Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the break-up of at least one emulsion and separation of the light and heavy phase with at least an de-emulsification rate of more than 95% in only one apparatus (module) within less than 5 min by applying at least one time dependent or temporal changeable electrical field wherein the at least one electrical field is a high frequency (HF) singular alternating current (AC) field with an electrical field strength between 2,000 and 100,000 V/m and a frequency (HF) between 12,000 Hz and 200,000 Hz. The present invention relates furthermore to a method for the treatment of at least one emulsion by applying at least one direct current (DC) field and at least one high frequency alternating current-HF/AC field wherein the at least one DC field, in particular a pulsed DC-field, and the at least one HF/AC field are applied in series to the emulsion to be treated. The present invention refers further to a device for conducting said methods.

Abstract: A desalter/dehydrator system that comprises a pressure vessel, and first and second distribution headers disposed within the pressure vessel. The first distribution header is configured to inject an oil/water emulsion at a location within an electric field generated within the pressure vessel. The second distribution header is configured to inject the oil/water emulsion at a location below an electric field generated within the pressure vessel.

Abstract: Flow battery. The battery includes high energy density fluid electrodes having a selected non-Newtonian rheology and structure for providing intermittent flow pulses of controlled volume and duration of the fluid electrodes, the structure adapted to promote interfacial slip to improve flow uniformity. The battery disclosed herein provides a potential solution to large-scale electrical energy storage needs.

Abstract: A water sterilization device includes: (1) a conduit; (2) a first porous electrode housed in the conduit; (3) a second porous electrode housed in the conduit and disposed adjacent to the first porous electrode; and (4) an electrical source coupled to the first porous electrode and the second porous electrode to apply a voltage difference between the first porous electrode and the second porous electrode. The conduit is configured to provide passage of a fluid stream through the first porous electrode and the second porous electrode, and an inactivation efficiency of pathogens in the fluid stream is at least about 99%, such as at least about 99.9% or at least about 99.95%.

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: 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: Apparatus, systems, and methods for capacitive desalination using segmented electrodes in a flow-through or flow-between configuration. The segmented electrodes constitute layered stack electrode units. Each electrode includes pores into which the target salt water flows. An electrical circuit energizes the electrodes and produces an electrical field acting on the target salt water producing desalted water. The segmented electrodes provide ultra-thin cells into a robust framework necessary for desalination applications which yield orders of magnitude faster desalination.

Abstract: The present invention provides an epoch-making fluid reforming device which requires a small installation site, avoids clogging of pipes, allows uniform on-site adjustment, does not use chemicals or minimizes chemicals ii any, enables germ treatment, and purifies and reforms every fluid including water. The fluid reforming device has (a) a container for fluid reforming having an inlet for introducing an unpurified fluid and an outlet for discharging a purified fluid; (b) a pair or a plurality of pairs of AC application electrodes stored in the container; (c) a cylindrical ground electrode surrounding the AC application electrodes; (d) a polarity switching circuit connected to the AC application electrodes for switching the polarities of the pair of electrodes; and (e) a constant current supply having a current detector for detecting current flowing between the AC application electrodes in fluid reforming, the constant current supply keeping a current value detected by the current detector constant.

Abstract: In a capacitive deionization water desalination apparatus, the waterways of the cell are physically switchable between treatment-phase and purge-phase. In treatment-phase, the waterways conduct the flow of water thickness-wise, in-series, through the whole stack of electrodes and spacers. In purge-phase, the waterways conduct the flow of purge-water into the edges of the spacers, and along the spacers parallel to the plane of the spacers.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses to transform contaminants in water by electrolytic processes are described. In some embodiments, the apparatuses and electrolytic processes couple an anode comprising iron and a high specific surface area cathode. Methods and apparatuses described herein provide advantages over conventional apparatuses and methods such as, for example, cost savings, efficiency, environmentally benign impact and versality for a variety contaminants.

Abstract: A solid electrolyte producing system includes a supercapacitor desalination device comprising a power supply and a supercapacitor desalination unit. The supercapacitor desalination unit includes a pair of electrodes electrically coupled to the power supply and operable in a charging mode of operation and a discharging mode of operation. A feeding source is configured to provide a feed liquid to the supercapacitor desalination unit when the supercapacitor desalination unit is in the charging mode of operation. The feed liquid comprises at least one determined electrolyte. A crystallization device is providing for receiving a concentrated liquid from the supercapacitor desalination device in the discharging mode of operation, the concentrated liquid being a saturated liquid or supersaturated liquid of the at least one determined type of electrolyte. The at least one determined type of electrolyte precipitates in the crystallization device as solid electrolyte.

Abstract: Disclosed is a unit for producing sterilized water. The unit comprises an electrode module, a pair of electrode rods and a frame. The electrode module includes a pair of electrode plates and a hollow electrode separator positioned between the electrode plates to separate the electrode plates from each other. Each of the electrode plates has a plurality of elongated slots formed therein. The electrode rods apply different voltages to the respective electrode plates. The frame is positioned at one side of the electrode module and has portions for receiving the respective electrode rods. Each of the electrode plates has a pair of holes formed at the circumference thereof. The electrode rods penetrate through the respective holes. The holes have different sizes. The electrode plates are stacked in such a manner that the holes having different sizes overlap each other. This stack enables the application of different voltages to the electrode plates through the respective electrode rods.

Abstract: Blends comprising a sulfonated block copolymer and particulate carbon are useful materials for membranes, films and coatings in applications which require high dimensional stability, high water vapor transport, high conductivity, and low flammability. The sulfonated block copolymer comprises at least two polymer end blocks A and at least one polymer interior block B wherein each A block contains essentially no sulfonic acid or sulfonate functional groups and each B block is a polymer block containing from about 10 to about 100 mol percent sulfonic acid or sulfonate functional groups based on the number of monomer units of the B block.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method to remove ions from water is disclosed. The apparatus has a stack of at least five electrodes in a housing. The stack may have at least three master electrodes, each master electrode comprising a current collector connected to a power controller configured to apply an electrical potential difference. The apparatus is configured such that the electrical potential difference is applied between each two adjacent master electrodes. The stack may have at least two floating electrodes, each floating electrode located between at least two adjacent master electrodes. The apparatus is constructed to allow water to flow from an inlet of the housing to an outlet of the housing between at least two adjacent electrodes and at least one floating electrode may be constructed to attract ions from the water as a result of the electrical potential difference between at least two master electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new method and apparatus/system for purifying ionic solutions, such as, for example, desalinating water, using engineered charged surfaces to sorb ions from such solutions. Surface charge is applied externally, and is synchronized with oscillatory fluid movements between substantially parallel charged plates. Ions are held in place during fluid movement in one direction (because they are held in the electrical double layer), and released for transport during fluid movement in the opposite direction by removing the applied electric field. In this way the ions, such as salt, are “ratcheted” across the charged surface from the feed side to the concentrate side. The process itself is very simple and involves only pumps, charged surfaces, and manifolds for fluid collection.

Abstract: An electrode module capable of improving productivity by integrally bonding a current collector and a pair of electrodes using a protective film. The current collector receives power from an external power supply, and the pair of electrodes receives power from the current collector. The current collector and electrodes are integrally bonded by thermocompression using a protective film.

Abstract: A method of forming a carbon and titanium containing composite that includes mixing a titanium-containing powder with carbon and forming the mixture of the titanium-containing-powder and carbon into a composite structure at a temperature of less than 1500° C. The forming process provides a net shape having dimensions within 90% or greater than the final shape of the product. The binder of the composite is provided by the titanium, and the dispersed phase of the composite is provided by the carbon. The carbon and titanium containing composite may be employed as in applications including capacitive deionization (CDI), gas separation, chromatography, catalysis and electrode.

Abstract: An electrode “flow-through” capacitive desalination system wherein feed water is pumped through the pores of a pair of monolithic porous electrodes separated by an ultrathin non-conducting porous film. The pair of monolithic porous electrodes are porous conductors made of a material such as activated carbon aerogel. The feed water flows through the electrodes and the spacing between electrodes is on the order 10 microns.

Abstract: The capacitive electrodes of the CDI cell are arranged to form a tube. Water to be treated flows through the tube-walls. The CDI electrodes are permeable, and form the tube-walls, whereby the flow passes through the thicknesses of the electrodes and of the spacers. The electrodes may be in the form of concentric tubes, or may be wrapped spirally.

Abstract: Technologies are generally described for method and apparatus for separating ions, such as arsenic, from a fluid, such as water. The apparatus includes a capacitor. The capacitor includes a material having a nanoscale porous structure, such as a plurality of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs), and metal oxide nanoparticles, such as magnetite, disposed over the nanoscale porous structure. A portable water purifier employing the capacitor can effectively remove ions from water with a low voltage applied to the capacitor.

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

Abstract: An electrochemical cell for producing copper having a dense graphite anode electrode and a dense graphite cathode electrode disposed in a CuCl solution. An anion exchange membrane made of poly(ethylene vinyl alcohol) and polyethylenimine cross-linked with a cross-linking agent selected from the group consisting of acetone, formaldehyde, glyoxal, glutaraldehyde, and mixtures thereof is disposed between the two electrodes.

Abstract: A water sterilization device includes: (1) a conduit including an inlet to provide entry of untreated water and an outlet to provide exit of treated water; (2) a porous electrode housed in the conduit and disposed between the inlet and the outlet, the porous electrode including a porous support and nanostructures coupled to the porous support; and (3) an electrical source coupled to the porous electrode.

Abstract: The electrodes of the described CDI cell are porous and permeable. The liquid to be deionized (e.g. salt water to be desalinated) flows through the electrodes. The electrodes are arranged in a stack, alternating anode/cathode, and water being treated passes through every electrode in the whole stack. For regeneration, the cells are connected (short-circuited) together, and the ions are dislodged mainly by flushing action. The through-flow arrangement can be realized in a number of different configurations.

Abstract: A conductivity measurement device, at least for the determination of the fill height of electrically conductive liquids. There are provided a measuring element with at least one carrier body and at least two electrodes having a first and a second end and extending in the vertical direction, wherein the electrodes have at least one screened region in the region of the first end and each electrode has at least a first and a second exposed contact surface, each being adjacent to the screened region. A liquid treatment device with such a conductivity measurement device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new method and apparatus/system for purifying ionic solutions, such as, for example, desalinating water, using engineered charged surfaces to sorb ions from such solutions. Surface charge is applied externally, and is synchronized with oscillatory fluid movements between substantially parallel charged plates. Ions are held in place during fluid movement in one direction (because they are held in the electrical double layer), and released for transport during fluid movement in the opposite direction by removing the applied electric field. In this way the ions, such as salt, are “ratcheted” across the charged surface from the feed side to the concentrate side. The process itself is very simple and involves only pumps, charged surfaces, and manifolds for fluid collection.

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: Fluid treatment devices are disclosed. The fluid treatment devices may include a first electrode and a second electrode and a control device which provides an alternating potential difference between the first electrode and the second electrode.

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: 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: 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: Disclosed is a silver ion water generating apparatus which can improve sterilizing and purifying forces even in a large water tank by widening the contact surface of silver as same weight increasing the amount of the generated silver ions, can be easily maintained by facilitating the exchange of a silver foam, and can prevent the silver ion water from not being properly generated due to the inferiority of current flow between the silver foam and the electrode terminal in use. The silver ion generating apparatus is consist of a water tank for storing water and positive and negative electrodes installed in the interior of the water tank. The positive electrode includes a silver foam in which open cells are formed. A plurality of conductive net bodies connected to an exterior positive electrode terminal are detachably installed in the interior of the water tank. Each silver foam is accommodated in the interior of the conductive net body.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for electrochemical modification of liquid streams employing an electrolytic cell which utilizes an oxidation site defined by an anode, an anode compartment comprising liquid electrolyte anolyte where oxidation is effected, a cathode compartment comprising liquid electrolyte catholyte where reduction is effected, a cathode comprising conducting cathode particulates forming a cathode particulates bed and a current feeder device in at least intermittent contact with said cathode particulates where the cathode particulates are in motion and the particulates motion is substantially independent of bulk electrolyte flow, a separator which confines the cathode particulates to the cathode compartment, constrains electrolyte flow through the cathode particulates bed and permits ionic conduction of current between the anode and cathode, a cathode particulates conveyance system that manipulates cathode particulates motion.

Abstract: Particle collection, transport, and detection systems are disclosed. The systems are uniquely adapted for collecting or concentrating particles from a flowing medium and then transporting the collected particles to a desired location or for subsequent analysis. Electrostatic traveling wave grids can be used in conjunction with sample concentrators.

Abstract: Particle collection, transport, and detection systems are disclosed. The systems are uniquely adapted for collecting or concentrating particles from a flowing medium and then transporting the collected particles to a desired location or for subsequent analysis. Electrostatic traveling wave grids can be used in conjunction with sample concentrators.

Abstract: Disclosed is A flow-through electrochemical reactor comprising a body having an internal chamber, and an inlet port and an outlet port in communication with said internal chamber to permit flow of wastewater therethrough, at least one porous anode arranged in said internal chamber such that the wastewater flowing between said inlet port and said outlet port flows through the pores of said at least one porous anode, said at least one porous anode having activity for the destruction of a target substance, and at least one cathode disposed in the internal chamber to permit an electric current to be established between said at least one cathode and said at least one anode, said electric current reducing the concentration of said target substance in the wastewater flowing through the chamber.

Abstract: A carbon-reinforced electrode is disclosed. The electrode is formed from a high surface area absorptive material ("HSAAM electrode") made from resorcinol, formaldehyde, a carbon reinforcing agent, a catalyst, and reaction products thereof, and is in a carbonized form. This electrode removes ions from a liquid when an electric current is applied. The liquid may be passed through a thickness of the electrode, or may be passed by the surface of the electrode. A method of making the HSAAM electrodes is also disclosed. The HSAAM electrodes are formed from setting a polymerized mixture of resorcinol, formaldehyde and a carbon reinforcing agent supplied in the form of carbon fibers, carbon felt or cellulose under controlled temperature and time constraints, and subsequently firing the resulting product so as to carbonize the electrode.

Abstract: An apparatus for deionization of a liquid is disclosed. The apparatus has a number of deionization cells, each cell having two different types of electrodes. The first type of electrode is formed from a high surface area absorptive material ("HSAAM electrode") made from resorcinol, formaldehyde, a carbon reinforcing agent, a catalyst, and reaction products thereof, and is in a carbonized form. This electrode removes ions when an electric current is applied. The second type of electrode, which does not remove ions, is formed from a non-HSAAM material. Each deionization cell has a single HSAAM electrode bordered on either side by a non-HSAAM electrode, and adjacent deionization cells do not share any electrodes of either type. The non-HSAAM electrodes are formed from carbon cloth or carbon felt fixed to one side of a plexiglass sheet, and two such sheets are needed to form a cell.

Abstract: An apparatus for deionization of a liquid is disclosed. The apparatus has a number of deionization cells, each cell having two different types of electrodes. The first type of electrode is formed from a high surface area absorptive material ("HSAAM electrode") made from resorcinol, formaldehyde, a carbon reinforcing agent, a catalyst, and reaction products thereof, and is in a carbonized form. This electrode removes ions when an electric current is applied. The second type of electrode, which does not remove ions, is formed from a non-HSAAM material. Each deionization cell has a single HSAAM electrode bordered on either side by a non-HSAAM electrode, and adjacent deionization cells do not share any electrodes of either type. The non-HSAAM electrodes are formed from carbon cloth or carbon felt fixed to one side of a plexiglass sheet, and two such sheets are needed to form a cell.

Abstract: This invention relates to a separator device for the separation of fine particles from a contaminated liquid. The device utilizes the process of electrolysis to produce small gas bubbles which attach themselves to the fine particles and move the particles to the top of the liquid surface where they can be easily removed. The separation is facilitated by the use of baffles which prevent the formation of convection currents in the body of the separator device, and by inclined plates which direct the rising particles towards the removal point.

Abstract: The invention comprises a fluid treatment of electrostatic flocculation of minute particles in a fluid such as oil. The device has a electrostatic chamber which has a plurality of perforated metal screens aligned along a path in the chamber. Means are provided to electrically charge the screens in an alternating polarity along the path with the charge creating a magnetic field on the screens for flocculation of the minute particles. The chamber has inlet ports and outlet ports spaced from one another in the chamber.

Abstract: A method of charging, coagulating, and filtering out particulates in a fluid. In this method, impurity particulates typified by coloring matter particulates can be efficiently removed without inducing clogging and without the need of maintenance for a long time. Also, a filter element used in this method and a fluid-filtering device are offered. The whole filtering layer of the filter element is made of a conductive layer having numerous voids passing the fluid, or the filter element has plural filtering layers of a conductive material. A filtering layer made of a conductive material is used as an electrically charging electrode.