Abstract: A CAES power generation device includes: a compressor/expander combined machine that is of displacement type and has a function as a compressor for compressing air and a function as an expander for expanding compressed air; a motor/generator combined machine that is mechanically connected to the compressor/expander combined machine and has a function as an electric motor for driving the compressor/expander combined machine and a function as a generator driven by the compressor/expander combined machine; and a pressure accumulation tank that is fluidly connected to the compressor/expander combined machine and stores compressed air generated by the compressor/expander combined machine.

Abstract: Device for storing and transferring cryogenic fluid, comprising at least one elementary container comprising a liquefied gas tank, the tank being provided with a first pipe for transferring fluid, which pipe has a first end connected to an upper end of the tank, the tank being provided with a second pipe for transferring fluid, which pipe has a first end connected to a lower end of the tank, the first and the second transfer pipes each comprising an assembly of respective valves, characterized in that the first transfer pipe comprises two arms forming two second ends connected in parallel to the first end of the first transfer pipe, the two second ends of the first transfer pipe each being provided with a respective fluidic connection coupling, and in that the second transfer pipe comprises two arms forming two second ends connected in parallel to the first end of the second transfer pipe, the two second ends of the second transfer pipe each being provided with a respective fluidic connection coupling.

Abstract: A sucking jet pump arrangement, with a sucking jet pump comprising a primary fluid inlet for feeding a fuel driving stream to the sucking jet pump, a secondary fluid inlet for feeding the sucking jet pump with the fuel to be delivered, a fluid outlet for outputting the fuel, and a collection container surrounding a first end of the sucking jet pump opposite of the fluid outlet. The container preferably surrounds the primary fluid inlet from at least three sides such that the sucking jet pump sucks fuel via the secondary fluid inlet out of the inner volume of the collection container. The collection container has at least one fuel inlet opening for feeding fuel from the outside to the inner volume of the collection container.

Abstract: A method (1000) of additively manufacturing an object (200) from a powder material (202) comprises discharging the powder material (202) from a powder-deposition opening (126) in a hollow body (122) of a powder-supply arm (108) while rotating the powder-supply arm (108) and an energy-supply arm (112) about a vertical axis A1. Method (1000) also comprises, while rotating the powder-supply arm (108) and the energy-supply arm (112) about the vertical axis A1, distributing the powder material (202) within a powder-bed volume (204) using a powder-distribution blade (128) that is coupled to the hollow body (122) and extends along the powder-deposition opening (126). The method (1000) further comprises, while rotating the powder-supply arm (108) and the energy-supply arm (112) about vertical axis A1, consolidating at least a portion of the powder material (202) in the powder-bed volume (204) using the energy emitters (114), coupled to the energy-supply arm (112).

Abstract: An additive-manufacturing facility and a method for managing a powder transported to and from additive-manufacturing machines of the facility are provided. According to the method, a volume of feedstock powder is stored, and the machines are automatically fed with powder from the volume of feedstock powder. For each machine, the powder fed to the machine undergoes at least one layering operation during an additive-manufacturing cycle, and excess powder in the layering operation is moved away and conveyed from the machine to the volume of feedstock powder. For each machine, recovered powder, which is derived from cleaning rough components produced by the machine, is reintroduced into the volume of feedstock powder. A same collection circuit is used to convey the excess powder and the recovered powder to the volume of feedstock powder.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods capable of identifying, tracking, and sorting particles flowing in a channel, for example, a microfluidic channel having a fluid medium. The channel and the fluid medium can have a similar refractive index such that they appear translucent or transparent when illuminated by electromagnetic radiation. The particles can have a refractive index substantially different from that of the channel and the medium, such that the particles interfere with the electromagnetic radiation. A sensor can be disposed adjacent to the channel to record the electromagnetic radiation. The sensor can be used for identifying, tracking, and sorting the particles.

Abstract: Powder module device (1) for an apparatus for additively manufacturing three-dimensional objects by successive layerwise selective irradiation and consolidation of layers of a powdered build material (2). The device includes a powder module (3), comprising a powder module base body (6) to receive a powdered build material (2), comprising wall elements; delimiting a build material receiving volume (9) for receiving a powdered build material (2) and an opening (10) for introducing powdered build material (2) into the build material receiving volume (9); a lid (4), comprising a lid base body (11) connected to the powder module base body (6) so as to close the opening (10) of the powder module base body (6) in a closed state of the powder module device (1); and a sealing device (5) configured to seal between the powder module (3) and the lid (4) in the closed state of the powder module device (1).

Abstract: A valve for use in controlling fluid flow in a flotation processing circuit is described, the valve including: a valve body; an inlet to the valve body; an outlet from the valve body; a member which is arranged in use to control fluid flow from the inlet to the outlet; and wherein the valve also comprises a bypass opening which facilitates fluid flow in one or both of two modes: in the first mode from the inlet to the bypass opening; and in the second mode from the bypass opening to the outlet.

Abstract: A device fabricates annular pieces by selectively melting powder. The device includes an inner annular wall and an outer annular wall that are concentric and that define an annular powder deposition zone, and a powder dispenser movable in rotation about an axis of the inner and outer annular walls. The powder dispenser includes a wiper extending between the inner annular wall and the outer annular wall and forming an angle with the radial direction of the inner and outer annular walls.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a fuel tank comprising a scavenge pump. In one example, a system may include arranging a scavenge pump adjacent to a scavenge inlet, distal to a primary fuel delivery module. The arrangement may allow positive pressure from a fuel pump to force fuel back to the primary fuel delivery module during some vehicle conditions.

Abstract: A method for creating a vacuum in a load lock chamber is provided. The method includes building an air-tight environment in the load lock chamber. The method further includes reducing the pressure in a gas tank to a predetermined vacuum pressure. The method also includes enabling an exchange of gas between the load lock chamber and the gas tank when the pressure in the gas tank is at the predetermined vacuum pressure so as to reduce the pressure in the load lock chamber to an adjusted vacuum pressure.

Abstract: A fluid management system for an automotive propulsion system is provided. The fluid management system includes a conduit system configured to deliver hydraulic fluid. A housing defining a sump is configured to collect a volume of hydraulic fluid and gaseous fluid. At least one intake valve is disposed in selective fluid communication with the conduit system and the sump. The intake valve(s) is/are configured to allow the passage of the hydraulic fluid from the sump to the conduit system and to substantially prevent the passage of the gaseous fluid from the sump to the conduit system. Thus, hydraulic fluid that is substantially free of air is provided to hydraulic system components downstream of the intake valve(s).

Abstract: A method of charging a hydro-pneumatic energy storage system is described. The system has a first hydro-pneumatic accumulator with a first hollow vessel. Disposed within the first hollow vessel is a first compressible volume containing a first amount of gas. The system has a second hydro-pneumatic accumulator with a second hollow vessel. Disposed within the second hollow vessel is a second compressible volume containing a second amount of gas. The gas contained in the first volume is pre-pressurized to a first hydrostatic pre-charge pressure and the gas contained in the second volume is pre-pressurized to a second hydrostatic pre-charge pressure. The second pre-charge pressure is higher than the first pre-charge pressure.

Abstract: An electrocoagulation unit that may include an outer shell, and a set of electrodes disposed within the inner housing. Each electrode is separated from an adjacent electrode by an electrode gap spacing. The outer shell may further include a fluid inlet; a fluid outlet; a first busbar opening with a first busbar gland associated therewith.

Abstract: A fuel manifold adapted to communicate with at least one fuel tank of an aircraft is presented. The manifold defines an enclosure adapted to be filled with fuel and to have an internal pressure P1 higher than the internal pressure P2 of the fuel tank. The enclosure includes at least one ceiling and at least one side wall provided with overflow holes adapted to communicate with the fuel tank. The manifold includes a mechanism for discharging an air pocket, trapped between the ceiling and the level of the overflow holes, to the fuel tank.

Abstract: A build material container for use in 3D printing includes a reservoir to hold build material and a build material outlet structure. The container also includes a throughput structure to allow air to enter into the reservoir through the throughput opening, wherein said throughput opening provides access to build material in and out of the reservoir.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed that assist a user in performing proper setup of a vehicle suspension. A user may utilize a device equipped with an image sensor to assist the user in proper setup of a vehicle suspension. The device executes an application that prompts the user for input and instructs the user to perform a number of steps for adjusting the suspension components. In one embodiment, the application does not communicate with sensors on the vehicle. In another embodiment, the application may communicate with various sensors located on the vehicle to provide feedback to the device during the setup routine. In one embodiment, the device may analyze a digital image of a suspension component to provide feedback about a physical characteristic of the component.

Abstract: A method of transporting natural gas by liquefaction of natural gas at ambient temperature, achieved by mixing the natural gas at high pressure with a hydrocarbon that is a stable liquid at ambient temperature and ambient pressure. The hydrocarbon liquid may be crude oil or a distillate of crude oil. The method includes: liquefaction: mixing the natural gas with the hydrocarbon liquid at an ambient temperature and a high pressure to generate a liquid mixture, which contains the natural gas dissolved in the hydrocarbon liquid; shipping: transporting the liquid mixture using a marine tanker, during which the liquid mixture is maintained at ambient temperature and the high pressure; and regasification: at the destination, releasing a gas from the liquid mixture by lowering the pressure of the liquid mixture. The hydrocarbon liquid may be used multiple times.

Abstract: A hydraulic oil storage device and an injection molding device are provided with a connection box that partitions a storage region of a sub-tank into a first region that includes a flow channel opening portion for a coupling tube and a second region other than the first region, in which the connection box is provided with an internal region communication portion that brings the first region and the second region into communication, and causes a pressure loss equal to the pressure loss of the coupling tube, or a pressure loss greater than that pressure loss, and a return tube is connected to the sub-tank so that the flow channel outlet faces the first region.

Abstract: A method for the in vitro diagnosis of an invasive fungal infection by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. The method involves, providing a liquid biological sample from a mammal, said biological sample containing, in particular, proteins and/or lipids and/or salts and/or polysaccharides and/or oligosaccharides and/or monosaccharides capable of forming complexes with said proteins and/or lipids and/or salts; treating said sample with biological liquid so as to extract said polysaccharides and/or oligosaccharides and/or monosaccharides; determining, by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, whether or not there is present among said extracted polysaccharides, oligosaccharides and/or monosaccharides, at least one given compound of interest coming from said fungal microorganism and chosen from polysaccharides, oligosaccharides and monosaccharides; and deducing, if said given compound of interest is present in said sample, that said mammal is suffering from an invasive fungal infection.

Abstract: A system for storing natural gas comprises a plurality of straight sections of tube. The plurality of straight sections of tube are dense packed. The plurality of straight sections of tube are configured to fill a designated volume.

Abstract: The invention relates to a burst pressure monitoring device intended to be employed in a pressure transmitter (1), said pressure transmitter comprising a body (10), an inlet duct (11) formed on the body and intended to receive a fluid, a sensor member on which the inlet duct emerges, said sensor member being intended to measure a pressure and to deliver an output electrical signal representative of the measured pressure, said burst pressure monitoring device being intended to be positioned inside the inlet duct (11) of the pressure transmitter (1) and comprising two parts (21a, 21b) assembled together, the two assembled parts forming an internal fluid flow channel (22) comprising one or more successive chicanes (220).

Abstract: A sealed hydraulic tank system for a mining shovel (10) includes an upper tank (68) and a lower tank (70). An air bladder (69) system is coupled to the upper tank to exchange air between the tank system and the bladder. The tanks include baffles (100,102,104,106,108) which filter the hydraulic fluid and which direct fluid flow along an elongated path to allow for de-aeration of the oil in the tank.

Abstract: A fluids management apparatus is disclosed herein that enables management of multiple volumes of different fluids when drilling and/or producing oil and/or gas with an oil and gas well drilling platform. The apparatus includes a structural, transportable frame that has upper and lower reservoir sections, each with a plurality of tanks for holding fluid. The upper reservoir section is easily lifted and transported, such as by crane. A docking station on the lower reservoir section is receptive of the upper reservoir section. A piping system enables a selected fluid volume contained in a tank of the upper reservoir section to be selectively transmitted to a selected tank of the lower reservoir section. The lower reservoir section has its own piping system that enables a user to withdraw fluid from any selected one of its tanks.

Abstract: An aircraft auxiliary fuel tank system comprising a master tank and a plurality of slave tanks connectable to the master tank. The slave tanks can be easily added or removed to adjust fuel capacity. A rail assembly is provided to assist in the easy installation and removal of the slave and master fuel tanks. Methods are provided for using the auxiliary fuel tanks system and for providing a service for slave tank distribution, reservation and installation.

Abstract: A valve assembly configured to close off the flow of fluid within a fluid injection assembly includes a fluid column having a first open end and a second open end. A fluid flow path is defined between the first and second open ends of the fluid column, and a saturation valve portion is disposed within the fluid flow path. The saturation valve portion is a first configuration when no fluid is flowing through the fluid flow path, and the saturation valve portion transitions to a second configuration when fluid is flowing through the fluid flow path.

Abstract: An apparatus (2) includes: a first tank (4); a line mixer (6); a second tank (8); a cooling jacket (10); a first tube (12); a second tube (14); and a third tube (16). In the first tank (4), (i) sodium persulfate serving as a polymerization initiator and (ii) water are fed so as to obtained an aqueous solution. The aqueous solution is continuously taken out and transferred via the first tube (12) to the line mixer (6). Between the first tank (4) and the line mixer (6), water is injected into the first tube (12). The water and the sodium persulfate aqueous solution are stirred together in the line mixer (6). This stirring decreases a concentration of the aqueous solution. The resulting aqueous solution is continuously fed to the second tank (8) via the second tube (14). The aqueous solution is then continuously taken out via the third tube (16) and is continuously added to an acrylic acid (salt) aqueous solution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for supplying washing inputs comprised by at least one hydraulic circuit comprising at least one water inlet pipe (2), at least one reservoir (3) of inputs and at least one inputs outlet pipe (4). It is further provided at least one water spreader (5) associated with at least one water inlet pipe (2) and at least one containment structure (6) associated with at least one inputs outlet pipe (4).

Abstract: The invention concerns a device comprising a base (2) and a door (20), said device having a closed door position in which a circuit (8) of the device comprises a bag comprising two flexible films and connectors of the conveying network, and a press (9) comprising a first shell (16) disposed on a front face (5) of said base (2) and a second shell (17) disposed in said door (20); and a hinge system hinging said door (20) relative to said base (2), and disposed only on one side of said door (20) so as to form lateral clearances between said door (20) and said base (2) over the rest of a perimeter of said door (20).

Abstract: A system for delivering frac water at high pressure is provided, including a first pump positionable within a tank, the first pump configured to receive water from within the tank and output the water at pressure to a first pressure tank; a second pump positionable above the first pressure tank, the second pump configured to receive water from the first pressure tank and output the water at pressure to a second pressure tank; and a third pump positionable above the second pressure tank, the third pump configured to receive water from the second pressure tank and output pressurized water to a discharge piping, the discharge piping leading said pressurized water over a wall of said tank.

Abstract: A method for drain liquid collection and evacuation in a subsea compression system using a compressor, wherein an external drainage tank is arranged in direct flow communication with the compressor sump via a sump evacuation valve, the tank is set under compressor discharge pressure via a tank pressurizing line arranged to connect the tank to a compressor discharge flow upstream of a throttle valve, a tank evacuation line is arranged to connect the tank to the compressor discharge downstream of the throttle valve, drain liquid evacuation is accomplished through generation, by adjusting the throttle valve, of a flow restriction in the compressor discharge. The tank is set under compressor discharge pressure by opening of the pressure valve and the drain liquid flow is permitted into a reduced compressor discharge pressure downstream the throttle valve by opening an evacuation valve in the evacuation line.

Abstract: A windshield washer fluid supplying system for a vehicle having a windshield washer device comprising a reservoir mounted in the vehicle for storing washer fluid is disclosed, the supplying system comprising a supplying tube having a first end portion and a second end portion; a first end piece comprising a portion mountable on the reservoir and an aperture therethrough for receiving the first end portion of the supplying tube so as to enable fluid communication between the first end portion of the supplying tube and the reservoir; and a second end piece comprising a portion adapted for mounting on a container of washer fluid placed in the vehicle and an aperture therethrough for receiving the second end portion of the supplying tube so that the second end portion of the supplying tube extends inside the container proximate a bottom portion thereof when the second end piece is mounted on the container, thereby establishing a siphonage circuit between the reservoir and the container with the supplying tube for

Abstract: A via pass-through apparatus is disclosed. The via pass-through apparatus includes a pass-through chamber adapted to couple between a first mainframe section and a second mainframe section of a substrate processing system, the pass-through chamber including an entry and an exit each having a slit valve, and a via process chamber located at a different level than the pass-through chamber wherein the via process chamber is adapted to carry out a process on a substrate at the via location. Systems and methods of operating the system are provided, as are numerous other aspects.

Abstract: A fuel system for a vehicle is provided and may include a first housing containing a supply of fuel therein, a second housing containing a supply of fuel therein and coupled to the first housing, and a fuel pump disposed within one of the first housing and the second housing that selectively pumps fuel from each of the first housing and the second housing to the vehicle. A first interface may be associated with one of the first housing and the second housing and may be coupled to a vehicle interface of the vehicle in a coupled state to supply the vehicle with fuel from at least one of the first housing and the second housing.

Abstract: A process plant includes a base having a plurality of module receiving areas, each area configured to receive a supply module. At least one of the receiving areas additionally configured to receive a blender. A plurality of interconnection pipings fixedly arranged relative to the base. Each piping interconnecting each of the module receiving areas to each other; and connections on each of the interconnection pipings at each of the module receiving areas. Each connection configured to selectively connect and disconnect either a supply module or blender within a respective module receiving area from its respective interconnection piping. A method of processing a fracturing fluid is also included.

Abstract: An oil tank has return oil from a hydraulic circuit diffused onto a surface of oil stored in a tank body, and thereby the return oil is prevented from going deep in the oil, so that a hydraulic pump is prevented from sucking oil containing air bubbles. The oil tank includes: an intake port provided in the vicinity of a bottom of the tank body and connected to the hydraulic pump of a hydraulic circuit; and an return oil inlet connected to a return pipe of the hydraulic circuit through which the return oil enters the tank body. In the tank body, a container adapted to hold the return oil is provided. The container is configured so that the return oil inlet opens in the vicinity of the bottom of the container.

Abstract: An analyzer includes, as a cleaning system, a cleanser tank that contains a cleanser; a cleaning-water tank that contains cleaning water; a connection pipe that connects the cleanser tank with the cleaning-water tank; a pump that is provided to the connection pipe and pumps the cleanser out of the cleanser tank to the cleaning-water tank; a valve that is provided to the connection pipe and adjusts a flow of the cleanser from the cleanser tank into the cleaning-water tank; and a control unit that opens the valve and causes the pump to pump the cleanser out of the cleanser tank to the cleaning-water tank via the connection pipe to clean the inside of the cleaning-water tank and the insides of cleaning-water flow-path constituents that form a flow path through which the cleaning water flows from the cleaning-water tank when the specimen is subjected to an analysis process.

Abstract: A method for handling asphalt emulsion is provided. The method includes providing the asphalt emulsion. The method also includes employing a first set of diaphragm pumps to transfer the asphalt emulsion from a first container to a second container. The second container represents a first storage tank if the first container is a colloidal mill. The second container represents a transportation tank if the first container is the first storage tank. The second container represents a second storage tank at a job site if the first container is the transportation tank. The second container represents a slurry machine if the first container is the second storage tank at the job site.

Abstract: Process for transferring a liquid from a passive tank (1) for storing the liquid to an active tank (2) using a pump intended for pumping the liquid held in the passive tank (1) and transferring it to the active tank (2), according to which the pump is commanded so as to transfer liquid from the passive tank (1) to the active tank (2) when said active tank (2) has a liquid level below a set point level Lsp and when the passive tank (1) contains liquid at a temperature above the freezing point of the liquid.

Abstract: A device for separating fuel components comprising a separating membrane for separating high-octane fuel components from un-separated fuel and a heat exchanger between first liquid passing through the heat exchanger and second liquid passing through the heat exchanger, is provided. The first liquid is un-separated fuel passing through the heat exchanger before being supplied to the separating membrane. The second liquid is low-octane fuel remaining when the high-octane fuel components are separated from the un-separated fuel, passing through the heat exchanger after changing to an almost liquid phase.

Abstract: Disclosed is a reserve tank comprising a tank main body that has a plurality of chambers partitioned by partition walls, an inflow port that allows coolant to flow into the tank main body, and an outflow port that allows the coolant to flow out of the tank main body, the plurality of chambers including a first chamber and a second chamber partitioned by the partition walls, and a third chamber that accumulates the coolant that should flow from the inflow port into the first chamber, the first chamber having a first communicating portion formed to allow the coolant to flow into the second chamber, the third chamber having a second communicating portion formed to allow the accumulated coolant to flow into the first chamber, the flow rate of the coolant passing through the second communicating portion being set smaller than the flow rate of the coolant passing through the first communicating portion.

Abstract: A tank arrangement for a vehicle, particularly a truck, includes at least a first fuel tank and a second fuel tank which are connected by a balancing pipe, a suction pipe for feeding fuel to an engine and a return pipe for feeding fuel from the engine to at least one of the fuel tanks. The balancing pipe is provided with a first end to supply fuel to the first tank and a second end to suck fuel from the second tan, wherein a check valve is arranged upstream of the return pipe in the balancing pipe between the at least two tanks allowing a flow direction from the second tank to the first tank and blocking a flow in the reverse direction. Suction of fuel to the engine is from the first tank only. The check valve provides an automatic purging of the system.

Abstract: The present invention includes: first and second tanks and each configured to store a fluid containing fine powder; a communication pipe through which the first and second tanks and communicate with each other; and a transfer portion configured to transfer the fluid stored in a desired one of the first and second tanks to the other tank. Each of the tanks and includes a first chamber and a second chamber that are separated by a deformable dividing wall. Each of the first chambers stores an incompressible fluid, and each of the second chambers stores the fluid having higher specific gravity and viscosity than the incompressible fluid. The second chambers of the first and second tanks communicate with each other through the communication pipe. When the incompressible fluid is supplied to the desired first chamber, the transfer portion can discharge the incompressible fluid from the other first chamber.

Abstract: The cart comprises a lateral face by which it is adapted to be juxtaposed against another cart. It further comprises a first pump, a second pump disposed below said first pump and laterally offset relative thereto, and a tank adapted to receive a feed container provided to contain said biological liquid, said tank being disposed above said first pump and offset laterally relative thereto. The installation comprises one said cart, a filter and a second cart, juxtaposed against said first cart and of which the upper face supports said filter such that an outlet point of said first pump is situated substantially facing an inlet/outlet aperture of said filter.

Abstract: A transmission includes a high-pressure circuit at least partially filled with transmission fluid at a first pressure, and a low-pressure circuit at least partially filled with transmission fluid at a second pressure, which is lower than the first pressure. A diffuser is in fluid communication with the high-pressure circuit and the low-pressure circuit. The diffuser has an inlet having a first cross-sectional area and receiving transmission fluid from the high-pressure circuit. The diffuser expels transmission fluid to the low-pressure circuit through an outlet having a second cross-sectional area, which is larger than the first cross-sectional area.

Abstract: Certain examples present an improved compressed-air energy storage system. The system can include multiple sequential stages, in which accumulators are charged with air, which influences a hydraulic fluid to influence a pump/motor, and vice versa.

Abstract: Method for carrying out a bleed and feed of process solutions in a process tank. The feed solution is pumped out of a first tank into a first receiving space. The first receiving space is subsequently emptied into the process tank of with a pump. The volume of delivered feed solution in the process tank is measured. The bleed solution is pumped from the process tank with a pump into a second receiving space. The volume of delivered bleed solution in the second receiving space is measured. The bleed solution in the second receiving space is subsequently emptied into the second tank. The first receiving space differs from the second receiving space. A correction factor is calculated by comparing the measured and calculated volumes of the bleed and feed solution delivered by the pumps, with which correction factor the nominal delivery volume of the pumps are corrected in the next cycle.

Abstract: A hydraulic oil storage device and an injection molding device are provided with a connection box that partitions a storage region of a sub-tank into a first region that includes a flow channel opening portion for a coupling tube and a second region other than the first region, in which the connection box is provided with an internal region communication portion that brings the first region and the second region into communication, and causes a pressure loss equal to the pressure loss of the coupling tube, or a pressure loss greater than that pressure loss, and a return tube is connected to the sub-tank so that the flow channel outlet faces the first region.

Abstract: A sulfurization facility, where the sulfurizing reaction is conducted in a wet smelting for nickel oxide ore, is improved particularly with the structural modification of its liquid storage vessels so that the consumption of a hydrogen sulfide gas used in a sulfurization step and the consumption of an alkali solution used for processing an exhaust gas can be reduced and the overall cost of operation will thus be minimized.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates various devices that are configured to separate a sample, which contains more than one unique species, into any desired number of sub-samples by passing the sample across a like number of separation media configured for a first separation protocol. Each of the sub-samples may be further separated by an additional separation protocol, thereby creating a plurality of mini-samples, each of which may be further separated and/or analyzed. The invention also contemplates using a simple method of using conduits to form a fluid path that passes through a plurality of separation media, each of which media is configured to isolate a particular sub-sample. After various sub-samples of the sample are isolated by the various separation media, the conduits may be removed, thereby enabling each of the isolated sub-samples to be further separated and/or analyzed independent of any other sub-sample.