Abstract: A system and method for extracting essential oils from organic material is provided. One embodiment places organic material into an extraction chamber that is a cylindrical wall of rigid material, wherein a diameter and a height of the extraction chamber is sized to define an interior that accommodates a desired amount of an organic material having essential oils; fills the extraction chamber with a solvent after the organic matter has been placed into the extraction chamber; and moves a vortex plunger disposed over the surface of the organic material in a repeated upward and downward motion during an agitation process so that the vortex vanes generate a fluid vortex in the solvent, wherein the fluid vortex causes the solvent to be drawn upward into the organic material and then to be pushed downward through the organic material so that the solvent extracts essential oils from the organic material.

Abstract: A method for extracting compounds, including stable natural cannabinoid acids, from plant material, utilizing terpenes as a saturant is described. The invention includes the excitation of the plant material and terpene solvent with microwave, ultrasound, sonication, heat input, and physical agitation or combinations thereof. The invention particularly covers the process as it relates to the extraction of THC-A, CBG-A, and CBD-A and their derivatives from cannabis and hemp for the use in products for medical and recreational use. The combinations of terpene saturant, plant material strain and process variables can be tuned in order to dial in the final resultant product for several variables including but not limited to terpene content, THC-A, CBG-A or CBD-A potency, ratios of THC-A, CBD-A, CBG-A and their derivatives, or flavor profile.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for ordering, sorting and/or focusing particles in a first microfluidic channel system, the method comprising the steps of i) providing for a first microfluidic channel comprising at least a first and a second inlet and a first outlet, ii) injecting a first fluid into the channel through said first inlet, iii) injecting a second fluid into the channel through said second inlet, wherein the viscosity of the first fluid is higher than the viscosity of the second fluid, such that the two fluids flow in a laminar fashion unmixed side by side, and one of the two fluids comprises the particles to be ordered, sorted and/or focused. The invention also relates to a microfluidic channel system for sorting different particles into one droplet.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a membrane extraction apparatus for extracting a component from a first liquid. The apparatus may incorporate a housing comprised of first and second mating housing halves, with each housing half having an open faced channel formed therein such that the channels at least partially overlay one another when the two housing halves are secured together. A membrane filter is disposed between the two housing halves to overlay the open faced channels. The membrane filter extracts the component from the first liquid and transfers the component into the second liquid as the first and second liquids flow through the first and second housing halves.

Abstract: Generally, an extraction system useful in separating an extract from a matrix using one or more extractants. Specifically, an extractor including one or more of: an extraction vessel having an extractor vessel internal surface which defines an extraction chamber which communicates between open extraction vessel first and second ends, a first piston configured to sealably engage the extractor vessel internal surface of the extraction vessel first end or a second piston adapted to sealably engage the extractor vessel internal surface of the extraction vessel second end.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a chemical liquid purification method by which a chemical liquid capable of inhibiting the occurrence of short in a semiconductor substrate manufactured by a photolithography process is obtained. Another object of the present invention is to provide a chemical liquid manufacturing method and a chemical liquid. The chemical liquid purification method of the present invention includes a purification step of filtering a liquid to be purified by using a filter, in which a filter satisfying a condition 1 or a condition 2 in the following test is used as the filter. Test: 1,500 ml of a test liquid formed of the organic solvent is brought into contact with the filter for 24 hours under a condition of 23° C., and a content of particles containing at least one kind of metal selected from the group consisting of Fe, Al, Cr, Ni, and Ti in the test liquid after the contact satisfies a predetermined condition.

Abstract: A method and system for performing biomolecule extraction are provided that use liquid-to-liquid extraction (LLE) in combination with an electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD) device to provide a biomolecule extraction solution that has high extraction efficiency and that is less costly and easier to use than current state of the art methods and systems. The system and method are well suited for, but not limited to, extraction of DNA, RNA and protein molecules.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method for separating biomass from solid fermentation product wherein a slurry comprising biomass and solid fermentation product is provided to the top of a biomass separator unit and an aqueous medium is provided to the bottom of a biomass separator unit, while a product stream comprising solid fermentation product is withdrawn from the bottom of the biomass separator unit and a waste stream comprising biomass is withdrawn from the top of the biomass separator unit. It has been found that the method according to the invention makes it possible to provide a solid fermentation product which comprises very low amounts of remaining biomass, while product loss can be limited.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an ion exchange membrane is provided. The method for manufacturing an ion exchange membrane, according to one embodiment of the present invention, comprises the step of electrospinning a support fiber producing solution and an ion exchange fiber producing solution respectively to prepare a laminate in which a support fiber mat consisting of a support fiber and an ion exchange fiber mat consisting of an ion exchange fiber are alternatively laminated. According to the present invention, it is possible to simply control factors, such as the thickness, electroconductivity and mechanical strength of the membrane, and the diameter/ratio of a pore, etc. to be suitable for the use of ion exchange membrane during the manufacturing process, to simplify the manufacturing process.

Abstract: A method of reducing impurities in a catalyst for the production of purified terephthalic acid includes forming purified terephthalic acid by hydrogenating crude terephthalic acid with a catalyst in a reactor; separating the purified terephthalic acid from the catalyst and reactivating the catalyst by washing with a caustic solution; and flushing the catalyst contaminated with impurities with a non-caustic liquid at a flushing temperature of greater than or equal to 50° C.

Abstract: A microfluidic filtering system may include a first microfluidic channel, a first pump to move fluid along the first microfluidic channel in a first direction, a second microfluidic channel, a second pump to move fluid along the second microfluidic channel in a second direction opposite to the first direction and a filter channel extending between and interconnecting the first microfluidic channel and the second microfluidic channel.

Abstract: A shallow bed solvent extractor comprises at least one moving bed having upstream and downstream ends and a feed inlet positioned adjacent to the upstream end, wherein a first batch of wet cannabinoid and terpene containing material is introducible to the at least one moving bed through the feed inlet. An outlet is positioned adjacent to the downstream end, wherein the first batch of wet cannabinoid and terpene containing material is carried on the at least one moving bed and exits the extractor through the outlet. A drive system is operatively connected to the at least one moving bed. The shallow bed solvent extractor further comprises a plurality of sprayers disposed above the upstream and downstream ends of the at least one moving bed and a non-polar solvent. The plurality of sprayers spray the first batch of wet cannabinoid and terpene containing material with the non-polar solvent.

Abstract: A method of cleaning highway and road construction equipment is disclosed.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a hollow-fiber membrane which does not require a coating treatment with a cell adhesion factor or surface modification by an electron beam or the like and which is capable of adhering and culturing cells, and a method for culturing cells using the hollow-fiber membrane. A hollow-fiber membrane for cell culture which is to be used as a culture substrate for adhesive cells, in which the hollow-fiber membrane includes a hydrophobic polymer and a hydrophilic polymer, the content of the hydrophilic polymer in the whole hollow-fiber membrane is more than 0% by mass and less than 1% by mass, and the content of the hydrophilic polymer on a surface of the hollow-fiber membrane is more than 0% by mass and less than 10% by mass.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the isolation and purification of sialylated oligosaccharides from an aqueous medium in which they are produced.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to lignocellulosic biomass processing and refining to produce hemicellulose and cellulose sugars. Methods and systems for refining a lignocellulosic hydrolysate are provided herein.

Abstract: A method for post processing oil extracted from cannabis comprises the steps of placing the oil into a container at a first predetermined temperature for a first predetermined time during which the oil will separate into two parts comprising a high terpene (HT) liquid fraction and a high cannabinoid (HC) crystal fraction, heating the HT and HC fractions under a first predetermined level of vacuum at a second predetermined temperature for a second predetermined time, and heating the HC fraction to a third predetermined temperature for a third predetermined time. The steps further comprise adding a first predetermined quantity of the HT fraction back into the HC fraction to create a first mixture, adding a second predetermined quantity of benign terpenes into the first mixture to create a second mixture, and mixing the second mixture to create a finished mixture.

Abstract: A method for extracting a rare earth element from a rare earth-containing substance, the method comprising mixing the rare earth-containing substance with a protic ionic liquid, such as: wherein R1 is selected from hydrogen atom and hydrocarbon groups containing 1 to 6 carbon atoms; R2 and R3 are independently selected from hydrocarbon groups containing 1 to 12 carbon atoms; and X? is an anionic species; to produce a composition of the formula (RE)(amide)yXz at least partially dissolved in the protic ionic liquid, wherein RE is at least one rare earth element having an atomic number selected from 39, 57-71, and 90-103; y is 2-6; z is a number that charge balances the total positive charge of RE; and the amide is the conjugate base of the cationic portion of the protic ionic liquid of Formula (1) and has the following formula:

Abstract: A filtration filter device according to the present invention includes a filtration filter that filters out a filtration object contained in a fluid and a housing in which the filtration filter is disposed. The housing includes a fluid inlet passage that faces one main surface of the filtration filter and a fluid outlet passage that faces the other main surface of the filtration filter. An inner peripheral surface of at least one of the fluid inlet passage and the fluid outlet passage is undulated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to, among other things, probes, compositions, methods, and kits for simultaneous, multiplexed detection and quantification of protein and/or nucleic acid expression in a user-defined region of a tissue, user-defined cell, and/or user-defined subcellular structure within a cell.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for increasing convective clearance of particles from a fluid is provided. In some implementations, described herein the microfluidic device includes multiple layers that each define infusate, blood, and filtrate channels. Each of the channels have a pressure profile. The device can also include one or more pressure control features. The pressure control feature controls a difference between the pressure profiles along a length of the device. For example, the pressure control feature can control the difference between the pressure profile of the filtrate channel and the pressure profile of the blood channel. In some implementations, the pressure control feature controls the pressure difference between two channels such that the difference varies along the length of the channels by less than 50% of the pressure difference between the channels at the channels' inlets.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for reducing fouling caused by process water present within a water recycling loop of a pyrolysis plant. The process water includes water, a pygas, and in some cases pygas byproducts. Fouling is caused by phase separation and accumulation of materials from the process water on equipment surfaces. The method includes applying a total of about 5 ppm to 500 ppm of one or more antifouling polymers to the process water to form a treated process water. The one or more antifouling polymers are selected from the group consisting of copolymers of unsaturated fatty acids, primary diamines, and acrylic acid; copolymers of methacrylamidopropyl trimethylammonium chloride with acrylic acid and/or acrylamide; copolymers of ethylene glycol and propylene glycol; and blends of two or more thereof.

Abstract: Separation processes and separation apparatus are described. The process includes introducing a stream of liquid containing dispersed droplets of another liquid into a separation apparatus comprising a vessel having at least one mesh screen covering substantially all of the cross-section of the vessel. The mesh screen is periodically slightly moved so that the wires of the mesh screen contact the dispersed droplets and some of the dispersed droplets coalesce on the wires. The coalesced droplets rise or fall from the wires through the stream of the second liquid. The coalesced droplets are collected in a portion of the vessel. A stream of the second liquid having a reduced level of dispersed droplets is recovered.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a novel process in which thin stillage is processed to produce algae oil and protein rich biomass as well as other energy rich byproducts. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, thin stillage is removed from an evaporator during the evaporation process to produce mid-stillage. This mid-stillage is preferably routed to a new process where it is directed to a pre-treatment centrifuge to remove suspended solids, sludge and corn oil. Thereafter, the mid-stillage is preferably cooled and then directed to a fermentation tank where the mid-stillage is subject to a batch fermentation process with algae “seed” fed from an algae inoculation system. Once the batch is harvested, the oil-rich algae/mid-stillage is then preferably heated to rupture the cells and liberate the oil.

Abstract: A method used to predict a strength of an ultrasonic weld-joint of a wire-cable comprising the steps of providing a wire-cable, determining a combined-weight, removing a contaminant, determining a weight, determining a percentage by weight of the contaminant, and determining whether the percentage by weight of contaminant is less than a threshold. Determining the percentage by weight of the contaminant removed from the wire-cable is based on a formula [(Mb?Ma)/Mb]*100, where Mb is the combined-weight of the wire-cable and the contaminant and Ma is the weight of the wire-cable. The threshold of the percentage by weight of the contaminant correlates to the strength of the ultrasonic weld-joint.

Abstract: A method of recovering rare earth elements from a rare earth-containing material comprises contacting the rare earth-containing material with a solution formulated and configured to dissolve rare earth elements from the rare earth-containing material and form a solution including a plurality of rare earth elements dissolved therein. The method further includes exposing the solution including the plurality of rare earth elements dissolved therein to one of a liquefied gas or a supercritical fluid to isolate the rare earth elements from each other. Related methods of removing and purifying rare earth elements from materials and phosphor lamps are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to, among other things, probes, compositions, methods, and kits for simultaneous, multiplexed detection and quantification of protein expression in a user-defined region of a tissue, user-defined cell, and/or user-defined subcellular structure within a cell.

Abstract: Improved processes for extracting water soluble nutrients including sugars from plants and in particular sugar cane. The plants may be washed with a wash solution. After washing, water soluble nutrient containing liquid is extracted from the plants. A diluted wash solution may be added to the crushed plants to improve the extraction of the water soluble nutrients. The wash solution may be added to the liquid collected during the extraction to improve the separation of impurities from the nutrient containing liquid. The extracted liquid may demonstrate at least one of improved purity, improved clarity, improved filtration times, improved whiteness, and improved total recovered water soluble nutrients.

Abstract: Provided are processes for isolating hemicellulose-based sugar from a biomass. The process includes providing a biomass hydrolyzate including a C5 sugar, forming a boronic ester or diester of the C5 sugar, extracting the boronic ester of diester of the C5 sugar, precipitating the C5 sugar using a boron capture agent, and isolating the C5 sugar from the precipitate. The isolated C5 sugar is provided in dry form.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatuses comprising, for example, a microfluidic channel device comprising a main body comprising a channel configured to provide for helical fluid motion of material within the channel; and a temperature control system that applies a temperature gradient to the channel. Methods of making and using the apparatus are also described.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for increasing convective clearance of particles from a fluid is provided. In some implementations, described herein the microfluidic device includes multiple layers that each define infusate, blood, and filtrate channels. Each of the channels have a pressure profile. The device can also include one or more pressure control features. The pressure control feature controls a difference between the pressure profiles along a length of the device. For example, the pressure control feature can control the difference between the pressure profile of the filtrate channel and the pressure profile of the blood channel. In some implementations, the pressure control feature controls the pressure difference between two channels such that the difference varies along the length of the channels by less than 50% of the pressure difference between the channels at the channels' inlets.

Abstract: An extraction method for preparing samples for analytical analysis is disclosed. The method includes the steps of placing a sample matrix containing one or more analytes in a heat conductive sample cup, positioning the heat conductive sample cup in a pressure-resistant reaction chamber, dispensing solvent into the heat conductive sample cup, dispersing the solvent and the sample matrix in the sample cup in the reaction chamber, heating the sample matrix and the extraction solvent in the heat conductive sample cup in the reaction chamber to a temperature at which the dispensed solvent generates an above-atmospheric pressure, and releasing the extraction solvent extract from the sample cup at atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of using CO2 in an extraction process without the use of mechanical pumps to control CO2 density. In particular, the invention relates to a process for extraction of one or more components from a plant material by manipulation of density of CO2 in the extraction vessel via creating a temperature differential between the liquid CO2 supply and the extraction vessel.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods in which ion-selective separation and multi-stage osmotic separation is used to produce multivalent-ion-rich process streams. According to certain embodiments, multiple separations may be used to process an aqueous feed stream containing solubilized monovalent ions and solubilized multivalent ions to produce a stream enriched in the multivalent ions. The separations may be arranged, according to certain embodiments, to enhance the overall separation process such that the product stream contains—relative to the initial aqueous feed stream—a high amount of multivalent ions, a high amount of water from the aqueous feed stream, and/or a high ratio of multivalent ions to monovalent ions.

Abstract: Azeotropic or azeotrope-like compositions are disclosed. The azeotropic or azeotrope-like compositions are mixtures of HFO-E-1,3,4,4,4-pentafluoro-3-trifluoromethyl-1-butene with a second compound selected from the group consisting of methyl formate and HFO-E-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene. Also disclosed are processes of preparing a thermoplastic or thermoset foam by using such azeotropic or azeotrope-like compositions as blowing agents; of producing refrigeration by using such azeotropic or azeotrope-like compositions; of producing cooling; of producing heating; of using such azeotropic or azeotrope-like compositions as solvents; of producing an aerosol product by using such azeotropic or azeotrope-like compositions; of using such azeotropic or azeotrope-like compositions as heat transfer media; of extinguishing or suppressing a fire by using such azeotropic or azeotrope-like compositions; and of using such azeotropic or azeotrope-like compositions as dielectrics.

Abstract: A chlorinator system for pools or spas is disclosed. The chlorinator system includes a replaceable chlorinator cell cartridge having built in sensors, switches, and custom connections. The chlorinator system includes a controller, a chlorinator, a replaceable cell cartridge, and compression fittings for connecting the chlorinator to piping of a pool or spa system. The cartridge includes a body, a bi-directional flow switch, a connector plug, a lid, a printed circuit board, which includes non-volatile memory, and electrically-charged plates or blades.

Abstract: A two-step sc-SWCNT enrichment process involves a first step based on selective dispersion and extraction of semi-conducting SWCNT using conjugated polymer followed by a second step based on an adsorptive process in which the product of the first step is exposed to an inorganic absorptive medium to selectively bind predominantly metallic SWCNTs such that what remains dispersed in solution is further enriched in semiconducting SWCNTs. The process is easily scalable for large-diameter semi-conducting single-walled carbon nanotube (sc-SWCNT) enrichment with average diameters in a range, for example, of about 0.6 to 2.2 nm. The first step produces an enriched sc-SWCNT dispersion with a moderated sc-purity (98%) at a high yield, or a high purity (99% and up) at a low yield. The second step can not only enhance the purity of the polymer enriched sc-SWCNTs with a moderate purity, but also further promote the highly purified sample to an ultra-pure level.

Abstract: In a method for performing a solid-phase micro-extraction, a holding device connected to an extraction device and secured on an adapter is held, while an actuating device connected to a guide device is moved. A device for performing a solid-phase microextraction comprises an actuating device connected to a guide device, and a holding device connected to an extraction device, wherein the extraction device is guided at least partially in the guide device, and wherein the extraction device is movable relative to the guide device by means of an actuation of the actuating device.

Abstract: A monitored release solid feed system having a solid chemical feed tank, a storage tank located below the solid chemical feed tank, and an automated valve. The solid chemical feed tank is loaded with a blend of inhibitors and an indicator-chemical in a solid form. A detector measures the amount of indicator in the recirculating water and periodically compares it to a setpoint. If the value is below the setpoint, the automated valve opens allowing water to pass through the storage tank and the solid chemical feed tank thus carrying inhibitors and a proportional amount of indicator-chemical into the recirculating system.

Abstract: A method for extracting lipid from wet biomass includes a step in which a wet biomass and a first solvent are mixed to prepare a mixture. The method continues with a step in which said mixture is separated to obtain a solution containing said first solvent and a concentrated biomass. The method continues with a step in which a liquefied gas is added into said concentrated biomass subjected to mechanical dispersion means to obtain lipid.

Abstract: A process of generating a gas includes providing an encapsulation of reactive metal particles, releasing the reactive metal particles from the encapsulation, mixing the reactive metal particles in turbulent water, reacting the reactive metal particles in the turbulent water to generate hydrogen, cooling the turbulent water and the hydrogen with water jets, separating solids and liquids from the hydrogen, and providing the hydrogen to an electrochemical cell.

Abstract: A method for depositing a coating comprising a polymer and pharmaceutical agent on a substrate, comprising the following steps: discharging at least one pharmaceutical agent in a therapeutically desirable morphology in dry powder form through a first orifice; discharging at least one polymer in dry powder form through a second orifice; depositing the polymer and/or pharmaceutical particles onto said substrate, wherein an electrical potential is maintained between the substrate and the pharmaceutical and/or polymer particles, thereby forming said coating; and sintering said coating under conditions that do not substantially modify the morphology of said pharmaceutical agent.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for the regeneration of spent dialysis solutions. The present invention further relates to systems and methods for continuously regenerating spent dialysis solution during dialysis. The present invention further relates to systems and methods for conducting dialysis that further include using chemical and physical separators in conjunction with ion exchange cartridges and/or adsorption cartridges.

Abstract: Processes are provided which utilize fiber conduit reactors/contactors to effect extraction from a fluid stream, particularly a fermentation broth, a waste stream of a fermentation process, a fluid comprising a dye, or a fluid comprising a pharmaceutical compound. In particular, methods are provided which include introducing a first stream comprising an extractant and a second stream which is substantially immiscible with the first stream into a conduit reactor proximate a plurality of fibers. The streams are introduced into the conduit reactor such that they are in contact with each other and the extractant of the first stream interacts with the second stream to extract a fermentation product, a fermentation byproduct, a dye or a pharmaceutical compound from the second stream into the first stream. The method further includes receiving the first and second streams in collection vessel/s and withdrawing separately the first and second streams from collection vessel/s.

Abstract: A method for washing a polyarylene sulfide with a washing solution that contains a carefully controlled solvent content is provided. More particularly, the washing solution typically contains water (e.g., deionized water) in an amount of from about 30 wt. % to about 70 wt. % and an aprotic organic solvent in an amount of from about 30 wt. % to about 70 wt. %. Within such carefully controlled ranges, the present inventors have discovered that the polyarylene sulfide can retain a relatively high oligomer content, which in turn, helps minimize the melt viscosity.

Abstract: A method for retracting oil on a water surface, and a method for reducing the quantity of oil on an oil control boom are described. Spreading of oil can be reversed by reducing the surface tension of the seawater, for example by using a low concentration of a water-soluble surfactant, such as a non-ionic surfactant. A controlled amount of the surfactant may be continuously discharged at the inner-wall of a spill control boom surrounding the oil spill. The spilled oil is caused to retract away from the boom toward the center of the area encircled thereby, such that the oil layer becomes sufficiently thick to be more effectively removed mechanically. The surfactant also reduces the amount of oil on the spill control boom, whereby the boom can easily be removed from a remediated oil spill and reused at a later date without further cleaning.

Abstract: Systems and methods for removing fluid from a slurry fluid and a plurality of solid particles including flowing a slurry stream that includes the slurry through a slurry conduit, injecting a displacing fluid through a first perforated region that is in fluid communication with the slurry conduit, displacing at least a portion of the slurry fluid from the slurry, and producing a displaced fluid stream, which may include the displaced portion of the slurry fluid and/or a portion of the injected displacing fluid, from a second perforated region that is in fluid communication with the slurry conduit. The systems and methods also may include producing a product slurry stream from the slurry conduit, separating the components of the displaced fluid stream, separating the components of the product slurry stream, and/or recycling a portion of one or more of the streams.

Abstract: Composite porous hydrophobic membranes are prepared by forming a perfluorohydrocarbon layer on the surface of a preformed porous polymeric substrate. The substrate can be formed from poly (aryl ether ketone) and a perfluorohydrocarbon layer can be chemically grafted to the surface of the substrate. The membranes can be utilized for a broad range of fluid separations, such as microfiltration, nanofiltration, ultrafiltration as membrane contactors for membrane distillation and for degassing and dewatering of fluids. The membranes can further contain a dense ultra-thin perfluorohydrocarbon layer superimposed on the porous poly (aryl ether ketone) substrate and can be utilized as membrane contactors or as gas separation. membranes for natural gas treatment and gas dehydration.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems that can be utilized in separating a polymer from other compounds of a polymer formation process are described. The methods utilize multiple sedimentors in a countercurrent flow design in conjunction with different solvent solutions in the multiple sedimentors to separate a product polymer from other compounds of a polymer formation process. The sedimentors include feed inlets that can encourage contact between countercurrent flows and improve mass transfer rates between the countercurrent flows.

Abstract: An apparatus arranged to control the temperature of uranium material in a uranium material storage container, comprising a thermal guide which wraps around an external surface of the uranium material storage container to cause the uranium material storage container to exchange heat energy with a heat transfer medium inside the thermal guide and a heat exchanger to heat or cool the heat transfer medium outside the thermal guide. A method of controlling the temperature of uranium material in a uranium material storage container is also described.