Abstract: A paint manufacturing system includes a paint component storage system and a colorant storage system. A dispenser is in fluid communication with the paint component and colorant storage systems. A spectrophotometer is operatively coupled with a computer system. The computer system controls the flow of paint components from the paint component storage system and colorants from the colorant storage system.

Abstract: This invention relates to containers that include at least one sub-container and to methods and/or systems for mixing first and second substances responsive to opening of the containers and the at least one sub-container that is included therein. The invention advantageously provides methods, systems, containers, sub-containers, seals and/or tethers that may be used in storing first and second substances in an unmixed state, until it is desired to mix the first and second substances just before utilization thereof.

Abstract: When odorant injection systems are inactive, they may accumulate unwanted vapors in the pump mechanism and associated tubing. In order to restart the odorant injection system, it is best to purge the unwanted vapors from the odorant pumps. The present pump purge system facilitates purging of unwanted vapors from odorant injection systems in an environmentally friendly fashion. The pump purge system purifies these vapors before they are vented to atmosphere. In addition, the pump purge system accumulates liquid odorant which is a byproduct of the purging process and stores it in a tank to reduce the likelihood of improper disposal. As an option, the pump purge system may also include a liquid odorant recapture system. The liquid odorant recapture system uses high pressure gas to return accumulated liquid odorant to the odorant injection system to be reused. This liquid odorant recovery system ensures environmentally responsible behavior.

Abstract: The apparatus and method for venting and depressurization of an odorant injection system may be used on special LNG tankers that have onboard gasification equipment, on land or elsewhere. Odorant injection systems may operate at high pressures on an intermittent basis. On some occasions, the odorant is drained from a pressurized system and disposed of in inappropriate ways. The present invention depressurizes an odorant injection system and transfers the unwanted liquid odorant back into an odorant tank where it can be reused when the odorant injection system is restarted.

Abstract: engine, the system comprising: first and second fuel pumps each having a pump inlet for collecting fuel from the fuel tank; and a water scavenging line coupling a water inlet to the pump inlet of the first pump. The first pump is configured to pump fuel towards the engine at a higher rate than the second pump, unless the first pump fails. A method of removing water from an aircraft fuel tank, the method comprising collecting water from a pool at the bottom of the fuel tank during take off or climb and feeding the water to an engine of the aircraft.

Abstract: The recycling apparatus of waste sulfuric acid for collecting waste sulfuric acid generated at a source site A, transporting it by a carrier B, and recycling it for reuse at a user site C, the recycling apparatus of waste sulfuric acid including a receiving tank for receiving virgin sulfuric acid (a) and waste sulfuric acid (b) having a concentration different from that of the virgin sulfuric acid, and including (1) a mixer alone, (2) a mixer and a concentration monitor, or a mixer and a cooler in combination, or (3) a mixer, a concentration monitor, and a cooler in combination.

Abstract: Bulk storage of natural gas or methane is facilitated by absorbing and storing the gas in a liquefied medium through the interaction of moderate pressure, low temperature and a solvent medium. Systems and processes are provided that facilitate the absorption of natural gas or methane into a liquid or liquid vapor medium for storage and transport, and back into a gas for delivery to market. In a preferred embodiment, the absorptive properties of ethane, propane and butane under moderate conditions of temperature and pressure (associated with a novel mixing process) are utilized to store natural gas or methane at more efficient levels of compressed volume ratio than are attainable with natural gas alone under similar holding conditions. The preferred mixing process efficiently combines natural gas or methane with a solvent medium such as liquid ethane, propane, butane, or other suitable fluid, to form a concentrated liquid or liquid vapor mixture suited for storage and transport.

Abstract: Provided are an exhaust pipe having turbulence wings, and an exhaust system. The exhaust pipe includes an outer pipe and an inner pipe. The exhaust pipe is connected to a scrubber of the exhaust system. The outer pipe has a gas inlet port. The inner pipe is installed in the outer pipe. A gap exists between the outer pipe and the inner pipe. The inner pipe includes a plurality of turbulence wings and gas discharge ports. The gas discharge ports are in communication with the gas inlet port via the gap. The turbulence wings project inward from the inner pipe and are disposed adjacent to the gas discharge ports. The inner pipe has an exhaust gas passage formed therein. When a gas is flowed through the gas discharge ports and over the turbulence wings, a jet layer is formed adjacent to an interior sidewall of the inner pipe. The jet layer forms a buffer between the exhaust gas passage and the inner pipe sidewalls.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for mixing three or more fluids inside a capillary. The present invention further provides a method for optimizing efficient mixing of two or more fluids inside a capillary, and a computer-readable medium for use by a processor to carry out this method. Additionally, the present invention provides an automated system for mixing two or more fluids inside a capillary. Also provided is a system for optimizing efficient mixing of two or more fluids inside a capillary.

Abstract: Gas is delivered to a locus from a gas delivery device (1), which is spaced from the locus and comprises an inner pipe (2) and an outer pipe (3) axisymmetrical with and surrounding said inner pipe (2) to form an annular conduit (4). A first gas is fed to the inner pipe to exit as a laminar flow jet impinging on the locus and a second gas is fed to the annular conduit to exit as a turbulent flow annular sleeve surrounding and constraining diffusion of said jet. In a preferred embodiment, normoxic air is fed to both the inner pipe and the conduit and oxygen is introduced into the inner pipe at an intermediate location so that the jet is oxygen-enriched air for inhalation by a user at the locus.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for handling fluids, and more particularly a merging apparatus for fluidic and microfluidic devices utilizing passive valving in conjunction with a single sensor to uniformly blend contributory working fluid streams. Symmetric and non symmetric embodiments with and without branch channels are described. The present invention also provides methods for merging liquids using the device of the invention.

Abstract: A microfluidic system is disclosed. The microfluidic system comprises a microchannel having in fluid communication with a fluid inlet for receiving a first fluid. The microfluidic system can further comprise a piezoelectric actuator which controls the flow of the first fluid in the microchannel by selectively applying external pressure on the wall of the microchannel.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for injecting two-phase (gas+solid) carbon dioxide into a gas stream. Liquid carbon dioxide is cryogenically expanded into two-phase carbon dioxide, which is then injected into the center of the stream. An inerting gas is also injected into the stream along with the two-phase carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A routing system for shared conduits used in industrial applications is sensitive to material types and material flow histories to allow compatible materials to flow through shared conduits without cleaning while preventing contamination of materials in those shared conduits.

Abstract: A supply system for supplying a functional water to a process unit which treats a substrate using the functional water is provided. In the system, the functional water generated in the functional water generator is supplied to a distributor through a functional water supply pipe. Thereafter, the functional water is supplied to the process unit while the process unit performs a process, and the functional water is returned to the functional water generator through a functional water returning pipe while the process unit does not perform a process. A buffer tank is installed in the functional water supply pipe and the concentration of the functional water is measured in a circulation line connected with the buffer tank. When the measured concentration of the functional water goes out of a set concentration range, the functional water is returned to the functional water generator through functional water returning pipe.

Abstract: Diagnostic analyses of medical specimens or analyses of samples taken from industrial processes, waste treatment or the environment are made based on hydraulic dosage of liquids, in which a dosage space (8) of limited volume included in the test unit is filled with the medium needed in the test by means of a liquid actuator, such as a bellows (18), the sample being combined with the medium by absorption into the dosage space with the aid of the actuator, purging a corresponding amount of medium from the space under the effect of suction. If necessary, one or more reactants required in the test are drawn into the dosage space (8) on the same principle. The quantitatively dosed liquids can then be mixed and transferred hydraulically into the incubation and/or detection spaces (25, 26) of the test unit with movements generated by the actuator (18). The system may include data transmission communications.

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 system is shown for injecting a chemical, such as an odorant, from a chemical supply into a fluid containing system such as a natural gas pipeline or an LPG pipeline. A tank of odorant is maintained at a pressure above ambient, but below the pressure of the pipeline. 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, the hydraulic booster having a first side which communicates with the chemical in the injection conduit and another, isolated side which is exposed to hydraulic pressure but which is isolated from the chemical being injected. A flow control valve may be located within the injection conduit for metering chemical to be injected into the pipeline.

Abstract: A system for monodispersed microdroplet generation and trapping including providing a flow channel in a microchip; producing microdroplets in the flow channel, the microdroplets movable in the flow channel; providing carrier fluid in the flow channel using a pump or pressure source; controlling movement of the microdroplets in the flow channel and trapping the microdroplets in a desired location in the flow channel. The system includes a microchip; a flow channel in the microchip; a droplet maker that generates microdroplets, the droplet maker connected to the flow channel; a carrier fluid in the flow channel, the carrier fluid introduced to the flow channel by a source of carrier fluid, the source of carrier fluid including a pump or pressure source; a valve connected to the carrier fluid that controls flow of the carrier fluid and enables trapping of the microdroplets.

Abstract: Apparatus and systems serve to collapse steam in effluent released from steam sterilizers and sterilizer systems. These systems include tanks or containers configured for receiving and holding fluids, for example, water, and include a fluid outlet and a port that receives the released effluent. A conduit extending into the tank from the effluent receiving port provides a path for the steam to the fluid in the tank, to collapse the steam.

Abstract: A sheath flow system having a channel with at least one fluid transporting structure located in the top and bottom surfaces situated so as to transport the sheath fluid laterally across the channel to provide sheath fluid fully surrounding the core solution. At the point of introduction into the channel, the sheath fluid and core solutions flow side by side within the channel or the core solution may be bounded on either side by the sheath fluid. The system is functional over a broad channel size range and with liquids of high or low viscosity. The design can be readily incorporated into microfluidic chips without the need for special manufacturing protocols.

Abstract: Coating is manufactured by mixing two or more components together in two or more mixing zones arranged in series and/or in parallel, of which at least some are pressurized.

Abstract: A process for producing a fluorine gas of the invention comprises a step (1) of generating a fluorine gas by sectioning the interior of a fluorine gas generation container equipped with a heating means, by the use of a structure having gas permeability, then filling each section with a high-valence metal fluoride and heating the high-valence metal fluoride. The process may comprise a step (2) of allowing the high-valence metal fluoride, from which a fluorine gas has been generated in the step (1), to occlude a fluorine gas. According to the process of the invention, a high-purity fluorine gas that is employable as an etching gas or a cleaning gas in the process for manufacturing semiconductors or liquid crystals can be produced inexpensively on a mass scale.

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 processing liquid mixing apparatus and method capable of maintaining a mixing ratio of the processing liquid produced in a mixing tank constant, a substrate processing apparatus including the processing liquid mixing apparatus, and a storage medium storing a program for controlling the processing liquid mixing apparatus are disclosed. Discharge valves are first open and supply valves are close to discharge stock solutions to an outside through the discharge valves. After all flow rates of the stock solutions detected by LFC reach a predetermined flow rate, the discharge valves are close and the supply valves are open to supply the stock solutions to the second mixing tank through the supply valves.

Abstract: A fluid controlling method includes, sending an inner fluid, and sending an outer fluid coaxially with the inner fluid, wherein one of the inner fluid and the outer fluid includes a corkscrew flow that flows spirally, and wherein the inner fluid and the outer fluid are in contact with each other.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an apparatus and method for delivering one or more fluids to a microfluidic channel is provided. A microfluidic channel is provided in communication with a first conduit for delivering fluids to the microfluidic channel. Further, the apparatus and method can include a first fluid freeze valve connected to the first conduit and operable to reduce the temperature of the first conduit for freezing fluid in the first conduit such that fluid is prevented from advancing through the first conduit.

Abstract: Microfluidic Systems, Devices and Methods for Reducing Noise Generated by Mechanical Instabilities. According to one embodiment, a microfluidic device is provided for reducing noise in a fluid mix. The microfluidic device can include microscale channels for passage of fluids to a mixing junction. The mixing channel can be adapted to combine the fluids into a common fluid flow. The microfluidic device can also include a connector channel including first and second ends. The first end of the connector channel can be connected to the mixing junction. The microfluidic device can also include an expansion channel having connection to the second end of the connector channel. The expansion channel can be adapted for passage of the fluid mix through the expansion channel to reduce concentration gradient noise of the fluid mix by dispersion of the fluid mix as the fluid mix passes through the expansion channel.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is a method for creating and maintaining a partial vapor pressure in a sample chamber of a sorption analyzer. A first dry gas flow is purged from a first mass flow controller through a saturator to produce a near-saturated gas flow. The near-saturated gas flow is mixed with a second dry gas flow from a second mass flow controller to produce a mixed gas flow with a predetermined partial vapor pressure. The mixed gas flow is directed into the sample chamber. If the lowest possible vapor pressure is required in the sample chamber, the first dry gas flow is directed around the saturator to the sample chamber and vapor migrating from the saturator is vented to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a desired chemical compound in a continuous reactor in which a part of the product stream exits the reactor and part of the product stream is recycled around the reactor in order to reduce the amount of buffer that would otherwise be required.

Abstract: A fluid regulator (1) for use as a shower water saving device, wherein an initial volume of water of a water stream at an undesired cold temperature is collected in a chamber and is reintroduced into the water stream when the stream has reached the desired temperature. Reintroduction of the initial volume of cold water is at a controlled rate such that the temperature change upon reintroduction is not significant. The fluid regulator (1) comprises a body (2), a flow passage (3) having an inlet (20) and outlet (21) for the water stream, a water collection chamber (4) in fluid communication with the flow passage (3), and a flow diverter (5) associated with the flow passage (3) and moveable between a closed position in which the water stream is directed to the collection chamber (4), and an open position in which the water stream may flow to the outlet (21) and the water in the collection chamber (4) may be drained from the collection chamber (4) to the outlet (21) by way of the flow passage (3).

Abstract: A pipeline additive injection system including: an injection pump for injecting an amount of additive into a pipeline; a battery for powering the injection pump; system sensors to monitor system conditions; and a controller for retrieving system data from the system sensors and for controlling operation of the injection pump based on the system data to achieve additive injection compensation.

Abstract: A tube is arranged inside a downstream pipe in a fluid mixture delivery instrument and having an upstream pipe, downstream pipe and a merging pipe which are respectively connected to a chamber part, wherein the downstream pipe includes pressure parts for closing off the tube by the application of pressure and wherein two pressure parts are provided, one on either side of the tube and at one end of a rocking piece, the other end of which is supported outside a fluid mixture delivery instrument main body.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for dispersing gas bubbles in a multiphase mixture in a production tubing in an crude oil production well or in a riser connected to such a well, by means of one or more bubble breaker assemblies in which a plurality of orifices are arranged that are located in a substantially eccentric position relative to a central axis of the tubing. The use of eccentric orifices promotes the breaking up of large gas bubbles into a large amount of smaller gas bubbles, which are finely dispersed in the fluid stream and only re-coalesce slowly into larger bubbles.

Abstract: Methods for cleaning silicon surfaces of electrode assemblies by efficiently removing contaminants from the silicon surfaces without discoloring the silicon surfaces using an acidic solution comprising hydrofluoric acid, nitric acid, acetic acid, and balance deionized water.

Abstract: The invention includes a high pressure fluid processing device for shearing particles in a fluid mixture. The fluid processing device makes use of a first annular flow path that is directed toward a second annular flow path. The two annular flow paths flow toward one another through a bore in a cylinder and meet one another within the cylinder. The pressure fluid processing device includes two rods that are spaced apart from one another across an impingement zone.

Abstract: Chemical concentrate flow is cycled into a diluent via an eductor to provide a wide range of possible dilution ratios from a dispenser.

Abstract: Process and equipment for rapid and reliable infusion of treatment substances into a liquid mainstream. The equipment includes diversion of some of the liquid, boosting its pressure into an aspirating injector, which adds treatment substance and in turn discharges to a pair of opposed nozzles that inject the diversion stream with treatment substances back into the mainstream flow.

Abstract: Liquid chemical delivery systems are provided which include a liquid chemical storage canister, a pressurized gas source that feeds a pressurized gas into the storage canister, a vaporizer that may be used to vaporize the liquid chemical supplied from the storage canister, a delivery line that connects the storage canister to the vaporizer, a liquid mass flow controller that controls the flow rate of the liquid chemical through the delivery line, a reaction chamber that is connected to the vaporizer, and a liquid chemical recycling element that collects at least some of the chemical flowing through the system during periods when the liquid chemical delivery system is isolated from the reaction chamber.

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: A system for supplying at least two fluids in proportioned quantities may include a first and second intake passages configured to be in flow communication with sources of first and second fluids, respectively. The system may include a fluid transfer device in flow communication with the first intake passage and the second intake passage, and a pump in flow communication with the first intake passage. Operation of the pump is configured to supply a quantity of the first fluid to a first chamber of the fluid transfer device such that a quantity of the second fluid is expelled from a second chamber of the fluid transfer device. When operation of the pump is ceased, a quantity of the second fluid enters the second chamber and a quantity of the first fluid is expelled from the first chamber.

Abstract: The power output of a hydraulic system is improved by operating the hydraulic system with a hydraulic fluid having a VI of at least 130.

Abstract: A system, device, and method for mixing liquids involves pumping a first liquid into a first pump chamber of a pumping apparatus through a channel of the pumping apparatus and pumping a second liquid from a second pump chamber of the pumping apparatus into either the channel or the first pump chamber, preferably while the first liquid is being pumped into the first pump chamber, so that the two liquids are mixed within the pumping apparatus. The second liquid is preferably pumped in a pulsatile mode in which small quantities of the second liquid are pumped at intervals. The quantity and/or the interval can be dynamically adjusted to result in a predetermined concentration of the two liquids. The contents of the first pump chamber are pumped to a receptacle.

Abstract: A hydrant apparatus comprises at least an outlet pipe, at least a switch for controlling the water flow, and at least a temperature limiting component. The outlet pipe is used for flowing water out of the hydrant apparatus. The switch, coupled to the outlet pipe, is used for controlling the water flow and adjusting the temperature of the water flow. The temperature limiting component limits the temperature of the water flow inside a predetermined range.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to devices and methods for controlling fluid flow in meso-scale fluidic components in a programmable manner. Specifically, the present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for placing two microfluidic components in fluid communication at an arbitrary position and time, both of which are externally defined. The inventive apparatus uses electromagnetic radiation to perforate a material layer having selected adsorptive properties. The perforation of the material layer allows the fluid communication between microfluidic components. Other aspects of this invention include an apparatus and method to perform volumetric quantitation of fluids, an apparatus to program arbitrary connections between a set of input capillaries and a set of output capillaries, and a method to transport fluid in centripetal device from a larger to a smaller radius.

Abstract: A method for supplying liquid mixtures on a mix-on-demand basis for consumptive use, and for maintaining the composition of such mixture on a highly accurate and stable basis. For wet-on-wet processing of fabrics, the processing solution is supplied at start-up on a mix-on-demand basis to precise specifications and is maintained at such precise specifications throughout fabric processing, which involves continuous additions of water by the incoming fabric and removal of solution by the exiting fabric. Recirculation of the solution at a high rate, together with rapid and repetitive measurements of the composition of the recirculating solution enables the solution to be precisely monitored and maintained. Periodic small additions of chemical are injected as necessary to maintain highly stable, accurately controlled process conditions. Extraordinary economies, both direct and indirect, can be realized with the new system.

Abstract: Systems and methods to prepare an emulsion are described herein. In one embodiment, a mixture of two or more non-miscible components may be sent to a fluid treatment system which creates an emulsion of the mixture. An emulsification system may include a reservoir and/or one or more fluid treatment systems.

Abstract: Method for supplying a high purity gas product comprising providing a first gas stream including a major component and at least one impurity component, determining the concentration of the at least one impurity component, and comparing the concentration so determined with a reference concentration for that component. When the value of the concentration so determined is less than or equal to the reference concentration, the first gas stream is utilized to provide the high purity gas product. When the value of the concentration so determined is greater than the reference concentration, a second gas stream comprising the major component is provided and the first and second gas streams are mixed to yield a mixed gas stream having a concentration of the at least one impurity component that is less than the reference concentration. The mixed gas stream is utilized to provide the high purity gas product.

Abstract: In an air mixing arrangement wherein a primary fluid is introduced through an opening in a wall to be mixed with a secondary fluid flowing along the wall surface, the opening is airfoil shaped with its leading edge being orientated at an attack angle with respect to the secondary fluid flow stream so as to thereby enhance the penetration and dispersion of the primary fluid stream into the secondary fluid stream. The airfoil shaped opening is selectively positioned such that its angle of attack provides the desired lift to optimize the mixing of the two streams for the particular application. In one embodiment, a collar is provided around the opening to prevent the secondary fluid from contacting the surface of the wall during certain conditions of operation. Multiple openings maybe used such as the combination of a larger airfoil shaped opening with a smaller airfoil shaped opened positioned downstream thereof, or a round shaped opening placed upstream of an airfoil shaped opening.

Abstract: A cassette integrated system. The cassette integrated system includes a mixing cassette, a balancing cassette, a middle cassette fluidly connected to the mixing cassette and the balancing cassette and at least one pod. The mixing cassette is fluidly connected to the middle cassette by at least one fluid line and the middle cassette is fluidly connected to the balancing cassette by at least one fluid line. The at least one pod is connected to at least two of the cassettes wherein the pod is located in an area between the cassettes.