Abstract: A magnetic particle filter for a hydraulic control line is disclosed. A filter array is positioned to surround a portion of the hydraulic control line and includes alternating magnets and spacers having different interior diameters forming a ribbed interior surface. The corners between the spacers and magnets trap particles, magnetic and non-magnetic, thus removing them from the hydraulic control line.

Abstract: A system for removing dissolved contaminants, particulate contaminants, and oil contaminants from industrial waste water, the system including a gas floatation and primary oil contaminant removal subsystem including a tank for receiving a flow of the industrial waste water and a flow of gaseous microspheres, wherein the gaseous microspheres combine with oil droplets in the waste water to form flocs which float to the surface and are removed to provide processed waste water with the majority of the oil contaminants removed, and a contaminant removal subsystem for removing dissolved contaminants, particulate contaminants, and any remaining oil contaminants from the processed waste water.

Abstract: A device for separating ferromagnetic particles from a suspension has a tubular reactor and a plurality of magnets which are arranged outside the reactor, the magnets (9) being movable along at least a part of the length of the reactor (2) up to the vicinity of a particle extractor (5) by means of a rotary conveyor (8).

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for in-line water treatment using strong magnetic fields to influence corrosion, separate toxins, suppress bacteria and bio-fouling, as well as inhibit or greatly reduce mineral scaling due to fluid flow in or around equipment components. For example, a device is provided for applying a magnetic field to a portion of tubing through which a fluid flow, such as water, is conveyed. The device includes a number of links joined together via detachable pivoting connections, such that links may be removed and/or links may be added, thereby allowing a diameter of the device to be adjusted so as to accommodate larger or smaller piping, as necessary, for retrofitting applications. The use of magnetic treatment of fluids such as water may allow extended cycles of operation with higher concentration of mineral salts without the use of chemical scaling suppressants.

Abstract: Methods for in-line purification of surfactant from a first fluid, such as a microemulsion are disclosed. Magnetic particles coated with surfactant molecules may be used to bind surfactants from a fluid. A magnetic field may be used to separate the bound materials from the fluid.

Abstract: A magnetic filtration apparatus to separate ferrous contaminant material from a working fluid. The separation apparatus has a housing that is divided into a plurality of filtration chambers, each chamber having an elongate magnetic core to generate a magnetic field to entrap the contaminant material as it flows through the filter body. A fluid communication passageway is provided between the first and second chambers and is positioned such that the fluid exposure to the magnetic fields is maximized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a treatment of multiple sclerosis, and includes the extracorporeal treatment of one or more body fluids, such as, for example blood, cerebral-spinal fluid, or lymphatic fluid. A treatment is applied to the extracorporeal body fluid where the treatment targets at least one target multiple sclerosis antigen in the body fluid. The treatment can include creating an antibody-antigen moiety and then removing antibody-antigen moiety from the body fluid before returning the body fluid to a patient.

Abstract: An environment-friendly porous bead-satellite nanoparticles composite which has excellent recovery and repeated usage performance and can be used as a catalyst, an antiviral agent, or an antimicrobial, and a fabrication method thereof are provided. The porous bead-satellite nanoparticles composite includes a porous bead, a molecule having a first end coupled to the surface of the porous bead and including a functional group at a second end, and satellite nanoparticles coupled to the functional group, wherein the porous bead may have a core-shell structure including a cluster core of nanoparticles and a porous bead shell covering the cluster core.

Abstract: A magnetic separator separates magnetic and/or magnetisable particles from a fluid with a rotatable drum, at least one magnet arrangement arranged in an interior of the drum and a separation zone through which the fluid can be conducted. The separation zone is formed by an interspace between the drum and a fluid conduction arrangement. It is possible to modify at least locally a distance between the drum and the fluid conduction arrangement and/or a width of the separation zone during the operation of the magnetic separator. A measuring apparatus captures at least one fluid parameter of the fluid. The distance and/or the width can be modified dependent on the at least one fluid parameter. A method operates such a magnetic separator.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for efficiently separating cesium ions in a short time from an aqueous solution with the number of human working steps being reduced as much as possible and recovering the cesium ions, and an apparatus therefor. Cesium ions in an aqueous solution are removed by preparing a cesium ion-containing magnetic particle in a cesium-containing aqueous solution and filtering or magnetically separating the magnetic particle.

Abstract: A magnetic separation apparatus, comprising: a separation tank to which wastewater containing flocculated magnetic flocs is supplied; a disk-shaped or a drum-shaped separator that adsorbs the magnetic flocs with magnetic force while being rotated, the separator being arranged in the separation tank; and a collection device that collects the magnetic flocs adsorbed by the separator, wherein the improvement comprises that a rotational direction of the separator in the wastewater in the separation tank is set to be the same as a flow direction of the wastewater flowing in the separation tank as well as a lower portion of the separator being under the wastewater in the separation tank.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for separating a dispersed phase from a continuous phase comprising the steps of i) contacting said phases with an effective amount of nanoparticles; ii) applying a magnetic field gradient to the obtained system; iii) separating the obtained phases wherein said nanoparticles are of the core shell type, said core consists of a metal or alloy having soft magnetic properties and said shell contains a graphene layers which are optionally functionalized; to new nanoparticles and method of manufacturing such nanoparticles.

Abstract: A dialysis like therapeutic (DLT) device is provided. The DLT device includes at least one source channel connected at least one collection channels by one or more transfer channels. Fluid contacting surface of the channels can be an anti-fouling surface such as slippery liquid-infused porous surface (SLIPS). Fluids can be flown at high flow rates through the channels. The target components of the source fluid can be magnetic or bound to magnetic particles using an affinity molecule. A source fluid containing magnetically bound target components can be pumped through the source channel of the microfluidic device. A magnetic field gradient can be applied to the source fluid in the source channel causing the magnetically bound target components to migrate through the transfer channel into the collection channel. The collection channel can include a collection fluid to flush the target components out of the collection channel. The target components can be subsequently analyzed for detection and diagnosis.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for separating minerals in drilling fluid based primarily on density. The separator creates and maintains a slurry with a controllable density for separating minerals from drill cuttings. The density is controlled through the use of an electrode array. The separator comprises a housing have a fluid inlet for the fluid mixture, at least one rotating disk having an electrode array positioned inside the housing to suspend a first material of the fluid mixture, and a mechanism configured to rotate the disk. A second and third material is separated from the fluid via use of the suspended first material.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention relates to a device for detecting an analyte in a sample. The device comprises a fluidic network and an integrated circuitry component. The fluidic network comprises a sample zone, a cleaning zone and a detection zone. The fluidic network contains a magnetic particle and/or a signal particle. A sample containing an analyte is introduced, and the analyte interacts with the magnetic particle and/or the signal particle through affinity agents. A microcoil array or a mechanically movable permanent magnet is functionally coupled to the fluidic network, which are activatable to generate a magnetic field within a portion of the fluidic network, and move the magnetic particle from the sample zone to the detection zone. A detection element is present which detects optical or electrical signals from the signal particle, thus indicating the presence of the analyte.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for removing metal cuttings from an oil well drilling mud stream provides a magnetic body or “ditch magnet” having end plates that extend radially and circumferentially from the magnetic body, the plates being positioned at end portions of the magnetic body. A third plate in the form of a wiper is used to dislodge metal cuttings and other metallic material from the magnetic body after the magnetic body has accumulated such metallic parts. One of the end plates can be removable to facilitate a complete scraping or wiping of the metallic parts from the metallic body by the wiper plate.

Abstract: Provided are a mixture separation method and a separation apparatus in which processes are performed efficiently in a short time compared to conventional methods with a low load on the apparatus configuration compared to conventional methods. The present invention is a mixture separation method or a mixture separation apparatus for separating, by applying a gradient magnetic field to a paramagnetic supporting liquid containing a mixture of first particles and second particles, the mixture by particle type. A magnetic susceptibility of the first particles is lower than a magnetic susceptibility of the supporting liquid, and a magnetic susceptibility of the second particles is higher than the magnetic susceptibility of the supporting liquid. A gradient magnetic field is applied to the supporting liquid in the separation tank (7) provided with a magnetic filter means (9) using a magnetic field generating means (11), and the supporting liquid is stirred.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of fluid treatment for a plurality of fluids with a first and a second non-magnetically conductive fluid flow conduit sleeved within at least one segment of magnetically conductive conduit providing a plurality of distinct areas of concentrated magnetic energy. The instant invention prevents the formation and accumulation of contaminants within conduits and on equipment utilized in the transportation, delivery and processing of fluid columns. It may also be utilized to accelerate the separation of oil and water and increase the efficiency of oil/water separation equipment.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for the extraction of gold and other precious metals and elements from ore, as well as purification of water. Heavy elements are separated from lighter elements during the rotation of any conductive liquid in a chamber. To provide proper conductivity seawater can be used as the main conductive liquid. An electric field and hence a current is generated in a radial direction in a magnetic field generated in an axial direction, perpendicular to the radial direction, with respect to a chamber. The conductive liquid is provided to the chamber and is subjected to the current, and the conductive liquid is caused to rotate in the chamber by the current interacting with the magnetic field. Due to the Lorentz force, proper rotation is achieved without any mechanical motion. Rotation of the liquid in the chamber causes separation of heavy elements from light element caused by centrifugal forces.

Abstract: A magnetic platform is provided and includes a patterned array of discrete magnetic elements positioned on a substrate, a plurality of first electromagnets for creating a first magnetic field substantially in the plane of the substrate, an electromagnetic coil for creating a second magnetic field substantially perpendicular to the plane of the substrate, and a control device for controlling the application of the magnetic fields. Processes for manipulating, transporting, separating and sorting micro- or nano-scale particles and biomolecules are also described.

Abstract: A system for separating liquids from solids comprising an immobilization unit comprising an immobilization vessel containing a bed of magnetizable material and a magnet configured to produce a magnetic field within the immobilization vessel, wherein the immobilization vessel further comprises an immobilization vessel outlet and an immobilization vessel inlet for a fluid comprising liquid and metal-containing particles.

Abstract: A device and a method for isolating a target from a biological sample are provided. The target is bound to solid phase substrate to form target bound solid phase substrate. The device includes a lower plate with an upper surface having a plurality of regions. The biological sample is receivable on a first of the regions. An upper plate has a lower surface directed to the upper surface of the lower plate. A force is positioned adjacent the upper plate and attracts the target bound solid phase substrate toward the lower surface of the upper plate. At least one of the upper plate and the lower plate is movable from a first position wherein the target bound solid phase substrate in the biological sample are drawn to the lower surface of the upper plate and a second position wherein the target bound solid phase substrate are isolated from the biological sample.

Abstract: A size sorting device for carbon nanotube agglomerate and a method for separating and collecting dispersed carbon nanotubes using the size sorting device are provided. The size sorting device and method for separation and collection may use a magnetic field for separating and collecting dispersed carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: An ultrasonic wave generating apparatus includes: a generator including an electric power supply, a controller that generates a control signal, a liquid crystal display indicator, and a transducer drive circuit; and transducer portions. The generator includes: the controller having an internal memory or a port to which an external memory is inserted, and formed of a microcomputer to control the generator and the transducer portions; thyristor portions that are arranged respectively in the front and rear ends of the transducer portions, in which two thyristors are connected in series in the respective thyristor portions; snubber circuit portions that are connected in parallel with the respective thyristor portions; at least one transducer that is connected with the controller and is included in the transducer portions; and choke coils that are connected with one end of the respective transducers in the transducer portions.

Abstract: Magnetic actuators comprising at least one linear subarray are presented. Systems comprising such magnetic actuators and methods for using such magnetic actuators to isolate magnetic particles in a fluid are also presented. Magnetic actuators comprising at least four uniform magnets are also presented, as are systems comprising such magnetic actuators and methods for using such magnetic actuators to isolate magnetic particles in a fluid.

Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to recovering bond coat materials and barrier coat materials from co-mingled mixtures of bond coat and barrier coat materials (e.g., plasma overspray waste), and from mixtures of co-mingled bond coat and barrier coat materials stripped from a substrate. The disclosure also relates to recovering rare earth elements (e.g., yttrium) from a barrier coat of the co-mingled plasma overspray waste or mixture of co-mingled bond coat and barrier coat materials stripped from the substrate.

Abstract: A stream of acid mine discharge is treated by mixing an alkaline aqueous solution of sodium borohydride to form a precipitate which is separated from the stream.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for separating magnetic particles, for separating magnetic particles from a sample housed in an inner space (1) of the separating device. In accordance with the invention, the magnetic field is generated with a specific configuration of the magnets (3). This specific configuration enables devices of different sizes with a reduced number of magnets or types of magnets to be established.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of isolating white blood cells (WBCs) from a sample, e.g., whole blood, using magnetic particles that specifically bind to WBCs and a series of specific steps and conditions. The methods can include one or more of decreasing the viscosity of the sample prior to WBC isolation, agitating the sample at specified frequencies, and/or using a sample container arranged such that all of the sample is placed in close proximity (e.g., within 5, 2, 1, or 0.5 mm) to the source of the magnetic field. The new methods provide for isolation of WBC preparations with high yield, purity, and viability. The methods are designed for compatibility with automation protocols for rapid processing of multiple samples.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing metallic material from a circulating well fluid stream provides a treatment vessel that is divided into first and second sections. Each of the sections includes a magnetic field that can be in the form of one or more magnets. In one embodiment, multiple magnets are provided in each of the sections. Manifolds attach to an influent and to an effluent of the treatment vessel. Each manifold enables selective transfer of fluid to either of the selected sections. Similarly, discharge of circulating fluid can be from either of the sections via a discharge manifold. The treatment vessel enables continuous treatment by valving fluid flow so that only one section need be used at a time in order that the other section could be serviced for removing collected metallic material from the magnetic field or from the magnets.

Abstract: A magnetic separation device comprising a magnetic base and a retention mechanism, as well as a method of evacuating liquid from a well plate containing liquid and magnetic particles, are disclosed. In specific embodiments, the retention mechanism comprises one or more wire clips. In certain embodiments, the magnetic base comprises apertures configured to receive the wire clips. The retention mechanism can be configured to secure a well plate to the magnetic base so that a user may evacuate liquid from a well plate containing liquid and magnetic particles. In certain embodiments, the method comprises inverting the magnetic separation device and well plate. In particular embodiments, the method comprises rapidly and forcefully inverting magnetic separation device and well plate.

Abstract: A process for treating a water stream containing dissolved organic carbon and dissolved salts comprises subjecting the water stream to reverse osmosis after a pre-treatment step to reduce the amount of dissolved organic carbon directed in water to the reverse osmosis treatment step. The preferred pre-treatment step is a membrane treatment step such as nanofiltration. The process enables treatment of complex effluents including mixtures of domestic and industrial effluents. Treated water may be recycled and a treatment plant (100) employing the process forms another aspect of the invention.

Abstract: Solenoid operated fluid control valve for controlling the pressure of a fluid in a fluid control system comprises a solenoid housing having therein a solenoid coil, an armature movable in response to electrical current applied to the solenoid coil, a valve member for controlling fluid flow to a fluid passage, an actuator pin disposed between the armature and the valve member for moving the valve member in response to armature movement, and one or more features including an armature damping member, tubular actuator pin support body, flow diverter, coil bobbin support sleeve, and/or internal particle gettering magnet to improve valve operation.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for filtering plasma using magnetic force. The apparatus for filtering plasma using magnetic force includes: an inlet into which blood is injected; a filter unit filtering plasma in the blood passing through the inlet by capillary force; a magnetic force receiving part made of magnetizable materials and assisting plasma filtering by applying pressure to the filter unit by movement due to magnetic force generated from the outside; an outlet discharging plasma filtered from blood; and a filter outer body surrounding the inlet, the filter unit, the magnetic receiving part, and the outlet.

Abstract: Magnetic handling structure comprising a retractable magnet and a probe for the manipulation of magnetic particles in biological samples and methods of handling magnetic particles in biological samples.

Abstract: The invention relates a magnetic particle control system positioning a magnetic particle (or magnetic particles) at a specific area, and more particular, to a magnetic particle control system including at least two magnets apart from each other, wherein a magnetic particle is positioned at a specific area between the at least two magnets by a repulsive force between the magnets. According to the exemplary embodiment of the invention, the magnetic particle can be consistently positioned at a wanted area by the at least two magnets with the same poles facing each other. Accordingly, the magnetic particle can be effectively controlled by arbitrarily adjusting the position of the magnets.

Abstract: A chip collector body is provided including a coupled base and elongate member. The base and elongate member have a substantially hollow interior extending from a first end to a second end, so as to form a shell. A collector element is positioned within the hollow interior. The collector element has a magnetic element positioned adjacent the second end and a flange positioned near the first end. The collector element is configured to move between a first position and a second position to selectively demagnetize the chip collector body. An axial biasing member is positioned between the flange of the collector element and a rigid surface. The axial biasing member is configured to bias the collector element into the first position.

Abstract: A first substance is separated from a flowable primary substance flow by mixing and precipitation in a separating device. The mixing binds the first substance and at least one magnetic carrier particle to each other. In the precipitation, the carrier particles contained in the primary substance flow, including the bound first substance, are separated by magnetic forces into a residual primary substance flow depleted of the first substance and a secondary substance flow enriched with the first substance. By varying a parameter which influences the magnetic forces in a predetermined manner during the precipitation, the content of the first substance in the secondary substance flow and/or in the residual primary substance flow is influenced. Based on the change of the content of the first substance caused by the variation due to the predetermined variation, at least one parameter of the separation method is set.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for separating minerals in drilling fluid based primarily on density. The separator creates and maintains a slurry with a controllable density for separating minerals from drill cuttings. The density is controlled through the use of an electrode array. The separator comprises a primary separation chamber containing the dense slurry, and a multiple number of secondary separation chambers used to separate cuttings from the drilling fluid. The invention also contains inlet hardware allowing the mixed mineral suspension to enter the first separation chamber, and hardware allowing the three outlet (separated) streams to exit the device. One of the three outlet streams carries the minerals that have a density greater than the user selectable density set point, while the second carries the minerals that have a density less than the density set point, and the third carries clean drilling fluid.

Abstract: Devices for sorting components (e.g., cells) contained in a liquid sample are provided. In certain aspects, the devices include a magnetic separation device and an acoustic concentrator device fluidically coupled to magnetic separation device. Aspects of the invention further include methods for sorting cells in a liquid sample, and systems, and kits for practicing the subject methods.

Abstract: Toxic organic materials contaminate water resources and one need to find an easy and energy efficient way to decontaminate water resources. The current invention discloses a photocatalyst Fe doped ZnO nano-particle photocatalyst that enables the decontamination process by degrading toxic organic material such as brilliant cresyl blue, indigo carmine and gentian blue by using solar light. In the current disclosure many examples of characterization of the photocatalyst, optimal working conditions and efficient use of solar light has been described. The process described to use the photocatalyst to degrade toxic organic material using the solar light to activate the photocatalyst is cost efficient and cheap to clean our water resources.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provide at least one region of pulsed fluid treatment within a fluid treatment chamber. The instant invention prevents the formation and accumulation of contaminants within conduits and on equipment utilized in the transportation, delivery and processing of fluid columns. It may also be utilized to accelerate the separation of oil and water and increase the efficiency of oil/water separation equipment.

Abstract: A method of separating a liquid hydrocarbon material from a body of water, includes: (a) mixing magnetic carbon-metal nanocomposites with a liquid hydrocarbon material dispersed in a body of water to allow the magnetic carbon-metal nanocomposites each to be adhered by the liquid hydrocarbon material to form a mixture; (b) applying a magnetic force to the mixture to attract the magnetic carbon-metal nanocomposites each adhered by the liquid hydrocarbon material; and (c) removing the body of water from the magnetic carbon-metal nanocomposites each adhered by the liquid hydrocarbon material while maintaining the applied magnetic force. The magnetic carbon-metal nanocomposites is formed by subjecting one or more metal lignosulfonates or metal salts to microwave radiation, in presence of lignin/derivatives either in presence of alkali or a microwave absorbing material, for a period of time effective to allow the carbon-metal nanocomposites to be formed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (2) for separating magnetic particles comprising several substantially aligned magnets (3). Some of the magnets (3) are inversely oriented. This array reduces any magnetic interference with the collection area of an adjacent magnet.

Abstract: A component of a laboratory automation system that integrates (a) separating a solid magnetic substrate from the liquid contents of a reaction vessel, (b) management of the thermal characteristics of the component of the laboratory automation system, (c) automated loading of multi-well plates and tip combs into the component of the laboratory automation system, (d) automated unloading of multi-well plates and tip combs from the component of the laboratory automation system, and (e) reading of radio frequency identification tags attached to multi-well plates.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device for removing magnetic particles from a liquid, the device comprising at least one container for holding a liquid containing magnetic particles; and at least one magnetic column for placing into the at least one container, wherein when the liquid comes into contact with the at least one magnetic column, the magnetic particles are attracted towards, and bind to, the at least one magnetic column such that when the liquid is separated from the at least one magnetic column, the magnetic particles are removed from the liquid.

Abstract: A device for crystalline-enhanced magnetic activation of water and aqueous materials includes a target material container, a crystalline material, an optional conductive metal layer, and a magnet, whereby a target material can be activated by the magnetic field, which radiates through the crystalline material and the conductive metal layer. A method for magnetic activation includes exposing a target material to a magnetic field, while heating the target material, then subsequently cooling the target material to an ambient temperature, and finally actively cooling the target material. Also disclosed is a method to replicate a natural water source, comprising analyzing a natural water source, adding minerals to pure water, heating the re-mineralized pure water, cooling the target material water, while the target material water is exposed to a crystalline-enhanced magnetic field.

Abstract: New multifunctional synthetic nanoparticles are adapted for water treatment, with environmentally-functional layers, optional capping layers, and synthetic antiferromagnetic cores. With high surface-to-volume ratio, these nanoparticles are very efficient in water treatment, including but not restricted to water disinfection, photo-catalytic degradation, contaminant adsorption, etc., in the context of drinking water or waste water treatment. Meanwhile, their magnetic cores are highly magnetically responsive and can be separated by 99% within 10 min using simply a permanent magnet. Moreover, once some non-degradable chemicals (like perfluorinated compounds) are absorbed to the particle surface, these chemicals can be further degraded by introducing hyperthermia or eddy current heating. These particles can be redispersed after the external magnetic field is removed, and can therefore be used in a regenerative treatment process, substantially reducing the cost while eliminating contaminated byproducts.

Abstract: Iron impurities may be removed from volumes of molten aluminum or magnesium metals or alloys by applying a static magnetic field gradient to each of the molten metal volumes, or melts. The magnetic field gradient is applied to each of the melts so that separate-phase iron impurities suspended therein will move in the direction of the applied magnetic field and become concentrated in a predetermined region of the of the melts, thereby forming an iron-rich region. The remaining iron-depleted region of each of the melts can be physically separated from the as-formed iron-rich region and cast into shaped articles of manufacture or into semi-finished articles for further processing. Such articles will have a lower iron-content than the original molten metal volumes.

Abstract: A method for dividing an analyte present in a solution and that is fixed on magnetic particles, and devices to be used in the method and systems for implementing the method. The method includes sedimentation of the magnetic particles together with separation into a plurality of residues. One implementation: forms at least a residue of magnetic particles in a first receptacle; and displaces the at least the residues towards a plurality of second receptacles, preferably by relative translation of a magnetic system. The second receptacle is connected to the first receptacle through a fluid channel.