Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for acoustic focusing hardware and implementations.

Abstract: The invention provides devices and methods for isolating one or more sample components of a sample material following separation of the sample material into a plurality of sample components. A device includes a separation channel having a sample loading well. A low-conductivity buffer is disposed in the loading well, the buffer having a conductivity<0.2 mS/cm. In a method, a buffer is loaded into a loading well in fluid communication with a separation channel of a device. A sample material having a conductivity higher than that of the buffer is then loaded into the loading well such that the sample material is disposed beneath the buffer, the buffer disposed over and covering the sample material. The sample material is separated into a plurality of separated components in the separation channel, and a separated component is collected from a collection well disposed in a collection leg of the device.

Abstract: A pulse jet liquid gas cleaning system has an ultrasonic transducer operable to transform a high-pressure stream of cryogenic fluid from a cryogenic fluid supply into pulsed jets of individual cryogenic fluid slugs.

Abstract: A chamber fluid removal system including a pump and an ejector is disclosed. The system is arranged in use to pump fluid from a chamber using the pump and deliver it to the ejector as a motive fluid and the system being further arranged to draw fluid from the chamber or from a second chamber as an entrained fluid by entraining it using the ejector and the motive fluid.

Abstract: Microfluidic structures and methods for manipulating fluids, fluid components, and reactions are provided. In one aspect, such structures and methods can allow production of droplets of a precise volume, which can be stored/maintained at precise regions of the device. In another aspect, microfluidic structures and methods described herein are designed for containing and positioning components in an arrangement such that the components can be manipulated and then tracked even after manipulation. For example, cells may be constrained in an arrangement in microfluidic structures described herein to facilitate tracking during their growth and/or after they multiply.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a specific group of alkoxylated and/or acylated non-quaternary nitrogen-containing compounds as anti-agglomerants for gas hydrates. The invention also relates to a method for inhibiting the agglomeration of gas hydrates in a conduit, and compositions comprising the gas hydrate anti-agglomerant, a corrosion inhibitor and/or a paraffin deposition inhibitor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) intended for handling objects (O) present in a channel (2) within a fluid (F), in particular a liquid. The device comprises: a channel (2) extending along a longitudinal axis (X), said channel (2) having a transverse section with a width (_) measured along a first transverse axis (Y) and a thickness measured along a second transverse axis (Z) perpendicular to the first, said width (_) being greater than or equal to the thickness, and said channel comprising first (3) and second (4) walls along the second transverse axis (Z); and an acoustic wave generator (10) generating acoustic waves in the channel from at least one of the walls (3; 4), said acoustic wave generator (10) operating at a frequency f that is different from a resonant frequency f0 of the channel (2) along the second transverse axis (Z).

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for producing various types of microdroplets are provided. The apparatus has a cross intersection portion 7 at which a first continuous phase 2, a first dispersion phase 4, and a second dispersion phase 6 intersect with each other; a first liquid feed device 12 controlling the first dispersion phase 4; a second liquid feed device 13 controlling the second dispersion phase 6; and a control device 11 connected to the first liquid feed device 12 and the second liquid feed device 13, in which the first liquid feed device 12 and the second liquid feed device 13 are controlled by a signal from the control device 11 so that microdroplets 9 formed of the first dispersion phase 4 and microdroplets 10 formed of the second dispersion phase 6 are sequentially produced.

Abstract: It is an object to provide a water vapor pressure lowering agent which is safe, is easily mixed with seal water, and is usable even in a cold region. The water vapor pressure lowering agent includes urea, a surfactant, purified glycerol, and water or alkaline reducing water, and the purified glycerol is obtained by purifying waste glycerol containing ethanol, an oil or fat, water, and a carbide by distillation. In a method for preventing seal breakage in a drain trap T by using the water vapor pressure lowering agent, the vapor pressure lowering agent is introduced such that a liquid level is equal to or higher than a seal water maintenance lower limit in a seal water portion of the drain trap T.

Abstract: A method of extracting hydrocarbon-containing organic matter from a hydrocarbon-containing material includes the steps of providing a first liquid comprising a turpentine liquid; contacting the hydrocarbon-containing material with the turpentine liquid to form an extraction mixture; extracting the hydrocarbon material into the turpentine liquid; and separating the extracted hydrocarbon material from a residual material not extracted.

Abstract: A system for controlling unwanted flow separation. One or more microjets are placed to feed auxiliary fluid into a region of suspected flow separation on a surface. If the separation is intermittent, sensors can be employed to detect its onset. Once separation is developing, the microjets are activated to inject a stream of high-velocity gas in a direction that is transverse to the prevailing flow. This injected stream forms counter-rotating vortices in the prevailing flow and thereby transfers momentum from the prevailing flow into the boundary layer proximate the surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods related to handling solids in microfluidic systems are generally described. Many of the systems and methods described herein address the need to inhibit the formation of blockages in microfluidic channels.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling motive flow through an ejector using a pneumatically controlled valve. A valve coupled upstream of an intake ejector may be adjusted based on boost pressure to control motive flow into the ejector from upstream of a compressor. This allows motive flow through the ejector to be controlled based on vacuum needs at low component cost without loss of boost pressure.

Abstract: Provided is an antifouling structure (4) for removing fouling on a surface (1a) of a solar cell (object) (1). The antifouling structure (4) includes a first electrode (5) and a second electrode (6) provided on the surface (1a) of the solar cell (1); a power supply (8) for applying voltage to the first electrode and the second electrode (5, 6); and a water-repellent dielectric layer (7) provided so as to cover at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode (5, 6). Voltage is applied to the first electrode and the second electrode (5, 6) from the power supply (8) such that an angle at which water (polar liquid) (10) present on the water-repellent dielectric layer (7) contacts the water-repellent dielectric layer decreases.

Abstract: In a method of moving droplets, local heat is applied to a surface portion of a droplet for an amount of time sufficient to create a Marangoni flow in the droplet. Droplets are suspended in an emulsion in a carrier liquid on a substrate. A laser beam is used to move one of the droplets. the droplet consists of a first substance and a carrier liquid consists of a second substance that is not mixable with the first substance. The droplet is placed in the carrier liquid, and the mixture is emulsified. The emulsified mixture is placed on a substrate. Then the local heat is applied to the surface of the droplet. The first substance may include oil and the second substance may include water.

Abstract: Method and device for changing the properties of at least one liquid medium, in which method the liquid medium is exposed in at least one container to vibrations in the low-frequency power ultrasonic range and, to regulate the flow speed of the liquid material in the container in which the liquid medium is present for ultrasonic irradiation and/or to regulate the internal pressure of the container, the cross-section inside a line upstream of an inlet of the container in the direction of flow and/or downstream of an outlet of the container in the direction of flow is varied by means of at least one pinch valve.

Abstract: A method for treating and disposal of fluid fine tailings utilizes two stages of thickening prior to disposal of the thickened tailings. The fluid fine tailings are adjusted to a sand-to-fines ratio of 0.5 to 1.3 using hydrocyclones or centrifuges in required. In a first stage of thickening a first flocculant is added to the fluid fine tailings which are fed to one or more conventional thickeners to produce a pumpable thickened tailings underflow having a solids content of between about 20 wt % to 40 wt %. The pumpable thickened tailings underflow is centrifugally pumped through a pipeline towards a disposal area. Adjacent the disposal area a second flocculant is added to the pumpable tailings underflow in a second stage of thickening to flocculate the tailings sufficient to produce a secondary thickened tailings underflow which when deposited has a solids content of about 50 wt % or higher at least one day after disposal.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for forming and propagating a plurality of plasma armatures along electrodes. In particular embodiments, the electrodes are flush mounted to the surface and the plasma armatures are formed and propagated at a high frequency and velocity.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for moving a droplet on an elongated track formed on a patterned surface using vibration. The elongated track includes a plurality of patterned transverse arcuate regions such that when the surface is vibrated the droplet is urged along the track as a result of an imbalance in the adhesion of a front portion of the droplet and a back portion of the droplet to the transverse arcuate regions.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, systems, assemblies, and articles for extracting restrained liquid (e.g., surface tension-restrained liquid) from open wells in a chip, where the restrained liquid does not flow out of the wells due to gravity when the wells are held upside down. For example, the present invention provides extraction fixtures that may be attached to, and/or held adjacent to, a chip such that any restrained liquid that is forced out of the open wells is collected by, or flows through, the extraction fixtures. Also for example, the present invention provides assemblies composed of a extraction fixture attached to, and/or held adjacent to, a chip, and methods of subjecting such assemblies to a force such that at least a portion of the restrained liquid in the open wells is forced out and collected by, or flows through, the extraction fixture.

Abstract: An adhesive dispensing system is configured to automatically reduce the temperature of adhesive material to reduce degradation of the adhesive caused by holding the adhesive at an application temperature during periods of low throughput. To this end, a controller of the system operates a heater unit to maintain a unit set point temperature to heat and melt adhesive until a set threshold time has elapsed since the most recent supply of adhesive to the system by a fill system. Once the time elapsed since the most recent supply of adhesive exceeds the set threshold time, the heater unit is reduced in temperature to reduce the temperature of adhesive. This reduction is temperature is large enough to minimize degradation and outgassing but small enough to enable rapid warm-up times after a new supply of adhesive occurs.

Abstract: Where the loss of volatile organics during storage of high gravity oil is minimized by forming a flowable or pumpable gel in the high gravity oil, (and/or condensates and distillates), as they are introduced to a storage vessel, the gel is broken by the addition of a small amount of an amine/formaldehyde reaction product, which may be either a triazine or a mixture of non-triazine reaction products. The previously gelled hydrocarbon may then by more readily moved by draining or pumping into a pipeline.

Abstract: A method of reducing aerodynamic drag on a moving blunt-edged body, the method comprising actively generating a flow of air at a blunt edge of a body and using the generated flow of air to control an external flow of air moving relative to an edge of a moving blunt-body.

Abstract: Disclosed is a high-temperature thermal actuator that utilizes the dimensional change of a phase change media hermetically sealed within a shell. This actuator regulates and controls flow of a fluid between an intake and an exhaust utilizing a valve. In one example, the disclosed embodiments operate in temperature range between 350° C. and 400° C. This actuation range is tailored for specific applications utilizing an exemplary combination of RbNO3 and CsNO3 in precise proportion that provides operation within this range.

Abstract: A method is provided for enhancing the shear stability of a high-viscosity fluid-water flow system, such as a core annular flow system. The method employs a family of demulsifier additives for maintaining separation of the fluids in biphasic flow. The additive family is sodium salts of polynuclear aromatic sulfonic acids. In one aspect, the high-viscosity fluid is heavy oil. A method to flow oil through a biphasic flow system is also provided. The method includes locating an oil in the biphasic flow system; placing water within the biphasic flow system; flowing the oil through the biphasic flow system within an annular flow of water; and subjecting the water in the biphasic flow system to a salt of a polynuclear aromatic sulfonic acid additive so as to improve shear stability of the oil and water.

Abstract: A vortex generator, designed to bring a medium into a controlled vortex motion, with a hollow inlet section (1) to direct the medium into the vortex generator. The inlet section consists of a rotational symmetric cavity (101) with a curved geometry (108). Furthermore, a vortex chamber (4a; 4b), inside which the vortex motion is to be established, is attached to the inlet section. The inlet section (1) contains at least one spiral-shaped conic channel for directing the medium from the rotational symmetric cavity to the vortex chamber. The vortex chamber is either trumpet-shaped (4a) or egg-shaped (4b).

Abstract: A system for modifying a shock wave formed in a fluid by a body to modify effects of the shock wave on information transferred to or from the body. The system includes an element for heating fluid along a path to form a volume of heated fluid expanding outwardly from the path, the path extending from the body and through the shock wave; an element for transferring the information to or from the body; and an element for timing the transferring of the information relative to the heating of the fluid along the path to modify certain effects of the shock wave on the information.

Abstract: A shock wave catheter system and method produces a shock wave with reduced energy. The system includes a catheter and a power source. The catheter has an elongated carrier and a balloon about the carrier in sealed relation thereto. The balloon is arranged to receive a fluid therein that inflates the balloon. The catheter further includes an arc generator including at least two electrodes within the balloon. The power source is coupled to the at least two electrodes and is configured to grow a bubble at one of the at least two electrodes and then thereafter to rapidly expand the bubble to form a shock wave within the balloon.

Abstract: A process for increasing mobility of heavy oil includes: disposing a solvating composition comprising a paraffinic solvent and a multifunctional solvent in a heavy oil environment including a heavy oil, the heavy oil comprising asphaltene; contacting the heavy oil with the solvating composition; and stabilizing asphaltene in the heavy oil with the solvating composition to increase mobility of the heavy oil and to form a stabilized heavy oil which includes the heavy oil and solvating composition. A method for making stabilized heavy oil includes separating resin from an oil; combining the resin and a paraffinic solvent to form a solvating composition; disposing the solvating composition in a heavy oil environment which includes heavy oil comprising asphaltene; and contacting the asphaltene with the solvating composition to make stabilized heavy oil, wherein the stabilized heavy oil comprises the solvating composition and heavy oil.

Abstract: An apparatus is presented for autonomously controlling fluid flow in a subterranean well, the fluid having a density which changes over time. An embodiment of the apparatus has a vortex chamber, a vortex outlet, and first and second inlets into the vortex chamber. Flow into the inlets is directed by a fluid control system which has a control passageway for directing fluid flow as it exits a primary passageway. A movable fluid diverter positioned in the control passageway moves in response to change in fluid density to restrict fluid flow through the control passageway. When fluid flow through the control passageway is unrestricted, fluid from the control passageway directs fluid exiting the primary passageway toward a selected vortex inlet. When flow through the control passageway is unrestricted, flow from the primary passageway is directed into the other vortex inlet.

Abstract: A microactuator may be configured by activating a source of electromagnetic radiation to heat and melt a selected set of phase-change plugs embedded in a substrate of the microactuator, pressurizing a common pressure chamber adjacent to each of the plugs to deform the melted plugs, and deactivating the source of electromagnetic radiation to cool and solidify the melted plugs.

Abstract: A hydraulic flow sensing apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes: a manifold; a hole in the manifold in fluid communication with a fluid pathway; a poppet valve in the hole in the manifold configured to move when fluid in the pathway flows; and a proximity switch configured to detect movement of the poppet valve. A method of operating a hydraulic circuit may also be provided.

Abstract: An anti-siphoning fuel system that includes a fuel inlet, a fuel tank, at least one fill tube or hose connecting the fuel inlet to the fuel tank such that fuel may flow from the fuel inlet to the fuel tank, and an anti-siphoning element or device coupled to the fill tube or hose that may be installed in existing boats or cars and obstructs a siphoning hose inserted into the fill tube or hose from entering the fuel tank.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of controlling a flow in a micro conduit system, and particularly a micro conduit system comprising one or more capillary-stop valves (6,6?) wherein the stopping ability of the capillary stop valve is overcome with the help of an acoustic wave source.

Abstract: There is disclosed apparatus and processes for increasing fluidity of a flowing fluid. The apparatus may have a number of treatment chambers adapted to receive and pass the flowing fluid. In each treatment chamber a field is applied to the fluid. The fields may be parallel to the fluid's direction of flow, and may alternate in sequence. The fluidity of the fluid is increased through exposure to the fields.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided facilitating a steaming fluid flow utilizing acoustic waves. A system includes an acoustic wave generator and an acoustic coupler associated with the acoustic wave generator and coupling acoustic waves generated by the acoustic wave generator into a fluid. The acoustic coupler includes one or more acoustic coupling lenses, which direct the acoustic waves into the fluid and facilitate, at least in part, a streaming fluid flow in a common direction. In an enhanced embodiment, the common flow direction is at an angle to a direction acoustic waves are generated, and the acoustic coupling lens(es), in directing the acoustic waves into the fluid, redirects the acoustic waves from the direction of acoustic wave generation. The acoustic wave generator generates the acoustic waves in the megahertz or gigahertz range, for example, with a frequency of 20 MHz or higher.

Abstract: A method of disinfecting a valve configured for use as part of a water delivery system includes activating a heating element that is configured to heat a body of the valve to a temperature sufficient to kill organisms that may be present on internal surfaces of the valve, wherein the heating element and the valve are configured to be provided within the water delivery system.

Abstract: Methods described herein provide a way to reduce or eliminate drag and adhesion of a substance flowing over a surface by creating a vapor cushion via evaporation of a phase-changing material of or on the surface or encapsulated within textures of the surface. The vapor cushion causes the flowing substance to be suspended over the surface, greatly reducing friction, drag, and adhesion between the flowing substance and the surface. The temperature of the flowing substance is above the sublimation point and/or melting point of the phase-changing material. The phase-changing material undergoes a phase change (evaporation or sublimation) upon contact with the flowing substance due to local heat transfer from the flowing substance to the material, generating a vapor cushion between the solid or liquid material and the flowing substance.

Abstract: A method and composition for reducing drag, reducing friction, reducing viscosity, and/or improving flow of viscous hydrocarbons including adding an effective amount of a drag-reducing composition containing a blend of turpentine liquids to a viscous hydrocarbon storage or pipeline operation and forming a drag-reducing mixture of viscous hydrocarbons and the blend of turpentine liquids.

Abstract: An environmental control systems (ECS) for an aircraft in which bleed air is cooled with ram air, the ECS may include a ram air controller configured to control a rate of ram air flow responsively to a desired temperature of bleed air at a bleed air outlet and a bleed air controller configured to control a rate of bleed air flow responsively to a temperature lower than the desired temperature of the bleed air at the bleed air outlet. Collectively the two controllers may provide a minimizing of ram air usage for cooling the bleed air.

Abstract: Magnetorheological (MR) antibubbles are used for fluid delivery. A method of transporting a substance in a fluid in accordance with the invention comprising the steps of forming an antibubble in the fluid, the antibubble containing the substance to be transported and magnetic or magnetizable particles, and guiding the antibubble through the fluid with a magnet. The particles are ferromagnetic, paramagnetic or diamagnetic, and the magnet is a permanent magnet or an electromagnet. The substance to be transported may include a reactant associated with a catalytic mechanism; a pigment; or a lubricant. The delivery system may include a substance or magnetic particles which are fluorescent.

Abstract: A commercial hot water system includes a hot water source, and a hot water delivery line connected between the hot water source and at least one plumbing fixture. A pump, enables circulation of hot water to and from the fixtures. A controller provides for turning on the pump in conjunction with an external signal, and a detector, preferably a temperature sensor, in conjunction with the controller, is effective in stopping the pump to prevent heated water from being circulated.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the flow of a first fluid stream within a bulk rotating fluid stream is disclosed, the apparatus comprising a fluid flow region having a longitudinal axis, within which a rotating flow of fluid may be established; a flow guide having a convex outer surface disposed centrally within the fluid flow region, the convex outer surface of the flow guide extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fluid flow region, the convex surface being shaped to induce a spiral coanda effect in the flow of the first fluid stream over the flow guide.

Abstract: A draining device for draining a fluid from an aircraft engine support strut includes a suction arrangement having an inlet and extending along a longitudinal main axis to form a plenum chamber and a drain tube fluidly connected to the aircraft engine support strut and extending along the longitudinal main axis, the drain tube ending by an outlet, the outlet of the drain tube terminating within the plenum chamber of the suction arrangement. An air flow entering the inlet of the suction arrangement causes a low-pressure region to be created within the plenum chamber, substantially downstream the outlet of the drain tube.

Abstract: Described embodiments include a system and a method. A described pipeline system includes a transportation conduit containing a gas hydrate flowing from a first geographical location to another geographical location. The pipeline system includes a cooling system in thermal contact with the flowing gas hydrate and maintaining the temperature of the flowing gas hydrate within a target temperature range predicted to maintain a selected stability of the flowing gas hydrate. In an embodiment, the pipeline system includes a controller configured to control a pressure or temperature of the flowing gas hydrate in response to a sensed pressure or temperature of the flowing gas hydrate.

Abstract: In a premix supply, for supplying a fuel and oxidizer gas into a combustion chamber for burning, the premix supply having a smaller diameter flow than the combustion chamber, the premix supply comprising at least one dielectric barrier discharge device (DBD) comprising two electrodes separated by a dielectric, improved flame stability limits may be provided for the adjacent combustor by the actuation of the DBD to induce ionic wind. Both electrodes may be provided in a single wall of the premix supply. The two electrodes may be arranged substantially upstream and downstream of each other. The electrodes may be arranged to generate an ionic wind preferentially directed in a direction of flow through the premix supply.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for isolating heavy saturated hydrocarbons from a subsurface shale formation comprising kerogen and an extractible organics component. These methods can be used to provide a bright stock product. The process comprises extracting an extractible organics component from subsurface shale formations comprising kerogen and the extractible organics component in an inorganic matrix and isolating a heavy hydrocarbon fraction comprising saturated beta-carotene. The methods utilize a hydrocarbon solvent to at least partially solubilize the extractible organics component. Among other factors, these processes are based on the discovery that the extractible organics is composed of a heavy hydrocarbon component containing saturated beta-carotene. The saturated beta-carotene product is a valuable commercial product. The presently disclosed processes are more environmentally benign, more economical, and more efficient in producing commercial products and in providing access to kerogen.

Abstract: This velocimeter for measuring the speed of flow of an electrically conducting fluid comprises: —two sensors (16, 19) disposed in such a way that, in the absence of flow of the electrically conducting fluid (4), the difference between the current strengths measured by the two sensors (16, 19) is non zero, —a processing unit (18) is able to calculate the speed of flow of the fluid in a direction parallel to the first measurement direction (7) on the basis of the difference between the current strengths measured by the two sensors (16, 19).

Abstract: A fluid control apparatus including a detecting unit including a light source for irradiating light toward a microfluidic device, and a photodetector for detecting light reflected from the microfluidic device, a transporting unit for moving the detecting unit; and a determining unit for controlling a transporting operation by the transporting unit, where determining a state of a fluid at a particular position relative to the microfluidic device is based on light reflected from the microfluidic device, and method of using same.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include electromagnetic flow regulators for regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid, systems for regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid, methods of regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid, nuclear fission reactors, systems for regulating flow of an electrically conductive reactor coolant, and methods of regulating flow of an electrically conductive reactor coolant in a nuclear fission reactor.