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: 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: 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: 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.

Abstract: A water treatment system, comprising a plurality of pipes, each of the plurality of pipes formed of a rare earth metal alloy and configured for water passage therethrough in a water flow direction wherein excitation of electrons in the rare earth metal alloy of at least one pipe in the plurality of pipes forms an electric field along the at least one pipe, the electric field having a direction perpendicular to the water flow direction in the at least one pipe, and a plurality of permanent magnets configured to create a magnetic field along the at least one pipe, the magnetic field having a direction perpendicular to the water flow direction of the at least one pipe, wherein the electric field and the magnetic field are configured to break at least some hydrogen bonds between water molecules of water passing through the at least one pipe.

Abstract: Relates to a microplate carrier (1) for a microplate (2), in whose wells (3) magnetic particles (5), which are suspended in a liquid (4), with or without samples adhering thereto are located, the microplate carrier (1) comprising permanent magnets (6) generating magnetic fields which are implemented to collect and retain the magnetic particles (5) on the floor (14) and/or on the walls (7) of the wells (3) of this microplate (2). The microplate carrier (1) according to the invention is characterized in that it comprises two permanent magnets (6) situated diametrically opposite in relation to the well (3) for each well (3) of the microplate (2), which have the same polarity directed toward the well (3) and whose magnetic axis (25) is at least essentially perpendicular to the footprint of the microplate (2) to be placed. A corresponding method based on the use of the microplate carrier (1) is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for separating a liquid hydrocarbon material from a body of water. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of mixing a plurality of magnetic carbon-metal nanocomposites with a liquid hydrocarbon material dispersed in a body of water to allow the plurality of magnetic carbon-metal nanocomposites each to be adhered by an amount of the liquid hydrocarbon material to form a mixture, applying a magnetic force to the mixture to attract the plurality of magnetic carbon-metal nanocomposites each adhered by an amount of the liquid hydrocarbon material, and removing said plurality of magnetic carbon-metal nanocomposites each adhered by an amount of the liquid hydrocarbon material from said body of water while maintaining the applied magnetic force, wherein the plurality of 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.

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: The present invention relates to an apparatus for the separation of magnetic constituents from a dispersion comprising these magnetic constituents and nonmagnetic constituents, comprising at least one loop-like canal (5) through which a dispersion flows having at least two inlets (1, 2) and at least two outlets (3, 4), further comprising at least one magnet (6) that is moveable alongside the canal (5), wherein the canal (5) is arranged relative to gravity in a way that nonmagnetic constituents are assisted to go into at least the one first outlet (3) (stream I) by sedimentation and by the current of the dispersion and magnetic constituents are forced into at least one second outlet (4) (stream II) by magnetic force against a current of flushing water. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a process for the separation of magnetic constituents from a dispersion comprising these magnetic constituents and nonmagnetic constituents.

Abstract: A two-stage sealed magnetic filter continuously removes magnetic and non-magnetic contaminants from liquid process streams. Elongated non-magnetic holder sleeves encasing magnet bars attract magnetic contaminants while a screen cylinder captures non-magnetic contaminants. The magnet bars are accessible without having to open the interior of the housing to the environment. Thus, during maintenance, removing the magnet bars from the holder sleeves releases the magnetic contaminants that have adhered to the holder sleeves into the screen cylinder which partially encloses the holder sleeves. Contaminants are flushed out of the magnetic filter without exposing workers to potentially hazardous substances. Polymeric sludge occluded with iron compounds can be effectively removed from streams in refineries and chemical plants. The iron compounds are formed from carbon steel which is prevalent in plant machinery and that corrodes in the presence of acidic contaminants.

Abstract: Disclosed are magnetic nanoparticles and methods of using magnetic nanoparticles for selectively removing biologics, small molecules, analytes, ions, or other molecules of interest from liquids.

Abstract: A device for separating ferromagnetic particles from a suspension has a reactor (2) through which the suspension can flow, with at least one magnet (3, 4) arranged on the outside of the reactor (2), wherein the reactor (2) has an interior space (7) and an exterior space (8) surrounding the former, wherein the interior space (7) and exterior space (8) are separated from one another by an insert (6), and the insert (6) has at least one opening (9, 10) near the at least one magnet (3, 4).

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for magnetically separating a fluid flow passing through a pipeline are provided. A magnetic separator assembly having a plurality of elongate magnetic members is provided. Each magnetic member can have a first end and a second end. A cleaner plate can be provided that can move along the magnetic members. After the magnetic separator assembly is used to collect magnetic particles from a fluid flow in a pipeline, the magnetic separator assembly can be cleaned by sliding the cleaning plate along the magnetic members.

Abstract: The present invention provides a filtration chamber comprising a microfabricated filter enclosed in a housing, wherein the surface of said filter and/or the inner surface of said housing are modified by vapor deposition, sublimation, vapor-phase surface reaction, or particle sputtering to produce a uniform coating; and a method for separating cells of a fluid sample, comprising: a) dispensing a fluid sample into the filtration chamber disclosed herein; and b) providing fluid flow of the fluid sample through the filtration chamber, wherein components of the fluid sample flow through or are retained by the filter based on the size, shape, or deformability of the components.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and process for separating residual magnetic resin from a liquid stream by passing the stream through or over permanent magnets located within the stream wherein the process also includes a means for releasing any resin retained by the permanent magnets and capturing the released resin.

Abstract: Dynamic filtration systems and associated methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, for example, a filtration system can include a filter device having a body portion positioned between first and second end portions and a filter media in a cavity defined by the body portion. The filter media can be configured to filter a predetermined substance from a ferrofluid. The filter device can further include a coil at the body portion, a first magnetic plate proximate the first end portion and a second magnetic plate proximate the second end portion. The coil can generate a first magnetic field across the body portion, and the first and second magnetic plates interact to form a second magnetic field across the body portion. The first and second magnetic fields can be configured to drive filtration of the ferrofluid.

Abstract: Provided are devices, device systems, and methods to intercept and kill fluid borne cancer cells to slow or prevent metastases.

Abstract: A reaction unit containing a bottom part and a top part for pipetting a liquid, wherein the bottom part contains a reaction cavity with a permeable filter grid insert and the top part contains a reaction cavity which can be fixed on said bottom part and contains a cavity or covering for receiving a magnet.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment method in which magnetic flocs are formed by adding to wastewater an inorganic flocculant, magnetic particles, and a high molecular polymer as a polymeric flocculant, and the magnetic flocs are collected with magnetic force to thereby obtain treated water having the magnetic flocs removed from the wastewater, wherein the improvement comprises that the magnetic particles are added to the wastewater after adding the inorganic flocculant to the wastewater to flocculate suspended solids in the wastewater, after that or substantially at the same time as the magnetic particles are added, the high molecular polymer is added to the wastewater, and flocculates of the suspended solids and the magnetic particles are combined with each other with the high molecular polymer to thereby obtain the magnetic flocs.

Abstract: Present invention relates to a device magnetically separating a sample. The preferred material for the device is plastic. The device is a cuboid plate, which consists of one or two bottom sides and at least two lateral sides. The bottom side has wells on it to accommodate magnetic elements, and the magnetic element which is suitable to be accommodated into the wells comprising column shape, half-column shape, or half circular column shape magnetic elements. The magnetic element comprises permanent magnet or electromagnet, and the permanent magnet is selected from the group consisting of alnico, samarium cobalt, neodymium iron boron, or magnetic ceramic materials. The magnetic elements can adsorb the magnetic samples in the micro plate.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to magnetic nanocomposite materials, and processes for the production thereof. In particular, the present disclosure relates to nanocomposites comprising magnetic nanoparticles surrounded by a polymer, which is bonded to a biodegradable polymer.

Abstract: A water treatment system for producing a sodium hypochlorite solution to control bacteria levels in well water containing: a pH adjuster; a container containing solid calcium hypochlorite for producing a calcium hypochlorite solution; and a container containing solid sodium carbonate for producing the sodium hypochlorite solution and a method of controlling bacteria levels in well water by using intermittent injections of a sodium hypochlorite solution with alternating pH values.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for devices, methods for separating particles, and the like.

Abstract: An oil/water emulsion is mixed with functional solid particles to agglomerate oil droplets and/or water droplets having functional solid particles and the functional solid particles are hydrophobicized for the agglomeration of oil droplets or are hydrophilicized for the agglomeration of water droplets. This enables oil and water to be separated from an oil/water emulsion under gravitational forces.

Abstract: A valuable resource recovery system includes an engineered powder supply unit that supplies an engineered powder into drainage water (the engineered powder can adsorb a valuable resource and can be desorbed from the engineered powder), an agitation unit that agitates the drainage water supplied with the engineered powder, an engineered powder separation unit that separates the engineered powder from the drainage water agitated by the agitation unit, an engineered powder collection unit that collects the engineered powder separated by the engineered powder separation unit, and a desorption-recycle unit that desorbs the valuable resource from the engineered powder collected by the engineered powder collection unit to recycle the engineered powder and the valuable resource. According to the system, the valuable resource can be desorbed from the engineered powder and then recycled.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for self-extracting a cell using a magnetic field. The apparatus for self-extracting the cell using the magnetic field according to the present invention includes a flow path casing including an upper substrate and a lower substrate having a magnetic property combined with each other, and a fluid path formed to fluidize a cell solution therein; a separation portion disposed on the fluid path and provided with a separation channel selectively passing only an effective cell that is a separation target in the cell included in the cell solution therethrough; and a magnetic field control portion forming the magnetic field in the flow path portion to separate the cell blocking the separation channel from the separation channel.

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 water treatment composition capable of effectively adsorbing pollutants from water is described. The composition includes magnetic extractants, which comprise magnetite nanoparticles containing functional groups. The composition is used to remove from water and aqueous streams oils and other contaminants. A process for removing contaminants from water and apparatus used in the process are also described.

Abstract: An electrode material applying apparatus 14 includes a flow path 14a which allows passage of slurry containing at least graphite particles dispersed in a solvent, a filter 14b disposed in the flow path 14a, magnets 14c1 and 14c2 disposed so as to generate, on the filter 14b, a magnetic field having magnetic lines of force extending along the flow path 14a, and an applying member 14d which applies, on a current collector, the slurry having passed through the filter 14b.

Abstract: The present invention provides a small and low running-cost device capable of minimizing the generation of contamination sources as much as possible while performing a series of all the desired manipulations. A device for manipulating a target component in a manipulation tube, comprising: a manipulation tube comprising a tube having an optionally-closeable open end for supplying a sample containing a target component at one end and a closed end at the other end, and a manipulation medium accommodated in the tube and having a gel layer and an aqueous liquid layer multilayered in a longitudinal direction of the tube; magnetic particles that should transport the target component; and magnetic field applying means capable of applying a magnetic field to the manipulation tube to move the magnetic particles in the longitudinal direction of the tube.

Abstract: A device for separating ferromagnetic particles from a suspension may include a tubular reactor through which the suspension can flow and which has an inlet and an outlet, and a means for generating a magnetic field along an inner reactor wall, and a displacement body arranged in the interior of the reactor. Means for generating a magnetic field are provided on the displacement body, on an outer wall of the displacement body.

Abstract: A device concentrating particles in a liquid. The device includes a magnet facing a side wall of a receptacle, free to move vertically to progressively reduce volume facing it, in which magnetic balls carrying the particles of interest accumulate, so as to concentrate these particles.

Abstract: A polymer composite is provided for a water treatment. The polymer composite with excellent workability is capable of adsorbing impurities in water, being rapidly separated from the water using magnetic forces. The polymer composite includes secondary aggregates. The secondary aggregates are formed of clumped particles, the particles being magnetic particles covered with a polymer. The polymer composite has porous structures suitable for adsorbing underwater impurities.

Abstract: A ballasted sequencing batch reactor system for treating wastewater including one or more sequencing batch reactors. A weighting agent impregnation subsystem is configured to mix biological flocs and weighting agent to form weighted biological flocs. A weighting agent recovery subsystem is configured to recover weighting agent from the weighted biological flocs and reintroduce the recovered weighting agent to the weighting agent impregnation subsystem.

Abstract: A magnetic filter employs a magnetic core assembly that incorporates a plurality of exchangeable holder sleeves, each enclosing permanent magnets. Neither the sleeves nor magnetic bars are mechanically fixed to the filter housing. The magnet bars and holder sleeves are individually accessible. The number of holder sleeves in the magnetic core assembly is flexible. The magnetic filter in equipped with a screen that partially encloses the elongated holder sleeves to treat streams that contain degradation sludge, iron containing particles or flakes, and non-magnetic polymeric materials. In operation, a feed stream initially contacts the magnetic core assembly where paramagnetic contaminants become deposited onto the exterior surface of the holder sleeves under direct influence of strong magnetic field generated by the magnet bars. The mesh screen cylinder subsequently captures non-magnetic and weakly magnetic contaminants of a certain size before the cleaned stream exits the magnetic filter.

Abstract: Devices and methods for label-free separation of material. A fluid-filled settling chamber is used for settling material by gravity. A fluid mixture comprising a target material and at least one non-target material is introduced into the settling chamber, where the target material has a paramagnetic property. A magnetic field is applied to the settling chamber sufficient to impede gravitational settling of the target material and not affect gravitational settling of the non-target material, in order to separate the target material from the non-target material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for separating immunomagnetic bead labeled particulates. A carrier board is formed with at least one flow channel structure, which includes an inner reservoir, an outer reservoir, and at least one micro flow channel in communication with the inner reservoir and the outer reservoir. The method includes labeling target particulates with immunomagnetic bead, introducing a sample fluid into the inner reservoir, and applying a magnetic force and a driving force, wherein the driving force drives the particulates not labeled with immunomagnetic bead to flow through the micro flow channel to the outer reservoir, while the magnetic force attracts the particulates labeled with the immunomagnetic bead to retain in the inner reservoir. The driving force may be centrifugal force, pressure, or surface tension.

Abstract: A method of processing a liquid having magnetic particles includes increasing a magnetic particle content in at least a portion of the liquid; forming an effluent using the portion of the liquid that has the increased magnetic particle content; and filtering the effluent using a magnetic field.

Abstract: The present invention provides a functional powder capable of effectively adsorbing impurities in water treatment. The powder can be rapidly separated by use of magnetic force, and hence is excellent in workability. This functional powder comprises magnetic particles having surfaces modified with hydrophobic groups and hydrophilic groups loaded thereon. The hydrophobic groups have a function of adsorbing the impurities, and the hydrophilic groups have a function of dispersing the powder stably in water. The numbers M and N of the hydrophobic groups and the hydrophilic groups, respectively, satisfy the condition of 0.2<M/N<0.8, so that the adsorbability to impurities and the dispersion stability are both ensured.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to device, method, and system for separation and/or detection of biological cells and biomolecules using micro-channels, magnetic interactions, and magnetic tunnel junctions. The micro-channels can be integrated into a microfluidic device that may be part of an integrated circuit. Magnetic interactions used for the separation are created, in part, by magnetic stripes associated with the micro-channels. Detection of biological cells and biomolecules is effectuated by a magnetic tunnel junction sensor that comprises two ferromagnetic layers separated by a thin insulating layer. The magnetic tunnel junction sensor can be integrated into a silicon based device, such a microfluidic device, an integrated circuit, or a microarray to achieve rapid and specific separation and/or detection of biomolecules and cells.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment method in an embodiment includes: mixing primary aggregates made of magnetic substances and a dispersion medium to make a suspension; and passing the suspension through a filter to allow the primary aggregates to remain on the filter and to form a secondary aggregate made of an aggregate of the primary aggregates. Further, the wastewater treatment method in the embodiment includes; passing wastewater through the secondary aggregate to remove suspended solids and oil in the wastewater; dispersing the secondary aggregate in a dispersion medium to decompose the secondary aggregate into the primary aggregates and to wash the primary aggregates; and collecting the primary aggregates with magnetic separation.

Abstract: A magnetic separation plate for use in methods employing magnetic particles, said magnetic separation plate comprising a support plate and magnetic pins in a predetermined geometrical arrangement, said magnetic pins having a fastening portion, an intermediate portion and a separation portion and being fastened to said support plate at their fastening portion, wherein said magnetic pins are individually displaceable at their separation portion. The invention further provides a method for the separation of magnetic particles using the separation plate.