosed herein, an example microfluidic device includes a body having a microfluidic network. The microfluidic network includes a main fluid channel to transport a biological fluid from a first cavity of the microfluidic network to a second cavity of the microfluidic network. An auxiliary fluid channel is in fluid communication with to the main fluid channel. The auxiliary fluid channel has a first end and a second end. The first end is in fluid communication with the main fluid channel and the second end is spaced from the main fluid channel. A fluid actuator is positioned in the auxiliary fluid channel to induce fluid flow in the main fluid channel.

Abstract: There is provided a gas cluster processing device for performing a predetermined process on a workpiece by irradiating the workpiece with a gas cluster, including: a processing container in which the workpiece is disposed; a gas supply part configured to supply a gas for generating the gas cluster; a flow rate controller configured to control a flow rate of the gas supplied from the gas supply part; a cluster nozzle configured to receive the gas for generating the gas cluster at a predetermined supply pressure, spray the gas into the processing container maintained in a vacuum state, and convert the gas into the gas cluster through an adiabatic expansion; and a pressure control part provided in a pipe between the flow rate controller and the cluster nozzle and including a back pressure controller configured to control a supply pressure of the gas for generating the gas cluster.

Abstract: An in-tank filter bowl with a de-aeration shroud for a hydraulic or oil reservoir includes an outlet shroud surrounding the filter bowl outlet at a proximal end thereof and having a shroud fluid outlet at a distal end thereof with a larger opening than an opening of the filter bowl outlet. The outlet shroud may be formed as or include a diverging member surrounding the filter bowl outlet at a proximal end thereof and having a diverging member fluid outlet at a distal end thereof, wherein the member diverges from the proximal end to the distal end thereof. The outlet shroud may further include a central deflector positioned within the diverging member and combining with the diverging member to form an annular passage to the diverging member fluid outlet.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the field of fluid process systems and discloses a manifold system for fluid delivery. The system comprises a first set of Solenoid Operated Valves (SOVs), a second set of SOVs, a plurality of isolating valves, at least one first shuttle valve, and at least one redundant shuttle valve. Each set of SOVs includes at least two SOVs arranged in parallel. The SOVs together form a series-parallel redundancy. Each isolating valve is coupled to an SOV and facilitates hot swapping of that SOV. The redundant shuttle valves provide redundancy to the first shuttle valve and facilitate the flow of a fluid from each of the first set of SOVs to each of the second set of SOVs, thereby promoting system safety and availability.

Abstract: A bistable solenoid valve device for a fluid system is provided. The bistable solenoid valve device comprises a bistable solenoid valve. The bistable solenoid valve comprises a permanent magnet. The bistable solenoid valve further comprises an armature displaceable between a first armature position and a second armature position. The bistable solenoid valve further comprises a first switching coil for energization for a displacement of the armature into the first armature position. The bistable solenoid valve further comprises a second switching coil for energization for a displacement of the armature into the second armature position. The bistable solenoid valve further comprises an evaluation device adapted to measure an induced coil voltage, an induced coil current, or both the induced coil voltage and the induced coil current, at one or more of the non-energized switching coils. The evaluation device is further adapted to assess a switching behavior of the armature.

Abstract: A mixing valve that includes a housing having a first outlet, a second outlet, and a mixing chamber; a first flow control valve for controlling flow through the first outlet to the mixing chamber; and a second flow control valve for controlling flow through the second outlet to the mixing chamber; wherein the housing has a length dimension, a width dimension, and a thickness dimension, and the largest of these dimensions is no more than approximately 65 millimeters.

Abstract: A conduit locking device includes a housing having a first end, a second end, and a sidewall disposed between the first end and the second end. The conduit locking device may further include a slide engaged with the sidewall of the housing, the slide including an extension arm and an end portion structurally configured to engage with an inner wall of a conduit. The slide may be extendable via the extension arm from a first position substantially adjacent to the sidewall of the housing to a second position disposed away from the sidewall of the housing, where, when in the second position, the slide is configured to retain the conduit locking device at a fixed position within the conduit through the engagement of the end portion with the inner wall of the conduit.

Abstract: An air valve assembly for use with inflatable articles is provided. The air valve assembly includes a valve base (10), a valve body (20), an inflation adapter (30), a plug (40) and a fixing ring (50). The air valve assembly provides for inflation of the inflatable article through two different sized air passages, allowing inflation by multiple sizes of air inflation hoses or nozzles. The air valve assembly also provides for quick deflation of the inflatable article through a third and larger sized air passage. The configuration of the air valve assembly may be easily changed by hand without the need for tools, allowing for easy and efficient inflation or deflation of the inflatable article.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a reaction and a reaction system are provided. The reaction system includes at least one vessel for the reaction medium, which is in fluid communication with an injection tube; at least one vessel for a carrier fluid that is immiscible with the reaction medium, which is in fluid communication with a reaction tube; the injection tube being mounted so as to lead into the reaction tube such that individual drops of the reaction medium can be injected into the reaction tube and into the immiscible carrier fluid, so as to form a train of reaction chambers; at least one detector for monitoring a reaction; a means for classifying the reaction chambers; and at least one means for recirculating reaction chambers in front of at least one detector for monitoring a reaction.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods and systems for analyzing fluid samples comprising obtaining fluid samples in at least one cavity of a substrate and introducing also buffers and/or reagents in the cavity, performing nucleic acid extraction and/or purification in the cavity, and performing nucleic acid amplification in the same cavity.

Abstract: The invention relates to micro-channeled and/or nano-channeled polymer compositions for structural and thermal insulation composites and methods of preparing the same. The composites can be tailored to achieve desired mechanical and thermal insulation properties.

Abstract: A technique to characterize moisture in a dielectric layer of a printed circuit board is provided. A method comprises applying a test signal to test circuitry comprising a test capacitor that is formed with the dielectric layer of the printed circuit board; measuring at least one characteristic of a least one of signal transmission and signal reflection from the test circuitry; and determining, from the at least one measured characteristic, at least one parameter value indicative of moisture content in the dielectric layer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure provide a method and system for removing water build-up in a hydrocarbon storage tank. An oil-water interface sensor is located in the hydrocarbon storage tank and includes a first probe and a second probe. The first probe is located at a bottom portion of the hydrocarbon storage tank. The first probe generates a first input data stream. The second probe is located above the first probe. The second probe generates a second input data stream. The first and second input data streams are processed to determine a vertical displacement of an oil-water interface, which is compared against a predetermined value. An output data stream responsive to the comparison is generated including instructions to maintain a controllable valve either in an open position or in a closed position.

Abstract: A method includes placing a downhole acquisition tool in a wellbore in a geological formation containing a reservoir fluid. The method includes performing downhole fluid analysis using the downhole acquisition tool to determine at least one measurement of the reservoir fluid. The method includes using a processor to estimate at least one fluid component property by using an equation of state based at least in part on the at least one measurement of the reservoir fluid and to simulate a diffusion process using a diffusion model that takes into account the at least one estimated fluid property to generate a composition path. The method includes using a processor to estimate one or more phase envelopes based in part on the at least one fluid property and compare the one or more phase envelopes with the composition path. The method includes outputting a visualization identify potential areas of asphaltene instability.

Abstract: A jumper manifold for use in a fracing system including a first outlet interface for coupling to a first outlet line, a second outlet interface for coupling to a second outlet line, and an inlet interface for coupling to an inlet line carrying a slurry under pressure. A jumper, in a first configuration, couples the inlet interface with the first outlet interface for transporting slurry from the inlet line to the first outlet line while isolating the second outlet line. The jumper, in a second configuration, couples the inlet interface with the second outlet interface for transporting slurry from the inlet line to the second outlet line while isolating the first outlet line.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes methods of making a brine solution that include recirculating brine solution to a salt and water hopper from a holding tank. The present disclosure also includes an apparatus for making a solution that includes at least one nozzle assembly positioned inside the lower half of a hopper. The at least one nozzle assembly includes a manifold having at least two nozzles spaced apart. Each nozzle has one or more nozzle outlets that are directed away from the bottom of the hopper (e.g., toward the top of the hopper).