Abstract: A fluid purification system has cells whose purifying capability can be regenerated. Some of the cells are arranged in series to reach a high level of purification. An automatic valve network is controlled to cycle the cells in a way that levels the loads on each, thereby maximizing the service interval for replacing expired cells, enabling all of the cells to be replaced at the same time after having each contributing approximately equally to the purification load, and operated such that at any one time, at least one cell is regenerated so as to enable continuous up-time.

Abstract: A capacitive deionization process is provided. The capacitive deionization process includes a charging step of applying power to a capacitive deionization apparatus in a charging state and supplying charge water containing target dissolved ions to be precipitated to the capacitive deionization apparatus for a predetermined period of time, a discharging step of applying power to the capacitive deionization apparatus in a discharging state and supplying discharge water in which the target dissolved ions are in a saturated state to the capacitive deionization apparatus for a predetermined period of time, and a crystal recovery step of recovering a crystal of the target dissolved ions precipitated in the capacitive deionization apparatus and/or the discharge water.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, an electrode group is provided. The electrode group includes a positive electrode, and a negative electrode. The negative electrode active material-containing layer includes a facing section which faces the positive electrode active material-containing layer and a non-facing section which does not. A first fluorine-containing coating is formed on a main surface of the negative electrode active material-containing layer in at least a part of the non-facing section. The abundance ratio of fluorine atoms included in the first fluorine-containing coating is in the range of 2.5 atom % to 10 atom %.

Abstract: A sheet includes a pseudo-sheet structure including a plurality of linear-bodies with a volume resistivity R of from 1.0×10?7 ?cm to 1.0×10?1 extending in one direction, aligned parallel to one another, and spaced apart from one another, satisfies the relation: L/D?3, wherein D represents the diameter of the linear-bodies, and L represents the spacing between adjacent ones of the linear-bodies, and also satisfies the relation: (D2/R)×(1/L)?0.003, wherein D represents the diameter of the linear-bodies, L represents the spacing between adjacent ones of the linear-bodies, R represents the volume resistivity of the linear-bodies, and D and L are in units of cm. A heating element and a heating device each include the sheet.

Abstract: Systems and methods utilize semipermeable nanotubes in conjunction with application of controlled electrical potentials across semipermeable nanotube walls allow selective transport of charged impurities (e.g., charged impurities, ions, etc.) from a fluid into these nanotubes. Impurities collected in these nanotubes can then be removed from the fluid, (e.g., blood) as a waste stream. A collection of semipermeable nanotubes each carrying a waste stream can be aggregated and merged into a ureter for excretion thereby providing an artificial kidney system. Sensors that detect/measure various impurities may be included in the system to feed information to a microprocessor to inform on concentrations of impurities, and thereby control electrical potentials applied to the system.

Abstract: Methods and systems for enhancing production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in living organisms are provided. An example method includes generating structurally altered gas molecules from water. The structurally altered gas molecules have a higher probability of attraction of electrons into areas adjunct to the structurally altered gas molecules than molecules of the water. The method further includes infusing the structurally altered gas molecules into a living organism. Upon being infused, the structurally altered gas molecules cause an increase of production of the ATP in the living organism.

Abstract: Flow apparatuses comprising a separation channel, a downstream flow separator, a detection zone, an observation zone, and a waste channel. The separation channel has first and second flows in contact and allows lateral movement of components between contacting first and second flows. The downstream flow separator is in communication with the separation channel and diverts a part of the first fluid flow, the second fluid flow, or both, from the separation channel. The detection zone comprises a detection channel downstream of and in communication with the flow separator and configured to receive a plurality of diverted flows from the flow separator and a label channel configured to label the diverted flows from the flow separator. The observation zone is configured to record an analytical signal indicative of the quantity and the electrical properties of the component. The waste channel is at the downstream end of the observation zone.

Abstract: A purification device is provided. The purification device includes: an injection channel having an inlet provided on one end thereof; a purification channel and a discharge channel which branch off from the other end of the injection channel via a mesh part, and the remaining substance to be purified is discharged through the discharge channel; an ion-selective membrane contacting at least one side of the mesh part; and a buffer part arranged on the other side of the ion-selective membrane which is in contact with the mesh part, wherein the mesh part has an ion-selective coating layer formed on the surface thereof, and when an electric field is applied, an ion concentration polarization phenomenon occurs to the other end of the injection channel and to the adjacent portion of the mesh part, whereby an ion depletion zone is formed.

Abstract: A process comprises feeding a stream of reactant compounds to a reactor and discharging a liquid plasma into the reactant stream in the reactor, wherein the plasma initiates or accelerates a reaction of the reactant compounds to form a product composition. The reactor can comprise one or more chambers, a high-voltage electrode positioned at a first portion of the one or more chambers, a ground electrode positioned at a second portion of the one or more chambers, and a dielectric plate between the ground electrode and the high-voltage electrode that comprises openings through which the reactant stream can pass from the first portion to the second portion or from the second portion to the first portion. Discharging the plasma can include supplying electrical power to the high-voltage electrode such that plasma is discharged where the reactant stream flows through the openings.

Abstract: A foam electrode comprising surface treatment by the steps of: 1) impregnating soft compressible polymeric foams with a conductive coating via sequential infiltration synthesis and 2) functionalizing the chemically altered voids with an ultrathin redox coating to enhance capacitive deionization (CDI). The redox coating will allow treated foam to absorb ions under the application of a bias, and mechanical compression/decompression. The CDI apparatus uses the void volume of the foam in the uncompressed state to flow liquids through it while the compressed state is used to enhance desalination by limiting the diffusion pathways for the ions to find an adsorption surface.

Abstract: This disclosure provides techniques for treatment of aqueous matrices using electrolysis to produce soluble metals. An aqueous matrix of interest is passed through an electrolysis device with at least one consumable electrode, which dissolves under applied current, transferring a desired reagent to the aqueous matrix of interest. In one embodiment, the electrolysis device is used in a water delivery network to passivate hexavalent chromium (Cr6) and/or convert it to trivalent chromium; the electrode can be made of food-grade metal tin, which is electrolyzed to form a stannous reagent, which then reacts with the Cr6. The disclosed techniques provide for Cr6 passivation without requiring the use of concentrated acids or other harmful substances. Long term reagent generation efficiency can be enhanced through the use of cleaning processes which maintain a fresh electrode surface in contact with the aqueous matrix of interest.

Abstract: A bipolar capacitive deionization (CDI) electrode includes a circular current collector having a central hole and inner and outer circumferential surfaces; a nano-carbon coating layer formed on at least top and bottom surfaces of the circular current collector; and a hydrophobic polymer coating layer respectively disposed over the inner and outer circumferential surfaces of the current collector. Maintenance and management is facilitated by a bipolar CDI electrode module configured such that individual parts are formed to be removably attached. A water treatment apparatus including the bipolar CDI electrode module exhibits high water treatment efficiency, superior long-term stability, and easy maintenance and management, while solving terminal corrosion problems due to the formation of a hydrophobic polymer coating layer on the surface of an electrode terminal.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a computer-implemented method that includes: monitoring, at a gas oil separation plant (GOSP) facility that includes a high-pressure production trap (HPPT) apparatus and a Dual Frequency Desalting (DFD) device, a plurality of parameters, wherein the plurality of parameters include one or more current measurements from the DFD device, as well as gas temperature and demulsifier concentration from the HPPT; based on the one or more current measurements, determining a rate of change of the one or more current measurements from the DFD device; and in response to the rate of change as well as the gas temperature and the demulsifier concentration, adjusting a demulsifier dosage being injected at the HPPT apparatus.

Abstract: A vehicle load-bearing member includes an electro-active material, a lead wire for delivering an electric current to the electro-active material, and a controller in communication with a power supply for supplying electric current to the electro-active material for changing dynamic characteristics of the electro-active material, wherein changing dynamic characteristics of the electro-active material changes at least one of dampening and stiffness of the vehicle load-bearing member by changing the shape of the electro-active material.

Abstract: This invention reduces the shaft voltage of an axial-air-gap dynamo-electric machine while ensuring high output and high efficiency. Said axial-air-gap dynamo-electric machine comprises the following: a stator comprising a plurality of stator cores, each of which comprises a core and a coil, arranged in a circle around a shaft; a housing, the inside surface of which faces the stator radially; and at least one rotor, the surface of which faces the surface of the stator with a prescribed air gap interposed therebetween in the radial direction of the shaft. The rotor has, on the outside thereof, a conductive section comprising a conductive member. This axial-air-gap dynamo-electric machine has a first region where the inside surface of the housing faces the aforementioned conductive section radially and a second region, closer to the stator than the first region is, that extends to the coil side surfaces that face the rotor.

Abstract: The flaky magnetic metal particles of the embodiments include a plurality of flaky magnetic metal particles, each of the flaky magnetic metal particles including a first magnetic particle including a flat surface, at least one first element selected from the group consisting of Fe, Co and Ni, an average ratio between the maximum length and the minimum length in the flat surface being between 1 and 5 inclusive, an average thickness of the first magnetic particles being between 10 nm and 100 ?m inclusive, an average aspect ratio of the first magnetic particles being between 5 and 10000 inclusive; and a plurality of second magnetic particles disposed on the flat surface, an average number of the second magnetic particles being five or more, an average diameter of the second magnetic particles being between 10 nm and 1 ?m inclusive.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for mixing highly viscous fluids to form a mixture. The mixture is created rapidly and has a high level of uniformity. The mixture is created by utilizing induced viscous fluid folding under the influence of an electric field. The electric field is introduced by connecting a nozzle dispensing the fluids in parallel to a voltage supply and grounding a collection plate located below the nozzle. When a certain voltage is applied the co-flow viscous fluids start to fold because the electric field exerts stress on the surface of the fluids, which results in changes of the geometry and dynamics of the viscous fluids. Control of the electric field provides great control over the mixture.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting stagnant drinking water includes a generator for producing electrical energy, an energy store for storing that energy, a control and analysis unit which detects the charge state of the energy store and a signal transmitter which emits a signal depending on the charge state of the energy store.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an elongate microreactor (1) for desalinating a saline fluid (2), comprising at least one compartment (C1) for migrating ions, at least one compartment (C2) for separating ions and at least one compartment (C3) for collecting fluid, characterized in that first and second cathode electrodes (11A, 11B) and first and second anode electrodes (12A, 12B) each have a first surface (11F, 11G, 12F, 12G) that is in contact with the air and a second surface (11E, 11H, 12E, 12H) opposite said first surface, respectively, said second surface being in direct contact with a plastic wall (13B, 13C, 13A, 13D) that is in direct contact with the saline fluid.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed relate to methods of separating impurities from industrial minerals using electrocoagulation and apparatuses for performing the same. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of purifying an industrial mineral composition. The method can include obtaining or providing an aqueous slurry comprising a mineral composition comprising one or more industrial minerals and one or more impurities. The method can include subjecting the aqueous slurry to an electrical current to form at least one coagulation comprising the one or more impurities. The method can include separating at least one of the coagulations from the one or more minerals, providing a purified mineral composition.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating liquid hydrocarbon fuel for increasing the gaseous content of the fuel includes a treatment unit for increasing the gaseous content of the fuel, the treatment unit including an inlet for receiving hydrocarbon fuel and an outlet for discharging a treated hydrocarbon fuel, and a plurality of concentric, spaced apart circular tubes of substantially equal lengths and of a non-magnetic material, the tubes defining a plurality of intermediary spaces, defining flow paths for the hydrocarbon fuel between the inlet to the outlet, and an innermost tube and an outermost tube are electrically connected to opposite poles of an electrical current generator configured for supplying a fluctuating current to thereby increase the gaseous content of the hydrocarbon fuel flowing through the intermediate tank.

Abstract: A fuel filter device for an internal combustion engine may include a ring filter element separating a raw side from a clean side. A water separator configured as an electric coalescer may be arranged on the clean side for separating water from the fuel. The electric coalescer may include at least two electrodes arranged coaxially with respect to the filter axis, and at least one of the electrodes may be insulated from the fuel.

Abstract: This invention discloses a method for preparing an antibacterial and dust-removal membrane. The method comprises the following steps: depositing a layer of nano-ZnO on the immersed membrane surface as the seed crystal with the atomic layer deposition instrument (ALD instrument); vertically immersing the membrane covered with nano-ZnO layer in a hydrothermal reactor filled with crystal growth solution, heating it for a period of time, taking the membrane out and cooling it to the room temperate, and removing it from the substrate; finally, heating this membrane in a drier, and purging it with nitrogen to remove the paraffin within the membrane pore to obtain the porous membrane with nano-ZnO arrays growing on the surface.

Abstract: The invention refers to a method, and to a device to produce emulsions and particle suspensions by using electro-hydrodinamic forces and microfluidics This combined use allow the production of droplets with mean diameters which may be either smaller than those obtained in conventional microfluidic devices or larger than those obtained by electrospray, bridging the gap between the two methods acting independently.

Abstract: A device for separating a sample of cells suspended in a bio-compatible ferrofluid is described, The device includes a microfluidic channel having a sample inlet, at least one outlet and a length between the same inlet and the at least one outlet, wherein a sample can be added to the sample inlet and flow along the microfluidic channel length to the at least one outlet. The device includes a plurality of electrodes and a power source for applying a current to the plurality of electrodes to create a magnetic field pattern along the microfluidic channel length. The present invention also includes a method of using said device for separating at least one cell type.

Abstract: An apparatus for the concentration of suspended algae particles in an aqueous solution. The apparatus includes an electrolytic cell containing at least an anode and a cathode, and a filter. The electrolytic cell receives a solution containing suspended algae particles therein. A power supply is near the filter. A zone of depleted suspended algae particles is near the filter, formed under the influence of an applied electric field from the power supply.

Abstract: Methods of mobilizing fatty acids are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel gold-platinum based bi-metallic nanocrystal suspensions that have nanocrystal surfaces that are substantially free from organic or other impurities or films associated with typical chemical reductants/stabilizers and/or raw materials used in nanoparticle formation processes. Specifically, the surfaces are “clean” relative to the surfaces of metal-based nanoparticles made using chemical reduction (and other) processes that require organic (or other) reductants and/or surfactants to grow (and/or suspend) metal nanoparticles from metal ions in a solution. The invention includes novel electrochemical manufacturing apparatuses and techniques for making the bi-metallic nanocrystal suspensions. The techniques do not require the use or presence of chlorine ions/atoms and/or chlorides or chlorine-based materials for the manufacturing process/final suspension.

Abstract: A discharge unit includes an alternating high-voltage generator, a pair of electrodes in water, the pair being configured to receive a voltage from the high-voltage generator, and an insulating divider configured to separate the pair of electrodes from each other in the water, and having a small discharge hole defining a path of current to flow between the pair of electrodes. The voltage is applied to the pair of electrodes to generate an electric discharge in the discharge hole.

Abstract: A bulk material formed on a surface is provided. The bulk material includes a plurality of adhered domains of metal material, substantially all of the domains of the plurality of domains of metal material separated by a predetermined layer of high resistivity insulating material. A first portion of the plurality of domains forms a surface. A second portion of the plurality of domains includes successive domains of metal material progressing from the first portion. Substantially all of the domains in the successive domains each include a first surface and a second surface, the first surface opposing the second surface, the second surface conforming to a shape of progressed domains, and a majority of the domains in the successive domains in the second portion having the first surface comprising a substantially convex surface and the second surface comprising one or more substantially concave surfaces.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring water fraction in a fluid mixture flowing in a conductive tubing within a borehole. The sensor comprises: an active probe, a reference probe, and an electronic unit. The active probe includes a first electrode and a second electrode isolated from each other by a first insulating layer, the first and second electrodes are preferably in contact with the fluid mixture. The reference probe is formed from an internal wall of the conductive tubing contacting the fluid mixture and isolated from the reference probe by a second insulating layer. The electronic unit is coupled to the first and second electrodes, and to the reference probe, the electronic unit preferably includes a capacitance module for measuring a capacitance between the active probe and the reference probe.

Abstract: A method for dispersing nanomaterial comprising an electrochemical process, a solution of dispersed nanomaterial, comprising individual charged nanomaterial at a concentration of about 0.1 mgm?1 or more and a solvent and an electrochemical cell are described.

Abstract: The invention proposes a device for decaffeinating a liquid. The device includes at least one cathode electrode and at least one anode electrode which are spaced apart and which are immersed in the liquid; a power supply coupled to the at least one cathode electrode and the at least one anode electrode and configured to apply power thereto, wherein the at least one cathode electrode and the at least one anode electrode are configured to generate an electric field in the liquid upon application of the power to attract caffeine molecules in the liquid to the at least one cathode electrode; wherein the at least one cathode electrode is made of or coated with an absorbing material configured to absorb at least part of the caffeine molecules that are attracted to the at least one cathode electrode.

Abstract: An aqueous fluid treatment method and system is provided which preferably uses a 3 step electro-chemical oxidation process to remove organic contaminates from water. A high surface area electro-chemical reaction cell can be employed to remove organic particles and precipitate hardness salts from the aqueous solution. Several 3-phase spark arcs generated mixed oxidants and acoustic cavitations to remove dissolved organic compounds and oxidize organic metal compounds in the next step. Finally, a dielectric discharge in aqueous foam is used to eliminate recalcitrant organic compounds such as, but not limited to, polychlorinated aromatics, disinfectants, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals before release to environment or recycled.

Abstract: A method of improving natural gas release from a well via an enhanced hydraulic fracturing operation. The method includes capturing or retrieving the flow back from the well following the fracturing operation. The flow back or other source water is introduced to an electrocoagulation (“EC”) treatment process. EC treatment separates the water from other fracturing fluid components in the flow back and also removes bacteria and other contaminants. Thereafter, the EC-treated fluid is recycled for subsequent fracturing operations. The process may also be used to treat all source water, including fresh water delivered to the well before it is used as a fracturing fluid.

Abstract: A microfluidic device to produce polymersomes having three coaxial passageways of increasing size with fluid flowing in one direction. The first and smallest passageway contains the content of the polymersome, the middle passageway contains a block copolymer, and the largest and outer passageway contains an aqueous medium or water. The device can produce polymersomes with control of size and membrane thickness. The device will allow quantitative loading of the polymersomes in high quantities. The device is robust and easily assembled and has the ability to independently control the three streams involved in making the polymersomes.

Abstract: A device for separating a sample of cells suspended in a bio-compatible ferrofluid is described. The device includes a microfluidic channel having a sample inlet, at least one outlet and a length between the same inlet and the at least one outlet, wherein a sample can be added to the sample inlet and flow along the microfluidic channel length to the at least one outlet. The device includes a plurality of electrodes and a power source for applying a current to the plurality of electrodes to create a magnetic field pattern along the microfluidic channel length. The present invention also includes a method of using said device for separating at least one cell type.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a porous carbon material possessing a hierarchical porosity, the method comprising subjecting a precursor composition to a curing step followed by a carbonization step, the precursor composition comprising: (i) a templating component comprised of a block copolymer, (ii) a phenolic component, (iii) a dione component in which carbonyl groups are adjacent, and (iv) an acidic component, wherein said carbonization step comprises heating the precursor composition at a carbonizing temperature for sufficient time to convert the precursor composition to a carbon material possessing a hierarchical porosity comprised of mesopores and macropores. Also described are the resulting hierarchical porous carbon material, a capacitive deionization device in which the porous carbon material is incorporated, as well as methods for desalinating water by use of said capacitive deionization device.

Abstract: An electrode material may include a porous carbon material and an organic clay. An electrode for a capacitive deionization apparatus may include the electrode material. A method of removing ions from a fluid may include using the capacitive deionization apparatus.

Abstract: A system and method of using a traveling electric wave generated by means of intertwined helically wound electrodes powered by a polyphase alternating current, such that the traveling electric wave attracts both anions and cations in alternating bands of anions and cations, providing an electromotive force for these ions along the direction of travel of the electric wave, thus moving a concentrated ionic flow for the purpose of propulsion or removal of ions from a fluid.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a spacer structure that is configured to be disposed between a pair of electrodes in a capacitive deionization apparatus so as to provide a space for flowing a fluid therethrough. The spacer structure includes a copolymer prepared by copolymerizing a mixture of a polyurethane backbone including a carboxyl group or a sulfonic acid group, an ion conductive monomer including a carboxyl group and a cation exchange group, and a second polymer including a functional group that reacts with the carboxyl group or sulfonic acid group and forms a cross-linking bond with the polyurethane backbone.

Abstract: The polarized electrode flow through capacitor comprises at least one each electrode material, with a pore volume that includes meso and micropores, with contained anionic or cationic groups. The polarized electrodes are in opposite polarity facing pairs, separated by a flow path or flow spacer. Both polarities of the particular attached ionic groups used are ionized at the working pH or composition of the particular feed solution supplied to inlet of the flow through capacitor. The contained groups cause the electrodes to be polarized so that they are selective to anions or cations. The polarized electrode flow through capacitor has better performance compared to identical flow through capacitors made from non-derivitized carbon. The capacitor electrode materials so derivitized provide this polarization function directly without need for a separate charge barrier material.

Abstract: A water desalination system and method in accordance with the principles of the present invention employs capacitive deionization to remove ions from source water to produce deionzed and waste water. The process employs charged electrodes to attract ions of opposite polarity from the source water. The process of discharging the electrodes employs solvent drag.

Abstract: Compositions of reducing agents and carriers for producing a stable negative oxidation reduction potential in consumable materials are disclosed and claimed. Compositions of the invention find use in enhancing the hydration and anti-oxidant value of consumable materials such as foods, beverages and cosmetics, for example. Compositions of the invention also find use in water treatment, agricultural and scientific research applications. Methods for using and making the compositions are also within the scope of the invention.

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 apparatus for conditioning water is disclosed. Water is flowed past a probe, wherein the water may include impurities. The probe is energized to excite the water and a presence of electrons in the excited water is reduced to produce positively charged water downstream of the probe that causes the impurities to dissociate from the water. The excited water may be deposited on a soil for crop production. The excited water may be further deposited on the soil to flush impurities in the soil to a depth away from a root of a crop planted in the soil to reclaim the soil for crop production. The excited water may further be used to descale pipes, such as used in irrigation, heat exchangers, cooling systems, etc. In yet another embodiment, the probe may be energized at a frequency selected to destroy organism, thereby protecting ecosystems.

Abstract: A point of use irrigation water fertigation system utilizes plasma production of nitrogen-bearing species. Soluble nitrogen-bearing species are generated using an atmospheric air plasma treatment of an irrigation water supply. A plasma is generated by a tube having an air intake. A high frequency generator generates atmospheric plasma. The end of the tube is placed above the surface of the irrigation water supply and the plasma emanating from the tube generates nitrogen species in the water. The non-thermal plasma discharge efficiently produces highly reactive radicals and NOx species that have impact on water chemistry including inactivation of microorganisms with high efficacy and accelerated removal of persistent organic pollutants such as perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) from water samples. Plasma ignition can be initiated with a low flow of helium gas injection. Upon ignition, the gas is transitioned to a helium/room air mix, immediately followed by a transition to ambient room air only.

Abstract: A system for performing ozone water treatment comprises a voltage supply circuit and a plasma eductor reactor. The voltage supply circuit includes an H-bridge controller and driver, a transformer, and an output port. The H-bridge controller and driver are configured to switch the electrical polarity of a pair of terminals. A primary of the transformer is connected to the H-bridge driver and controller. A secondary of the transformer connects in parallel with a first capacitor and in series with an inductor and a second capacitor. The output port connects in parallel with the second capacitor. The plasma eductor reactor includes an electric field generator, a flow spreader, and a diffuser. The electric field generator includes a pair of electrodes that generate an electric field. The flow spreader supplies a stream of oxygen. The diffuser supplies a stream of water. The streams of water and oxygen pass through the electric field.

Abstract: A novel method and system of separating carbon dioxide from flue gas is introduced. Instead of relying on large temperature or pressure changes to remove carbon dioxide from a solvent used to absorb it from flue gas, the ion pump method, as disclosed herein, dramatically increases the concentration of dissolved carbonate ion in solution. This increases the overlying vapor pressure of carbon dioxide gas, permitting carbon dioxide to be removed from the downstream side of the ion pump as a pure gas. The ion pumping may be obtained from reverse osmosis, electrodialysis, thermal desalination methods, or an ion pump system having an oscillating flow in synchronization with an induced electric field.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for reducing the growth of microbial contamination, such as bacteria, virus, mold and biofilms, in an air-handling unit. The apparatus includes a mounting member configured to couple with a housing of an air-handling unit and a turbine coupled with the mounting member and configured to produce energy when positioned in an air flow path through the air-handling unit. The apparatus also includes an electrode assembly including an anode configured to be placed in a condensate pan and receive energy from the turbine. The anode produces agents that reduce the growth of microbial contamination when energized.