Abstract: There are disclosed a method for separating a liquid mixture in which a permeation performance enhances, and a composition of the liquid mixture containing a hydrocarbon liquid and an alcohol liquid at supply and a composition after membrane permeation are changed by a separating operation, and a device for separating a liquid mixture. The liquid mixture containing the hydrocarbon liquid and the alcohol liquid is used as a supply mixture liquid, and at least part of the supply mixture liquid is, in a liquid state, brought into contact with a membrane supply side of a separation membrane, and discharged in a vapor state through a membrane permeation side of the separation membrane, whereby a composition of a mixture vapor which is balanced with the supply mixture liquid becomes different from a composition of a vapor on the membrane permeation side.

Abstract: A process for the extraction of Vitis vinifera seeds which comprises: a) extraction of grape seeds with a solvent (total extract); b) removal of water-insoluble tannins; c) optional removal of water-soluble tannins; d separation of the products with different MW, through chromatographic purification on a column.

Abstract: A method for reducing a boron concentration in a boron-containing aqueous liquid involves administering micelle(s) for selective boron adsorption to the boron-containing aqueous liquid to produce boron-bonded micelle(s), wherein the micelle(s) comprise a reaction product of an N-substituted-glucamine and a glycidyl ether; passing the micelle-containing aqueous liquid through a membrane to separate the boron-bonded micelle(s) from the aqueous liquid; and recovering a permeate having a reduced boron concentration from the membrane. A material capable of selectively adsorbing boron from a boron-containing aqueous liquid contains at least one micelle having a hydrophobic tail and a head comprising a hydrophilic functional group having formula (I): R1—O-A??(I) R1 represents a hydrocarbon group selected from the group consisting of substituted and unsubstituted aromatic, linear aliphatic, and branched aliphatic hydrocarbon groups and mixtures thereof, and A contains hydroxyl and amine groups.

Abstract: Methods are provided for producing esters. The methods comprise converting a fermentable carbon source to organic acids by fermentation with organic acid producing microorganisms, followed by catalytic esterification. The methods comprise integrated fermentation, extraction, and esterification reactions wherein the organic acids produced during fermentation are extracted into an extraction solvent and then directly reacted with an alcohol in the presence of a catalyst to form organic esters. Methods of producing esters are also provided wherein the organic acids produced during fermentation and extracted into the extraction solvent are stripped from the extraction solvent prior to being reacted with an alcohol in the presence of a catalyst to form organic esters.

Abstract: A method is provided for separating the impurities zinc, iron, calcium, copper and/or manganese from an aqueous solution that contains cobalt and nickel. The solution is brought into a mixing contact with an extraction solution, which is pre-loaded with cobalt and nickel ions, whereby the cobalt and nickel in the extraction solution are replaced with the impurity metals, and the aqueous solution is cleaned from impurities after this phase. This purified aqueous solution, raffinate, can be used to pre-charge the extraction solution so that a minor part of the raffinate is contacted with a pre-neutralized extraction solution, whereby the cobalt and nickel replace the alkali metal, alkali earth metal or ammonium ion that is used in the pre-neutralization.

Abstract: A method for separating electrolyte-containing water from an organic phase by means of permeation on a hydrophobic separating means. The permeated organic solution is substantially depleted in water and the retained water is enriched with electrolytes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for extracting constituents from organic material, comprising the step of extracting with a monophasic mixture of 50% by volume to 90% by volume of methanol and 50 to 10% by volume of water and optionally 0% by volume to 40% by volume of a further solvent or solvent mixture.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method for rebalancing a solvent solution useful for treating photosensitive printing elements having a photopolymerizable layer. The solvent solution becomes contaminated with unpolymerized material and other materials that release from the photosensitive printing elements during washout treating, and separation of contaminates also removes some of one or more components in the used solvent solution. The method rebalances the proportion of the components in a solvent solution having 3 or more components. The method includes measuring a reclaimant, which has been separated from the contaminates, for two or more properties, calculating a mass of the components to be added to the reclaimant based on an equation generated for each measured property, and adding the mass of the component or components to the reclaimant to adjust the proportion of the components in the reclaimant to targeted proportions.

Abstract: A temperature switch comprises a material (14) which melts and concomitantly undergoes a change in an electrical characteristic at a predetermined temperature. The temperature switch also includes at least two electrical contacts (10, 12) for detecting the change in the electrical characteristic. The material (14) comprises an organic cation and an anion and is preferably an ionic liquid.

Abstract: A process for removing water from solid material using liquid-solid extraction and liquid-liquid extraction. In most embodiments, multiple solvents are used to remove the water from the solids and obtain dry solids. Multiple solvents facilitate the removal of the water from the solids, by replacing the water with a solvent, replacing that solvent with a different solvent, and then eventually removing the second solvent from the solids. The process utilizes a lesser amount of thermal energy to dry the solids and separate the solvents than conventionally used in drying processes. The first solvent selected has a lower heat of vaporization, enthalphy of vaporization, boiling point, or other such physical property, than water. Each additional solvent can have a still lower heat of vaporization, enthalphy of vaporization, boiling point, or other such physical property.

Abstract: A field flow fractionator to separate particles contained within an injected sample aliquot is described. As required, said fractionator may be used to capture, for subsequent removal, specific predefined classes of such particles. Based upon the cross flow or asymmetric flow field flow fractionators, the fractionator disclosed contains means to vary the applied transverse flows at a plurality of locations along the length of its separating channel. One embodiment utilizes a plurality of separated compartments, each lying below a distinct and corresponding membrane supporting permeable frit segment, are provided individual means to control the localized flow through the membrane section thereabove. A corresponding concentric compartment implementation achieves the same type of compartmentalized cross flow when integrated with a hollow fiber fractionator.

Abstract: A grafted nonwoven substrate is disclosed having average fiber sizes of 0.7 to 15 microns, and a void volume of 50 to 95%, and a polymer comprising cationic aminoalkyl(meth)acryloyl monomer units grafted to the surface of the nonwoven substrate. The article may be used as a filter element to purify or separate target materials, such as oligonucleotides or monoclonal antibodies (MAb), from a fluid mixture.

Abstract: A grafted nonwoven substrate is disclosed having average fiber sizes of 0.7 to 15 microns, and a void volume of 50 to 95%, and a polymer comprising anionic monomer units grafted to the surface of the nonwoven substrate. The article may be used as a filter element to purify or separate target materials, such as monoclonal antibodies (MAb), from a fluid mixture.

Abstract: Methods for selective extraction and fractionation of algal lipids and algal products are disclosed. A method of selective removal of products from an algal biomass provides for single and multistep extraction processes which enable efficient separation of algal components. Among these components are neutral lipids synthesized by algae, which are extracted by the methods disclosed herein for the production of renewable fuels.

Abstract: The invention provides a heat transfer composition consisting essentially of from about 62 to about 78% by weight trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (R-1234ze(E)) and from about 22 to about 38% by weight of 1,1-difluoroethane (R-152a). The invention also provides a heat transfer composition comprising from about 20 to about 40% by weight R-152a, from about 5 to about 55% R-134a, and from about 5 to about 75% by weight R-1234ze(E).

Abstract: A system and method provide improved ultrafiltration of charged/uncharged solutes in a fluid, especially a body fluid. The improvement is achieved through imposed electric field and/or surface charge patterning to a permeable membrane. In many of the embodiments, at least one selected material is used as an additive on a permeate side of the permeable membrane to reduce the sieving coefficient of the membrane with regard to a solute present in the fluid.

Abstract: A process for removing water from solid material using liquid-solid extraction and liquid-liquid extraction. In most embodiments, multiple solvents are used to step-wise remove the water from the solids and obtain dry solids. Multiple solvents facilitate the removal of the water from the solids, by step-wise replacing the water with a solvent, replacing that solvent with a different solvent, and then eventually removing the second solvent from the solids. The process utilizes a lesser amount of thermal energy to dry the solids and separate the solvents than conventionally used in drying processes. The first solvent selected has a lower heat of vaporization, enthalphy of vaporization, boiling point, or other such physical property, than water. Each subsequent solvent has a still lower heat of vaporization, enthalphy of vaporization, boiling point, or other such physical property then its predecessor.

Abstract: A method for producing biofuels is provided. A method of making biofuels includes dewatering substantially intact algal cells to make an algal biomass, extracting neutral lipids from the algal biomass, and esterifying the neutral lipids with a catalyst in the presence of an alcohol. The method also includes separating a water soluble fraction comprising glycerin from a water insoluble fraction comprising fuel esters and distilling the fuel esters under vacuum to obtain a C16 or shorter fuel esters fraction, a C16 or longer fuel ester fraction, and a residue comprising carotenoids and omega-3 fatty acids. The method further includes hydrogenating and deoxygenating at least one of (i) the C16 or shorter fuel esters to obtain a jet fuel blend stock and (ii) the C16 or longer fuel esters to obtain a diesel blend stock.

Abstract: Filtration systems (40) utilize a pre-treatment method to cause scale formation to occur on particles (94) in the fluid stream (96) rather than on the filter surface and may also destroy microorganisms in the fluid stream. More specifically, but not limited to, a filtration device can be a filtration membrane, such as spiral wound filtration membrane (60), that utilizes an open feed spacer (80), such for example an embossed or printed pattern on the membrane, to create a thin feed spacer channel which replaces a conventional feed spacer mesh material. System (40) further utilizes a treatment device (54) to enable a pulsed power, magnetic, electro-magnetic, electro-static, or hydrodynamic fluid treatment scheme to condition particles in the fluid stream (96) such that scale forming elements precipitate (94) on to the particles in the fluid stream rather than on the filtration surfaces.

Abstract: The invention provides a heat transfer composition comprising (i) from about 45 to about 75% by weight 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (R-1234yf); and (ii) from about 25 to about 55% by weight 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (R-134a). A heat transfer composition comprising, optionally consisting essentially of, (i) from about 20 to about 90% by weight R-1234yf; (ii) from about 10 to about 60% by weight R-134a; and (iii) from about 1 to about 20% by weight R-32 is also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for extracting lipids of varying polarities from oleaginous material.

Abstract: Methods for selective extraction and fractionation of algal lipids and algal products are disclosed. A method of selective removal of products from an algal biomass provides for single and multistep extraction processes which enable efficient separation of algal components. Among these components are neutral lipids synthesized by algae, which are extracted by the methods disclosed herein for the production of renewable fuels.

Abstract: A method of dewatering algae and recycling water therefrom is presented. A method of dewatering a wet algal cell culture includes removing liquid from an algal cell culture to obtain a wet algal biomass having a lower liquid content than the algal cell culture. At least a portion of the liquid removed from the algal cell culture is recycled for use in a different algal cell culture. The method includes adding a water miscible solvent set to the wet algal biomass and waiting an amount of time to permit algal cells of the algal biomass to gather and isolating at least a portion of the gathered algal cells from at least a portion of the solvent set and liquid of the wet algal biomass so that a dewatered algal biomass is generated. The dewatered algal biomass can be used to generated algal products such as biofuels and nutraceuticals.

Abstract: A device, system and method for exchanging components between first and second fluids by direct contact in a microfluidic channel. The fluids flow as thin layers in the channel. One of the fluids is passed through a filter upon exiting the channel and is recycled through a secondary processor which changes the fluid's properties. The recycled fluid is reused for further exchange. The filter excludes blood cells from the recycled fluid and prevents or limits clogging of the filter. The secondary processor removes metabolic waste and water by diafiltration.

Abstract: Disclosed are tubular surface coalescers, systems, and methods for coalescing a mixture of two phases, namely a continuous phase and a dispersed phase. The disclosed tubular surface coalescers, systems, and methods include or utilize one or more layers of media material having a distinct mean pore size and wettability applied to a surface of a porous tubular support structure.

Abstract: A method for producing biofuels is provided that includes dewatering intact algal cells to make an algal biomass, extracting neutral lipids from the algal biomass, and esterifying the neutral lipids with a catalyst in the presence of an alcohol. The method also includes separating a water soluble fraction comprising glycerin from a water insoluble fraction comprising fuel esters and distilling the fuel esters under vacuum to obtain a C16 or shorter fuel esters fraction, a C16 or longer fuel ester fraction, and a residue comprising carotenoids and omega-3 fatty acids. The method further includes hydrodeoxygenating at least one of (i) the C16 or shorter fuel esters to obtain a jet fuel blend stock and (ii) the C16 or longer fuel esters to obtain a diesel blend stock. The method further includes supplying the hydrogenation and deoxygenation processes with hydrogen produced from reformed light hydrocarbons or an algae culture.

Abstract: A method for producing biofuels is provided. A method of making biofuels includes dewatering substantially intact algal cells to make an algal biomass, extracting neutral lipids from the algal biomass, and esterifying the neutral lipids with a catalyst in the presence of an alcohol. The method also includes separating a water soluble fraction comprising glycerin from a water insoluble fraction comprising fuel esters and distilling the fuel esters under vacuum to obtain a C16 or shorter fuel esters fraction, a C16 or longer fuel ester fraction, and a residue comprising carotenoids and omega-3 fatty acids. The method further includes hydrogenating and deoxygenating at least one of (i) the C16 or shorter fuel esters to obtain a jet fuel blend stock and (ii) the C16 or longer fuel esters to obtain a diesel blend stock.

Abstract: Methods for selective extraction and fractionation of algal lipids and algal products are disclosed. A method of selective removal of products from an algal biomass provides for single and multistep extraction processes which enable efficient separation of algal components. Among these components are neutral lipids synthesized by algae, which are extracted by the methods disclosed herein for the production of renewable fuels.

Abstract: Methods for selective extraction and fractionation of algal lipids and algal products are disclosed. A method of selective removal of products from an algal biomass provides for single and multistep extraction processes which enable efficient separation of algal components. Among these components are neutral lipids synthesized by algae, which are extracted by the methods disclosed herein for the production of renewable fuels.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a filtration system having one or more apparatuses for filtering gases, liquids, or fluids (e.g., water) to remove particulate matter, and methods of making and using the apparatus. More particularly, embodiments relate to apparatuses and methods for applying centrifugal force(s) to push a fluid or gas to be filtered through a porous membrane or filter within the apparatus to separate particulate matter therefrom. The present invention takes advantage of the Coriolis effect within a cylindrical filter radiating out from a rotating central body. The filtration apparatus provides an energy efficient system for microfiltration (or other filtration process) to remove contaminants from gases and fluids, such as waste water.

Abstract: A method of removing a polar solvent from a fluid volume contaminated with at least one polar impurity, such as a free fatty acid, is provided. The method comprises providing a fluid volume that includes at least one polar impurity dissolved in at least one solvent. The fluid volume is contacted with an expanding gas to remove the at least one solvent. The expanding gas may be dissolved into the at least one solvent in the fluid volume to form a gas-expanded solvent. The immiscibility of the polar impurities in the gas-expanded solvent enables separation of the polar impurities from the gas-expanded solvent. After separation of the polar impurities, at least one of the temperature and pressure may be reduced to separate the solvent from the expanding gas such that the clean solvent may be reused.

Abstract: A method for separating proteins from plant material, in particular, intact algal cells, using an amphipathic solvent set and a hydrophobic solvent set. Some embodiments include dewatering intact algal cells and then extracting proteins from the algal cells. The methods provide for single and multistep extraction processes which allow for efficient separation of algal proteins from a wet algal biomass. These proteins are high value products which can be used as renewable sources of food and food additives. Neutral lipids remaining in the algal biomass after extraction of proteins can be used to generate renewable fuels.

Abstract: Methods for selective extraction and fractionation of algal lipids and algal products are disclosed. A method of selective removal of products from an algal biomass provides for single and multistep extraction processes which enable efficient separation of algal components. Among these components are neutral lipids synthesized by algae, which are extracted by the methods disclosed herein for the production of renewable fuels.

Abstract: A separating material formed by a solid substrate having a substrate surface, primary or secondary amines coupled to the substrate surface, and a graft polymer formed on the substrate by covalently coupling the primary or secondary amines with a thermally labile radical initiator and subsequently contacting the substrate surface with a solution of one or more polymerizable monomers. Methods for the extracorporeal treatment of blood, blood plasma or blood serum employing the separating material, for affinity adsorption, ion-exchange adsorption, hydrophobic adsorption, or hydrophilic adsorption employing the separating material, and a separating column employing the separating material are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to use of an active ionic liquid to dissolve algae cell walls. The ionic liquid is used to, in an energy efficient manner, dissolve and/or lyse an algae cell walls, which releases algae constituents used in the creation of energy, fuel, and/or cosmetic components. The ionic liquids include ionic salts having multiple charge centers, low, very low, and ultra low melting point ionic liquids, and combinations of ionic liquids. An algae treatment system is described, which processes wet algae in a lysing reactor, separates out algae constituent products, and optionally recovers the ionic liquid in an energy efficient manner.

Abstract: A method for removal of a liquid heat transfer medium from pelletized biomass which has been torrefied by liquid torrefaction by immersing the torrefied biomass into a solvent bath which is miscible with the liquid heat transfer medium, then subjecting the torrefied biomass to the solvent for periodic sonification and/or agitation at a suitable temperature to substantially remove the liquid heat transfer medium from the biomass, separating the solvent from the torrefied biomass and filtering the solvent to remove liquid heat transfer medium residue.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally describes techniques for separating semiconducting carbon nanotubes from metallic carbon nanotubes in a carbon nanotube dispersion. The semiconducting carbon nanotubes and metallic carbon nanotubes may be provided and dispersed in a fluid. Once the semiconducting carbon nanotubes attach to the amine-coated magnetic particles, a magnetic field may be applied to the amine coated magnetic particles and attached semiconducting carbon nanotubes to attract and hold at least a portion of the semiconducting carbon nanotubes, so that the semiconducting carbon nanotubes may be separated from the fluid and/or metallic carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: A method for the degradation of polycyclic aromatic compounds is disclosed that involves dissolving ozone in a bipolar solvent comprising a non-polar solvent in which is of sufficiently non-polar character to solubilized the polycyclic aromatic compounds, and a polar-water-compatible solvent which is fully miscible with the non-polar solvent to form a single phase with the non-polar solvent. The bipolar solvent with dissolved ozone is contacted with the polycyclic aromatic compounds to solubilize the polycyclic aromatic compounds and react the dissolved polycyclic aromatic compounds with the ozone to degrade the dissolved polycyclic aromatic compounds to oxygenated intermediates. The bipolar solvent is then mixed with sufficient water to form separate non-polar and polar phases, the non-polar phase comprising the non-polar solvent and the polar phase comprising the non-polar solvent and the oxygenated intermediates.

Abstract: A method for producing biofuels is provided. A method of making biofuels includes dewatering substantially intact algal cells to make an algal biomass, extracting neutral lipids from the algal biomass, and esterifying the neutral lipids with a catalyst in the presence of an alcohol. The method also includes separating a water soluble fraction comprising glycerin from a water insoluble fraction comprising fuel esters and distilling the fuel esters under vacuum to obtain a C16 or shorter fuel esters fraction, a C16 or longer fuel ester fraction, and a residue comprising carotenoids and omega-3 fatty acids. The method further includes hydrogenating and deoxygenating at least one of (i) the C16 or shorter fuel esters to obtain a jet fuel blend stock and (ii) the C16 or longer fuel esters to obtain a diesel blend stock.

Abstract: A method for separating neutral lipids from plant material, in particular, intact algal cells, using an amphipathic solvent set and a hydrophobic solvent set. Some embodiments include dewatering intact algal cells and then extracting neutral lipids from the algal cells. The methods provide for single and multistep extraction processes which allow for efficient separation of algal neutral lipids from a wet algal biomass while avoiding emulsification of extraction mixtures. The neutral lipids are removed after first removing a polar lipid fraction and a protein fraction. These neutral lipids can be used to generate renewable fuels as well as food products and supplements.

Abstract: A method of removing oil from a mixture of tool steel swarf granular material and oil. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: Reducing the concentration of kinetic hydrate inhibitors in produced water may be accomplished by treating the produced water using a method selected from the group consisting of chemical adsorption, solvent extraction, chemical coagulation, electrochemical coagulation and combinations thereof. Such reductions may in some instances allow for the reuse of produced water for irrigation or recycle in oil and gas production.

Abstract: A method for separating neutral lipids from plant material, in particular, intact algal cells, using an amphipathic solvent set and a hydrophobic solvent set. Some embodiments include dewatering intact algal cells and then extracting neutral lipids from the algal cells. The methods provide for single and multistep extraction processes which allow for efficient separation of algal neutral lipids from a wet algal biomass while avoiding emulsification of extraction mixtures. The neutral lipids are removed after first removing a polar lipid fraction and a protein fraction. These neutral lipids can be used to generate renewable fuels as well as food products and supplements.

Abstract: To promote mixture of fluids on a plurality of stages, flow channels include a plurality of merging portions which penetrate from a top surface to a back surface of a substrate. An end of each of the sub channels is disposed so as to overlap the main channel at each of positions separated along the direction in which the main channel extends, and each of the merging portions communicates the main channels and the ends of the sub channels with each other, thereby changing a flow direction of the second fluid flowing through the sub channels to the thickness direction of the substrate, and merges the second fluid with the first fluid flowing through the main channels.

Abstract: A method for transferring inorganic oxide nanoparticles from aqueous phase to organic phase. A modifier is used to change the surface polarity of inorganic oxide nanoparticles, followed by using proper solvents to transfer the modified inorganic oxide nanoparticles form aqueous phase to organic phase. The organic dispersion of modified inorganic oxide nanoparticles can be combined with a polymer to provide a polymer composite with the nanoparticles uniformly dispersed therein.

Abstract: Methods for selective extraction and fractionation of algal lipids and algal products are disclosed. A method of selective removal of products from an algal biomass provides for single and multistep extraction processes which enable efficient separation of algal components. Among these components are neutral lipids synthesized by algae, which are extracted by the methods disclosed herein for the production of renewable fuels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for workup of nitrite-comprising alkaline process wastewaters from the nitration of aromatic compounds, wherein the alkaline process wastewater is acidified by addition of acids and the offgas which comprises nitrogen oxides and escapes from the acidified process wastewater is worked up, comprising the steps of a) acidifying the process wastewater by adding acid to a pH below 5, which forms an organic phase which separates out, an acidic aqueous phase and a gaseous NOx-containing phase, and b) removing the gaseous NOx-containing phase.

Abstract: Methods for selective extraction and fractionation of algal lipids and algal products are disclosed. A method of selective removal of products from an algal biomass provides for single and multistep extraction processes which enable efficient separation of algal components. Among these components are neutral lipids synthesized by algae, which are extracted by the methods disclosed herein for the production of renewable fuels.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for working up glycol-containing aircraft deicers, by (1) removing the suspended impurities from the used aircraft deicer, (2) treating the product thus obtained in such a way that the thickeners present therein are no longer capable of gel formation, (3) before or after step (2) establishing a pH of >7, (4) and then fractionally distilling off the glycols.

Abstract: Methods for selective extraction and fractionation of algal lipids and algal products are disclosed. A method of selective removal of products from an algal biomass provides for single and multistep extraction processes which enable efficient separation of algal components. Among these components are neutral lipids synthesized by algae, which are extracted by the methods disclosed herein for the production of renewable fuels.