Abstract: A microfluidic device for generation of monodisperse droplets and initiating a chemical reaction is provided. The microfluidic device includes a first input microchannel having a first dimension and including a first phase located therein. The device also includes a second input microchannel having a second dimension and including a second phase located therein. In accordance with the present disclosure, the second dimension is different from the first dimension and the first phase is immiscible in the second phase. A microchannel junction is also present and is in communication with the first input microchannel and the second input microchannel. The device further includes an output channel in communication with the microchannel junction and set to receive a monodisperse droplet. In the present disclosure, the difference in the first dimension and the second dimension creates an interfacial tension induced force at the microchannel junction which forms the monodisperse droplet.

Abstract: Disclosed are a system (100) and a method (200) for being utilized in an industrial plant (10) for determining injection rate of at least one Flue Gas Conditioning Agent (FGCA) from a FGCA discharge unit (18) into a flue gas leading from a boiler (12) to be introduce into an Electrostatic Precipitator (ESP) (14) of an industrial plant (10). The system (100) and method (200) is capable of determining the optimal injection rate of the FGCA based on ESP (14) data to increase the efficiency of the ESP (14) for efficient collection of dust particles from the flue gas stream.

Abstract: The specification generally discloses systems and methods for mixing and delivering fluids in microfluidic systems. The fluids can contain, in some embodiments reagents that can participate in one or more chemical or biological reactions. Some embodiments relate to systems and methods employing one or more vent valves to controllably flow and/or mix portions of fluid within the microfluidic system. Advantageously, fluid control such as a sequence of fluid flow and/or a change in flow rate, can be achieved by opening and closing one or more vent valves and by applying a single source of fluid flow (e.g., a vacuum) operated at a substantially constant pressure. This can simplify the operation and use of the device by an intended user.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus includes a housing with an on-board hydrogen peroxide generator which produces a hydrogen peroxide solution in situ from fluid stored within an on-board supply tank of the surface cleaning apparatus, and further delivers the generated hydrogen peroxide solution to a cleaning pad attached to the housing of the surface cleaning apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system (30) for continuously producing a liquid product (P) comprising at least two liquid components (k1, k2) that can be pumped, wherein the system comprises two storage tanks (1a, 1b) for each component (k1, k2), two mass-flow control circuits (2a, 2b) for the storage tanks (1a, 1b) for establishing a target mass flow of the component (k1, k2), a first line (9a) into which the components of the liquid product (P) are fed, a second line (9b) for feeding in carbon dioxide, and a filling tank (1c), wherein the first line (9a) feeds the liquid product (P) mixed with carbon dioxide into the filling tank (1c), wherein the storage tanks (1a, 1b) and the filling tank (1c) are designed as pressure vessels and are interconnected by means of at least one pressure equalization line (1) for establishing a pressure equalization between the storage tanks (1a, 1b) and the filling tank (1c).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for metering a fluid medium by means of a metering device in the form of a piston pump having a cylinder (Z) and a movable piston (3), wherein the cylinder (Z) and the piston (3) form a working space (A), characterised in that in a first method step a given filling quantity of the fluid medium is conveyed into the working space (A), wherein the filling quantity is greater than the predefined quantity to be metered, and in that in a further method step the piston (3) reduces the size of the working space (A) to such an extent that the quantity to be metered remains in the working space (A), wherein at the same time a valve (18, 18?) is opened so that the gas volume separated in the working space (A) and/or the excess fluid medium can flow out of the working space (A) through the piston, wherein to this end the piston (3) has at least one axially running through-channel (17, 17?) which is connected to a return line (19, 19?), and at least the controllable valve (18, 18?) and

Abstract: Multilevel microfluidic devices include a control line that can simultaneously actuate valves for both sample and reagent lines. Microfluidic devices are configured to contain a first reagent in a first chamber and a second reagent in a second chamber, where either or both of the first and second reagents are contained at a desired or selected pressure. Operation of a microfluidic device includes transmitting second reagent from the second chamber to the first chamber, for mixing or contact with the first reagent. Microfluidic device features such as channels, valves, chambers, can be at least partially contained, embedded, or formed by or within one or more layers or levels of an elastomeric block.

Abstract: A method for regulating a steam bypass valve is provided. The bypass valve is arranged in a steam line and the steam line includes a device for spraying water. The equation, t Rest , 0 = FB max m . W , SOLL - m . W , IST is used to determine when to close the steam bypass valve. The steam bypass value is closed when tRest,0 is smaller than a value ?t. An actual volume of water {dot over (m)}W,IST, a desired volume of water {dot over (m)}W,SOLL and a maximum water-volume deficiency FBmax are used in the equation.

Abstract: A flow channel structure includes a substrate having a flow channel formed therein, and plural fibrous bristles extending from the inner wall of the flow channel. The flow channel is configured to allow a solution to flow through the flow channel. The inner wall of the flow channel is made of silicon. The flow channel is configured to allow a solution to flow through the flow channel. This flow channel structure can homogenize the solution inside the flow channel.

Abstract: A fluid path set includes a first fluid line having a proximal end fluidly connectable to a source of a first fluid and a second fluid line having a proximal end fluidly connectable to a source of a second fluid. A flow mixing device is in fluid communication with distal ends of the first and second fluid lines. The flow mixing device includes a housing, a first fluid port provided for receiving the first fluid, and a second fluid port for receiving the second fluid. A mixing chamber is disposed within the housing and is in fluid communication with the first and second fluid ports. A third fluid port in fluid communication with the mixing chamber for discharging a mixed solution of the first and second fluids. A turbulent flow inducing member is disposed within the mixing chamber for promoting turbulent mixing of the first and second fluids.

Abstract: A system and method are configured to deliver pulses of desired mass of gases. The system delivers a plurality of sequences of pulses of a desired mass of gas through at least two flow channels. The system comprises: a multi-channel fast pulse gas delivery system including (a) a plurality of flow channels, each channel comprising a flow sensor and a control valve, and (b) a dedicated controller configured and arranged to receive a recipe of one or more sequences of steps for opening and closing at least some of the control valves so as to deliver as a sequence of pulses of at least one gas through each of the corresponding channels as a function of the recipe.

Abstract: This invention relates to a mixing device for an aircraft air conditioning system with a supply conduit for fresh air from the air conditioning system, with a second supply conduit for recirculated air from a pressurized region of the aircraft, and with a discharge conduit for supplying mixed air into the pressurized region of the aircraft, wherein a non-return valve is integrated in the mixer.

Abstract: A water heater system including two or more water storage tanks plumbed in series, parallel or a combination thereof and methods of controlling said water heater systems. The water heater systems may include one or more mixing valves and one or more temperature sensors for providing water at a desired temperature.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical system for control of a standard, normally manually operable, cold and hot water mixing device; said system including a first actuator for control of a cold-hot water balance entering said mixing device and a second actuator for control of flow of mixed cold and hot water through said mixing device.

Abstract: A gas mixture method and apparatus of prolonging lifetime of an ion source for generating an ion beam particularly an ion beam containing carbon is proposed here. By mixing the dopant gas and the minor gas together to generate an ion beam, undesired reaction between the gas species and the ion source can be mitigated and thus lifetime of the ion source can be prolonged. Accordingly, quality of ion beam can be maintained.

Abstract: A once-through steam generator comprises a duct having an inlet end in communication with a source of a hot gas; and a tube bundle installed in the duct and comprising multiple heat transfer tubes. The tube bundle has an economizer section, an evaporator section, and a superheater section. A steam separating device may be positioned between the evaporator section and the superheater section, wherein, as part of a wet start-up, hot water collected by the steam separating device is delivered from the steam separating device to mix with cold feedwater before it is introduced into the economizer section. A start-up module may be positioned in the duct near the inlet end, wherein, as part of a dry start-up, cold feedwater is delivered into the start-up module to generate hot water that is then mixed into the feedwater stream before it is introduced into the economizer section.

Abstract: A venturi ejector for forcibly ejecting a slurry or solution generated in a fluid dispenser, wherein the venturi ejector includes a venturi, the venturi being in a first flow communication with the slurry or solution and developing a vacuum, the vacuum being in a second flow communication with atmospheric pressure, the second flow communication acting to cause the atmospheric pressure to exert a pressure on the slurry or solution, thereby forcing the slurry to the venturi where the slurry or solution is forcibly ejected from the venturi. A method for forcibly ejecting a slurry or solution generated in a fluid dispenser is further included.

Abstract: Methods of controllably creating three-dimensional (3D) combined-flow-interface patterns in multi-lane fluidic devices, and systems, apparatuses and software therefor. In one example, the 3D-pattern is created and varied as a function of one or more of the geometry of the inlets to a main fluidic channel in which the 3D-pattern is formed, the Reynolds number of the flows, the dimensions of the main fluidic channel and the inlets, and the spacing of adjacent inlets. In one embodiment particularly disclosed, differing 3D combined-flow-interface patterns are created using a three-lane fluidic device having a fixed inlet geometry. In another embodiment particularly disclosed, differing 3D combined-flow-interface patterns are created using a five-lane fluidic device having a fixed inlet geometry that can be used to effectively mimic variable inlet geometries.

Abstract: Methods and embodiments are described for sampling and measuring oxygen concentrations of flowing samples drawn from the ullage of a chemical or fuel tank and from a source of inerting gas used for purging the tank. The sampled flows are drawn with a venturi pump or a pneumatically driven turbine pump and returned to the ullage of the tank. An optical absorption spectrophotometer is used having a diode laser sensor, and both sensor and the pump can be safely located near to the tank. Control systems and apparatus are disclosed for controlling the oxygen level within the ullage of the tank.

Abstract: A cold water delivery system is described that can consistently provide cold water at a desired temperature over repetitive and large draws from the outlet of the system. The cold water system can provide multiple pathways for the water to travel from a source, or inlet, to the outlet. A cooling system can be provided that cools a plurality of reservoirs of water. The reservoirs can maintain cold water at different temperatures. A control system controls the cooling system to maintain the temperature of the water in the reservoirs. The control system can also control one or more mixing valves to determine the volume of water from each of the reservoirs and the water inlet that reaches the outlet.

Abstract: An apparatus for creating sheathed flow includes an inlet section comprising an array of tubes including at least one sheath inlet port and a sample inlet port, a flow focusing section downstream from the inlet section, an optical access section downstream from the flow focusing region and comprising opposing flat surfaces, and an outlet section downstream from the optical access section, wherein the apparatus is operable to create a sheathed flow around a fluid introduced into the sample inlet port and to maintain the sheathed flow through the optical access section. Applications of the apparatus and method include bead/particle counting, flow cytometry, waveguiding, and fluid control.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, systems and apparatus in which one fluid passes through an orifice or orifices and mixes with another fluid as it flows through a microchannel.

Abstract: A hot water heater includes a hot water tank having a cold water inlet line and a hot water outlet line, an electronically controlled mixing valve fluid coupled to the cold water inlet line and the hot water outlet line and mixed output line and a controller operatively coupled to the mixing valve. A temperature sensor is operatively coupled to the mixed output line and the controller, the controller being operative in response to the sensor to detect a temperature of the water in the mixed output line, compare a setpoint temperature to the detected temperature of the water in the mixed output line, and regulate a flow of one or both of cold water from the cold water input line and hot water from the hot water output line through the electronically controlled mixing valve to maintain the detected temperature at the setpoint temperature.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods useful for the cleaning, sanitizing, and/or microbial control of industrial equipment such as, for example, conveyance and production/manufacturing systems.

Abstract: A gas injection system for an energetic-beam instrument having a vacuum chamber. The system has a cartridge containing a chemical serving as a source for an output gas to be delivered into the vacuum chamber. The cartridge has a reservoir containing the chemical, which rises to a fill line having a level defined by an amount of the chemical present in the reservoir at a given time. An outlet from the reservoir is coupled to an output passage through an outlet valve and configured so that when the system is tilted the outlet remains above the level of the fill line. Embodiments include isolation valves allowing the cartridge to be disconnected without destroying system vacuum.

Abstract: Multilevel microfluidic devices include a control line that can simultaneously actuate valves for both sample and reagent lines. Microfluidic devices are configured to contain a first reagent in a first chamber and a second reagent in a second chamber, where either or both of the first and second reagents are contained at a desired or selected pressure. Operation of a microfluidic device includes transmitting second reagent from the second chamber to the first chamber, for mixing or contact with the first reagent. Microfluidic device features such as channels, valves, chambers, can be at least partially contained, embedded, or formed by or within one or more layers or levels of an elastomeric block.

Abstract: A direct contact heat exchanger assembly is provided. The direct contact heat exchanger includes an evaporator jacket and an inner member. The inner member is received within the evaporator jacket. A sleeve passage is formed between the evaporator jacket and the inner member. The sleeve passage is configured and arranged to pass a flow of liquid. The housing has an inner exhaust chamber that is coupled to pass hot gas. The inner member further has a plurality of exhaust passages that allow some of the hot gas passing through the inner exhaust chamber to enter the flow of liquid in the sleeve passage.

Abstract: A method of controlling at least one of the flow rate or temperature of outlet water from a mixing valve having a first control valve configured to receive water at a first temperature and a second control valve configured to receive water at a second temperature higher than the first temperature includes moving at least one of the first or second flow control valves to output a flow of water from the mixing valve having at least one of a desired flow rate or temperature, wherein the force required to actuate the flow control valves is substantially independent of water flow.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer analyzes a measurement item by making a sample and reagent react with each other and measuring the reaction result. This apparatus allows parameters associated with reagent dispensing executed by a reagent dispensing mechanism to be set as a dispensing condition for each measurement item or each type of reagent, and controls the reagent dispensing mechanism on the basis of the dispensing condition.

Abstract: Provided is a substrate processing apparatus. The apparatus includes a processing chamber containing a substrate and processing the substrate by using a processing solution and a supplying unit supplying the processing solution to the processing chamber. The supplying unit includes a supply line through which the processing solution is supplied, a preliminary heater installed on the supply line and preliminary heating the processing solution, a main heater installed on the supply line at a lower stream of the preliminary heater and secondarily heating the processing solution, a first detour line connected to the supply line to detour to the preliminary heater and comprising a first valve, a second detour line connected to the supply line to detour the preliminary heater and the main heater or the main heater and comprising a second valve, and a controller controlling the first valve and the second valve.

Abstract: The specification generally discloses systems and methods for mixing and delivering fluids in microfluidic systems. The fluids can contain, in some embodiments reagents that can participate in one or more chemical or biological reactions. Some embodiments relate to systems and methods employing one or more vent valves to controllably flow and/or mix portions of fluid within the microfluidic system. Advantageously, fluid control such as a sequence of fluid flow and/or a change in flow rate, can be achieved by opening and closing one or more vent valves and by applying a single source of fluid flow (e.g., a vacuum) operated at a substantially constant pressure. This can simplify the operation and use of the device by an intended user.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mixing system for inerting a gas volume. A first exhaust gas that is provided by a fuel cell, and a second exhaust gas that is provided by a hydrogen reformer, can be mixed to form an inert gas mixture. The mixture can be fed into the gas volume for inerting.

Abstract: A microfluidic device includes a plurality of reagent sources for a feeding a plurality of reagents, each reagent source feeding a corresponding reagent among the plurality of reagents. A macro-chamber receives one or more reagents among the plurality of reagents from the plurality of reagent sources. A microfluidic reactor is coupled to the macro-chamber and the plurality of reagent sources and configured to receive one or more reagents among the plurality of reagents from at least one of the macro-chamber, the plurality of reagent sources, and react the one or more reagents to generate reaction content. The macro-chamber is further configured to receive the reaction content from the microfluidic reactor. A system configured to control at least one of flow of a dry gas in and out of the macro-chamber, surface area of at least one of the one or more reagents, and the reaction content in the macro-chamber.

Abstract: Described are a method and an apparatus for delivering a fluid having a desired mass composition. According to the method, temperatures of the fluids to be mixed are sensed and the densities of the fluids at the sensed temperatures are determined. The volume of each fluid is determined so that a mixture of the fluids at the sensed temperatures has the desired mass composition. The determined volumes of the fluids are combined to create the mixture. In one option, combining the determined volumes includes metering flows of the fluids sequentially into a common fluid channel. Alternatively, combining the determined volumes includes controlling a flow rate of each of the fluids and directing the fluids into a common fluid channel.

Abstract: An electrical liquid heating system and method of heating a liquid includes providing at least two spaced apart electrical conductors and applying an electrical energy source to the conductors. A liquid is directed into contact with the conductors thereby delivering electrical energy to the liquid. Electrical energy is delivered to the liquid at a power level that is sufficient to generate an electrical current to produce resistive heating of the liquid. The electrical energy may be delivered to the liquid at a power level that is sufficient to break at least some molecular bonds of molecules defining the liquid. A regulator may be provided for regulating delivery of electrical energy to the liquid.

Abstract: Scaling is controlled in a cooling water system with CO2 based upon measurements of the cooling water's pH, alkalinity and Ca2+concentration.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of cosmetology and for technology for obtaining cosmetic products for skin care.

Abstract: A method and related system blend fuels and dispense a blended fuel to a vehicle at a fueling station. In one aspect, the method comprises selecting the desired proportion of at least one of the fuels available at the service station, blending that fuel with another one available, and delivering the blended fuel to the vehicle. Preferably, the first fuel is a non-renewable, petroleum based one, while the second fuel is a non-petroleum based, renewable one (such as ethanol or biodiesel).

Abstract: Multilevel microfluidic devices include a control line that can simultaneously actuate valves for both sample and reagent lines. Microfluidic devices are configured to contain a first reagent in a first chamber and a second reagent in a second chamber, where either or both of the first and second reagents are contained at a desired or selected pressure. Operation of a microfluidic device includes transmitting second reagent from the second chamber to the first chamber, for mixing or contact with the first reagent. Microfluidic device features such as channels, valves, chambers, can be at least partially contained, embedded, or formed by or within one or more layers or levels of an elastomeric block.

Abstract: A method for injecting a chemical, such as an odorant, from a chemical supply into a fluid-containing system such as a natural gas or an LPG pipeline. A tank of odorant is maintained at a pressure above ambient, but below pipeline pressure. An injection conduit communicates the odorant tank with the pipeline. A hydraulic pressure booster is located in the injection conduit for pressurizing the chemical to a pressure above that of the pipeline. Flow-control apparatus located within the injection conduit for metering chemical to be injected into the pipeline is either (a) drip-style metering valve adjustable between a drop-wise setting and a steady-flow setting or (b) a pair of valves one of which is a flow valve allowing larger volumes to be injected and the other which is a drop-wise flow valve for metering smaller volumes of the chemical.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and arrangement of optimizing the level of anti freeze agent in a heat transfer fluid in a heat exchange system The method comprises determining (305) a wanted level of anti freeze agent at least partly based on the temperature of the media to which the heat exchange system will deliver heat, controlling (310) the current level of the anti freezing agent in the heat transfer fluid. Anti freezing agent is added 315:1 to the heat transfer fluid if the current level is a predetermined amount lower than the wanted level, and removed 315:2 from the heat transfer fluid if the current level is a predetermined amount higher than the wanted level.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and apparatus adapted to control a temperature of a process fluid in an instrument. In one aspect, the systems and apparatus are adapted to control fluid temperature provided to a feed tank. The feed tank may feed a metering system and metering line of an instrument such as a clinical analyzer. The fluid temperature control system includes a process fluid inflow, a process fluid outflow, a first fluid path fluidly coupled to the process fluid inflow and outflow, and at least one heat exchanger thermally coupled to the first fluid path, wherein the heat exchanger is adapted to extract heat for at least one heat-generating component of the instrument. Controlling a temperature of the process fluid at the feed tank improves metering accuracy. Methods of operating the system are provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling a selective catalyst reduction (SCR) system having a SCR reactor. A reductant slip set point indicative of a target slip is received as a control variable is to be utilized for maintaining an amount of a NOx composition included in a combustion gas below a selected limit. A signal transmitted by a sensor is received, and is indicative of the reductant slip downstream of the SCR reactor. An amount of a NOx reductant to be introduced to the SCR reactor is determined based, at least in part, on a relationship between the target reductant slip and the reductant slip downstream of the SCR reactor indicated by the signal. A control signal is transmitted to cause introduction of the amount of the NOx reductant to the SCR reactor to maintain the amount of the NOx composition in the combustion gas below the selected limit.

Abstract: A gas supply unit, for supplying a gas into a processing chamber in which a substrate is processed, includes a plurality of gas supply sources, a mixing line for mixing a plurality of gases supplied from the gas supply sources to make a gaseous mixture, a multiplicity of branch lines for branching the gaseous mixture to be supplied to a multiplicity of places in the processing chamber, and an additional gas supply unit for supplying a specified additional gas to a gaseous mixture flowing in at least one branch line. The gas supply unit also includes pressure gauges and valves for adjusting gas flow rates in the branch lines, respectively, and a pressure ratio controller for controlling that gaseous mixtures branched into the branch lines to have a specified pressure ratio by adjusting opening degrees of the valves based on measurement results obtained by using the pressure gauges.

Abstract: A microchannel device includes; a microchannel that forms two or more different fluids as a multiphase flow, and a section shape of the multiphase flow having in at least one portion a first shape in which plural polygons are two-dimensionally arranged, and adjacent to one another, a second shape in which a polygon is inscribed in one of a circle and an ellipse, or circumscribes one of a circle and an ellipse, or a third shape in which at least plural circles and polygons are two-dimensionally arranged, and adjacent to one another.

Abstract: A valve includes a generally cylindrical housing including first and second end portions that are offset from each other along a longitudinal axis of the generally cylindrical housing. First and second inlet ports are arranged on one of said first or second end portions, and at least one outlet port is arranged on one of said first or second end portions. A disk is disposed in the generally cylindrical housing and is configured to independently control both mixing and flow rate of fluid flowing into at least one of the first and second inlet ports.

Abstract: A method of preparing a mixed liquid flow having predetermined characteristics, including a predetermined value of a first property and a predetermined value of a second property, comprising the steps of: a) providing a first set of at least one liquid flow each having a different first value of the first property; b) providing a second set of at least one liquid flow each having a different second value of the first property; c) providing a third set of at least one liquid flow of solvent; d) combining the provided liquid flows; and e) varying at least one of the liquid flows of the first and second sets and at least one liquid flow of the third set to adjust the first property and the second property to their respective predetermined values in the resulting mixed liquid flow.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for on-line measurement and forecasting of a species concentration while a reaction is taking place, based on the measurement of the electrical conductivity of the reacting volume, and using such measurement to evaluate a first mathematical function relating such value to the concentration of the species in the reacting volume. The evaluation of the first mathematical function requires as inputs: electrical conductivity trajectory, time elapsed, and other significant process variables; it generates as outputs the estimated actual species concentration and at least one forecasted concentration value.

Abstract: The presently disclosed technology provides a venturi injector having a motive fluid inlet and a suction fluid inlet that mixes the motive fluid and the suction fluid at a desired mixing ratio over a variety of motive fluid flow rates. A pressure feedback loop fluidly links the motive fluid pressure at the motive fluid inlet of the venturi injector with the suction fluid pressure at the suction fluid inlet of the venturi injector.

Abstract: Three-way valve with two flaps comprising single control means (9) for the two flaps and actuation means (12, 13, 50) arranged each to drive, pivotwise, one of the two flaps, from one to the other of its open and closed position of one of the pathways, with a temporal phase-shift, characterized in that it comprises maximum displacement end-stops for each of said actuation means, the end-stop (31) of the second actuation means (12, 50) corresponding to a fully closed position of its flap and the end-stop of the first actuation means (13) being positioned beyond the position of said first actuation means when the second actuation means (12, 50) is on its end-stop (31), the kinematic chains linking the first and second actuation means to the single control means operating nominally.