Abstract: A method for separating bitumen from crude oil sands comprises subjecting crude oil sands to vibration selected to cause bitumen to separate from crude oil sands and filtering the separated bitumen from the crude oil sands.

Abstract: The present invention relates to preparation of porous gallium (III) oxide [Ga2O3] photocatalyst for production of hydrocarbons a porous gallium oxide photocatalyst for production of hydrocarbons, manufactured by the foregoing method, and a process of producing hydrocarbons using the porous gallium oxide photocatalyst for production of hydrocarbons, manufactured by the foregoing method.

Abstract: Methods for the photoreduction of molecules are provided. The methods use diamond having a negative electron affinity as a photocatalyst, taking advantage of its ability to act as a solid-state electron emitter that is capable of inducing reductions without the need for reactants to adsorb onto its surface. The methods comprise illuminating a fluid sample comprising the molecules to be reduced and hydrogen surface-terminated diamond having a negative electron affinity with light comprising a wavelength that induces the emission of electrons from the diamond directly into the fluid sample. The emitted electrons induce the reduction of the molecules to form a reduction product.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are titania photocatalysts, titania photocatalytic compositions, and methods of making the same. The photocatalysts may, for example, be represented by the formula of (Ti1-rMr)(O2-x-yCxNy), where M, r, x, are y defined in the specification. The photocatalysts may, in some embodiments, provide superior photocatalytic activity relative to titania. Also disclosed are methods making the photocatalysts. The method may provide economical techniques for obtaining the titania photocatalysts.

Abstract: Provided herein are methane conversion devices comprising a filter means (e.g., one or more filters), a circulation means (e.g., one or more circulating pumps), a reaction means (e.g., one or more reactor assemblies), a control means (e.g., central process unit, thermo-controller, UV controller, and the like), an energy supply means (e.g., ultra-violet lamp, direct sunlight, heating assembly, and the like).

Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials and/or starchy or sugary materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation.

Abstract: A photoactive material including nanoparticles of photoactive first and second constituents. The first and second constituents have respective conduction band energies, valence band energies and electronic band gap energies to enable photon-driven generation and separation of charge carriers in each of the first and second constituents by absorption of light in the solar spectrum. The first and second constituents are provided in an alternating layered arrangement of respective first and second layers or are mixed together in a single layer. The nanoparticles have diameters smaller than wavelengths of light in the solar spectrum, to provide optical transparency for absorption of light. The charge carriers, upon photoactivation, are able to participate in redox reactions occurring in the photoactive material. The photoactive material may enable redox reactions of carbon dioxide with at least one of hydrogen and water to produce a fuel.

Abstract: Provided is a microfluidic injection device and a method for injecting microfluidic. The microfluidic injection device includes a fluid injection chamber, a gas generation chamber applying pressure to the fluid injection chamber, and a channel connecting the fluid injection chamber to the gas generation chamber.

Abstract: A method for treating a radioactive liquid waste containing a sodium salt, which includes: feeding a radioactive liquid waste containing at least one of sodium hydroxide, sodium hydrogencarbonate and sodium carbonate to an anode chamber in an electrolytic cell provided with an anode and a cathode on both sides of a permeable membrane, which is selectively permeable to sodium ions, and electrodialyzing the radioactive liquid waste; separating sodium ions permeated through the permeable membrane as sodium hydroxide from the radioactive liquid waste in a cathode chamber; separating a radioactive substance remaining in the anode chamber as a concentrated radioactive liquid waste; and recovering the separated sodium hydroxide and concentrated radioactive liquid waste, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a method of processing heavy paraffinic oils or heavy aromatic oils using radiation chemistry of polyethylene under oxidizing conditions. The process of the invention will result in a chain reaction for oxidative scission as the basis for a radiation processing for heavy paraffinic or aromatic oils. The method of the invention will allow for the cost-efficient and environmentally-friendly processing of heavy oils into lighter petroleum products.

Abstract: A method of recovering an organic decomposition product from an organic source may include: a) causing an inert gas to flow through the reduction zone from a reduction inlet to a reduction outlet in such a way that pressure in the reduction zone is maintained above ambient pressure of a local environment for the material recovery system and b) applying electromagnetic wave energy to the organic source in the reduction zone via a bifurcated waveguide assembly in the substantial absence of oxygen to produce at least one gaseous organic decomposition product in the reduction zone that is exhausted from the reduction zone along with the inert gas through the reduction outlet. A material recovery system may include a housing with an inert gas inlet, a reduction zone, and a reduction outlet, an inert gas supply, an electromagnetic wave generator, a bifurcated waveguide assembly, and a controller.

Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials and/or starchy materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation.

Abstract: A guided wave applicator comprising two electrically conductive waveguide walls and a waveguide dielectric. The volume of the waveguide dielectric is composed of non-gaseous dielectric material and is positioned between the two waveguide walls. The waveguide dielectric includes first and second longitudinal ends and includes first, second, third and fourth sides extending longitudinally between the two longitudinal ends. The first waveguide wall is positioned so that it covers the first side of the waveguide dielectric, and the second waveguide wall is positioned so that it covers the second side of the waveguide dielectric. In operation, electrical power can be supplied to one or both longitudinal ends of the waveguide dielectric, whereby the power can be coupled to a plasma through the exposed sides of the waveguide dielectric.

Abstract: A process has been developed to selectively dissociate target molecules into component products compositionally distinct from the target molecule, wherein the bonds of the target molecule do not reform because the components are no longer reactive with each other. Dissociation is affected by treating the target molecule with light at a frequency and intensity, alone or in combination with a catalyst in an amount effective to selectively break bonds within the target molecule. Dissociation does not result in re-association into the target molecule by the reverse process, and does not produce component products which have a change in oxidation number or state incorporated oxygen or other additives because the process does not proceed via a typical reduction-oxidation mechanism. Target molecules include ammonia for waste reclamation and treatment, PCB remediation, and targeted drug delivery.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable device for generating ozone in water, purifying the water and making it drinkable. The device comprises a housing; at least two electrodes, including an anode and a cathode extending from the housing into the water and each having semi-rough or rough surfaces in contact with the water. The device also comprises a power supply operatively connected to the electrodes for generating between them a difference of potential creating a current and the hydrolysis of the water creating ozone that purifies the water. The electrodes may have a plate or a rode and tube configuration with a plurality of holes with rough edges. The roughness of the surfaces and of the edges of the holes leads to a coalescence of tiny hydrogen bubbles into larger hydrogen bubbles. The hydrogen may be also removed by absorption in a conductive material and regenerated for reuse.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relate to processes and systems that introduce microwaves into mixtures containing hydrocarbons. The microwaves cause heating of the hydrocarbons in order to upgrade the hydrocarbons. Such upgrading occurs after recovering the hydrocarbons from within a formation and results in lowering viscosity of the hydrocarbons to enable transportation of the hydrocarbons to offsite locations, such as a refinery.

Abstract: Sonication of a medium for example in an immunoassay is provided by applying sound waves from a transducer to a vessel in which the medium is held by a sonotrode coupled between the transducer and the vessel. The sonotrode has a recess in which the vessel is held, the recess being formed by facing surfaces of a plurality of protruding portions of the sonotrode separated by slits and arranged around the recess. The sonotrode is coupled to the vessel by dry contact with the vessel without any coupling layers therebetween. The use of such a sonotrode provides the advantages of allowing effective sonication with relatively low energy loss and with a low temperature elevation.

Abstract: In crude oil fractions, fossil fuels, and organic liquids in general in which it is desirable to reduce the levels of sulfur-containing and nitrogen-containing components, the process reduces the level of these compounds via the application of heat, an oxidizing agent and, preferably, sonic energy. The invention is performed either as a continuous process or a batch process, and may further include optional steps of centrifugation or hydrodesulfurization.

Abstract: A method for promoting chemical changes in a medium comprising the steps of placing a medium within an electromagnetically resonant structure that permits initiating a spark or a discharge in the medium by means of applying pulsed microwave energy in an electromagnetically resonant structure, the electromagnetically resonant structure being simultaneously mechanically resonant for acoustic or shock waves generated by the spark or discharge caused by the pulsed resonant microwave electromagnetic field; and providing a means to feed material into a reaction chamber within the electromagnetically resonant structure and collecting products of a reaction inside the reaction chamber.

Abstract: A tunable chiral composition includes a liquid crystal material, a tunable chiral material with at least one chiral center and at least one ethylenic double bond and a photo-initiator. The tunable chiral composition is substantially cross-linking agent free.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing coal, asphalt, liquid hydrocarbon, organic acids, methane gas and/or hydrogen from a waste material comprising: a) providing a waste material; b) subjecting the waste material to irradiation with low frequency macro waves, with a wavelength of between 700 nm and 1 mm, whereby the temperature is between 2050 C and 9000 C and the pressure is between 1.0 bar and 19.0 bar, thereby producing coal; c) optionally subjecting the residual materials in gaseous state from step b) to a physicochemical reaction in the presence of a solid metal identified as DPP B102, whereby the temperature is between 1800 C and 5000 C and the pressure is between 0.98 bar and 5.5 bar, thereby producing asphalt; d) optionally subjecting the residual materials in gaseous state from step b) or c) to a physicochemical reaction and/or condensation, whereby the temperature is between 1500 C and 7500 C and the pressure is between 0.

Abstract: The invention relates to the production of superabsorbent polymers comprising polymerizing a monomer solution on a continuous belt reactor, wherein the consistency of the formed polymer gel at the end of the continuous belt reactor is controlled by adjusting the intensity of energy-rich radiation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for separating, concentrating and/or detecting particles are disclosed. The particles are enriched within a separation medium by binding to an immobilized affinity agent. Contaminants and/or undesired particles are washed off the separation medium. The affinity agent is mobilized or the interaction between the particles and the immobilized affinity agent is disrupted. SCODA fields are applied within the medium to separate, concentrate and/or detect a target particle.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for an integrated solar-driven chemical plant that manages variations in solar energy are disclosed. In some embodiments, a chemical reactant, including particles of biomass, are converted in a solar driven chemical reactor into synthesis gas containing carbon monoxide and hydrogen using concentrated solar energy to drive the conversion of the chemical reactant. The synthesis gas is supplied for a catalytic conversion of the synthesis gas in a methanol synthesis plant to methanol. Cycling occurs between an operational state and an idle state for a number of methanol trains in the methanol synthesis plant depending upon an amount of synthesis gas generated in the solar driven chemical reactor. A control system for the chemical reactor sends control signals to and receives feedback from a control system for the methanol synthesis plant.

Abstract: Approaches for producing fuel from a carbon-containing feedstock are described. Feedstock is introduced into a substantially microwave-transparent reaction chamber. A microwave source emits microwaves which are directed through the microwave-transparent wall of the reaction chamber to impinge on the feedstock within the reaction chamber. The microwave source may be rotated relative to the reaction chamber. The feedstock is subjected to microwaves until the desired reaction occurs to produce a fuel. A catalyst can be mixed with the feedstock to enhance the reaction process.

Abstract: A system for removing cyanotoxins and excess ions from contaminated water. Contaminated water passes from a storage tank (200), through a sand filter (210), through a reaction chamber (230), and finally through a carbon filter (270). The sand filter removes particulates and bacteria. The reaction chamber first destroys cyanotoxins, algae, and bacteria through the use of high voltage shocks applied between two groups of electrodes (285, 285? then the voltage on the electrodes is lowered and electrolysis is used to sequester free ions in the water in the region near the electrodes. Partially treated water is removed from the upper portion of the reaction chamber and passed through a carbon filter (270) to remove radiation, and improve taste and smell. The water is then potable. The water remaining in the reaction chamber is discarded into a reservoir (265).

Abstract: A system and method is provided for using sunlight to convert an atmospheric gas to an output product and capture that output product. A photocatalytic element is encapsulated within a chamber of a photocatalytic panel in which the chamber is light transmissive, and is substantially permeable to the atmospheric gas and substantially impermeable to the output product. Water may be provided to the photocatalytic element to react with the atmospheric gas. A system is provided for withdrawing the output product for storage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for photocatalytically treating stains of chilly and turmeric caused on kitchen tiles and platforms by coating a thin film of photocatalyst made of a semiconductor such as titanium dioxide uniformly dispersed in dilute silica sol thereon and using a light source such as a fluorescent lamp to irradiate and photoexcite the photo catalytic thin film by the small amount of UV radiation included in the fluorescent light, resulting in photo decomposition and auto-cleaning of the stains.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing green-energy water, including: conducting water flow through a self-support visible-light photocatalytic reaction device, which decomposes the water into hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions; conducting the hydrogen ions and the hydroxide ions through an ion separation device, which separates the hydrogen ions and the hydroxide ions from each other; and conducting the separated hydroxide ions into an amount of water to form an amount of alkaline green-energy water and conducting the separated hydrogen ions into another amount of water to form an amount of acidulous green-energy water. The green-energy water manufactured in this way is environmentally friendly and can be used in cleaning purposes of photoelectric and semiconductor industries, processing of waste water, organic cultivation, organic agriculture, purification of water, sterilization of medical facility.

Abstract: Provided are a radial porous diacetylene particle, which is synthesized by ion-bonding a diacetylene-containing dicarboxylic acid or diamine monomer represented by Formula 1 above with a diamine or dicarboxylic acid monomer represented by Formula 2 above, and a method of manufacturing the same.

Abstract: Stable and highly efficient combustion/reaction is provided, even when fuel ratio of mixture is decreased and combustion/reaction of the lean mixture is performed in a heat engine such as a reciprocating engine, for controlling dielectric constant of mixture in a combustion/reaction chamber 8 by introducing water and/or exhaust gas into the combustion/reaction chamber, by introducing water and/or exhaust gas into the combustion/reaction chamber. A microwave radiation antenna for irradiation of the combustion/reaction chamber, and a discharge unit for igniting the mixture in the combustion/reaction chamber are provided. The dielectric constant of the mixture before the combustion/reaction of the mixture is controlled so that the resonance frequency of the mixture corresponds to the frequency of the microwave.

Abstract: This invention relates to the design of a process by intermittent dielectric heating combined with a recycling system. This process consists in subjecting reagents to electromagnetic waves selected in the frequencies ranging between 300 GHz and 3 MHz intermittently using a recycling system. This process enables the treatment of oils that are hardly absorbent as well as great investment savings. This process enables operation on different scales, whether in laboratories, on a semi-industrial or industrial scale, without forfeiting the advantages of continuous dielectric heating.

Abstract: Sludge is treated in a treatment chamber by providing a pair of electrodes in the treatment chamber and applying an electrical current between the electrodes such that one of the electrodes functions as an anode and one of the electrodes functions as a cathode in proximity to the outlet. A flow of water is induced from the sludge towards the outlet by the electrical current. An ion exchange textile comprising exchangeable functional groups grafted thereon is located in proximity to at least one of the electrodes such that the ionic forms of the metals are exchanged with the functional groups on the ion exchange textile. Accordingly the sludge is dewatered and metals in the sludge are captured commonly in the treatment chamber while the electrical current simultaneously inactivates pathogens in the treatment chamber.

Abstract: There is provided a process, and a device, for the treatment of crude oil, component(s) of crude, or mixtures thereof, to convert components of said hydrocarbon liquid to products having boiling points that are lower than the boiling points of said components prior to treatment. The process comprises subjecting crude to be treated to ultrasound vibrations and to an electromagnetic field emitted by a an electromagnetic field generator; wherein the electromagnetic field emitted by said electromagnetic field generator comprises a component of electromagnetic field modulated by an electromagnetic field emitted from the crude to be treated on the exposure thereof to ultrasound vibrations.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for making a biomass susceptible to depolymerization or liquefaction under mild conditions. The process comprises introducing into the biomass a material susceptible to the absorption of electro-magnetic radiation to form a radiation absorbent biomass. The radiation absorbent biomass is subjected to electro-magnetic radiation to form an activated biomass.

Abstract: Fluid analyte sensors include a photoelectrocatalytic element that is configured to be exposed to the fluid, if present, and to respond to photoelectrocatalysis of at least one analyte in the fluid that occurs in response to impingement of optical radiation upon the photoelectrocatalytic element. A semiconductor light emitting source is also provided that is configured to impinge the optical radiation upon the photoelectrocatalytic element. Related solid state devices and sensing methods are also described.

Abstract: Improved method, apparatus and system for treating bilge water and other marine emulsion wastes comprising water and hydrocarbon, and possibly solids in some cases. Microwave Separation Technology (MST) is used to treat a broad class of emulsion wastes associated with, generated by, or carried at sea on, ships or other marine entities (such as drilling platforms, oil spill clean-up systems, etc.). The hydrocarbon component from a marine emulsion waste comprising water and hydrocarbon, and possibly solids in some cases, is concentrated (e.g., the emulsion's water content is reduced) so that the volume of waste material that requires off-loading or out-hauling (or both) is reduced over conventional methods of separating emulsion wastes for disposal. In view of the reductions achieved in process volumes, significant cost savings may be realized. Better compliance with environmental laws and standards may also be realized.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for enhancing the generation of hydroxyl radicals in aqueous mixtures containing hydrogen peroxide, which process comprises supplying oxygen and magnesium oxide to the mixture and irradiating it with UV light. The process can be used, for example, for processing ballast water, industrial waste waters, and municipal waste waters.

Abstract: In a microwave irradiation apparatus, an applicator portion has an interior space for housing an object to be irradiated. A first microwave irradiation system outputs a first microwave to the interior space in a first mode so as to generate a large electric field and a small magnetic field at a specific place of the interior space. A second microwave irradiation system outputs a second microwave having a polarization plane crossing a polarization plane of the first microwave to the interior space in a second mode so as to generate a large magnetic field and small electric field at the specific place of the interior space.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for bonding two surfaces to one another. The invention particularly pertains to the use of such method in which one of the surfaces is a polymeric plastic (and more preferably a polymeric thermoplastic (especially poly-(methyl methacrylate) (“PMMA”) or cyclic olefin copolymer (“COC”)). More particularly, the invention relates to treating at least one of the contacting surfaces with UV in the presence of oxygen to thereby generate ozone (O3) and atomic oxygen under conditions of temperature below that of the glass transition temperature of the polymeric plastic. The UV/O3-mediated bonding results in high bond strength and zero-deformation method. This bonding method can be applied to micro/nano-scale polymer devices, and particularly to microfluidic devices, for a low cost, high throughput, high yield advantage.

Abstract: Provided in this invention is a process for producing chemically functionalized nano graphene materials, known as nano graphene platelets (NGPs), graphene nano sheets, or graphene nano ribbons. Subsequently, a polymer can be grafted to a functional group of the resulting functionalized NGPs. In one preferred embodiment, the process comprises (A) dispersing a pristine graphite material and an azide or bi-radical compound in a liquid medium comprising to form a suspension; and (B) subjecting the suspension to direct ultrasonication with to ultrasonic waves of a desired intensity or power level for a length of time sufficient to produce nano graphene platelets and to enable a chemical reaction to occur between the nano graphene platelets and the azide or bi-radical compound to produce the functionalized nano graphene material. Concurrent production and functionalization of NGPs directly from pristine graphitic materials can be achieved in one step and in the same reactor.

Abstract: A fluid purification device includes an inner tube composed of a non-conductive material and an outer tube which is spaced apart from the inner tube by predetermined space S and composed of a non-conductive material, and the tubes are concentrically arranged. A conductive member is attached to apart or entire periphery of the inside of the outer tube to provide an electrode so as to form a device main body. When a voltage is applied to the electrode of the device main body, discharge in the space S is created by using a fluid to be treated W composed of liquid such as water which flows within the inner tube as an earth electrode. This causes a gas such as oxygen or air flowing in the space S to be reacted to generate ozone and mixes the ozone with the fluid to be treated W so as to purify the fluid.

Abstract: The invention describes a process for reducing an organic-containing material into lower molecular weight gaseous hydrocarbons, liquid hydrocarbons and solid carbon constituents, by using out-of-phase microwaves which enter the applicator through at least one applicator diffuser matrix. The matrix includes essentially parallel beveled entry channels.

Abstract: A system including an ultrasonic resonance chamber containing a cavitation reaction chamber therein is described. In some embodiments, the resonance chamber or resonator comprises a spherical metal shell having fluid and other couplings and containing a first liquid that carries an acoustic field within the resonator. A second fluid or material that can flow within the reaction chamber or reactor is disposed at a location in the resonator so that the two fluids do not mix but the acoustic field in the resonator can generate cavitation inside the reactor to cause a desired transformation or reaction in the second fluid or material.

Abstract: A process has been developed to selectively dissociate target molecules into component products compositionally distinct from the target molecule, wherein the bonds of the target molecule do not reform because the components are no longer reactive with each other. Dissociation is affected by treating the target molecule with light at a frequency and intensity, alone or in combination with a catalyst in an amount effective to selectively break bonds within the target molecule. Dissociation does not result in re-association into the target molecule by the reverse process, and does not produce component products which have a change in oxidation number or state incorporated oxygen or other additives because the process does not proceed via a typical reduction-oxidation mechanism. Target molecules include ammonia for waste reclamation and treatment, PCB remediation, and targeted drug delivery.

Abstract: In an irradiation region A in which an electron beam irradiator emits an electron beam through an irradiating surface 12a of the electron beam irradiator, a resin bottle 8 is conveyed with a distance between the irradiating surface 12a and the resin bottle 8 being maintained constant. Grippers 6 are arranged to an outer peripheral portion of a rotary body 14 in a circumferential direction thereof at an equal interval, and the resin bottles 8 are conveyed with neck portions 8a thereof being held. Rotating means (52, 58, 62) for rotating the grippers 6 with respect to the rotary body 14 and forward/rearward moving means (18, 50) keeping constant a distance from the irradiating surface 12a of the electron beam irradiator are provided.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for removing residues of hazardous materials from vapor in a tank (1), wherein such a vapor is heated, passed outside the tank and subsequently cooled and the remaining dry vapor is recirculated, characterized in that a) said vapor is heated to a temperature of at least 5° C. above the melting point and below the self ignition point of the hazardous material, b) the vapor mixture thus formed is passed by means of a pump (3) from the tank through a discharge unit to a recovery unit, c) is cooled to a temperature of at least 5° C. lower and above the melting point of the hazardous material in a recovery unit, d) the liquid components of the vapor are recovered and the dry gas mixture is recirculated to the tank after reheating to the desired temperature, e) said recirculation being repeated as required.

Abstract: A fluid feed stream is flowed, subject to electromagnetic pulses, to a filter element via an input feed conduit for the filter element. A coil assembly is disposed about the input feed conduit and an AC power source is connected with the coil assembly. The AC power source has a period including first and second half-cycles of opposing polarities. A switch in series with the coil assembly forms a series connected circuit. A second switch connected with the coil assembly forms a second circuit. A control means closes the first switch and opens the second switch during a first half-cycle of the AC power source. During a second half-cycle, the control means closes and then opens the second switch to produce a first large ringing pulse in the coil assembly. A subsequent pulse may be produced either before or after the first pulse substantially decays.

Abstract: A method of sanitizing water contained in a spa is provided which comprises installing a chlorine generating cell including a diamond electrode in a filter compartment of the spa, employing a resin-filled calcium remover bag to reduce the hardness of the water, adding salt to the water; and operating the chlorine generating cell to generate chlorine and other sanitizing agents for sanitizing the water.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for improving the functional properties of a sample, which comprises at least one component that can be modified upon absorbing ultraviolet light, the method including using pulsed light with an emission spectrum of 190-1100 nm and a high content of ultraviolet light to modify the component. The method makes it possible to obtain samples with improved functional properties (hydration, glass transition, solubility, water retention capacity, oil retention capacity, thickening, dispersing, emulsifying, foaming or gelling properties, film formation properties, bulking agent properties, surface properties (wettability, adhesion, etc.)) which are used in the food industry, the cosmetics industry, the pharmaceutical industry, the biomedical industry, the biotechnological industry, the chemical industry and in other industries.