Abstract: A fuel cell device is provided comprising a fuel cell stack which is formed from a plurality of unit cells stacked one above the other in a stacking direction, each unit cell having one or more media channels and a membrane electrode assembly that comprises a cathode, an anode and a membrane arranged between the cathode and the anode, and comprising a media duct running substantially parallel to the stacking direction. The media duct is connected or can be connected to the fuel cell stack to conduct a medium into or out of the media channels of the unit cells of the fuel cell stack substantially laterally to the stacking direction, and comprises duct flanges that are connected at least indirectly to each other and can be connected or are connected to the fuel cell stack. The duct flanges of the media duct are inserted into flange receptacles of the fuel cell stack running substantially parallel to the stacking direction.

Abstract: A fuel cell device comprises a fuel cell stack which is formed from a plurality of unit cells stacked one above the other in a stacking direction, each unit cell having one or more media channels and a membrane electrode assembly that comprises a cathode, an anode, and a membrane arranged between the cathode and the anode, and comprising a media duct running substantially parallel to the stacking direction. The media duct is connected or can be connected to the fuel cell stack to conduct a medium into or out of the media channels of the unit cells of the fuel cell stack substantially laterally to the stacking direction. The media duct is formed as a functional component or such a functional component is integrated therein, which is formed to pre-treat the medium before it enters the media channels or to post-treat the medium after it has exited the media channels.

Abstract: The invention provides an electronic domestic appliance (1000) comprising a decalcifying apparatus (1) for purifying an aqueous liquid, wherein the electronic domestic appliance (1000) comprises an electronic connector (110) for connecting to an external AC power source wherein the electronic connector (110) is functionally coupled with the DC power supply (100), the electronic domestic appliance (1000) further comprising a functional element (1600) wherein purified aqueous liquid is applied and/or stored.

Abstract: A regenerator cell for regenerating metallic particles is provided. The regenerator cell includes: a housing for containing a quantity of electrolyte; an anode; a cathode; a cavity at least partially defined by the housing, the cathode and the anode; an inlet port for supplying electrolyte to the cell, the inlet port in fluid communication with the cavity; and an outlet port for expelling electrolyte, particles and/or gas from the cell, the outlet port in fluid communication with the cavity.

Abstract: An individual solid oxide cell (SOC) constructed of a sandwich configuration including in the following order: an in oxygen electrode, a solid oxide electrolyte, a fuel electrode, a fuel manifold, and at least one layer of mesh. In one embodiment, the mesh supports a reforming catalyst resulting in a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) having a reformer embedded therein. The reformer-modified SOFC functions internally to steam reform or partially oxidize a gaseous hydrocarbon, e.g. methane, to a gaseous reformate of hydrogen and carbon monoxide, which is converted in the SOC to water, carbon dioxide, or a mixture thereof, and an electrical current. In another embodiment, an electrical insulator is disposed between the fuel manifold and the mesh resulting in a solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC), which functions to electrolyze water and/or carbon dioxide.

Abstract: Applicant's faradic porosity cell combines adsorption (physical and capacitive) and faradic immobilization of a target species by optimizing electrode porosity, applied E, and Pourbaix operating regions. The optimization parameters are (i) physical adsorption; (ii) capacitive adsorption; (iii) electrochemical pH modulation; (iv) electrochemical peroxide (H2O2) generation; (v) electrodeposition (e.g., electroplating, electrophoretic deposition); (vi) electrochemical oxidation or reduction; (vii) precipitation; (viii) pore mouth diameter profile, and (ix) electrode spacing, and (xi) flow-by vs. flow-through vs. carbon block cell design.

Abstract: A water treatment unit includes a unit housing having an electrocoagulation chamber for containing water being treated; a replaceable electrocoagulation cartridge removably retained within the electrocoagulation chamber and having several electrically conductive electrocoagulation plates; a unit control mechanism, and a unit electric circuit electrically connected to the unit control mechanism and adapted to be electrically connected to an electric power source, where the unit electric circuit includes metal strips configured to extend through the water being treated between the replaceable electrocoagulation cartridge and a wall of the electrocoagulation chamber to electrically connect at least one of the electrically conductive electrocoagulation plates to the electric power source when the replaceable electrocoagulation cartridge is retained within the electrocoagulation chamber.

Abstract: A system to increase the water recovery ratio and efficiently save water in a water treatment and delivery system, particularly for a water treatment system that may be used for water softening, and more particularly for a water treatment system that employs capacitive deionization technology. Stored product water is delivered without the implementation of an additional pump, and the stored product water is used to recover water in a storage tank without having to send water to drain.

Abstract: A fluid treatment system is provided, comprising a capacitive deionization (CapDI) system for removing dissolved solids from a fluid. A controller is arranged in a closed feedback loop with the CapDI system to verify whether measured conductivity of the fluid corresponds to a set point conductivity value, and if the measured conductivity of the fluid does not correspond to the set point conductivity value, adjust the operation of the CapDI system to match the set point conductivity value. A pump selectively pressurizes the fluid such that purified fluid is at a pressure greater than line pressure of the fluid treatment system. An accumulator provided downstream of the CapDI system maintains the purified fluid at a pressure greater than the line pressure and intermittently delivers purified fluid to a use device. The purified fluid stored in the accumulator comprising chlorine and or chloramine so as to reduce microbial growth when stored in the accumulator.

Abstract: Membrane cell stack arrangement comprising a housing, a stack of membranes defining flow compartments and a fluid manifold system, wherein the direction of flow through the flow compartments is different to the direction of flow through entry and exit openings and the width of the entry and exit openings are each larger than 45% of the width of the flow compartment.

Abstract: This invention describes a capacitor that formed by a charge or species specific membrane material filled with aqueous or non-aqueous liquid with soluble salts dissolved and non-dissolved in solution and contained within the membrane material. When charged, the oppositely charged ion will leave the structure, leaving behind a charged atomic capacitor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a water filtration with a process optimization method, which employ cartridges with conventional electrolytic cells that have electrolytic cells, modified with automated control systems for the purpose of manipulating, monitoring and performing maintenance strategies in a single device, either in mobile containers or in swimming pools, gutters, etc., in such a way that: the purification process of the liquid, preferably water, is increased, the speed of its processing is increased, a process that is conventionally performed manual way is automated; in addition to optimizing the materials used in the purification, the process minimizes the risks of infiltration of impurities in the organism by immersion in treated waters with high pollutant levels; finally the process decreases the formation of tartar in the containers.

Abstract: Techniques for growing crystalline calcium carbonate solids such that the crystalline calcium carbonate solids include a volume of 0.0005 mm3 to 5 mm3, include a slaker to react quicklime (CaO) and a low carbonate content fluid to yield a slurry of primarily slaked lime (Ca(OH)2); a fluidized-bed reactive crystallizer that encloses a solid bed mass and includes an input for a slurry of primarily slaked lime, an input for an alkaline solution and carbonate, and an output for crystalline calcium carbonate solids that include particles and an alkaline carbonate solution; a dewatering apparatus that includes an input coupled to the crystallizer and an output to discharge a plurality of separate streams that each include a portion of the crystalline calcium carbonate solids and alkaline carbonate solution; and a seed transfer apparatus to deliver seed material into the crystallizer to maintain a consistent mass of seed material.

Abstract: An electrochemical separation system may be modular and may include at least a first modular unit and a second modular unit. Each modular unit may include a cell stack and a frame. The frame may include a manifold system. A flow distributor in the frame may enhance current efficiency. The flow distributor may define a labyrinth flow path for improved current efficiency.

Abstract: A contact bar and related techniques allow enhanced electrolytic refining of metals, e.g. avoiding or reducing electrical short circuits. The contact bar is adapted to rest on an insulating capping board for contacting symmetrical electrodes to provide locations for electrical contact therewith. The contact bar includes a central portion laying on the capping board and branch portions extending laterally outward from the central portion, such that the branch portions fit in between seats of the capping board. The contact bar may include a retention member enabling to reduce lateral movement of the electrodes, and may include a plurality of apertures to engage corresponding holding arms of the capping board. There may be a plurality of adjacent similar contact bar segments.

Abstract: There is disclosed an insulated metal substrate, consisting of a dielectric oxide coatings of high crystallinity (>vol 90%) on aluminium, magnesium or titanium and high thermal conductivity (over 6 Wm?1K?1), formed by plasma electrolytic oxidation on a surface comprising aluminium, magnesium or titanium. There is also disclosed a plasma electrolytic oxidation process for generating dielectric oxide coatings of controlled crystallinity on a surface of a metallic workpiece, wherein at least a series of positive pulses of current are applied to the workpiece in an electrolyte so as to generate plasma discharges, wherein discharge currents are restricted to levels no more than 50 mA, discharge durations are restricted to durations of no more than 100 ?s and are shorter than the durations of each the positive pulses, and/or by restricting the power of individual plasma discharges to under 15W.

Abstract: This invention relates to an electric double layer capacitor electrochemical cylinder (11) made up of concentric layers of capacitors (16), current collectors (14a, 14b, 14c), ion specific membranes (18, 18a, 18b) and dielectric spacer (20) wrapped around an inner support tube (12) that can be used as a high capacitance capacitor and to remove dissolved solids from a liquid stream such as water, acid, aqueous or non-aqueous.

Abstract: A portable computing device such as a laptop computer has a base unit (2) and a display screen unit (3) coupled together by a hinge assembly (7) configured to allow rotation of the base unit and the screen unit relative to one another. The display screen unit has a display panel on a first face of the display screen unit and a fuel cell array (12a, 12b) disposed adjacent to a second face of the display screen unit. Ventilation apertures through the second face of the display screen unit provide air flow to the fuel cell array. A fuel conduit extends between the base unit and the display screen unit across the hinge assembly for delivering fuel from the base unit to the display screen unit.

Abstract: Electrochemically reacting a lanthanide or actinide in solvent at a working electrode; wherein the solvent comprises an organic solvent such as acetonitrile which have a dielectric constant of at least three; wherein the solvent system further comprises an electrolyte; wherein the working electrode comprises an ionically conducting or permeable film such as a fluorosulfonate film; wherein at least one ligand such as triflate distinct from the ionically conducting or permeable film is present; wherein the ligand is chemically similar to a structure in the ionically conducting or ionically permeable film; and optionally wherein the electrochemical oxidation or reduction is carried out under the influence of a magnetic field which favorably enhances the reaction. Improved electrochemical methods, identification, and separation can be achieved.

Abstract: A treatment solution supply method of supplying a treatment solution to a substrate, the method includes the steps of: applying a DC voltage to the treatment solution; detecting a potential difference between two points in the treatment solution in a state where the DC voltage is applied to the treatment solution; and increasing the DC voltage when the detected potential difference is less than a predetermined reference value.

Abstract: An assembly for use in refining metals includes two adjacent capping board segments defining a joint interface there-between, a contact bar that may be a contact bar segment and is sized and configured to lay on the two capping boards and to span across the joint interface, and two engagement mechanisms provided on respective sides of the joint interface, to hold the capping board segments together. Each engagement mechanism may include a projecting anchor element and a retaining cavity sized and configured to receive a corresponding projecting anchor element. The contact bar may include the projecting anchor elements and the capping board segments may include the retaining cavities. Methods and uses of such contact bars and capping board segments are also provided for hydrometallurgical refining operations.

Abstract: An exhaust gas purification apparatus for an internal combustion engine, includes an oxygen ion conductor which can conduct oxygen ions when a voltage is applied to the conductor and a NOx absorption/discharge device. The NOx absorption/discharge device is formed by a first electrode provided on a first surface of the oxygen ion conductor and a second electrode including silver and provided on a second surface of the oxygen ion conductor opposite to the first surface across the oxygen ion conductor. The apparatus applies a voltage between the first and second electrodes such that oxygen ions move through the oxygen ion conductor from the first electrode toward the second electrode when satisfied is a purification condition that nitrogen oxide discharged from the NOx absorption/discharge device can be purified in the exhaust passage.

Abstract: An electroplating system includes a processor has a vessel having a first or upper compartment and a second or lower compartment containing catholyte and anolyte, respectively, with an processor anionic membrane between them. An inert anode is located in the second compartment. A replenisher is connected to the vessel via catholyte return and supply lines and anolyte return and supply lines, to circulate catholyte and anolyte through compartments in the replenisher separated by a replenisher anionic membrane. The replenisher adds metal ions into the catholyte by moving ions from a bulk metal source, and moves anions from the anolyte through the anionic membrane and into the catholyte. Concentrations or metal ions and anions in the catholyte and the anolyte remain balanced.

Abstract: A pressure vessel (28) accumulates an aqueous stream at elevated pressure and feeds it through a pressure retaining array of passages (18) in the bottom wall of a modular reaction chamber (14) that operates at atmospheric pressure. Spaced electrodes (16) treat the stream during upward flow to the open top of the chamber, where the treated stream overflows the chamber and falls into an inter-wall volume between the chamber and an outside housing (12), washing foam from the housing and chamber as it exits. A housing cover (54) establishes headspace over the chamber to accommodate the overflow. The entire chamber (14) is removable from the housing (12) by loosening fasteners (39) in the bottom wall (20) and lifting it free, with no impediment due to clogging or corrosion outside the chamber.

Abstract: A system comprising a plurality of stacks and a plurality of converters, each of the plurality of converters is operable to charge a corresponding stack for adsorbing ions in a liquid, wherein when one of the plurality of stacks is charged or discharged at a first state, one of the plurality of converters associating with the stack operates in a first mode, and is configured to indirectly convert a first voltage to a second voltage at least by an intermediate stage, one of the plurality of stacks is charged or discharged at a second state, one of the plurality of converters associating with the stack operates in a second mode, and is configured to directly convert the first voltage to the second voltage.

Abstract: Forming a porous layer on a silicon substrate. Forming the porous layer can include placing a first silicon substrate in a solution, where a first electrode is within a threshold distance to an edge of the silicon substrate. It can further include conducting a first current through the silicon substrate, where the first electrode can be positioned relative to the edge allowing for substantially uniform porosification along the edge of the first silicon substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electric device for producing deionized water comprising: desalting chamber (4) defined by at least two ion-exchange membranes (1, 2) and filled with an ion exchanger; first concentration chamber (5a) positioned adjacent to one side of the desalting chamber with one of the ion-exchange membranes therebetween; second concentration chamber (5b) positioned adjacent to the other side of the desalting chamber with another of the ion-exchange membranes therebetween; and a pair of electrode chambers (6a, 6b) with one electrode chamber being disposed at the outer side of first concentration chamber (5a) and the other electrode chamber being disposed at the outer side of second concentration chamber (5b), wherein the electric device for producing deionized water is provided with: main body part (20) formed to include desalting chamber (4), concentration chambers (5a, 5b), and electrode chambers (6a, 6b); a pair of fixing plates (9a, 9b) disposed in such a way that main body part (20)

Abstract: A multi-layer coating for protection of metals and alloys against oxidation at high temperatures is provided. The invention utilizes a multi-layer ceramic coating on metals or alloys for increased oxidation-resistance, comprising at least two layers, wherein the first layer (3) and the second layer (4) both comprise an oxide, and wherein the first layer (3) has a tracer diffusion coefficient for cations Mm+, where M is the scale forming element of the alloy, and the second layer (4) has a tracer diffusion coefficient for oxygen ions O2? satisfying the following formula: ? ln ? ? p ? ( O 2 ) in ln ? ? p ? ( O 2 ) ex ? ( D O + m 2 ? D M ) ? ? ? ln ? ? p ? ( O 2 ) < 5 · 10 - 13 ? cm 2 ? / ? s wherein p(O2)in, p(O2)ex, DM, and DO are as defined herein.

Abstract: A hydrogen fuel generator having a fuel cell unit having a computerized injection controller and passive conductive tubular cells that are not coupled to a power source is described.

Abstract: An apparatus (20) for treating contaminated water has an electrocoagulation reactor (26) and a clarifier (30) to receive the effluent of the reactor. The reactor has a reaction vessel (48) having an inlet (58) and an outlet (62), a sacrificial anode (64), a rotatable cathode (68) and a non-sacrificial anode (66). A first gap (70) between the sacrificial anode and the cathode comprises a first water treatment zone. A second gap (74) between the cathode and the non-sacrificial anode comprises the second water treatment zone. The water flow path is from the inlet to the first treatment zone, then to the second treatment zone and then to the outlet. In the clarifier, the reactor effluent is separated into cleaned water and the contaminated sludge.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sewage treatment system which is capable of treating a large amount of sewage, has a compact structure, and improves sewage treatment capacity in an eco-friendly manner by using an electrolysis unit and a reducing agent supply device. The sewage treatment system according to the present invention comprises a first system (S1) and a second system (S2).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an amount of Cu or Sb dopant incorporated into a zinc-based layer as the layer is being formed. The layer is formed over a coated substrate using an electrochemical deposition (ECD) process. In the ECD process, the bias voltage and plating solution composition may be systematically changed during the electrochemical deposition process to change the amount of Cu or Sb dopant incorporated into the plated layer.

Abstract: An electrolyte plate for an electrochemical system including a first face and a second face, being opposite each other, of largest surface area, the first face including linear parallel ribs and the second face including linear parallel ribs. The plate thus exhibits an increased rigidity without substantially increasing the thickness thereof.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell system including a plurality of electrochemical cells arranged in an electrochemical cell stack, the stack including a plurality of substacks configured such that fluid flows in series from substack to substack, a first electrical control device coupled to a first substack and a second electrical control device coupled to a second substack, wherein the first electrical control device is controllable independently of the second control device to selectively electrically configure the first and second substacks.

Abstract: An electrochemical system including a stack of a longitudinal axis with alternating ceramic cells and interconnectors and including a thermal management mechanism incorporated in the stack, the thermal management mechanism including plates having a structured lateral surface through which a thermal transfer by radiation towards outside of the stack takes place.

Abstract: An electrolytic generator to produce a stoichiometric mixture of hydrogen gas and oxygen gas features a case penetration. An electrode extends through the case penetration and clamps a support plate to the inside of the case. The electrode and the support plate are electrically insulated from the case by a non-conducting bushing located within the case and between the support plate and the inside surface of the case. First and second plates are interleaved and maintained in a spaced apart relation along the first and second plate fasteners.

Abstract: The current invention provides a novel process for the treatment and reclamation of drilling frac flowback and produced wastewater from the drilling industry. The wastewater is delivered to the EMC/F System from a frac tank or other reservoir. The wastewater is pumped into the system and is treated sequentially by passing through a mechanical hydrocavitation unit, an electromagnetic unit, an electrocoagulation unit and/or a hydrocyclone and a flocculation-sedimentation tank. Polishing of the final effluent is accomplished by passing the water through a mixed media tank.

Abstract: A method and composition for producing a photoactive material including photocatalytic capped colloidal nanocrystals (PCCN) and plasmonic nanoparticles are disclosed. The PCCN may include a semiconductor nanocrystal synthesis and an exchange of organic capping agents with inorganic capping agents. Additionally, the PCCN may be deposited between the plasmonic nanoparticles, and may act as photocatalysts for redox reactions. The photoactive material may be used in a plurality of photocatalytic energy conversion applications, such as water splitting and CO2 reduction. By combining different semiconductor materials for PCCN and plasmonic nanoparticles, and by changing their shapes and sizes, band gaps may be tuned to expand the range of wavelengths of sunlight usable by the photoactive material. Higher light harvesting and energy conversion efficiency may be achieved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modular assembly for coupling electrochemical units, including at least one module including a support frame for receiving at least two electrochemical units, the support frame including main fluidic connection means for coupling between juxtaposed modules and secondary fluidic connection means with the electrochemical units borne by the support frame.

Abstract: A plating apparatus is described. The apparatus includes: a substrate holder configured to hold a substrate in a vertical position; at least one processing bath configured to process the substrate held by the substrate holder, a transporter configured to grip and horizontally transport the substrate holder; at least one lifer configured to receive the substrate holder from the transporter, lower the substrate holder to place the substrate holder in the processing bath, elevate the substrate holder from the processing bath after processing of the substrate, and transfer the substrate holder to the transporter; and a controller configured to control operations of the transporter and the lifter.

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel or solid oxide electrolysis cell Stack assembly (203) has an improved, simple, cost reducing and robust compression System, housing and Single sided System interface with a flexible-interface-fixture (204) which is rigid enough to fix the at least one cell Stack in the housing when not in Operation, but flexible enough to allow for transfer of the compression force from the flexible compression mat (211) in the top closed end of the housing (201), through the at least one cell Stack and further towards the interface counterpart of the System when in Operation.

Abstract: A hydrogen fuel generator having a cylindrical enclosure and a fuel cell unit having multiple conductive tubular cells is described. The multiple conductive tubular cells are passive conductors that are not coupled to the power source. The passive conductive tubular cells are disposed in a longitudinal direction of the cylindrical enclosure.

Abstract: These inventions related to systems and methods for producing, shipping, distributing, and storing hydrogen. In one embodiment, a hydrogen production and storage system includes a plurality of wind turbines for generating electrical power; a power distribution control system for distributing, and converting the electrical power from the wind turbines, a water desalination and/or purification unit which receives and purifies seawater, and an electrolyzer unit that receive electrical power from the power distribution system and purified water from the desalination units and thereby converts the water into hydrogen and oxygen. After its production, hydrogen is stored, transported, and distributed in accordance with various embodiments.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for electrolysis that does not require the use of a transformer to operate. The apparatus comprises one or more electrolytic cells which comprise the number of intermediate electrodes sufficient to enable the cell or cells to operate at the rectified line voltage without any need for voltage regulation, or near the rectified line voltage with only some voltage regulation, such as less than 20% of the rectified line voltage. Such regulation is achieved by using a buck or boost converter rather than a transformer, and can be varied to accommodate fluctuations in the line voltage and/or conductivity of the electrolyte, or varied to produce different chemistries in the same apparatus.

Abstract: A supplementary hydrogen fuel system is described. The supplementary hydrogen fuel system can include a hydrogen generator. The hydrogen generator can include a cylindrical enclosure of metal and a fuel cell unit disposed within the cylindrical enclosure. The fuel cell unit includes an anode core coupled to a second terminal of the power source. The anode core includes indentations on one or more surfaces. The indentations are arranged according to a first pattern.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards the design of bipolar plates for use in conduction-cooled electrochemical cells. Heat generated during the operation of the cell is removed from the active area of the cell to the periphery of the cell via the one or more bipolar plates in the cell. The one or more bipolar plates are configured to function as heat sinks to collect heat from the active area of the cell and to conduct the heat to the periphery of the plate where the heat is removed by traditional heat transfer means. The boundary of the one or more bipolar plates can be provided with heat dissipation structures to facilitate removal of heat from the plates. To function as effective heat sinks, the thickness of the one or more bipolar plates can be determined based on the rate of heat generation in the cell during operation, the thermal conductivity (“k”) of the material selected to form the plate, and the desired temperature gradient in a direction orthogonal to the plate (“?T”).

Abstract: An electrode device for an electrochemical sensor chip includes an insulation sheet having an insulating property and including a top surface and a bottom surface opposite to each other in a thickness direction, and electrode members having a conductivity and held by the insulation sheet with the electrode members piercing the insulation sheet in a thickness direction, one ends of the electrode members located on the top surface side of the insulation sheet being connected to an analyte, the other ends located on the bottom surface side of the insulation sheet being connected to an electrodes of a transducer, at least the one ends of the electrode members being made of a mixture of conductive particles and an insulating material.

Abstract: An electrode device for an electrochemical sensor chip includes an insulation sheet having an insulating property and including a top surface and a bottom surface opposite to each other in a thickness direction, and electrode members having a conductivity and held by the insulation sheet with the electrode members piercing the insulation sheet in a thickness direction, one ends of the electrode members located on the top surface side of the insulation sheet being connected to an analyte, the other ends located on the bottom surface side of the insulation sheet being connected to an electrodes of a transducer.

Abstract: A radiation conversion device is presented comprising at least one radiation conversion cell. The radiation conversion cell comprises a photo-absorber unit having a predetermined absorption spectrum for absorbing radiation of a certain wavelength range thereby converting the absorbed radiation into charge carriers, and at least partially reflective layer structure configured to be substantially reflective for said certain wavelength range.

Abstract: Presteralized manifolds are provided which are designed for sterile packaging and single-use approaches. Disposable tubing and flexible-wall containers are assembled via aseptic connectors. These manifolds are adapted to interact with other equipment which can be operated by a controller which provides automated and accurate delivery of biotechnology fluid. The manifold also can be used in conjunction with one or more sensors such as pressure and conductivity sensors that interact with the controller or are connected to a separate user interface. An aseptic environment obtains avoiding or reducing cleaning and quality assurance procedures.