Abstract: Methods and systems for purifying a caustic fluid including sulfur are provided.

Abstract: An electrophoresis cassette may include sample well(s), gel column(s) containing a separation gel, and elution modules arranged adjacent the gel column(s). A sample may be provided to the electrophoresis cassette and high-molecular weight (HMW) DNA may be isolated from the sample. Single-copy DNA sequences may be cleaved on both sides of a repeat region of the DNA sequences to produce a cleaved sample, which then may be fractionated using gel electrophoresis. DNA fractions may be isolated from consecutive sections of the separation gel and subjected to PCR assays to detect single-copy sequences within the DNA fraction, said single-copy sequence containing repeat expansion sequences. The subjected DNA fractions may be electroeluted into the plurality of elution modules. A size of DNA fractions having the repeat expansion sequences may be determined. It is also determined if that size is above a normal repeat size range.

Abstract: A resource treatment system for urine and feces separation and recovery in urine diversion dehydration toilets, includes a urine-faeces division toilet, a urine and gray water treatment system, and a fermentation and biodegradation fecal system. The urine-faeces division toilet is configured to separate and recover urine and feces discharged by users. The urine and gray water treatment system includes an adjusting pool, a microalgae culture device and a metal-based electrogenerated dynamic membrane. The adjusting pool is configured to receive the urine in the urine-faeces division toilet and domestic sewage, and adjust a urine-to-domestic sewage ratio. The metal-based electrogenerated dynamic membrane includes a metal microfiltration membrane, a stainless-steel mesh and a power supply. The fermentation and biodegradation fecal system includes a collection and adjusting device, a fermentation bed and a biodegradation chamber.

Abstract: A method for treating wastewater having one or more of suspended solids, dissolved solids, biological oxygen demand includes solids filtration followed by a bi-polar/bi-directional flow through ionic module fitted with anionically/cationically charged plates followed by a sub-sonic resonance module followed by another bi-polar/bi-directional flow through ionic module followed by a ultra-sonic resonance module followed by one or more anion/cation collection membrane modules. Recycle is provided in each step, wherein each step may be repeated, and wherein one or more of the steps can be bypassed.

Abstract: A method for forming a nanopore device includes providing a sapphire substrate and forming oxide layers on the front and back sides of the sapphire substrate. The oxide layer on the back is patterned to form an etch mask. The method also includes performing a crystalline orientation dependent wet anisotropic etch on the backside of the sapphire substrate using the etch mask to form a cavity having sloped sides to expose a portion of the first oxide layer. A silicon nitride membrane layer is formed on the oxide layer on the front side of the sapphire substrate. Next, the exposed portion of the oxide layer in the cavity is removed to cause the exposed portion of the silicon nitride membrane layer to be suspended over the cavity in the sapphire substrate. Subsequently, an opening is formed in the suspended portion of the silicon nitride membrane layer to form the nanopore.

Abstract: A gallium oxide field effect transistor that is built on a base layer. A doped gallium oxide channel layer is disposed on top of the base layer, and a dielectric barrier layer is disposed on top of the gallium oxide channel layer. Source contacts and drain contacts are disposed on top of the dielectric barrier layer, with one each of the drain contacts disposed in an interdigitated manner between one each of the source contacts. The interdigitated source contacts and drain contacts thereby define channels between them, where alternating ones of the channels are defined as odd channels, with even channels disposed therebetween. Gate contacts are disposed on top of the dielectric barrier layer in only one of the odd channels and the even channels.

Abstract: A refrigerator gasket assembly has a first gasket section, a second gasket section and a coupler connecting the first gasket section and the second gasket section. The coupler is configured to permit the selective connection and disconnection of the first gasket section from the second gasket section. In some variations, the coupler is a two piece coupler and in other variations the coupler is a three piece coupler.

Abstract: A spiral-wound electrodialysis module includes an inner electrode positioned about a central axis and an outer electrode surrounding the inner electrode. Ion exchange membranes are arranged in a stack, and each membrane extends in a spiral outward from an inner position proximate the inner electrode to an outer position proximate the outer electrode. The spirals expand outward at a greater-than-linear rate as a function of angle along a length of the spiral from the inner positions to the outer positions.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a scanning imaging part, and related products and methods. The scanning imaging part includes a transparent body, a light blocking ink, a charged liquid droplet, and a microfluidic component. The transparent body may include a first face and a second face opposite to each other. An image sensor may be arranged on the second face. The charged liquid droplet and the light blocking ink may be insoluble with each other, and may be filled in a liquid flow channel. The charged liquid droplet may transmit at least a part of light incident from the first face through the charged liquid droplet and to the image sensor. The microfluidic component may drive the charged liquid droplet to move in the liquid flow channel. Thereby, light incident from the first face may be scanned via the charged liquid droplet and form a scanning image by the image sensor.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ion exchange membrane electrolytic cell, comprising an anode chamber and a cathode chamber; a gas-liquid separation chamber is arranged in the anode chamber and/or the cathode chamber; the gas-liquid separation chamber is partially located inside the anode chamber and/or the cathode chamber; a first portion of the gas-liquid separation chamber, which is configured to accommodate liquid, is arranged inside the anode chamber and/or the cathode chamber; and a second portion of the gas-liquid separation chamber, which is configured to accommodate gas, is disposed outside of the anode chamber and/or the cathode chamber. The ion exchange membrane electrolytic cell is provided with the gas-liquid separation chamber partially located inside the anode chamber and/or the cathode chamber, thereby improving the yield of the ion exchange membrane electrolytic cell. On the other hand, the products of electrolysis can be drained rapidly.

Abstract: An electrochemical filter system is provided that can produce an ultra-clean electrolyte solution. The filter uses a working electrode with binding sites that adsorb impurities present in the electrolyte solution using a pseudocapacitive process.

Abstract: A water reclamation method on the basis of integrated use of magnetic resin adsorption and electrosorption is provided. It belongs to the water reclamation field, including the following steps: pump the biotreated effluent into a reactor that is filled with magnetic resin particles so that the chromaticity, organic pollutants, total nitrogen, total phosphorus contained in the wastewater can be effectively reduced; channel the fully reacted mixture into a precipitation tank for separation; part of the separated magnetic resin is pumped back into the reactor while the rest of the separated magnetic resin flows into a regeneration tank; the wastewater treated by magnetic resin adsorption then flows into an electrosorption unit for a desalting process; the remaining organic pollutants and inorganic pollutants are further removed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for electrochemical separation are provided. An electrochemical separation device may include at least one cell pair wound around an electrode to from a bundle having a racetrack configuration.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide for anion exchange membranes and processes for their manufacture. The anion exchange membranes described herein are made the polymerization product of at least one functional monomer comprising a tertiary amine which is reacted with a quaternizing agent in the polymerization process.

Abstract: Translocation events are sensed using composite nanopore assemblies including nanopores formed in graphene sheets. Single molecule detection and characterization and multi-molecule characterization and identification are provided using such assemblies. Multiple electrodes associated with nanofluidic sensors facilitate detection of ionic current through a nanopore as well as tunneling currents. Current signals of individual molecules are estimated from the combination of an ionic current signal through the nanopore and tunneling current signals obtained at specific locations within the nanopore.

Abstract: A hybrid carbon black is provided, which includes a carbon black core and a polymer film wrapping an entire surface of the carbon black core. The polymer film includes a network of a plurality of polymer main chains crosslinked each other, and a plurality of dispersion-side chains bonded to the polymer main chains. The dispersion-side chains come from an acrylate monomer with a chemical structure of: wherein when n is 4 to 7, R1 is H or CH3, and when n is 8 to 14, R1 is CH3.

Abstract: A method of analyzing a molecule in a nanopore is disclosed. A voltage is applied across a nanopore that is inserted in a membrane by coupling the nanopore to a voltage source. The nanopore is decoupled from the voltage source. After the decoupling, a rate of decay of the voltage across the nanopore is determined. A molecule in the nanopore is distinguished from other possible molecules based on the determined rate of decay of the voltage across the nanopore.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide for anion exchange membranes and processes for their manufacture. The anion exchange membranes described herein are made the polymerization product of at least one functional monomer comprising a tertiary amine which is reacted with a quaternizing agent in the polymerization process.

Abstract: A hybrid carbon black, a coating composition, and a shielding material employing the same are provided. The hybrid carbon black includes a core of carbon black, and a cross-linked network polymer film covering the whole surface of the carbon black overall. In particular, the carbon black core has a mass fractal dimension between 2 and 3 and a surface fractal dimension between 2 and 2.5, and the cross linking network polymer film includes a product obtained by crosslinking a composition including a styrene monomer and a divinylbenzene monomer.

Abstract: An electrolytic filtration method and apparatus for the concentration and collection of suspended particulates from aqueous solutions is disclosed. The electrolytic cell contains at least an anode and a cathode, and in one embodiment contains a plurality of anodes and cathodes. The electrolytic cell also contains a filter, and in one embodiment the filter is a moving belt filter. While not bound by theory, the electrolytic filtration method and apparatus is based on the electrophoretic movement of algae particles suspended in an aqueous solution away from the filter under the influence of an electric field. In one embodiment the electric field is a pulsed waveform with unidirectional voltage or current pulses. In another embodiment, the electric field is a pulsed waveform with bidirectional voltage or current pulses.

Abstract: Devices and methods for electric field driven on-demand separation of liquid-liquid mixtures are provided. For example, methods for separating liquid-liquid mixtures, such as free oil and water, oil-in-water emulsions and water-in-oil emulsions, are provided that have separation efficiencies up to about 99.9%. The liquid-liquid mixture is contacted with a separator membrane assembly comprising a separator membrane formed of a porous oleophobic (or superoleophobic) material and an electrically conductive member. An electrical potential is applied across the porous oleophobic (or superoleophobic) material of the separator membrane to facilitate passage and separation of at least a portion of the first component through the separator membrane. Separation devices and such separator membrane assemblies are also provided.

Abstract: A curable composition comprising: (i) 2.5 to 50 wt % crosslinker comprising at least two acrylamide groups; (ii) 12 to 65 wt % curable ionic compound comprising an ethylenically unsaturated group and a cationic group; (iii) 10 to 70 wt % solvent; and (iv) 0 to 10 wt % of free radical initiator; and (v) non-curable salt; wherein the molar ratio of (i):(ii) is >0.10. The compositions are useful for preparing ion exchange membranes.

Abstract: A curable composition comprising: (i) 2.5 to 50 wt % crosslinker comprising at least two acrylamide groups; (ii) 20 to 65 wt % curable ionic compound comprising an ethylenically unsaturated group and an anionic group; (iii) 15 to 45 wt % solvent; and (iv) 0 to 10 wt % of free radical initiator; wherein the molar ratio of (i):(ii) is 0.1 to 1.5. The compositions are useful for preparing ion exchange membranes.

Abstract: The disclosure provides cassettes, electrophoresis systems, methods for making the device, and methods of fractionating a sample using the cassettes and electrophoresis systems described herein.

Abstract: A nanodevice includes a reservoir filled with conductive fluid and a membrane separating the reservoir. A nanopore is formed through the membrane having electrode layers separated by insulating layers. A certain electrode layer has a first type of organic coating and a pair of electrode layers has a second type. The first type of organic coating forms a motion control transient bond to a molecule in the nanopore for motion control, and the second type forms first and second transient bonds to different bonding sites of a base of the molecule. When a voltage is applied to the pair of electrode layers a tunneling current is generated by the base in the nanopore, and the tunneling current travels via the first and second transient bonds formed to be measured as a current signature for distinguishing the base. The motion control transient bond is stronger than first and second transient bonds.

Abstract: A water treatment apparatus comprising a stack of circular electrodes with a central through hole, the electrodes are supplied with electricity so as to form anodes and cathodes in alternating intercalation. The anodes and cathodes so arranged to lie in such close-spaced parallel face to face relationship as to form a capacitive deionization cell. Water to be treated is passed from the outside of the stack, radially inward through between the electrodes into the central through hole and then axially out of the stack.

Abstract: A method and system for preconcentrating analytes at a microvalve in a microfluidic device is disclosed. The system includes a sample channel loaded with a sample solution. The sample channel includes a semi-permeable membrane microvalve. An electric potential is applied at or across the microvalve to preconcentrate the sample solution when the microvalve is closed.

Abstract: A device and a system for eluting biomolecules from biological sample by electroelution are provided. The device for electroelution of biomolecules from a biological sample is constituted with a housing configured to receive an electrolyte and the biological sample, at least two electrodes comprising conductive redox polymers operationally coupled to the housing, and a biomolecule impermeable layer disposed on at least one of the electrodes. The biomolecule impermeable layer disposed on at least one of the electrodes to prevent the biomolecules from reaching the electrode. A system is provided, wherein the system comprises a sample collection port, one or more reservoirs comprising a buffer, a solvent, a reagent or combinations thereof, an device for electroelution, and a controller.

Abstract: The invention discloses a biocompatible semi-permeable membrane. The semi-permeable membrane is manufactured by: providing an eggshell membrane; and immersing the eggshell membrane in an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution with a concentration of 0.35 to 35% for 8 to 144 hours.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, provided is a single particle analyzing device including a measuring vessel, first and second chambers in the vessel defined by an insulating membrane, a pore opening in the membrane to connect the chambers, and first and second electrodes in the chambers. Electric current flows between the electrodes through the pore. Electrical characteristics are measured during migration of the target from the first chamber to the second chamber to measure the size and shape of the target. (a) t<a <d?100a or (b) s<L, s<d?100s, t<L and t<d, wherein a, L and s are the diameter, length and width of the target, d is the diameter of the pore, and t is the thickness of the membrane in the proximity to the pore.

Abstract: The carbon dioxide permeation device in accordance with the present invention includes a first gas diffusion electrode, a second gas diffusion electrode, an electrolyte membrane which is between the first gas diffusion electrode and the second gas diffusion electrode, and a DC power source. The carbon dioxide permeation device accelerates absorption of carbon dioxide into the electrolyte membrane from gas in a vicinity of the first gas diffusion electrode so as to decrease a carbon dioxide concentration of the gas in the vicinity of the first gas diffusion electrode, and accelerates emission of carbon dioxide from the electrolyte membrane to gas in a vicinity of the second gas diffusion electrode by causing an oxidation reaction of water in the electrolyte membrane so as to enrich carbon dioxide in the gas in the vicinity of the second gas diffusion electrode.

Abstract: A nanosensor for detecting molecule characteristics includes a membrane having an opening configured to permit a charged carbon nanotube to pass but to block a molecule attached to the carbon nanotube. The opening is filled with an electrolytic solution. An electric field generator is configured to generate an electric field relative to the opening to drive the charged carbon nanotubes through the opening. A sensor circuit is coupled to the electric field generator to sense current changes due to charged carbon nanotubes passing into the opening, and to bias the electric field generator to determine a critical voltage related to a force of separation between the carbon nanotube and the molecule.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for the removal of ammonia from an ammonia-containing gas stream by treating the ammonia in the ammonia-containing gas stream with an acid, during which treatment an aqueous stream comprising an ammonium salt, wherein the aqueous stream comprising the ammonium salt is treated with electrodialysis, whereby the acid is recovered and an aqueos stream comprising an ammonium hydroxide salt is formed.

Abstract: A water processing arrangement (18) for steam assisted oil production, having a water softening system (30) configured to remove silica from a stream of producer well water (64, 66) using a caustic (70), and an electrodeionization-based water deionization system (36) downstream of the water softening system configured to deionize the stream of water (66) A byproduct of the electrodeionization is caustic NaOH which is recycled to the softening system

Abstract: A clamping device for a dialyzer includes a holding member having a supply port and a discharge port for permitting a liquid to be treated to flow through the desalination chambers and the concentration chambers; a clamping member for clamping the holding member by a certain clamping pressure; a lattice structure having a contact portion configured to be brought into contact with an electrode frame or be brought into contact with an electrode frame through a certain plate-shaped member such that the clamping member clamps the electrode frame, the chamber frames and the exchange membranes through the contact portion by tightening the clamping members; and the lattice structure having a pitch width of at least 10 mm and at most 50 mm.

Abstract: An electroblotting system including a cassette configured to receive a membrane and a material impregnated with at least one of proteins or nucleic acids. The cassette is connectable to a base such that a current is passable through the cassette to cause at least some of the proteins or nucleic acids to be transferred from the impregnated material to the membrane. The cassette has a first portion, a second portion configured to be releasably coupled to the first portion, and a coupling mechanism configured to releasably couple the first portion to the second portion. The cassette further includes an actuator operatively coupled to the coupling mechanism such that manual depression of the actuator causes the coupling mechanism to release the first portion relative to the second portion.

Abstract: A method and system for improving the quality and quantity of a soluble salt recovered from the supernatant produced when concentrated solutions are mixed to precipitate an insoluble salt are disclosed. Liquid residual, or supernatant, contains salt that is reusable in the regeneration solution of ion removal devices such as ion exchange or electrodialysis metathesis (EDM). The disclosed embodiments include a method for concentration and purification of salt. NaCl is recovered in a truly Zero Discharge Desalination (i.e., ZDD) process. The ZDD process utilizes reverse osmosis (RO) or nanofiltration (NF) for the primary desalination of groundwater that has high concentration of CaSO4 and utilizes EDM to separately remove calcium and sulfate ions from the RO or NF concentrate so that water recovery can be improved. The recovered NaCl is reused in the EDM.

Abstract: Electrically-driven separation systems and methods for use in oil recovery.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention includes: a recycle line that brings a part of salt-enriched membrane separation concentrated water 26 back to the rear flow side of a pretreatment apparatus 12; a water discharge line that discharges the remained concentrated water into a sea area; and a control apparatus 31 that controls to adjust the ratio between the discharging amount of the discharging membrane separation concentrated water to be discharged into a sea area and the supplying amount of supplying seawater. A pH is set to be equal to or less than 7.3 by adding acid 21. The salt 18 is obtained from the dryer 19, and produced water (fresh water) 29 is obtained by combining evaporated water 28 supplied from the evaporator 16 with the permeated water 24 supplied from the reverse osmosis membrane apparatus 25.

Abstract: There is provided a nanopore disposed in a support structure, with a fluidic connection between a first fluidic reservoir and an inlet to the nanopore and a second fluidic connection between a second fluidic reservoir and an outlet from the nanopore first ionic solution of a first buffer concentration is disposed in the first reservoir and a second ionic solution of a second buffer concentration, different than the first concentration, is disposed in the second reservoir, with the nanopore providing the sole path of fluidic communication between the first and second reservoirs. An electrical connection is disposed at a location in the nanopore sensor that develops an electrical signal indicative of electrical potential local to at least one site in the nanopore sensor as an object translocates through the nanopore between the two reservoirs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and device for the electrochemical treatment of at least one component, which has a treatment chamber and at least one feed unit for an electrolyte to the treatment chamber, and at least one way for setting the pH value of the electrolyte being provided before the treatment chamber.

Abstract: A droplet actuator comprising: (a) a base substrate comprising electrodes configured for conducting droplet operations on a droplet operations surface thereof; (b) a droplet comprising one or more beads situated on the droplet operations surface; (c) a barrier arranged in relation to the droplet and the electrodes such that a droplet may be transported away from the beads using one or more droplet operations mediated by one or more of the electrodes while transport of the beads is restrained by a barrier.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided for ratcheting a double strand molecule. The double strand molecule is driven into a Y-channel of a membrane by a first voltage pulse. The Y-channel includes a stem and branches, and the branches are connected to the stem at a junction. The double strand molecule is slowed at the junction of the Y-channel based on the first voltage pulse being weaker than a force required to break a base pair of the double strand molecule. The double strand molecule is split into a first single strand and a second single strand by driving the double strand molecule into the junction of the Y-channel at a second voltage pulse.

Abstract: The biological polymer analyzing equipment with nanopore includes a chamber part having a chamber having a sample introduction section and a sample outflow section separated by a substrate; a first electrode provided in the sample introduction section and a second electrode provided in the sample outflow section; a thin membrane formed on the substrate; a nanopore provided in the thin membrane of the substrate and communicating between the sample introduction section and the sample outflow section; a third electrode provided near the nanopore of the substrate; and a voltage applying member to electrodes, wherein the voltage applying member includes a member for applying voltages between the first electrode and the third electrode, between the first electrode and the second electrode, respectively, and between the third electrode and the second electrode, and relates to a method for analyzing a biological polymer using the biological polymer analyzing equipment with nanopore.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for electrophoretic and electro-osmotic densification, decontamination and dewatering of suspensions includes the use of high electrical capacitance electrodes for capacitive generation of electric fields. Polarity reversals between the capacitor electrodes prevent faradic electrolysis and corrosion reactions at the electrodes, and water wettable, flexible linings for the electrodes, having drainage and filtering capabilities, can also be used as interceptor drains positioned adjacent and in full electric contact with the electrodes, as well as within the suspension as flow path dividers.

Abstract: A method for wetting a nanopore device includes filling a first cavity of the nanopore device with a first buffer solution having a first potential hydrogen (pH) value, filling a second cavity of the nanopore device with a second buffer solution having a second pH value, wherein the nanopore device includes a transistor portion having a first surface, an opposing second surface, and an orifice communicative with the first surface and the second surface, the first surface partially defining the first cavity, the second surface partially defining the second cavity, applying a voltage in the nanopore device, and measuring a current in the nanopore device, the current having a current path partially defined by the first cavity, the second cavity, and the orifice.

Abstract: A device for electrophoresis applies a voltage to a medium in contact with a plurality of electric conductors so that a potential of adjacent conductors is within a certain range. This allows preventing decline in electrophoresis speed. A device for electrophoresis and transfer includes an electrode having a plurality of electrode regions being insulated one another and arranged in a specific direction. This allows providing a practical and easy-to-use device for electrophoresis and transfer. A device for transfer alters an applied voltage or applied voltage duration to a certain position to another position. This allows improving transfer efficiency.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to the flow of analytes, particles or other materials. As consistent with one or more embodiments described herein, an apparatus includes a membrane having one or more pores in a membrane. First and second electrodes facilitate electrophoretic flow of analytes through the pore, and a third electrode controls movement of the particles in the pore by modulating the shape of an electric double layer adjacent sidewalls of pore.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a membrane separation apparatus with reduced concentration polarization and enhanced permeate flux. Also disclosed is a method for separating permeate from retentate in a fluid using the disclosed membrane separation apparatus. Also disclosed is a method for inhibiting or preventing concentration polarization of a permeable membrane used in membrane separation.

Abstract: An electrodialysis unit 8 comprises a cathode 68, an anode 70, a membrane 71 between the cathode 68 and the anode 70, a cathode flow path 72 for water flow along the membrane 71 on the cathode side, an anode flow path 74 for water flow along the membrane 71 on the anode side, and a reaction zone formed between the membrane 71 and the cathode 68 where the cathode 68 faces the anode 70, wherein the cathode flow path 72 is arranged for laminar flow in the reaction zone and wherein the electrodialysis unit 8 comprises flow conditioning elements 64 arranged to promote laminar flow in the incoming water flow to the cathode flow path 72.