Abstract: A fluid treatment device including a source of electrical voltage having a first and second terminal, a pulse generator connected to the first terminal and the second terminal and outputting a pulsed voltage wave signal between a third terminal and a fourth terminal, at least one coil positioned adjacent at least one fluid conduit, being electrically connected to the third and fourth terminals and at least one capacitor also being electrically connected to the third and fourth terminals to form a first circuit with an inductance L, a capacitance C and a resonant frequency. The pulse generator is arranged to generate a pulsed voltage wave with a frequency approximately equal to the resonant frequency. A further circuit element is arranged to cause the voltage pulse reaching the coil to repeatedly, alternate between a period of pulsed voltage at the frequency and a period of zero voltage, with each period extending for a time in a range of approximately 2 to 33 milliseconds.

Abstract: A microprocessor-controlled high voltage sensor circuit controls resonant operation of an induction coil—capacitor circuit. The sensor circuit includes an input that receives a high voltage signal from the induction coil—capacitor circuit, an attenuator coupled to the input, wherein the attenuator reduces the high voltage signal to a low voltage signal, a peak detector coupled to the attenuator, the peak detector that holds the low voltage signal and detects a peak value of the low voltage signal, a clipper circuit that limits an output voltage from the peak detector so as to prevent damage to components of the high voltage sensor circuit, and a linear amplifier that receives the low voltage signal from the clipper circuit and amplifies the low voltage signal for detection of resonance conditions in the induction coil—capacitor circuit by a microprocessor coupled to the high voltage sensor circuit.

Abstract: An electrical appliance including at least one sheet-shaped electrode and a connecting device for electrically connecting the at least one electrode to a voltage source. The connecting device includes a casing having two or more tubular casing parts. Each casing part enclosing a channel filled with a dielectric medium, and an elongated conductor for feeding electric power from the voltage source to the at least one electrode. The conductor extends through the channels of the casing parts and is surrounded by the dielectric medium therein. The conductor extends through a hole in an electrically conductive member of each individual electrode. The conductor is electrically connected to the conductive members of the electrodes and each individual electrode has a part arranged between two of the casing parts with the two casing parts clamped against opposite sides of the intermediate electrode part.

Abstract: A multiphase fluid separator comprises coalescer means for increasing droplet size in a liquid having droplets of a first phase carried by a second phase, and fluid collecting means for separating the first and second phases. The coalescer means and the fluid collecting means are configured to have a common liquid level. In another aspect, a multiphase fluid separator comprises a vessel housing a compact electrostatic coalescer, and gas separating means. The gas separating means is configured to separate gas from incoming fluid before the fluid enters the compact electrostatic coalescer.

Abstract: A precipitation device comprises a precipitation element disposed within a vessel and configured to define a precipitation zone and a solid-liquid separation zone between the precipitation element and the vessel, the precipitation zone configured to receive a first stream of saline liquid and to precipitate solids from the saline liquid, the solid-liquid separation zone configured to settle the solids by gravity, and an exit port located in an upper portion of the vessel and configured for exit of a second stream of liquid of lower salinity than the first stream, wherein a ratio of a diameter of the vessel to a diameter of the precipitation element ranges from about 1.5 to about 2.8. Associated system and method are also provided.

Abstract: A system and process for removing contaminants from wastewater where the wastewater is treated into a cleaned water that can be reused or discharged into the environment. The wastewater is transported through purification sections, depending on the system including several of the following: pre-treatment via screening and weirs to remove debris and certain heavy solids; a second pretreatment via a sump; strainer; conductivity solution injection system and electrolytic coagulation system; polymer injection system; inline mixers for mixing the polymer in the wastewater stream; retention tubes for providing residence time for the polymer to react in the wastewater stream; a multi-stage separation system comprised of a plurality of water separation compartments for consecutively separating contaminants from the wastewater stream by removing contaminants that float and heavy contaminants that settle to the bottom; and an ozone treatment system.

Abstract: A microreactor containing a plurality of introduction channels 21 and 22 for introducing a plurality of liquids, a merging section 23 for merging the plurality of introduction channels 21 and 22, and a reaction channel 41 located on a downstream side of the merging section 23, characterized in that a flow control section 80 is located on a downstream side of the merging section 23 and an upstream side of the reaction channel 41, and the flow control section 80 contains in a channel 81 thereof a movable particle 82. According to the constitution, such a microreactor can be provided that the flow state in the reaction channel 41 is controlled to realize a flow state with good reproducibility.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating wastewater is described. The apparatus includes an entry mixing chamber equipped with a wastewater inlet port and a gas inlet port configured for receiving the wastewater and pressurized gas, respectively. The apparatus further includes a housing attached to an open top of the entry mixing chamber, a first electrode and a second electrode arranged within the housing, and a collecting chamber mounted on an open housing top. The collecting chamber has a wastewater outlet port for discharge of the treated wastewater. A conductive particulate material is placed between the first and second electrodes to fill a space between the electrodes. The apparatus also includes an electrically powered mixer comprising an axle equipped with one or more whirling blades. The axle passes through the housing such that the whirling blades are located within the conductive particulate material.

Abstract: A layer composition of an electrowetting system with a first electrode layer, an insulator layer on the first electrode layer, and a fluid layer over the insulator layer, wherein the fluid layer comprises at least two immiscible fluids which, under the influence of an applied voltage, reversibly change their wetting behavior of a surface allocated to the insulator layer, wherein the insulator layer being at least in part built of a material with a permittivity of ?r?20. The fluid layer is adjacent to at least one layer being repellent for the at least one of the fluids. On the surface of the repellent layer pointing away from the fluid layer is provided an adhesion enhancing layer before the subsequent layer.

Abstract: A method and a device for treating water using an electromagnetic field. The method comprising the steps of subjecting the water to the electromagnetic field generated utilizing an inductor coil; and varying a frequency of a driving signal for the inductor coil such that the generated electromagnetic field has a varying frequency.

Abstract: An electrically energized compact coalescer (50) comprising an elongated, closed shell (53) having a fluid inlet (52) and a fluid outlet (59); at least one electrode (55) mounted in an internal chamber formed in the closed shell and forming at least one narrow gap (58) between the electrode means and a wall in the closed shell. An external power supply (64) is electrically connected to the electrode and the energized electrode (55) is fully encapsulated with insulation to enable an intense electrostatic field to be applied to an electrically conductive emulsion whereby the flow of emulsion through said at least one narrow gap (58) will be non-laminar. One or more helical vanes (57) are disposed in the narrow gap at an angle with respect to the electrode longitudinal axis and extending for at least a portion of the length (L) of the electrode, whereby the fluid flowing through said narrow gap will follow a spiraling pattern at least partially around the electrode (55).

Abstract: An anode and cathode for an electrolytic cell configured as a low inductance transmission line to enable control of an interphase at an electrode surface. The anode and cathode are coupled to a switched current source by a low inductance path that includes a parallel plate transmission line, a coaxial transmission line, or both. The switched current source provides fast switching between current sources to provide fast charging and discharging of the double-layer capacitance associated with the electrode surface so that an isotope may be selectively transported to the electrode surface for oxidation or reduction. A photon source may be used to create a population of isotope containing species within the electrolyte. An additional static magnetic field and/or an alternating current magnetic excitation source may be used to modify the composition of the population of species containing the isotope to be separated.

Abstract: Self-assembly of magnetic microparticles in AC magnetic fields. Excitation of the system by an AC magnetic field provides a variety of patterns that can be controlled by adjusting the frequency and the amplitude of the field. At low particle densities the low-frequency magnetic excitation favors cluster phase formation, while high frequency excitation favors chains and netlike structures. For denser configurations, an abrupt transition to the network phase was obtained.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved water treatment cavitation reactor cone. The tank operates on a continuous flow of fluids which are subjected to ultrasonic waves in combination with a high level of injected ozone. The treatment tank includes a tangential inlet that induces a rotating flow into the tank thereby increasing the mixing of the ozone within the effluent. The effluent is further treated with DC current. The treatment tank provides a cost efficient and environmentally friendly process and apparatus for cleaning and recycling fluids as contaminated as frac water, used to stimulate gas production from shale formations, as well as other types of fluids having various levels of contaminants such as aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and suspended solids. The calcium carbonate scaling tendency is reduced to an acceptable level without the use of acids, ion exchange materials, or anti scaling chemicals which is of economical and environmental significance and benefit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polyaniline, comprising aniline units and organosulphur units, characterized in that the polyaniline is doped and has a number average degree of polymerization of approximately 5 to approximately 50. The scope of the invention also includes a process for the preparation of polyaniline, wherein aniline and at least one organosulphur unit are converted to a polyaniline derivative in an oxidative, acid-catalyzed polymerization reaction. A subject of the invention is also a coated substrate which is coated with the polyaniline according to the invention and also a process for the coating of the substrate. The scope of the invention furthermore also includes a coating composition which is suitable for the coating of the substrate. The invention thus also relates to a process for the preparation of the coating composition.

Abstract: The desalination system and method places water from the sea under electrolysis to produce hydrogen and oxygen gas. The system has a chamber that is filled with the hydrogen gas displacing other gases. Once the chamber is filled with only hydrogen gas, the oxygen is introduced to form water vapor within the chamber. Liquid water collects on the lower surface of the chamber, and water vapor condenses on the sidewalls. The condensation creates a partial vacuum in the chamber, causing further water to evaporate from the liquid water on the lower end of the chamber. The condensate is desalinated water, which may be collected. Condensation may be assisted through cooling the wall. The hydrogen and oxygen mix in the chamber undergoes a reaction through electrical spark generation from a spark plug to create the water vapor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for treating a exhaust gas which is generated when slag discharged from a smelting furnace for non-ferrous metal is water-granulated. There is provided a process for treating an exhaust gas, which is generated during water granulation of slag discharged from a smelting furnace for non-ferrous metal, containing the water vapor as a major component and metal fumes, the process comprising a step of treating the exhaust gas by a wet electrostatic precipitator.

Abstract: An electrode includes an elongated conductive metal support and a layer of carbon fibers supported by, and in electrical contact with, the elongated conductive metal support such that ends of fibers of the layer of carbon fibers extend beyond the conductive metal support.

Abstract: A sucker-rod pumping system includes diametrically charged rare earth magnets having significant monopolar character mounted on the rod string and, optionally, within a magnet barrel below the pump barrel. The magnets are jacketed to preclude contact with crude petroleum. The magnets subject the petroleum to a significant magnetic flux to substantially preclude precipitation of paraffins and asphaltenes with a minimum of retrofit to existing equipment and without substantially altering the operation of the rod string.

Abstract: A transition metal/carbon nanotube composite includes a carbon nanotube and a transition metal oxide coating layer disposed on the carbon nanotube.

Abstract: A device, located in a vessel having an inlet and at least one outlet, through which a mixture of fluids flows, for promoting electrostatic coalescence of a first conductive fluid emulsified in a second fluid. The device includes a number of tubular electrostatic coalescer elements extending in the flow direction which are arranged in a matrix arranged over the cross sectional area of the vessel, and an applicator operative to apply an electrical field to the fluids flowing through the coalescer elements.

Abstract: An electrode for capacitive deionization, the electrode including an active material having an oxygen/carbon (“O/C”) atomic ratio between about 0.1 and about 1 and a specific surface area between about 500 square meters per gram (“m2/g”) and about 3,000 m2/g.

Abstract: An in situ system used for treating an oil and gas well drilling fluid and treating water after a well is completed. The system includes a fluid treatment unit used in a reserve pit and a water treatment unit disposed next to the pit. The fluid treatment unit includes a floating electrocoagulation unit in the reserve pit for destabilizing contaminates in the fluid and dropping out stable precipitates. The clear treated fluid is then pumped, using a submersible pump, to the water treatment unit. The water treatment includes a number of components including a pre-filter, an activated carbon filter and a heat exchanger for first treating the fluid. The filtered and heated fluid is then piped into a reverse osmosis unit for removing salt and any remaining minerals found therein. From the reverse osmosis unit, approximately 70 to 80% of the filtered water is cleaned and piped to a clean water storage tank for reuse.

Abstract: Electrocoagulation and sludge control apparatus and feed controller assembly for effluent treatment are disclosed, the apparatus including a primary reaction chamber having electrodes mounted therein and a treated effluent output. A sludge chamber is defined below and integrated with the primary reaction chamber and has a selectively openable outlet. The feed controller assembly is intermediate the primary reaction chamber and the sludge chamber and has a length selected for distribution of all effluent feed water across substantially an entire length of the primary reaction chamber.

Abstract: A de-sulfating device including a plurality of capacitive discharge channels selectively activatable by a control board to provide a pulse wave modulated de-sulfating current to a lead-acid battery. Some exemplary embodiments may provide a de-sulfating current comprising a repeating pattern including an about 0.75 ms ON pulse followed by an about 4.5 ms OFF period, which may be applied to the battery at an operator-adjustable peak amperage of about 0-350 amps. The extent of sulfation of the battery may be ascertained by measuring the impedance of the battery.

Abstract: A fluid treatment device includes an AC power source connected to first, second and third conductors. A electromagnetic field generating device is positioned adjacent to a fluid conduit, electrically connected to the first and third conductors to form a first circuit. A second electromagnetic field generating device is positioned adjacent to a second fluid conduit, electrically connected to the second and third electrical conductors to form a second circuit. A circuit element in the first circuit initiates a high frequency electromagnetic field at said first electromagnetic field generating device during a first half of the AC wave form in the first circuit, and a circuit element in the second circuit initiates a high frequency electromagnetic field at said first electromagnetic field generating device during a second half of the AC wave form in the second circuit.

Abstract: Various particle transport systems and components for use in such systems are described. The systems utilize one or more traveling wave grids to selectively transport, distribute, separate, or mix different populations of particles. Numerous systems configured for use in two dimensional and three dimensional particle transport are described.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for treating polluted water by electrocoagulation. The apparatus comprising at least two electrodes (1,2). The apparatus also includes a housing (4), electrically isolated from the at least two electrodes (1,2), to which the at least two electrodes (1,2) are fixed spaced apart from one another. When the at least two second electrodes (1,2) are at least partly submerged in the polluted water and provided with an electrical potential, one of the at least two electrodes (2) is sacrificial so as to provide ions to the polluted water.

Abstract: A chromatography and fluidic device with connections capable of automated component changing, diagnostic leak and current sensing. The chromatography-electrospray device contains a chromatography column, a pre-column, a spray emitter, or other fluidic component imbedded within one or more inserts. The inserts are robotically placed in receiving hardware, and a “plug and play” compression fitting connection mechanism makes the fluidic seals in an automated fashion. A plurality of sensors capable of detecting leaks is situated in the device near leak-prone regions. The electrospray emitter has a current sensing electrode in proximity of the electrospray region, capable of detecting the electrospray current. In conjunction with an electronics system, these sensors allow for system and component diagnostics. The diagnostic information may then be used for manual or automated system repair.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for manipulating particles in a fluid has a device body that defines a main channel therein, in which the main channel has an inlet and an outlet. The device body further defines a particulate diverting channel therein, the particulate diverting channel being in fluid connection with the main channel between the inlet and the outlet of the main channel and having a particulate outlet. The microfluidic device also has a plurality of microparticles arranged proximate or in the main channel between the inlet of the main channel and the fluid connection of the particulate diverting channel to the main channel. The plurality of microparticles each comprises a material in a composition thereof having a magnetic susceptibility suitable to cause concentration of magnetic field lines of an applied magnetic field while in operation.

Abstract: The invention concerns an electric separation unit (28) for a liquid supply pipe (12), in particular for a supply pipe used for paint. Said unit comprises a housing (30) having a chamber (34), wherein a discharge sheath (44) is arranged. The latter forms part of a fluid channel, which extends from the inlet (52) to the outlet (54) of the housing (30). The liquid contained in the sheath can be discharged by pressurizing the outer part of the discharge sheath (44) and compressing said sheath, an isolating passageway not containing any liquid passage being thus obtained.

Abstract: An electrode includes a plurality of fiber bundles. Each of the fiber bundles includes a plurality of individual fibers of different lengths with respect to an operation end of the electrode device. A screening ring is provided around the fiber bundles. The electrode may be used for example for generating corona discharge, which may be useful in liquid treatment.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for measuring the zeta potential at the cylinder's outer surface. In the measuring cell, the cylinder is held coaxially inside a reference tube and a given solution is forced to flow through the annular flow channel between the cylinder and the reference tube. The streaming potential induced by the flow forced with a hydraulic pressure drop is measured to determine the zeta potential, ?m, of the cylinder's outer surface by using the following Equation, E _ ? ? ? P == - D ? ? ? k ? ( ? m + ? ref 2 ) ? F where D is the permittivity, ?ref is the zeta potential of the reference tube, ? is the viscosity of the solution, k is the electric conductivity of the solution, and F is a correction factor for the electrokinetic model. Moreover, this invention also discloses a system for measuring the zeta potential of the cylinder's outer surface.

Abstract: An electrode “cell” for use in a capacitive deionization (CDI) reactor consists of the electrode support structure, a non-reactive conductive material, the electrode accompaniment or substrate and a flow through screen/separator. These “layers” are repeated and the electrodes are sealed together with gaskets between two end plates to create stacked sets of alternating anode and cathode electrodes in the CDI reactor.

Abstract: The objective of this research is to model and design a microfluidic system that uses electrostatic fields to induce movement of discrete droplets of solution. Of particular interest is movement of droplets of H2O for use in biological testing with lab-on a-chip and ?TAS systems. Using computer modeling, the electric-fields for planar electrode configurations positioned on an insulating substrate are calculated for a hemispherical drop of H2O on the substrate at various positions. From these electric-fields the force on the drop is calculated. These models show that electrostatic actuation of droplets of H2O is possible. However, as the complexity of the model increases the properties of the system become less desirable and actuation may not be possible. Using microfabrication techniques, the modeled microfluidic systems have been built for testing using a Kapton substrate with copper electrodes.

Abstract: A magnetic film plating apparatus employs a dip method that allows relatively good escape of bubbles and does not require a wide footprint and, even when a ferromagnetic material is used for an anode, can form a magnetic film on a substrate surface while minimizing the influence of the anode on the uniformity of magnetic anisotropy in the magnetic film. The magnetic film plating apparatus includes a plating tank for holding a plating solution; an anode vertically disposed in the plating tank at a position to be immersed in the plating solution; a substrate holder for holding a substrate W and positioning the substrate W opposite the anode; and a magnetic field generator, disposed outside the plating tank, for generating a magnetic field around the substrate W held by the substrate holder and positioned opposite the anode.

Abstract: A device for coalescing an emulsion component in an emulsion including a mixture of at least two different fluid components by an electric field applied to the emulsion. The device includes at least one electrostatic coalescer element. The coalescer element includes a tubular channel made of an electrically insulating material, a first electrode mounted on one side of the tubular channel, and a second electrode mounted on the other side of the tubular channel, a first end wall including a first opening adapted to receive a first end of the tubular channel, and a second end wall including a corresponding second opening adapted to receive a second end of the tubular channel. The walls together with the tubular channel isolate the emulsion from the electrodes.

Abstract: Embodiments of a device and method are described which provide for concentration and purification of analytes, e.g., polynucleotides, in channel devices using AC and DC electric fields.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating a fluid using a wave energy uses a cyclone separator configured to create a flow of the fluid in a thin film along a vortex path from a first end to a second end of the cyclone separator, a first electrode and a second electrode that are at least partially disposed within the cyclone separator, spaced apart from one another, and axially aligned with one another along a central axis of the cyclone separator from the first end to the second end. The electrodes are used to create an open electrical arc to provide the wave energy directly exposing the fluid as the fluid flows along the vortex path in close proximity to and surrounding the electrical arc such that only a gas separates the fluid from the open electrical arc.

Abstract: The invention provides for devices and methods for interfacing microchips to cartridges and pneumatic manifolds. The cartridges, microchips, and pneumatic manifolds can be integrated with downstream preparation devices, such as thermal regulating devices and separation and analysis devices.

Abstract: A photo-catalyst cleaning device includes a first photo-catalyst layer and a first electrode plate. The first photo-catalyst layer is capable of generating electrons and holes when absorbing excitation light. The first electrode plate is positioned corresponding to the first photo-catalyst layer. The first electrode plate is capable of polarizing the electrons and holes generated from the first photo-catalyst layer when bias voltage is applied to the first electrode plate.

Abstract: Water treatment method and apparatus according to which supply water containing dissolved matter is delivered to at least one treatment surface. An electric field is created in the vicinity of the treatment surface to cause a hydration layer to be established due to the bipolar nature of the water molecules. Water is then extracted from the hydration layer. Such extraction may be effected by osmosis or by removal of the element (s) from the supply water with the hydration layer water thereon, dehydration layer water subsequently being extracted from the element (s). The method has been devised to reduce energy consumption for the purpose of providing potable water from seawater.

Abstract: A contacting device, comprising a contacting element (104) for providing an electrical contact to fluid (103) insertable into a well (105) of a carrier element (106) to be coupled to a microfluidic chip (107), wherein the contacting element (104) is adapted to be attachable to or to be integrally formed with the carrier element (106).

Abstract: A method of supporting denitrification includes receiving biological material at a pulsed electric field station and applying a pulsed electric field to the biological material within a treatment zone in the pulse electric field station to generate treated biological material. The method also includes transporting at least a portion of the treated biological material to an anoxic bioreactor in substitution, at least in part, for an external source of electron donor. A system for supporting denitrification is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating dirty water or other liquids containing particles of varying size includes a magnetic treatment unit and a centrifugal separator through which the liquid flows as a stream in sequence. The magnetic treatment unit causes very small sized particles to agglomerate, nucleate or otherwise to be amassed into larger particles which are then more easily separated by the centrifugal separator.

Abstract: A chemical reaction is conducted in a fluid of a droplet inside a reaction receptacle or on a surface of a reaction substrate. Fluctuations of a magnetic field are applied to the droplet including an aqueous solution having magnetic body particles with a hydrophilic surface, and a physical force is transmitted to the surrounding aqueous solution through the magnetic body particles. The droplet is thus moved by the physical force to conduct an operation necessary for a chemical reaction.

Abstract: A system, structure, and method of making the structure are disclosed for generating a large chemical potential difference between spin-up and spin-down electrons in non-magnetic materials. The device includes an inverse spin valve of a sandwiched layer structure with alternating non-magnetic and magnetic layers. In an embodiment of the invention, the structure is a tri-layer device with a magnetic layer sandwiched by two non-magnetic metals. Once the inverse spin valve structure is provided, an external electric field is applied to the inverse spin valve to generate a large chemical potential difference between the spin-up and spin-down electrons. In an embodiment of the invention, this feature is exploited to create a tunable light emitting diode or laser. In an embodiment of the invention, a dynamical magnetism is induced and controlled in the valve by an electric field. The dynamical magnetization may be used as spin source, or in electronic storage devices.

Abstract: The suggested plant for decomposition of water by electrolysis permits to convert mechanical and heat energy into electrical and chemical energy as it contains an electrolyzer comprising: a body installed on a shaft connected to a drive and incorporating ducts for supplying electrolyte solution and extracting the electrolysis products as well as an electrolyte solution drain duct; short-circuited electrodes—one electrode installed on the shaft and the other one formed by the internal surface of the body; and a heat exchanger.

Abstract: In a container 10, a first electrode 11 containing a first electrically conductive material capable of adsorbing an ion and a second electrode 12 containing a second electrically conductive material capable of adsorbing an ion are immersed in a liquid (aqueous solution 13) containing at least one type of ion other than hydrogen ion and hydroxide ion. Then a voltage is applied between the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 so that the first electrode 11 serves as an anode. This voltage application allows the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 to adsorb anions and cations contained in the aqueous solution 13, respectively. In this ion adsorption step, the aqueous solution 13 is treated by a batch method. The voltage to be applied is higher than a voltage that causes electrolysis of a solvent of the solution, assuming that no voltage drop is caused by the liquid (aqueous solution 13).

Abstract: A substrate with spatially selective metal coating is produced by first applying biological templates onto parts of the surface of the substrate and applying a metal coating only once the biological templates have been deposited on the substrate. The biological templates are for example surface layer proteins (S-layer) and the metal coating is a noble metal coating. The substrates with spatially selective metal coating are used in catalysts or solid-state electrolyte sensors.