Abstract: In a method for separating rich ore particles from agglomerates which contain said rich ore particles and magnetizable particles attached thereto, especially Fe3O4, in which agglomerates of the rich ore particle and the magnetizable particle are bonded by organic molecular chains, the agglomerates are contained in a suspension containing a carrier fluid and are broken up by an input of mechanical energy so that an agent contained in the suspension and decomposing the exposed, hydrophobic molecular chains can act upon the molecular chains. The Fe-containing oxide components are separated from the suspension in a magnetic separation process.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing pristine or non-oxidized nano graphene platelets (NGPs) that are highly conductive. The method comprises: (a) providing a pristine graphitic material comprising at least a graphite crystallite having at least a graphene plane and an edge surface; (b) dispersing multiple particles of the pristine graphitic material in a liquid medium containing therein no surfactant to produce a suspension, wherein the multiple particles in the liquid have a concentration greater than 0.1 mg/mL and the liquid medium is characterized by having a surface tension that enables wetting of the liquid on a graphene plane exhibiting a contact angle less than 90 degrees; and (c) exposing the suspension to direct ultrasonication at a sufficient energy or intensity level for a sufficient length of time to produce the NGPs. Pristine NGPs can be used as a conductive additive in transparent electrodes for solar cells or flat panel displays (e.g.

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: A carbon nanotube catalyst wherein metal catalyst nanoparticles are selectively supported only on the inner channel surface of the carbon nanotube, and a method for preparing the same are provided. Specifically, provided are: a carbon nanotube catalyst with supported metal catalyst nanoparticles, having excellent selective catalyst activity and durability, wherein the carbon nanotube catalyst is prepared by carrying out a specific pretreatment so as to form some defects on the inner surface of a carbon nanotube and then exposing the pretreated carbon nanotube to a flow of vapor phase metal precursors so that metal catalyst nanoparticles can be supported only on the inner channel surface of the carbon nanotube by CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) process; and a method for preparing the same.

Abstract: The present invention is a transparent conductive film characterized in that: a major component of the transparent conductive film is a single-walled carbon nanotube; the single-walled carbon nanotubes are present in a bundle state; and a rope-like shape, which is a state where the bundles are gathered together, can be confirmed by scanning electron microscope observation. The present invention is also a method for producing a liquid crystal alignment film using a transparent electrode substrate, with an electrode layer being the aforementioned transparent conductive film. According to the invention, a transparent electrode substrate with high wettability can be obtained, and further a method for producing an alignment film by which a uniform alignment film can be obtained without deteriorating an electrical characteristic is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a system for giving a substance (101) receptive and/or transmissive properties that allow the substance (101) to be treated by and/or to transmit a signal acquired by intercepting an electromagnetic field originating from a source substance. The substance (101) is subjected, by means of a transmitter (102), to an electromagnetic field and/or a sound (104) emitted at one or more frequencies included in a predetermined frequency spectrum for a predetermined period. The invention makes it possible to give the initially non-receptive and non-transmissive substance (101)y receptive and/or transmissive properties.

Abstract: An acoustic system for applying vibratory energy including a horn connected to an ultrasonic energy source. The horn defines an overall length and wavelength, and at least a leading section thereof is comprised of a ceramic material. The leading section has a length of at least ? the horn wavelength. In one preferred embodiment, an entirety of the horn is a ceramic material, and is mounted to a separate component, such as a waveguide, via an interference fit. Regardless, by utilizing a ceramic material for at least a significant portion of the horn, the ultrasonic system of the present invention facilitates long-term operation in extreme environments such as high temperature and/or corrosive fluid mediums. The present invention is useful for fabrication of metal matrix composite wires.

Abstract: A simple and direct methodology for synthesis of polycrystalline silicon sheets is demonstrated in our invention, where silica (SiO2) and elemental carbon (C) are reacted under RF or MW excitation. These polycrystalline silicon sheets can be directly used as feedstock/substrates for low cost photovoltaic solar cell fabrication. Other techniques, such as textured polycrystalline silicon substrate formation, in situ doping, and in situ formation of p-n junctions, are described, which make use of processing equipments and scheme setups of various embodiments of the invention.

Abstract: Coal slurry is produced for use as fuel. Starting from a raw carboniferous mineral containing various types of impurities, the method of production includes the following stages: a) grinding the raw coal to reduce it to particles of a size less than 75 ?m, the ground material then being carried by air drawn in through a grinding mill and on through a filter where a selection is made of the particles; b) immersion of the particles in water to obtain a turbid mixture; c) addition of flotating agents to the turbid mixture and flotation by introduction of air to obtain the coal slurry; d) checking the concentration of coal in the slurry to ensure that it reaches between 40 and 60% by weight per kilogram of slurry, according to the type of carboniferous mineral used at the outset; e) stocking the slurry in a tank where it is kept continuously moving.

Abstract: A method for making nanoparticles comprises: providing a water-in-oil microemulsion comprising water, sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate and an oil phase; and adding a tungsten compound to the microemulsion. The molar ratio of water to sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate is equal to or greater than 10.

Abstract: An acoustic system for applying vibratory energy including a horn connected to an ultrasonic energy source. The horn defines an overall length and wavelength, and at least a leading section thereof is comprised of a ceramic material. The leading section has a length of at least ? the horn wavelength. In one preferred embodiment, an entirety of the horn is a ceramic material, and is mounted to a separate component, such as a waveguide, via an interference fit. Regardless, by utilizing a ceramic material for at least a significant portion of the horn, the ultrasonic system of the present invention facilitates long-term operation in extreme environments such as high temperature and/or corrosive fluid mediums. The present invention is useful for fabrication of metal matrix composite wires.

Abstract: An acoustic system for applying vibratory energy including a horn connected to an ultrasonic energy source. The horn defines an overall length and wavelength, and at least a leading section thereof is comprised of a ceramic material. The leading section has a length of at least ? the horn wavelength. In one preferred embodiment, an entirety of the horn is a ceramic material, and is mounted to a separate component, such as a waveguide, via an interference fit. Regardless, by utilizing a ceramic material for at least a significant portion of the horn, the ultrasonic system of the present invention facilitates long-term operation in extreme environments such as high temperature and/or corrosive fluid mediums. The present invention is useful for fabrication of metal matrix composite wires.

Abstract: An electrode and a method for fabricating the same are disclosed. The method includes adding carbon nanotubes to a mixed solution of nitric acid and sulfuric acid and subjecting the carbon nanotube solution to microwaves for surface treatment resulting in facilitating the surface treatment, subjecting the carbon nanotube solution to ultrasonic waves to disperse the carbon nanotubes resulting in increasing the dispersion effect, subjecting the carbon nanotube solution to filtration and drying the carbon nanotubes to obtain a carbon nanotube plate mold.

Abstract: A method is provided for the production of a stable mid- and high-basicity polyaluminum chloride and polyaluminum chlorosulfate, respectively from sodium aluminate and aluminum chloride or low- or mid-basicity polyaluminum chloride by ultrasonic processing of the reactants. The method overcomes the formation of gels and insoluble precipitates that typically form when mixing sodium aluminate and aluminum chloride and the formation of sodium chloride, which is insoluble in high concentration polyaluminum chloride solutions. The invention eliminates the cumbersome extended heating periods previously required to deal with the formation of insoluble aluminum oxide precipitates in batches of polyaluminum chloride produced from sodium aluminate and aluminum chloride using high-shear mixing.

Abstract: A method and system for treating a material to enhance its properties is disclosed, particularly in the context of filler material for adhesives. The method and system includes ultrasonic treatment of the material in a solution and vacuum processing the material thereafter. The resulting material has been shown to exhibit at least one of increased thermal conductivity (˜50% gain) and reduced viscosity (˜50% reduction) as compared to non-treated material.

Abstract: An ultrasound system is disclosed that includes a tub, a reaction chamber, an ultrasound probe positioned within the reaction chamber, and a cooling jacket surrounding the tub for exchanging heat with the tub.

Abstract: The present invention provides an approach to control the generation and grow of nanocrystal with membrane diffusion method and related apparatuses to produce inorganic oxide nanopowders and metal nanoparticles. With this method, the size and size distribution of inorganic oxide nanopowders and metal nanoparticles can be tuned. It overcomes the shortcomings possessed by the common chemical and physical method of preparing nanoparticles.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is superparamagnetic nanoparticle probes based on iron oxides, to advantage magnetite or maghemite, with modified surface, coated with mono-, di- or polysaccharides from the group including D-arabinose, D-glucose, D-galactose, D-mannose, lactose, maltose, dextrans and dextrins, or with amino acids or poly(amino acid)s from the group including alanine, glycine, glutamine, asparagine, histidine, arginine, L-lysine, aspartic and glutamic acid or with synthetic polymers based on (meth)acrylic acid and their derivatives selected from the group containing poly(N,N-dimethylacrylamide), poly(N,N-dimethylmethacrylamide), poly(N,N-diethylacrylamide), poly(N,N-diethylmethacrylamide), poly(N-isopropylacrylamide), poly(N-isopropylmethacrylamide), which form a colloid consisting of particles with narrow distribution with polydispersity index smaller than 1.3, the average size of which amounts to 0.5-30 nm, to advantage 1-10 nm, the iron content is 70-99.9 wt. %, to advantage 90 wt.

Abstract: [Problems] The present invention is to provide a method of solubilizing a carbon nanomaterial, in which a carbon nanomaterial can be dissolved in a hydrophilic solvent easily and uniformly without structural deterioration of the carbon nanomaterial, the dispersibility can be maintained for a prolonged period of time, the solubilizing treatment can be performed at low cost, and the treatment can be easily controlled. [Means for Resolution] The method of solubilizing a carbon nanomaterial of the invention is characterized by mixing a carbon nanomaterial in a hydrophilic solvent, and performing streamer discharge in the hydrophilic solvent to dissolve the carbon nanomaterial in the hydrophilic solvent with the dispersed state thereof maintained stably.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of forming an Al—C covalent bond between aluminum and a carbon material by applying an electric arc to a mixture of the aluminum and the carbon material under vacuum, heated and pressurized conditions. In order to enhance the reactivity of the carbon material, the method may include the step of introducing defects in the carbon material and thus functionalizing the carbon material by treating the carbon material with acid, a microwave, or plasma.

Abstract: The invention provides devices and methods for end and side derivatization of carbon nanotubes. Also facile methods to attach moieties and nanoparticles on the side walls and both ends are described. The invention provides hybide materials for analytical, and optoelectronic purposes as well as materials applications. Materials have improved properties in the areas of tensile, electrical and thermal conductivity.

Abstract: Cerium oxide powder having carbonate groups and made of crystalline primary particles containing cerium oxide and having carbonate groups on the surface and in a region close to the surface, and having a BET surface area of from 25 to 150 m2/g, a mean diameter of from 5 to 50 nm, a carbonate concentration in the region close to the surface decreasing inwardly from the surface, a carbon content due to carbonate groups on the surface of from 5 to 50% by area, a carbon content due to carbonate groups at a depth of about 5 nm in a region close to the surface of from 0 to 30% by area, a content of cerium oxide calculated as CeO2 and based on the powder of at least 99.5% by weight and a content of organic and inorganic carbon of from 0.01 to 0.3% by weight. A dispersion containing this powder.

Abstract: A stably-dispersed composite of metal nanoparticles and inorganic clay and a method for producing the composite, in which interlayered charges of the clay are replaced with the metal ions, which are then reduced to metal particles by a reducing agent. The metal particles will not aggregate together and can be stably uniformly dispersed with particle sizes smaller than conventional metal nanoparticles, and therefore have better antibiotic effect, catalytic ability and other advantages. Antibacterials in a solvent containing 0.01 wt % or more of the metal nanoparticles and inorganic clay are prepared and confirmed to be effective.

Abstract: Provided herein are adsorbents and methods of using the adsorbents to at least partially remove one or more adsorbates. In an aspect, an adsorbate within a phase is at least partially removed by providing an adsorbent material and contacting the adsorbent material with the phase having an adsorbate, to at least partially remove the adsorbate. Various adsorbents are disclosed having the chemical formula RE1-x-y-zBxB?yB?zOw, where RE is RE is a rare earth metal, B is a trivalent metal ion, B? is a transition metal ion or an alkaline earth element, B? is a transition metal ion, 0?x?0.25, 0?y?0.95, 0?z?0.75, w is a number which results in charge balance, and x+y+z<1.

Abstract: Carbon nanostructures are formed from a carbon precursor and catalytic templating nanoparticles and are treated with a severe oxidative agent to introduce oxygen-containing functional groups to the surface of the graphitic material. Methods for manufacturing carbon nanostructures generally include (1) forming a precursor mixture that includes a carbon precursor and a plurality of catalytic templating particles, (2) carbonizing the precursor mixture to form an intermediate carbon material including carbon nanostructures, amorphous carbon, and catalytic metal, (3) purifying the intermediate carbon material by removing at least a portion of the amorphous carbon and optionally at least a portion of the catalytic metal, and (4) treating the intermediate carbon material with a severe oxidative treatment to increase surface functionalization.

Abstract: A process provides energy from a hydrogen flame to produce ultra high temperature steam, which is water vapor having a temperature over 1200° C., as an energy transfer medium to drive a steam turbine. The hydrogen fuel may be supplied to the system from a source of isolated hydrogen such as compressed or liquefied H2, but is more preferably generated near its site of combustion by irradiating an aqueous solution of one or more inorganic salts or minerals with radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation having a spectrum and intensity selected for optimal hydrogen production. The ultra high temperature steam is produced by contacting the hydrogen flame and its combustion gases with surfaces in a ceramic steam generation unit. In one embodiment, a radiofrequency generator produces hydrogen gas from sea water to provide hydrogen fuel to produce steam to drive the turbine.

Abstract: In the Bayer process for the production of alumina, problems are caused by silica dissolving in the caustic liquor. This silica arises from the presence of kaolin in the bauxite. A process for removing this kaolin comprises contacting the bauxite with sodium hydroxide solution to form a mixture, and subjecting the mixture to intense ultrasonic irradiation to cause cavitation; this can be carried out at temperatures below 100° C. This enhances both the dissolution of kaolin and the precipitation of sodium aluminium silicate. Silica remaining in solution in spent Bayer liquor (after digestion and then precipitation of gibbsite) can be removed by a similar ultrasonic irradiation treatment to cause it to precipitate before it forms scale in heat exchangers.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the formation of small-size metal oxide particles, comprising the steps of: a) preparing a starting aqueous solution comprising at least one of metallic ion and complexes thereof, at a concentration of at least 0.1% w/w of the metal component; b) preparing a modifying aqueous solution having a temperature greater than 50° C.; c) contacting the modifying aqueous solution with the starting aqueous solution in a continuous mode in a mixing chamber to form a-modified system; d) removing the modified system from the mixing chamber in a plug-flow mode; wherein the method is characterized in that: i) the residence time in the mixing chamber is less than about 5 minutes; and iii) there are formed particles or aggregates thereof, wherein the majority of the particles formed are between about 2 nm and about 500 nm in size.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a transparent electrode having a carbon nanotube. The carbon nanotube powder is dispersed in a solvent to form a carbon nanotube ink. The carbon nanotube ink is coated on a substrate to prepare a carbon nanotube film. The carbon nanotube has a defect formed on a surface thereof. The defect is formed through an acid treatment process of immersing the carbon nanotube powder or the carbon nanotube film in a nitric acid, a sulfuric acid, a hydrochloric acid, a phosphoric acid, or a mixture thereof. The defect can be formed through an ultrasonic treatment process of exposing the carbon nanotube powder or the carbon nanotube film to an ultrasonic wave having a predetermined frequency and intensity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and devices for sonicating liquids with low frequency high energy ultrasound comprises a low frequency high energy ultrasound system having at least one sonotrode which projects into a reactor vessel through which the liquid passes via at least one inlet orifice and at least one outlet orifice. To avoid cavitation at the sonotrode, it is proposed that in a close region of the oscillation-transducing sonotrode surface within the reactor vessel a pressure/amplitude combination close to or above the pressure-amplitude characteristic line is generated at which considerably reduced or no cavitation occurs and in the adjacent region in the reactor vessel at least in a region and at least at times a pressure/amplitude combination is maintained below the pressure-amplitude characteristic line at which cavitation is generated.

Abstract: A safe, economical and predictable process for producing ammonia from a urea solution, preferably where only a small amount of ammonia is required, (i.e. for SCR denitrification for small boilers, flue gas conditioning to enhance precipitator efficiency and/or alleviate plume problems, SNCR and the like), using an ultrasonic processor to cause “cold boiling” of portions of such solution and produce gaseous ammonia.

Abstract: Nanometer sized particles containing titanium and platinum are prepared by a sonochemical process. Compounds of the metals are dissolved, suspended, or diluted in a low vapor pressure liquid medium, preferably at a sub-ambient temperature. A reducing gas is bubbled through the liquid as it is subjected to cavitation to affect the reductive decomposition of the metal compounds. Titanium and platinum are co-precipitated in very small particles.

Abstract: An ink for forming CIGS photovoltaic cell active layers is disclosed along with methods for making the ink, methods for making the active layers and a solar cell made with the active layer. The ink contains a mixture of nanoparticles of elements of groups IB, IIIA and (optionally) VIA. The particles are in a desired particle size range of between about 1 nm and about 500 nm in diameter, where a majority of the mass of the particles comprises particles ranging in size from no more than about 40% above or below an average particle size or, if the average particle size is less than about 5 nanometers, from no more than about 2 nanometers above or below the average particle size. The use of such ink avoids the need to expose the material to an H2Se gas during the construction of a photovoltaic cell and allows more uniform melting during film annealing, more uniform intermixing of nanoparticles, and allows higher quality absorber films to be formed.

Abstract: Nanometer to micrometer sized particles containing platinum and having selected morphologies are prepared by a sonochemical process. A compound of platinum is dissolved, suspended, or diluted in a suitable liquid medium at a predetermined concentration and the liquid is maintained at a predetermined temperature from sub-ambient temperatures to above ambient temperatures. A reducing gas is bubbled through the liquid as it is subjected to cavitation at a controlled power to affect the reductive decomposition of the platinum compound. The morphology of the precipitated platinum particles can be varied widely by varying the described concentration, temperature and power parameters.

Abstract: An acoustic system for applying vibratory energy including a horn connected to an ultrasonic energy source. The horn defines an overall length and wavelength, and at least a leading section thereof is comprised of a ceramic material. The leading section has a length of at least ? the horn wavelength. In one preferred embodiment, an entirety of the horn is a ceramic material, and is mounted to a separate component, such as a waveguide, via an interference fit. Regardless, by utilizing a ceramic material for at least a significant portion of the horn, the ultrasonic system of the present invention facilitates long-term operation in extreme environments such as high temperature and/or corrosive fluid mediums. The present invention is useful for fabrication of metal matrix composite wires.

Abstract: A process is intended to allow simple and particularly reliable electrolyte generation and conditioning from metal-containing used electrolytes and/or used process solutions and/or pulverulent metal wastes. For this purpose, waste products containing metal ions from metal surface treatment processes are to be treated by producing and/or using a metal ion mixed solution, replacing anions contained in the metal ion mixed solution with anions selected for an intended use selected and selectively removing metal ions which are categorized as unsuitable for the intended use selected from the metal ion mixed solution prepared in this way.

Abstract: A safe, economical and predictable process for producing ammonia from a urea solution, preferably where only a small amount of ammonia is required, (i.e. for SCR denitrification for small boilers, flue gas conditioning to enhance precipitator efficiency and/or alleviate plume problems, SNCR and the like), using an ultrasonic processor to cause “cold boiling” of portions of such solution and produce gaseous ammonia.

Abstract: Polycrystalline cerium oxide powder in the form of aggregates of primary particles with a specific surface of between 70 and 150 m2/g, an average primary particle diameter of between 5 and 20 nm and an average, projected aggregate diameter of between 20 and 100 nm. It is produced in that an aerosol is reacted in a flame obtained from a hydrogen-containing combustible gas and primary air and the solid obtained is then separated from the gaseous substances.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to magnetic nanoparticles colloidally stabilized in aqueous milieu by association with an organic phase. The organic phase may be either a fluorinated polymer or an organic hydrocarbon bilayer, wherein the two layers are chemically bonded to each other. The stabilized particles are further non-toxic and provide useful enhancements in bioprocesses. Another aspect of the present invention relates to compositions comprising an oxygen-dissolving fluid vehicle and surface modified, nanometer-sized magnetic particles. The inventive compositions have utility in a wide range of applications, but are particularly suitable for use as recyclable oxygen carriers, separation and purification vehicles, and bioprocessing media, including fermentation processes.

Abstract: Titania is dissolved in a hydrogen peroxide solution to produce an amorphous titania gel, then the amorphous titania gel and a hydrogen peroxide solution are mixed together to produce an amorphous titania sol, and then an alkali solution is supplied to the solution containing the amorphous titania sol to thereby adjust a pH of the solution to 2 to 10. Even if the obtained solution containing amorphous titania is, for example, left to stand at normal temperature for a long time, gelling or aggregation of titania can be suppressed. That is, it is possible to obtain a titania solution that can maintain the state where fine particles of titania are highly dispersed in the solution, over a long term.

Abstract: A low-temperature hydrothermal reaction is provided to generate crystalline perovskite nanotubes such as barium titanate (BaTiO3) and strontium titanate (SrTiO3) that have an outer diameter from about 1 nm to about 500 nm and a length from about 10 nm to about 10 micron. The low-temperature hydrothermal reaction includes the use of a metal oxide nanotube structural template, i.e., precursor. These titanate nanotubes have been characterized by means of X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy, coupled with energy dispersive X-ray analysis and selected area electron diffraction (SAED).

Abstract: A method of producing hollow alumina particles in which the grain size of hollow alumina particles is controlled and in which a high formation ratio of hollow particles is obtained while suppressing the formation of solid particles. The method includes irradiating supersonic waves to an aqueous solution containing aluminum nitrate or aluminum acetate, and a surfactant or an organic acid to generate micro-liquid droplets in an atomized state, introducing only minute liquid droplets having a certain grain size or less, which have been classified by an air stream, into a furnace and burning them in air.

Abstract: Improved methods for the extraction or dissolution of metals, metalloids or their oxides, especially lanthanides, actinides, uranium or their oxides, into supercritical solvents containing an extractant are disclosed. The disclosed embodiments specifically include enhancing the extraction or dissolution efficiency with ultrasound. The present methods allow the direct, efficient dissolution of UO2 or other uranium oxides without generating any waste stream or by-products.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating plasma in a liquid. The apparatus includes an ultrasonic wave generator for generating bubbles in the liquid, and an electromagnetic wave generator for continuously irradiating electromagnetic waves to the liquid from within the liquid in order to generate plasma. The method of generating plasma in a liquid includes the steps of generating bubbles in the liquid by irradiating ultrasonic waves in the liquid, and generating plasma in the bubbles by continuously irradiating electromagnetic waves from within the liquid to the bubbles.

Abstract: The present invention includes carbon synthesis devices and systems. The invention also includes machines and instruments using those aspects of the invention. The present invention also includes methods of carbon synthesis. The present invention includes an array of carbon nanotubes, each nanotube having a longitudinal axis. The nanotubes are placed into an array such that the longitudinal axes of all nanotubes in the array are substantially parallel. The array may be a two-dimensional array or a three-dimensional array. The present invention also includes methods of preparing such carbon molecular clusters and arrays thereof.

Abstract: Ultrasound device having a reaction chamber, which includes a magnetostrictive transducer and a horn transmitting ultrasound radiation substantially uniformly throughout the reaction chamber. The horn is hollow and is constituted by a cylinder having an empty inner chamber at its core defining a resonance chamber, which may be cylindrical and may comprise a plurality of sections of cylindrical shape or a central section of larger diameter and two terminal sections of smaller diameter.

Abstract: An ultrasonic energy source is used to provide a variable force for measuring the binding forces between molecular entities and for sensing the presence of an analyte in a test sample. The device includes a surface that has a first binding member attached thereto and one or more particles that have a second binding member attached thereto. A reaction vessel is provided for exposing the surface to the particles whereby, if the first binding member has a binding affinity for the second binding member, a complex is formed between individual first binding members and individual second binding members and the particles thereby become immobilized with respect to the surface. The ultrasonic energy source is positioned for applying a variable ultrasonic force onto the surface, and the position of the particles is monitored as the intensity of the ultrasonic force is varied.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating fluid mixtures with ultrasonic energy. In one embodiment, the fluid mixture may include a selected constituent and the method may include directing a flow of the fluid mixture into a treatment apparatus and altering a phase and/or a chemical composition of the selected constituent by exposing the fluid mixture to ultrasonic energy while the fluid mixture flows through the apparatus. In one embodiment, the fluid mixture may be under pressure while being exposed to the ultrasonic energy and the fluid mixture may subsequently be exposed to a vacuum source to remove gas from the fluid mixture. In another aspect of the invention, the ultrasonic energy may have a first frequency and the fluid mixture may be exposed to ultrasonic energy of a second frequency different than the first frequency while in the apparatus. The ultrasonic energy may cavitate a liquid portion of the fluid mixture to generate heat and pressure in the fluid mixture.

Abstract: A chemical plant for performing a chemical reaction between particles of a material such as lithium metal, and a reagent such as butyl chloride in solution in hexane, in which one reaction product is a solid material, includes a reaction vessel (12). Several ultrasonic transducers (16) are attached to a wall of the vessel (12) so as to irradiate ultrasonic waves into the vessel, the vessel being large enough that each transducer irradiates into fluid at least 0.1 m thick, each transducer irradiating no more than 3 W/cm2, and the transducers being sufficiently close to each other and the number of transducers being sufficiently high that the poser dissipation within the vessel is at least 10 W/litre but no more than 200 W/litre. The high intensity of ultrasound ensures tat lithium chloride is cleaned off the surface of the lithium metal particles throughout the vessel (12).

Abstract: A process for decreasing the crystallinity of nickel hydroxide by generating and supplying large numbers of heteronuclei into the nickel hydroxide producing reaction system. Nickel sulfate and sodium hydroxide are initially forcefully and intimately combined to form a supersaturated solution of heteronuclei. These heteronuclei are introduced into a nickel powder containing slurry wherein nickel hydroxide having a crystallinity FWHM value of greater than about 0.5° is generated.