Abstract: A method for treating an infection using irreversible electroporation is presented. The method includes providing an ablation device that has at least one electrode and inserting the ablation device into a target tissue of a patient. The tissue at least partially surrounds the implanted medical device. The outer surface of the medical device is at least partially covered by infectious cells. The method also involves positioning at least one electrode in or near the implanted medical device and delivering electrical pulses to or near the implanted medical device sufficient to irreversibly electroporate the infectious cells.

Abstract: A disinfection device suitable for disinfection of water in a water line, wherein the device is adapted to receive water from the water line and for the disinfected water to exit the device. The disclosure also relates to a DUWL including the disinfection device, as well as a dental chair comprising the DUWL. Moreover, embodiments of the disclosure concern a method for disinfection of water in a water line.

Abstract: A power plant is configured to output power to a grid power system and comprises a hydrogen generation system configured to produce hydrogen, a gas turbine combined cycle power plant comprising a gas turbine engine configured to combust hydrogen from the hydrogen generation system to generate a gas stream that can be used to rotate a turbine shaft and a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) configured to generate steam with the gas stream of the gas turbine engine to rotate a steam turbine, a storage system configured to store hydrogen produced by the hydrogen generation system, and a controller configured to operate the hydrogen generation system with electricity from the grid power system when the grid power system has excess energy and balance active and reactive loads on the grid power system using at least one of the hydrogen generation system and the gas turbine combined cycle power plant.

Abstract: A system for electrochemically enhanced water filtration is provided. The system includes: a chamber plug-flow electrochemical cell; a first cathode and anode pair disposed in the cell; and a second cathode and anode pair disposed in the cell. The first and the second pair are collectively operative to apply a 2D electric field in at least one of a horizontal direction and a vertical direction with respect to the chamber plug-flow electrochemical cell.

Abstract: To provide a plating apparatus that prevents or reduces a diversion of an electric field. According to one embodiment, a plating apparatus for performing a plating process on a substrate held onto a substrate holder is provided. The plating apparatus includes a plating tank configured to receive the substrate holder holding the substrate, a block member that extends to an inside of the plating tank from a wall surface of the inside of the plating tank, and is movable inside the plating tank, and a moving mechanism configured to move the block member toward the substrate holder disposed inside the plating tank.

Abstract: There is provided a shielding plate that adjusts an electric potential distribution on a substrate near the substrate. According to one embodiment, there is provided a plating apparatus for performing a plating process on the substrate. The plating apparatus includes a substrate holder, the shielding plate, and a moving mechanism. The substrate holder holds the substrate. The shielding plate is disposed adjacent to the substrate holder. The moving mechanism moves the shielding plate in a direction of approaching the substrate holder and a direction away from the substrate holder. The shielding plate is moved to the substrate holder by the moving mechanism to be contactable with the substrate holder.

Abstract: The device uses pulsed electric fields to prevent the growth of biofilm and the attachment of bacteria to targeted surfaces. The device sets up an electric field around or surrounding the surface itself. These pulsed electric fields disrupt biofilm formation and bacterial attachment to surfaces. The device is meant to prevent the formation of biofilm or attachment of bacteria to a surface as opposed to disinfecting the surface.

Abstract: The invention concerns a subsea water processing system comprising an electrochemical unit that uses raw or treated seawater to generate high pH and low pH solutions that are used to clean at least one subsea process apparatus during a cleaning cycle by circulation through the at least one subsea process apparatus via acid or base flow lines connecting the electrochemical unit with the subsea process apparatus on-site.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a capacitive deionization (CDI) system for desalinating salt water. The system may have a capacitor formed by spaced apart first and second electrodes, which enable a fluid flow containing salt water to pass either between them or through them. An input electrical power source is configured to generate an electrical forcing signal between the two electrodes. The electrical forcing signal represents a periodic signal including at least one of voltage or current, and which can be represented as a Fourier series. One component of the Fourier series is a constant, and a second component of the Fourier series is a sinusoidal wave of non-zero frequency which has the highest amplitude of the additive components of the Fourier series. The amplitude of the sinusoidal wave component is between 0.85 and 1.25 times the amplitude of the periodic signal.

Abstract: A refrigerator comprises a refrigerator body, an air-conditioning membrane assembly and an air pump assembly. The refrigerator body defines a storage space and a compressor chamber therein, a storage container is arranged in the storage space, and a freshness-keeping space is defined inside the storage container. The air-conditioning membrane assembly is configured to allow more oxygen than nitrogen in airflow in a surrounding space of the air-conditioning membrane assembly to pass through the air-conditioning membrane and enter an oxygen-rich gas collection chamber. An inlet end of the air pump is communicated with the oxygen-rich gas collection chamber in a controlled manner via a pipeline and a pipeline switching mechanism, for pumping gas in the oxygen-rich gas collection chamber to the outside of the freshness-keeping space, such that the actual content of oxygen in the freshness-keeping space is in a range of 2% to 19%.

Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein relate to methods and apparatus for promoting bubble-free circulation of processing fluids in a recirculation system. Certain disclosed techniques involve passive, mechanical valve designs that promote variable resistance to flow in a drain. Other techniques involve automated flow control schemes that utilize feedback from flow meters, level sensors, etc. to achieve a balanced and bubble-free flow. The disclosed embodiments greatly reduce the incorporation of gas into a processing fluid, in particular as the processing fluid returns from a processing cell to a reservoir.

Abstract: State of charge determination within electrochemical systems, such as flow batteries, can often be difficult to measure, particularly in an in situ manner. Methods for assaying the condition of an electrochemical system can include: interacting electromagnetic radiation with a first electrolyte solution at a location within the electrochemical system, the electromagnetic radiation being delivered through an optical material configured to exhibit attenuated total reflectance at an interface between the optical material and the first electrolyte solution; receiving at a detector electromagnetic radiation that has interacted with the first electrolyte solution via one or more attenuated total reflectances within the optical material; and measuring an absorbance of at least one of an oxidized form or a reduced form of a first coordination compound within the first electrolyte solution via the electromagnetic radiation that is received at the detector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preventing microbial growth on a filtration membrane during desalination process. The method comprises that the membrane is exposed to a low concentration of performic acid by continuously or intermittently introducing performic acid to the membrane surface. When performic acid is added according to the present invention to the water flow, there is no significant reduction in the water flux through the membrane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of inhibiting corrosion by corrosive fluids, and more specifically to inhibiting corrosion of a metallic surface. The method comprising adding to the corrosive fluid a specifically selected ionic liquid which is added in an amount, based on the total weight of the corrosive fluid, effective to mitigate or alleviate corrosion.

Abstract: A portable dry scrubber comprises a gas flow control module comprising a gas receiving unit that receives inflow of gas from surrounding atmosphere or from a gas source, a gas processing module that removes hazardous matter from the gas flowed in through the gas receiving unit and a connection module that connects the gas flow control module detachably to the gas processing module. The connection module comprises quick coupling device that establishes and disassembles a gas flow passage between the gas flow control module and the gas processing module. Example of the quick coupling device is a quick release vacuum flange that engages with a connecting flange of the gas flow control module.

Abstract: Highly-pure graphite oxide, graphene oxide, or graphene is mass-produced. Graphite is oxidized by an oxidizer, so that a graphite oxide solution is obtained, and electrodialysis is performed on the graphite oxide solution to remove aqueous ions, whereby the purity of graphite oxide is increased. Graphene oxide manufactured using the graphite oxide is mixed with powder, and the mixture is reduced, whereby graphene exhibiting conductive properties is yielded and the powder can be bonded. Such graphene can be used instead of a conduction auxiliary agent or a binder of a variety of batteries.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a polymer-based large-area carbon nanomesh and a method for preparing same. More particularly, the present disclosure provides a method for preparing a carbon nanomesh, including: preparing a polymer nanofilm by coating a solution of a block copolymer or a polymer mixture thereof on a substrate; stabilizing the polymer nanofilm by annealing such that the polymer nanofilm is phase-separated, a pore-forming polymer is removed and, at the same time, a nanomesh-forming polymer forms a stabilized porous polymer nanomesh; and carbonizing the stabilized porous polymer nanomesh by annealing at high temperature to prepare a carbon nanomesh. Using phase separation and cyclization of a polymer, a large-area carbon nanomesh with superior activity can be prepared simply with high reproducibility in large scale.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing the potassium concentration of a dialysate fluid during hemodialysis therapy using cation exchange materials that do not release sodium ions.

Abstract: There is disclosed an electrode array architecture employing continuous and discontinuous circumferential electrodes. There is further disclosed a process for the neutralization of acid generated at anode(s) by base generated at cathode(s) circumferentially located to each other so as to confine a region of pH change. The cathodes can be displayed as concentric rings (continuous) or as counter electrodes in a cross pattern (discontinuous). In this way reagents, such as acid, generated in a center electrode are countered (neutralized) by reagents, such as base, generated at the corners or at the outer ring.

Abstract: Provided is a water treatment apparatus using an apparatus for generating fine bubbles having a positive charge. The water treatment apparatus comprises: an apparatus for generating fine bubbles having a positive charge; a treatment bath into which the fine bubbles generated in the apparatus for generating fine bubbles are supplied and in which raw water is stored; and an ultrasonic oscillator for generating ultrasonic waves having a predetermined intensity when power is applied to explode the fine bubbles floating up to a water level after the fine bubbles are supplied into said treatment bath. Thus, germs attached to the fine bubbles may be sterilized by an exploding force generated when the fine bubbles are exploded.

Abstract: A novel method for purifying hydrogen fluoride, capable of efficiently reducing the content of arsenic in hydrogen fluoride. The method includes the steps of (a) bringing a crude hydrogen fluoride containing arsenic trifluoride into contact with an oxidizing agent of a metal fluoride in a liquid state in a reactor to obtain a reaction mixture, wherein arsenic pentafluoride is formed by oxidizing arsenic trifluoride with the oxidizing agent of the metal fluoride through a liquid-liquid reaction; and (b) separating purified hydrogen fluoride from the reaction mixture by a separator, the thus obtained purified hydrogen fluoride having a lower content of arsenic than that of the crude hydrogen fluoride.

Abstract: A method for forming a semiconductor device includes carrying out an anodic oxidation of a surface region of a semiconductor substrate to form an oxide layer at a surface of the semiconductor substrate by generating an attracting electrical field between the semiconductor substrate and an external electrode within an electrolyte to attract oxidizing ions of the electrolyte, causing an oxidation of the surface region of the semiconductor substrate. Further, the method includes reducing the number of remaining oxidizing ions within the oxide layer, while the semiconductor substrate is within an electrolyte.

Abstract: A method for producing a solid layer material (42), comprising providing (70) a first layer (30); providing (72) a second liquid layer (32) on the first layer (30); providing (74) a third liquid layer (34) on the second liquid layer (32), wherein the third liquid layer has a melting point that is higher than a melting point of the second liquid layer, and wherein the second liquid layer is between the first and third layers; cooling (76) a surface of the third liquid layer to a temperature less than the melting point of the third liquid layer; forming (78) the solid layer from the third liquid layer while cooling the third layer liquid; and removing (80) the solid layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrochemical cell, particularly useful in electrochemical processes carried out with periodic reversal of polarity. The cell is equipped with concentric pairs of electrodes arranged in such a way that, in each stage of the process, the cathodic area is equal to the anodic area.

Abstract: An electrochemically-assisted megasonic cleaning method includes applying an electrical potential to a conductive surface immersed in solution to form bubbles of gaseous molecules produced by electrochemical reaction, and applying a megasonic field to the solution to oscillate the bubbles and clean the conductive surface without causing damage. An electrochemically-assisted megasonic cleaning system includes an electrical supply for applying electrical potential to a conductive surface immersed in solution to induce bubble formation in the solution and at the surface through an electrochemical reaction, and a transducer for applying a megasonic field to the solution to induce oscillation of the bubbles.

Abstract: A low energy water treatment system and method is provided. The system has at least one electrodialysis device that produces partially treated water and a brine byproduct, a softener, and at least one electrodeionization device. The partially treated water stream can be softened by the softener to reduce the likelihood of scale formation and to reduce energy consumption in the electrodeionization device, which produces water having target properties. At least a portion of the energy used by the electrodeionization device can be generated by concentration differences between the brine and seawater streams introduced into compartments thereof. The brine stream can also be used to regenerate the softener.

Abstract: An electrochlorination and electrochemical system for the on-site generation and treatment of municipal water supplies and other reservoirs of water, by using a custom mixed oxidant and mixed reductant generating system for the enhanced destruction of water borne contaminants by creating custom oxidation-reduction-reactant chemistries with real time monitoring. A range of chemical precursors are provided that when acted upon in an electrochemical cell either create an enhanced oxidation, or reduction environment for the destruction or control of contaminants. Chemical agents that can be used to control standard water quality parameters such as total hardness, total alkalinity, pH, total dissolved solids, and the like are introduced via the chemical precursor injection subsystem infrequently or in real time based on sensor inputs and controller set points.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method, system and equipment for the elaboration of electrolytic chlorine oxidants, hypochlorous acid and sodium hypochlorite substances, using elements that result in an ecological process and confers a high efficiency in the production of these substances, permitting the generation of a product of very high performance and efficiency.

Abstract: An ozone supply module for supplying ozonated water to an appliance that typically includes: an appliance module housing having a water inlet; a water outlet; and an electrical connection for receiving electrical power; a proton exchange membrane cell positioned within the housing; and a water conveying system within the module housing and operably connected to both the water inlet and water outlet. The water conveying system is typically configured to allow water to flow through the deionizing resin and into contact with the proton exchange membrane cell. The module and the proton exchange membrane cell receive electrical power from a home appliance when the module is operably connected to the appliance. The module produces water that contains (dissolved) ozone to be delivered to a chamber within the appliance when the module is in the engaged position with the appliance. The appliance is typically a residential appliance.

Abstract: Solution-phase (e.g., homogeneous) or surface-immobilized (e.g., heterogeneous) electrode-driven oxidation catalysts based on iridium coordination compounds which self-assemble upon chemical or electrochemical oxidation of suitable precursors and methods of making and using thereof are. Iridium species such as {[Ir(LX)x(H2O)y(?-O)]zm+}n wherein x, y, m are integers from 0-4, z and n from 1-4 and LX is an oxidation-resistant chelate ligand or ligands, such as such as 2(2-pyridyl)-2-propanolate, form upon oxidation of various molecular iridium complexes, for instance [Cp*Ir(LX)OH] or [(cod)Ir(LX)] (Cp*=pentamethylcyclopentadienyl, cod=cis-cis,1,5-cyclooctadiene) when exposed to oxidative conditions, such as sodium periodate (NaIO4) in aqueous solution at ambient conditions.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods and systems comprising hydrodynamic cavitation, microwave irradiation, and at least one of oxidative sonoelectrolysis and reductive sonoelectrolysis, providing feedstock purification of at least one of water, fluid and mineral. Contaminants, broken down and chemically degraded into smaller and more volatile substances by hydrodynamic cavitation are ultimately destroyed in the course of one or more sonoelectrolysis steps. In various embodiments, at least one of oxidative sonoelectrolysis and reductive sonoelectrolysis is irradiated with microwaves in order to heat the sonoplasma present within acoustic cavitation bubbles to temperatures sufficient to destroy contaminants therein.

Abstract: A method of regenerating an etch solution comprising a metastable complex of manganese(III) ions in a strong acid is described in which at least a portion of the manganese(III) ions in the metastable complex have been destabilized, causing them to disproportionate into manganese dioxide and manganese(II) ions. The method includes the steps of i) adding an effective amount of a reducing agent to the solution; ii) allowing the reducing agent to react with the solution to cause manganese dioxide to dissolve; and (iii) applying an electrical current to regenerate manganese(III) ions in the solution.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to efficiently sterilize microorganisms present in or on a surface of a liquid. Plasma is generated in a vicinity of or in a manner to make contact with a liquid whose pH value is adjusted to become 4.8 or lower, more preferably 4.5 or lower. The plasma is generated in an atmospheric gas containing nitrogen, e.g., in the air. Superoxide anion radicals (O2?.) that are generated by the plasma react with protons (H+) in the liquid to form hydroperoxy radicals (HOO.). Further, nitrogen and oxygen included in the air are combined together by the action of plasma to form nitrogen oxide such as nitric oxide (NO.). The nitric oxide (NO.) combines with the hydroperoxy radicals (HOO.) to become peroxynitrite (ONOOH(ONOO?)) having a high microbiocidal activity.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a device comprising (i) a composite material comprising (1) a plurality of conductive or semiconductive nanotubes, and (2) a matrix arranged between these nanotubes and (ii) means allowing said composite material to be subjected to an electric field. The present invention also concerns the uses of said device in particular to defoul or to modify a composite material and to electroporate at least one cell.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the use of a split and single electrical cells in industrial applications, and particularly in aseptic packaging applications.

Abstract: The invention addresses the problem of improving the adhesion between silver surfaces and resin materials, such as epoxy resins and mold materials, used in the production of electronic devices. The invention provides a method for improving the adhesion between a silver surface and a resin material comprising a step of electrolytically treating the silver surface with a solution containing a hydroxide selected from alkali metal hydroxides, alkaline earth metal hydroxides, ammonium hydroxides and mixtures thereof, wherein the silver surface is the cathode.

Abstract: A Real Time Locating System (RTLS) hygiene management and monitoring system for individuals and companies to manage and monitor the hygiene of their surroundings. In some embodiments of the invention, RTLS is used to monitor and manage cleanliness of rooms and surfaces and the location of cleaning supplies and cleaning personnel. The invention provides improved efficiency and quality of hygiene services. For instance, the invention can enable prioritization of cleaning, improve efficient use of cleaning supplies and cleaning personnel, track short and long term cleaning operations, and provide insight into ineffective cleaning.

Abstract: An electrochemical reactor for removing mining constituents from a fluid is disclosed. The electrochemical reactor includes a housing defining a flow path and a pump configured to continuously move fluid through the flow path at a flow rate. The electrochemical reactor also includes a power supply coupled to the housing, an anode and a cathode coupled to the power supply, and a controller configured to selectively engage the power supply power supply. The power supply applies an electrical potential between the anode and the cathode when engaged.

Abstract: There is provided an electrolyte solution including a solvent formed from a sulfone, and a magnesium salt dissolved in the solvent.

Abstract: A method of operating a capacitive deionization cell using a regeneration cycle to increase pure flow rate and efficiency of the cell.

Abstract: The present invention includes an article of manufacture or device, or related system, comprising a heterogeneous surface for selective analyte sensing or separation. Such an article can comprise a surface member and a plurality of spaced components extending therefrom and coupled thereto, such a surface member and spaced components providing a surface heterogeneity selected from different electrostatic interactions, different non-electrostatic interactions and a combination of such interactions, such that the interactions are at least partially sufficient for selective analyte interaction and/or separation. Each such component extension can be of a nanometer dimension about the Debye length of a medium comprising an analyte particle exposed to such a surface. An analyte particle, optionally of a mixture of particles, can be dimensioned from about 30 nm to 20 ?m.

Abstract: A system for hydrogen sulfide removal from a sour gas mixture including hydrogen sulfide. The sour gas mixture is reacted with a transition metal compound in a scrubber. Sulfide from the hydrogen sulfide is oxidized to form elemental sulfur and the transition metal is reduced to form a reduced state transition metal compound. An electrochemical redox reaction is performed including the reduced state transition metal compound to regenerate the transition metal compound in an electrolyzer including a power source. During the electrochemical redox reaction a voltage from the power source applied to the electrolyzer is controlled to regenerate the transition metal compound at a rate sufficient to match a flow rate of hydrogen sulfide into the scrubber or maintain a predetermined maximum hydrogen sulfide level out from the scrubber. The transition metal compound regenerated is returned to the scrubber for the reacting.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the use of a split and single electrical cells in industrial applications, and particularly in aseptic packaging applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to a superficial treatment method by electrolysis of ferrous surfaces to enhance friction or tread and seizing resistance features, wherein the surfaces provide the electrolysis anode, the electrolysis bath includes a sulphur species, primarily contains water and also contains a chloride salt and a nitrogen species in quantities which facilitates the sulphuration reaction of the surfaces.

Abstract: Methods for enhancing alkalinity and performance of ash-based detergents are disclosed. Nonhazardous ash-based detergent alkalinity is enhanced through increasing the ratio of sodium hydroxide to ash-based alkalinity. Methods according to the invention do not require the addition of chemical ingredients, do not generate additional waste streams and use the entirety of the ash-based detergent. The methods according to the invention provide alkalinity-enhanced detergent use solutions that are sufficiently concentrated for adequate cleaning capability while only requiring minimal amounts of the use solution to be dispensed for an in situ cleaning process.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for electrochemical conversion of dibenzothiophene type molecules of petroleum feedstreams selectively to mercaptan compounds that can then be more easily removed from the electrochemically treated product stream by either caustic extraction or thermal decomposition of the thiol functionality to hydrogen sulfide. The conversion of dibenzothiophenes to mercaptans is performed by electrochemical means in the substantial absence of hydrogen and in the substantial absence of water.

Abstract: Embodiments include membrane restoration process. A membrane can be restored by replacing an anolyte and a catholyte of a cell with a solution having an organic acid. The cell can include an anode, a cathode and a membrane fouled with a metal. A cheleate can be formed with the metal and the organic acid of the solution and an electric current can be provided between the anode and the cathode of the cell to protect the cell from corrosion while forming the chelate.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating CO2 from an electrolyte solution are provided. Example apparatus can include: a vessel defining an interior volume and configured to house an electrolyte solution; an input conduit in fluid communication with the interior volume; an output conduit in fluid communication with the interior volume; an exhaust conduit in fluid communication with the interior volume; and an anode located within the interior volume. Other example apparatus can include: an elongated vessel having two regions; an input conduit extending outwardly from the one region; an output conduit extending outwardly from the other region; an exhaust conduit in fluid communication with the one region; and an anode located within the one region. Methods for separating CO2 from an electrolyte solution are provided. Example methods can include: providing a CO2 rich electrolyte solution to a vessel containing an anode; and distributing hydrogen from the anode to acidify the electrolyte solution.

Abstract: A Ti02-based photocatalyst is fabricated as a composite of titania with adhered nanostructures which contain a non-noble metal in galvanic contact with a noble metal. The catalyst effectively overcome aging and/or deactivation effects observed in a system free of the non-noble metal. The composite material showed a corrosion protective effect on the photoactivity of fresh catalyst for over 180-240 days, and it enhanced the rate of the water reduction reaction relative to bare Ti02. Variations in porosity and non-noble metal content of the alloy portion of the nanostructures influenced the performance of the catalyst composite. The protective effect of the non-noble metal is through a cathodic corrosion protection mechanism.

Abstract: A method and system for treating a combustible fluid and operating a combustion system, where the combustible fluid is introduced into an electrolysis cell, electrochemically activated in the electrolysis cell, and combusted in a combustion-based engine.