Abstract: This invention relates generally to apparatuses and processes for preparing fibrinogen glue from autologous plasma. More particularly, this invention relates to a novel apparatus comprising a plasma membrane separator to extract and separate the autologous plasma from other undesirable compositions in the blood. The autologous plasma is transferred to a membrane separator to provide separation of the fibrinogen from other compositions with a desirable amount of ether or other suitable solvents containing an-OH group in the presence of a mixing means. The fibrinogen so separated is transferred to a fibrinogen collector which is connected to a vacuum pump through a sterile filter to remove the ether or other suitable solvents contained thereof. A freezer is provided to maintain the autologous plasma in the membrane separator and the fibrinogen in the fibrinogen collector at a desirable temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting a substance has a fluid source providing pressurized fluid, a heating device, a heat transferring device and a vacuum producing device. The heating device is coupled to the fluid source and is adapted to cause a first pressurized fluid from the fluid source to become heated. The heat transferring device is coupled to the heating device for receiving the heated first pressurized fluid, and is adapted for transferring heat from the first pressurized fluid to a heatable substance. The vacuum producing device has first and second inlet openings, the first inlet opening is fluidly coupled to the fluid source for receiving a second pressurized fluid from the fluid source and the second inlet opening is adapted for receiving the heatable substance. The variation of the apparatus can recycle heated fluid back into the apparatus once used to heat the heatable substance.

Abstract: A device for producing fibrinogen includes a platen having a surface configured for heat exchange with a container, which is adhered to the platen by device of a vacuum and heat exchange allowing both cooling and heating to occur along the boundary between the container and the platen. The platen is operatively coupled to a device of rocking the platen about a horizontal axis and the container allows scavenging of a cryoprecipitate fibrinogen from the blood product for subsequent utilization.

Abstract: There is described a method for the separation of liquids of different densities that are not soluble in one another, such as water and oil, where a liquid mixture is placed in a tank in which heat is optionally supplied to the liquid mixture, and separation occurs as the liquid having the highest density sinks toward the bottom of the tank and forms a layer (a) where it may be tapped off, and the liquid having the lowest density rises and forms a layer (c) at the top of the tank (1), and that between the separated liquids is a mixed layer (b) comprising a mixture of the liquids, where the liquid mixture to be separated is fed into the tank in a manner generating the least possible vertical liquid flow, and where the liquid mixture is fed into the tank through one or more outlets that are disposed in a closed-off section of the tank. Also described is an apparatus for carrying out the method.

Abstract: Installation for the sterilization of a body of water wherein the water is conveyed through a heat exchanger to a heat source, where it is heated up to the sterilization temperature. This stream of hot water transfers its heat to the incoming stream of water, leaving the heat exchanger at a temperature that is only slightly higher than that of the incoming water.

Abstract: Apparatus for continuously pasteurizing liquid by continuously flowing the liquid within a high electric field, comprises a body of electrical insulator material forming a wall, opening portions formed in the wall body as passages for the liquid therethrough, at least a pair of electrode wires laid across the opening portions, and a mechanism for applying an alternating current voltage across the pair of electrode wires. Joints and pipes may be connected to the wall body and together with the opening portions define a fluid passage through which the liquid continuously flows for being pasteurized. A method of continuous liquid pasteurization using the apparatus involves applying an alternating current voltage between the pair of electrode wires under the conditions of 2000.ltoreq.H/d.ltoreq.200 where d (mm) is the distance between the wires and H (volt) is the voltage applied thereacross, and such that the liquid is heated.

Abstract: Original seawater is supplied to a pre-treatment equipment, and a flocculated material produced by exerting a magnetic force and injecting ozone is removed by filtration. The seawater pretreated by the pre-treatment equipment is supplied to a reverse osmosis membrane module. Concentrated salt water discharged from the reverse osmosis membrane module is supplied to an electrodialyser unit. The concentrated salt water discharged from the electrodialyser unit is supplied to an evaporator. In the evaporator, the concentrated salt water is evaporated to dry solid salt. A part or all of desalted water discharged from the electrodialyser unit is returned to the reverse osmosis membrane module. Permeated water discharged from the reverse osmosis membrane module and evaporated water obtained by the evaporator are supplied as potable water.

Abstract: A process of cost-optimized control of a mechanical filter that is situated in a flow of cooling water driven by a cooling water pump in a heat exchanger and that can be regenerated by means of a flushing system involves the following steps: at least one measurement value is determined from which the filter's current degree of soiling is derived and this value is fed to a flush command generator; by means of the functional dependencies and/or data stored in the flush command generator a first and a second performance loss are calculated at predeterminable intervals, the first performance loss comprising the performance loss due to the filter's degree of soiling and the second performance loss comprising the performance loss due to a flushing operation at the current degree of soiling; from the progression over time of the first computed performance loss are determined the total performance losses since the last regeneration as a result of the soiling of the filter; a current second energy loss is calculated f

Abstract: An assembly for connection to the drain of a cooking appliance which diverts low volume flow effluent from the drain is disclosed. The assembly includes a pipe defining a main flow channel. An auxiliary exit port is connected to said pipe in such a way that the low volume flow will be diverted from the pipe into said auxiliary exit port. A hot water entry pipe port is also connected to said pipe and is in connection with a hot water source which provides a flow of hot water into said pipe. Additionally, a solenoid valve regulates the flow of hot water into said pipe.

Abstract: Magnetic composites exhibit distinct flux properties due to gradient interfaces. The composites can be used to improve fuel cells and batteries and effect transport and separation of different species of materials, for example, transition metal species such as lanthanides and actinides. A variety of devices can be made utilizing the composites including a separator, an electrode for channeling flux of magnetic species, an electrode for effecting electrolysis of magnetic species, a system for channeling electrolyte species, a system for separating particles with different magnetic susceptibilities, improved fuel cells, batteries, and oxygen concentrators. Some composites can be used to make a separator for distinguishing between two species of materials and a flux switch to regulate the flow of a chemical species. Some composites can control chemical species transport and distribution. Other composites enable ambient pressure fuel cells having enhanced performance and reduced weight to be produced.

Abstract: A waste liquid and smoke disposal system which combines the functions of a smoke extraction system and a waste (typically, liquid) collection system, typically in, but not limited to, a surgical environment. The smoke extraction system and the liquid waste collection system are connected to supply the waste materials collected thereby to a waste treatment (e.g. decontamination and/or sterilization) and disposal system. These three systems are all combined into an integrated system wherein the treated waste can be safely returned to the ambient. In one embodiment, the integrated system is provided as a cart-mounted apparatus to provide mobility.

Abstract: An installation for cleaning oil-polluted water, in particular at oil and gas production plants, is provided with a distillation column having a polluted water feed and at least one contact packing above which the outlet of the polluted water feed is located, a vapor discharge, a clean water outlet and a measuring device for the analysis of the water from the clean water outlet.

Abstract: Medical drug formulation and delivery system includes a reverse osmosis device for purifying water from a source comprising a housing having an inlet for passage of water from the source, a first outlet for passage of purified water from the housing and a second outlet for passage of waste water remaining after purification. A first reverse osmosis multilayer assembly is disposed within the housing in fluid communication with the inlet for purification of at least a first portion of the water from the source. Water treatment chemicals can be positioned in a core about which the first reserve osmosis multilayer assembly is wound. The treatment chemicals are in fluid communication with the first reverse osmosis multilayer assembly to receive the first purified portion of water and for removal of at least chemical contaminants therefrom.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating liquid-liquid mixtures such as temperature sensitive mixtures, the method converts the liquid mixture into a spray and sparys the mixture against one side of a membrane. This process improves separation.

Abstract: A method of disinfecting a blood tubing set on a dialysis machine after the blood tubing set has been used in a dialysis treatment. One end of the blood tubing set is connected to a disinfection port on the dialysis machine and an opposite end of the blood tubing set is connected to a waste drain. The dialysis machine provides a supply of a disinfectant solution to the disinfection port. A blood pump on the dialysis machine pumps the disinfectant solution from the disinfection port to the waste drain through the blood tubing set to expel contaminants from the blood tubing set. The blood tubing set is preferably connected to a dialyzer which is disinfected when the disinfectant solution is pumped through the blood tubing set. A supply of cleaning solution or water may be pumped through the blood tubing set and dialyzer to expel the disinfectant solution. A supply of air may be pumped through the blood tubing set and dialyzer to expel substantially all fluid from the blood tubing set and dialyzer.

Abstract: Apparatus for disinfecting dialysis devices are disclosed including a first circulation conduit for circulating a first fluid through at least a portion of the supply conduit to a dialyzer in order to disinfect that portion of the supply conduit and a second circulation conduit for circulating a second fluid through at least a portion of the removal conduit from the dialyzer for disinfecting that portion of the removal conduit.

Abstract: Abrasive components and water are recovered from an aqueous chemical mechanical slurry used for planarization of semiconductor materials. The slurry effluent is preferably brought to a neutral pH, and cooled to a temperature between about 0.degree. C. and about 15.degree. C. An electrical potential can be applied to the slurry effluent to facilitate agglomeration and separation of particles of abrasive material in the slurry effluent. In one embodiment, the slurry effluent is introduced into a process chamber at ambient temperature and pressure, and supernatant liquid separated from the process chamber is then subjected to a reduction of pressure in a vacuum chamber to cause gas entrapped in the supernatant liquid to bubble to the surface of the supernatant liquid for further separation and collection of water and abrasive particles from the slurry effluent. In another embodiment, slurry effluent is filtered through one or more self-cleaning reversible gross particle filter assemblies.

Abstract: A chamber for exerting an ultrasound beam on a sample solution containing particles to be concentrated, separated or arranged is provided with a view toward arbitrarily controlling the shape of a spatial distribution of potential energy created by the ultrasound beam and concentrating, separating or periodically arranging the particles. In contrast to the chamber, irradiation ultrasound sources for generating ultrasound beams are provided to create an ultrasonic intensity distribution for producing a position potential energy distribution used to exert a force forwarded in a predetermined direction or a force staying at a predetermined region to each particle. Thus, a specific spatial distribution of potential energy can be realized by ultrasound beams each having a specific intensity, a specific frequency and a specific phase or an ultrasound beam formed by superimposing these on one another.

Abstract: A filter press for reducing the water content in a starting material including a pressure chamber with a stationary lower plate and five hydraulically mobile chamber walls for applying pressure to the starting material.

Abstract: In order to treat water contaminated with warfare agents and containing less than 500 ppm of salt, a separation stage 10 is normally provided downstream of the reverse osmosis. In the separation stage, the untreated water is divided into residue and permeate. Warfare agents have the property of acting as softeners on the semi-permeable organic polymer membranes of separation stages. As a result of this, the warfare agents pass through the membranes of separation stages in increasing quantities once the latter have been in operation for a few hours. In order to improve the treatment of water contaminated with warfare agents, salt is added to the untreated water which, with a salt content of over 1000 ppm, is then drawn through the separation stage 10 down stream of the reverse osmosis stage. The invention is suitable for use with mobile facilities used for producing drinking water.

Abstract: Centrifugal filtration capable of improving recovery of crystal in a baskey. The basket is so arranged that a central axis thereof is inclined with respect to a horizontal direction to obliqely downwardly orientate a bottom wall of the basket. A crystal recovery auction pipe is arranged which includes a pivotally movable section pivotally moved in the basket, of which a distal end is advanced into crystal in the basket. Crystal in the basket is recovered by suction through the distal end of the suction pipe, which is ultimately displaced to a corner of the basket between a lowermost portion of a peripheral wall of the basket and a bottom wall thereof. This permits crystal collected to a lowermost section of the basket to be substantially recovered by suction through the suction pipe, to thereby improve crystal recovery.

Abstract: A continuous flow sludge pasteurization system including a heat exchanger, a source of heat for introducing into the heat exchanger, an inlet for introducing a liquid slurry of sludge into the heat exchanger for heating the sludge to a predetermined minimum temperature, a circulating circuit for maintaining the slurry in circulation at the predetermined temperature for a minimum period of about thirty minutes, sufficient to kill all pathogens in the slurry prior to dewatering, and a dewatering unit for removing water from the sludge.

Abstract: A hydrothermal process (10) is integrated into a wastewater treatment facility (12) to fully oxidize an undigested wastewater sludge produced by the treatment facility. A thickened and conditioned feed mixture comprising sludge from the treatment facility is first pressurized to a critical pressure and then heated to a reaction initiating temperature below the critical temperature. An oxidant is injected into the feed mixture at the reaction initiating temperature to initiate an oxidation reaction in low light-off temperature constituents of the feed mixture to produce a partially reacted mixture and raise the temperature of the partially reacted mixture to at least the critical temperature for water in a supercritical water oxidation reactor (52). Heat from the supercritical water oxidation reaction is used to heat the feed mixture and also, to condition the sludge from the wastewater treatment plant preferably by thickening and heating the sludge.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting a substance has a fluid source providing pressurized fluid, a heating device, a heat transferring device and a vacuum producing device. The heating device is coupled to the fluid source and is adapted to cause a first pressurized fluid from the fluid source to become heated. The heat transferring device is coupled to the heating device for receiving the heated first pressurized fluid, and is adapted for transferring heat from the first pressurized fluid to a heatable substance. The vacuum producing device has first and second inlet openings, the first inlet opening is fluidly coupled to the fluid source for receiving a second pressurized fluid from the fluid source and the second inlet opening is adapted for receiving the heatable substance.

Abstract: A filter centrifuge includes a centrifuge drum having a solids removal opening for solids collected in the centrifuge drum. A solids drying housing into which the solids removal opening opens is provided. The solids drying housing has a sieve bottom, a gas inlet for introducing a drying gas, and a gas outlet for removing the drying gas.

Abstract: A cooling tower water treatment system removes contaminants include chlorine, calcium carbonate as calcite, and microorganisms from water in the system with redox media in a fluidized bed. The treatment system includes a treatment bed, in the form of a column, having a reaction chamber of a first diameter and a retention chamber of a second diameter, the second diameter being greater than the first diameter. Redox media, in the reaction chamber, is fluidized by water flowing in a direction countercurrent to gravity and is held in place, without the use of screens or filters, by a reduction in flow rate of the fluidizing media resulting from the larger diameter of the retention chamber. Preferably, the treatment system includes a physical filtration unit, such as an automatic backwashing sand filter, to prevent entry of particulates and scale into the reaction chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cyclone separator for separating oil and water and removing suspended solids. It comprises a generally cylindrical first portion with an open end and a closed end. A generally axial overflow outlet is provided in the closed end and a moveable member is associated with this closed end having a plurality of orifices of progressively smaller diameter than the overflow outlet. This moveable member may be moved such that any selected one of the plurality of orifices may be axially aligned with the overflow outlet. The separator includes at least two radially balanced feed injection ports in the cylindrical first portion adjacent to the closed end thereof. A converging tapered second section with open ends is axially flow connected to the open end of the cylindrical first portion and a converging tapered third portion with open ends is axially flow connected to the tapered second portion. A fourth generally cylindrical portion is axially flow connected to the third tapered portion.

Abstract: A process for producing a fresh wiping solution, comprising at least 90% of water and additives, and for treating said solution once used by the inks of one or more intaglio printing machines, wherein said process comprises the following steps: (a) production of fresh wiping solution, (b) introduction of the fresh wiping solution in one or several wiping tanks and contamination of the fresh wiping solution by the inks, (c) ultrafiltration of the used solution producing a clear solution and a concentrated residual solution, (d) recycling of the clear solution, (e) flocculation of the concentrated residual solution, (f) filtration of the flocculated solution giving solid waste and a filtered solution, (g) neutralization of the filtered solution, (h) evaporation of the neutralized solution producing a concentrated salty solution and distilled water, (i) use of the distilled water for producing fresh wiping solution and (j) filtration of the concentrated salty solution.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for reducing the scale formation in a hot water reservoir in which a metal element of copper and/or zinc, and preferably brass, is positioned in the hot water in the reservoir.

Abstract: A water purifier filters and stores tap water in heated and cooled tanks and selectively discharges heated or cooled water through respective dispensing pipes. If the water in the purifier is suspected of being contaminated, an electrically actuated water discharge valve is opened by means of an electric switch to drain all water from the purifier through a discharge pipe. When the switch is first manipulated, a water discharge lamp on a display flashes on and off, and a predetermined time period, e.g., three seconds, is initiated. If the user manipulates the switch a second time before the three second expires, the lamp stays on, and the water discharge valve is opened to drain all water. If the user manipulates the switch a third time, subsequent to the three-second period and before the water has been entirely drained, the water discharge valve closes.

Abstract: A refrigerator having a water filtration and dispensing system including a first control valve for unfiltered water, a household water supply line for fluidly connecting the first control valve to a source of household water, a water filter assembly disposed within a refrigeration compartment, an unfiltered water supply line fluidly connecting the first control valve to the water filter assembly, a second control valve having first and second outlets, a filtered water supply line fluidly connecting the filter assembly to the second control valve, a filtered water dispenser fluidly connected to the first outlet of second control valve, and an ice maker disposed within a freezer compartment and fluidly connected to the second outlet of the second control valve.

Abstract: An apparatus for automated extraction of an analyte from a sample positioned in a sample containment cell having a fluid passageway structure for communication of an extraction fluid to and from the cavity of the cell. The apparatus includes a loading tray, an oven assembly mounted proximate the loading tray, a fluid communication assembly mounted proximate the tray, a cell manipulation assembly and a controller. The cell manipulation assembly brings an inlet conduit and an outlet conduit of the fluid communication assembly into sealed relationship with the sample containment cell and uses the conduits to pick up and move the cell to and from the cell tray and oven assembly.

Abstract: A water purifier includes filters for purifying water, hot and cold water tanks for storing hot and cold water, and heating and cooling mechanisms for heating and cooling the stored water. A key input pad enables a user to select desired hot and cold water temperatures. A data backup device includes a memory for storing the selected hot and cold water temperatures, and for immediately storing any changes in the selected temperatures.

Abstract: A method is provided for priming a hollow fiber oxygenator which is integrated with a hollow tube heat exchanger. A closed priming circuit is created between a cardiosurgery reservoir, the combined hollow fiber oxygenator and heat exchanger and a vacuum source. Vacuum pressure is applied to the closed priming circuit to evacuate the residual air from the circuit. Priming solution is released from the cardiosurgery reservoir and fills the evacuated closed priming circuit.

Abstract: A water dispensing apparatus having a cabinet providing a filter holding compartment, a front mounted alcove with a paddle switch having a stepped outer surface to allow activation by small and large diameter containers, and an electrical interlock switch for avoiding inadvertent dispensing of hot water. The cabinet can house a reverse osmosis purifying system or a cartridge filtering system. The cabinet can hold a mechanical refrigeration system including a forced convection condensing coil.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for inhibiting plugging in a reactor that operates at a temperature and a pressure that are at least in the vicinity of supercritical condition for water. One or more salts are preferably added, in a controlled manner, to a stream containing a first salt, in order to allow a eutectic, molten blend with the first salt to be formed. The blend may have a melting point below the temperature of the reactor. The stream is introduced into the reactor and preferably at least a portion of the blend is in a molten state. Plugging in the reactor may thus be inhibited or prevented.

Abstract: Device for the treatment of nucleic acids from the sample, comprising a first reaction chamber for separating the nucleic acids from other sample components, and a second reaction chamber for the amplification of the nucleic acids, connected to said first reaction chamber via a controllable transport path.

Abstract: A chromatography oven is described to achieve faster cool-down rates and to preferably lower the temperature difference that can be maintained between the oven temperature and ambient temperature. The oven includes a suitable housing having front and rear walls and four side walls, a fan within the housing adjacent to the rear walls, an ambient air intake vent means in the rear wall, and an exhaust vent means within a rear corner of one of the side walls adjacent to the rear wall for exhausting the tangential flow of air created by the rotating fan.

Abstract: In a piston pump for pumping liquid carbon dioxide at a temperature below 30 degrees Fahrenheit and pressures at least as high as 7500 psi at an outlet flow rate in excess of 10 milliliters per minute, the inlet to the pump and the pumphead are each cooled by thermoelectric heat exchangers that are air cooled. The pump is a cam-driven, single-plunger pump with a cam profile that enables the pumping system to avoid distructive reverse torque on the cam, gear train and drive motor after the cam passes top dead center. The volume leaving the pump is determined by measuring only pressure or other parameter related to flow and movement of the plunger. The piston of the pump is supported on both sides of the seal and the support for the piston within the pumphead are machined consentrically and colinearly to the seal gland.

Abstract: An apparatus for patient safety protection in a medical device with a heater. A heater configuration for a medical device, such as a haemodialysis machine, is disclosed in which a shock hazard to the patient from the heater elements due to a single fault condition is eliminated. The invention comprises an insulation layer formed between the heater elements and a grounded metal plate. A single fault condition is prevented from creating a shock hazard to the patient (which is considered to be the dialyser fluid) because any break down of the insulation layer which brings the heater elements 14 into contact with the grounded metal plate will result in a large current flowing to ground (rather than to the patient), thereby causing a fuse in the circuit to trip. Tripping of the fuse removes power from the heating elements, thereby preventing any further possibility of contact between the live electrical heater element and the dialyser fluid (i.e. the patient).

Abstract: An improved process and apparatus are disclosed for the supercritical water oxidation of organic waste materials which avoids or at least substantially reduces the corrosion and solids deposition problems associated with prior art techniques. According to this invention, externally heated supercritical water is fed to a platelet tube reactor to both protectively coat its inner surface and heat the waste stream to oxidation reaction conditions. Higher reaction temperatures can be used as compared to prior art processes, which significantly improves the reaction rate and permits smaller reactors to be used. The protective film of water on the reactor inner surface, coupled with the elimination of preheating of the waste material, substantially reduces solids deposition and corrosion.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for recovery and reuse of liquids which are used as solvents and for the specific dilution of the solvent in the chemical reaction and/or the processing of substances.

Abstract: To supply supercritical fluid to an automatic supercritical fluid extractor and collect extract from the extractor, sample holding cartridges are lifted one by one in series by an elevator plug into a pressure chamber. An inlet at the top of the cartridge engages a pressure vessel inlet for the extractant so that extractant flows into the cartridge and into the space between the cartridge and inner walls of the pressure chamber. The outlets from the cartridge and pressure vessel communicate with the collector and exhaust through passageways in the plug. The plug has cleaning ports for cleaning seals and the outlet from the cartridge flows past the seals. The collector lifts vials into place and can precool the collection solvent, and later as part of the collection procedure, heat and pressurize the collector.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling and filtering the flow or viscous fluid in a material melting and dispensing device is disclosed. The apparatus includes a rotatable valve assembly having a filter plate and a flow stoppage plate. Rotation of the valve alternately allows or halts the flow of viscous fluid. The convenient ability to block the flow of viscous fluid such as hot melt adhesive at a point immediately downstream of a hopper or material melt space facilitates repair, maintenance, or removal of other downstream elements such as a pump without the need for draining the hopper, while avoiding excessive spillage of hot melt adhesive.

Abstract: A water cooling device for water purifiers is disclosed. The device rapidly cools the purified water by precooling and main-cooling thermoelements prior to delivering the purified water for users to drink, thereby saving electrical energy and providing commercially-viable water purifiers. The water cooling device has an auxiliary purified water pipe branched from the main purified water pipe, the main pipe leading from the water purifying system to the purified water tank. The auxiliary purified water pipe leads to the water cooling tank provided with a first thermoelement. A second thermoelement is mounted to the auxiliary purified water pipe and adapted for precooling the purified water before the purified water is introduced into the cooling tank.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing corrosion and lime deposits caused by water impurities on surfaces exposed to the water is disclosed herein. The apparatus and method employ a recirculation system for directing water through a magnetic treatment unit and a deflector system for flushing the surfaces subjected to corrosion and lime deposits. In the case of a water heater the deflector system includes a plurality of nozzles arranged to direct flows of magnetically treated water against a tank wall of the water heater, and a spiral loop with perforations facing a heating element or a cluster of heating elements of the water heater for directing flows of magnetically treated water against surfaces of the heating elements.

Abstract: In apparatus for separating the components of a mixture, the mixture is admitted to a first inlet which communicates with a working region which may be defined by a cylindrical tube. A fluid under pressure is admitted to a chamber through a second inlet. The chamber also communicates with the working region. The fluid forms a spiralling flow which draws the mixture into the working region in the form of a vortex. In the apparatus, the chamber communicates with the working region by way of a throat, and the mixture is conveyed from the working region along an outlet.

Abstract: A method of separating a solute from a supercritical fluid which includes reducing the pressure of the supercritical fluid and is characterized in that the supercritical fluid and solute are mixed with another fluid, eg an inorganic or organic solvent under pressure, to cause a partial reduction in the pressure of the supercritical fluid followed by reduction of the pressure of the fluid mixture comprising the supercritical fluid and said other fluid. The fluid mixture pressure reduction may occur in a collection device. Such a device may have a collection solvent already present therein. The said other fluid used partially to depressurise the supercritical fluid may act as a collection solvent in a collection device. The collection device may include one or more collection vessels or alternatively a solid phase trap or a packed column for the purpose of trapping and collecting the solute.

Abstract: Process for producing free-flowing solid material from an aqueous sludge waste composition that includes mixing the sludge with previously dried solids, pelletizing the composition to form strand-like material, drying the outside layer of the strand-like material, and drying the partially dried material by contacting with heated gas.

Abstract: An extracorporeal fluid treatment apparatus which is selectively operable in a disinfecting mode or a treatment mode includes an inlet line, a pre-treatment portion, an input pump, a heater, an input shunt, a filtration device, a post-treatment portion, a drain line and an output shunt. The apparatus also includes a combination of valves which are selectively positionable in disinfecting mode to create an input fluid circuit which includes the pre-treatment portion and the input shunt, and which is in fluid isolation from the post-treatment portion and from the filtration device. In disinfecting mode, the valves are also selectively positionable to create an output fluid circuit which includes the post-treatment portion and the output shunt, and which is in fluid isolation from the pre-treatment portion and from the filtration device.