Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a remediation system for oxic water having transition metal ions includes a first chamber defining a first cavity having a first inlet and a first outlet. The first cavity includes oxic water having dissolved ions of reduced species of chalcogenides. The system also includes a second chamber in fluid communication with the first chamber. The oxic water has a pH ranging from 2.5 to 7.5 when present in the first chamber.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a magnetic material coated resin includes an aggregate obtainable by aggregation of primary particles includes magnetic particles of which surfaces are coated with a polymer. The primary particles have an average diameter D1 which is 0.5 to 20 ?m. The aggregate has an average aggregate diameter D2 which satisfies D1<D2?20 ?m. The polymer has an average surface coating thickness t which satisfies 0.01<t?0.25 ?m.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of controlling a real-time oxidation-reduction potential in a hot water system to inhibit corrosion in the hot water system. The method includes defining one or more operational protective zones in the hot water system. One or more of the operational protective zones includes an oxidation-reduction potential probe that is operable to measure a real-time oxidation-reduction potential in the hot water system at operating temperature and pressure. The probe transmits the measured real-time potential to the controller, which assesses and interprets the transmitted potential to determine whether it conforms to an oxidation-reduction potential setting. If the measured potential does not conform the oxidation-reduction potential setting, the controller is operable to feed or remove one or more active chemical species into or from the hot water system and further operable to change at least one system parameter.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a copper recovery apparatus includes a precipitation tank configured to precipitate copper hydroxide grains in water, a filter aid supplyer, a mixing tank configured to mix the filter aid with a water to produce a suspension, a separator provided with a filter, a line configured to supply the suspension to the separator, thereby forming a precoat layer formed of the filter aid on the filter, a separation tank configured to receive the detached matter of the precoat layer discharged together with the detaching water from the separator to magnetically separate copper hydroxide grains and filter aid, a line configure to discharge and recover the detaching water from the separation tank, and a line configured to return the separated filter aid to the filter aid supplyer from the separation tank.

Abstract: A microfluidic separation system, which comprises a magnetic separator, which itself comprises a magnetic energy source; first and second magnetically conductive members leading from the magnetic energy source and having respective terminal ends that are separated by a gap over which a magnetic field is applied due to the magnetic energy source. The separation system further comprises a microfluidic chip for insertion into the gap, which comprises a body defining channels on respective faces of the body; and an exterior lining that seals the plurality of channels to allow separate test sample volumes to circulate in at least two of the channels. Upon insertion of the chip into the gap, a first test sample volume is confined to circulating closer to the terminal end of the first member and a second test sample volume is confined to circulating closer to the terminal end of the second member.

Abstract: A process of conditioning a fluid includes passing the fluid through a magnetic field. A fluid conditioning system includes a conduit through which fluid passes, and a magnet assembly including at least one magnet disposed such that the produced magnetic field penetrates the conduit. The conduit is formed from a material that allows the magnetic field to have a magnetic effect on molecules of the fluid as it passes through the conduit. The conduit has a cross-sectional area designed to maintain a flow rate of the fluid through the conditioning volume within a pre-determined range. The magnetic field produced by the magnet has a field strength within the conduit, and the predetermined range is predetermined as a factor in combination with the field strength to precipitate an ion from the fluid in the conditioning volume.

Abstract: A novel design of filters for removing iron rust particulates and other polymeric sludge from refinery and chemical process streams that are paramagnetic in nature is provided. The performance of these filters is greatly enhanced by the presence of the magnetic field induced by magnets. Basically, the filter comprises a high-pressure vessel with means to support the plurality of magnets in the form of bars or plates that are encased in stainless steel tubes or columns. Filters with various configurations are disclosed for accommodating the removal of contaminants from the process streams of different industries, with high efficiency for contaminants removal, simple construction, low operational and maintenance costs, and low hazardous operation.

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 method and apparatus (10) for separating magnetic and non-magnetic particles from water in a domestic central heating system is disclosed. A magnet (60) is located in the housing and the inlet and the outlet are arranged so that, in use, water flows through the apparatus in a cyclonic motion from the inlet downwardly proximate the walls of the housing, and then upwardly within the downwardly flowing water, to the outlet. Particles entrained within the water separate out by vortex separation as the water flows downwardly. Also, magnetic particles entrained within the water are collected on the magnet as the water flows upwardly. The apparatus also comprises a sleeve (30) located within the housing such that an outer circulation channel (31) is defined between the housing and the sleeve. The magnet is located within the sleeve such that an inner circulation channel (61) is defined between the sleeve and the magnet.

Abstract: Magnetic treatment units are comprised of a body (21) having a central aperture, and having a pair of recesses (28) on opposite sides of the central aperture for inserting and retaining magnets (22) when covered by sleeve (23). The magnets (22) are flat magnets that have their poles on their flat sides, and are inserted into the recesses (28) such that the north pole of one magnet faces the south pole of the other magnet in the opposite recess. The invention also provides for a magnetic treatment assembly (10) for insertion into a pipe (11) or open channel comprising baffle plate (14) having a plurality of apertures (18) of which some have magnetic treatment units (15) attached to them such that the magnetic treatment units (15) are regularly spaced about baffle plate, and orientated so that north and south poles of magnets (22) in adjacent magnetic treatment units (15) are aligned.

Abstract: Method for oil removal. The method includes adding a magnetizable material, with or without appropriately selected surfactants, of order micron (having no net magnetization) or nanometer size to magnetize the oil or water phase by either making a ferrofluid, magnetorheological fluid, a magnetic Pickering emulsion (oil in water or water in oil emulsion), or any other process to magnetize either oil or water phases. The magnetized fluid is separated from the non-magnetic phase using novel or existing magnetic separation techniques or by permanent magnets or electromagnets thereby separating oil and water phases. The magnetized particles are separated from the magnetized phase using novel or existing magnetic separation techniques to recover and reuse the particles. The two magnetic separation steps can be repeated to further increase recovery efficiency of the liquid phases and the magnetizable particles reused in this continuous process.

Abstract: Device for separating ferritic impurities, such as crown caps, out of bottle cleaning machines, including a circulating band screen for the filtration of rinsing water, wherein the band screen is provided with one or more magnetic units.

Abstract: Magnetic enrichment method, wherein the desired biological component is collected from a solution, which component is thereafter enriched in a liquid in such a manner that by means of the micro particles attached to the magnet or attached by means of at least one magnet at least one biological component is collected in a closed reactor vessel. Thereafter at least one biological component is enriched in such a manner that the desired component is released to the solution. The reactor unit is a closed vessel, wherein the prevailing conditions are controllable. The shape and the location of the magnet unit in the reactor unit are adjusted in a preferable manner to collect the desired biological component.

Abstract: Provided is a method for performing etching process or film forming process to a substrate W whereupon a prescribed pattern is formed with an opening. The method is provided with a step of mixing a liquid and a gas, at least one of which contains a component that contributes to the etching process or the film forming process, and generating charged nano-bubbles 85 having a diameter smaller than that of the opening formed on the semiconductor substrate W; a step of forming an electric field to attract the nano-bubbles onto the surface of the substrate W; and a step of performing the process by supplying the substrate with the liquid containing the nano-bubbles 85 while forming the electric field.

Abstract: Extracorporeal systems and methods for treating blood-borne diseases in a subject or for developing drugs to treat blood-borne diseases include various environmental and treatment modules that can be tailored to a specific disease or infection. In certain embodiments of the systems and methods, a blood sample is treated with hydrostatic pressure, a pulsed electrical field, a pharmaceutical agent, microwave, centrifugation, sonification, radiation, or a combination thereof, under environmental conditions that are effective for the treatment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a disk based system for separating at least two types of particulates contained in a sample fluid. The system includes a disk-like carrier board and a magnetic attraction unit. The disk-like carrier board forms at least one flow channel structure, which includes an inner reservoir, at least one separation chamber, and at least one outer reservoir arranged in sequence from a geometric center of the disk-like carrier board to an outer circumferential rim of the disk-like carrier board. A method of separation carried out with the system includes introducing the sample fluid into the inner reservoir and then rotating the disk-like carrier board to induce a centrifugal force. The sample fluid contains particulates that are labeled with immunomagnetic beads and the labeled particulates are attracted by the magnetic force generated by the magnetic attraction unit to retain in the inner reservoir or the separation chamber.

Abstract: A laboratory automation system that is capable of carrying out clinical chemistry assays, immunoassays, amplification of nucleic acid assays, and any combination of the foregoing, said laboratory automation system employing at least one of micro-well plates and deep multi-well plates as reaction vessels. The use of micro-well plates as reaction vessels enables the laboratory automation system to assume a variety of arrangements, i.e., the laboratory automation system can comprise a variety of functional modules that can be arranged in various ways. In order to effectively carry out immunoassays by means of micro-well plates, a technique known as inverse magnetic particle processing can be used to transfer the product(s) of immunoassays from one micro-well of a micro-well plate to another.

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 maximised.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising at least vessel (2) for stocking conductive liquid (1) containing impurities; electromagnetic force generator (3) for generating electromagnetic force (F) capable of circulating the conductive liquid (1) in the conductive liquid (1); and discharging unit (4) for discharging nonmetallic impurities and deemed nonmetallic impurities (21a,21b) accumulated in low-pressure region (1a) by a pressure difference in conductive liquid (1) induced by the electromagnetic force (F), so that by the electromagnetic force (F), any nonmetallic impurities (21a) and deemed nonmetallic impurities (21b) are driven to the low-pressure region (1a), for example, liquid surface and separated.

Abstract: A system for separating a solid magnetic substrate from liquid contents of a reaction vessel, the system comprising at least one micro-well plate having a plurality of rows and a plurality of magnets arranged in at least two rows. In one embodiment, the at least two rows of the plurality of magnets are controlled so as to cause the magnets in the at least two rows of magnets to move in unison. In another embodiment, one row of the at least two rows of the plurality of magnets is controlled so as to cause the magnets in said one row to move at a first velocity in the vertical direction and another row of the at least two rows of the plurality of magnets is controlled so as to cause the magnets in that other row to move at a second velocity in the vertical direction.

Abstract: A continuous online process for rejuvenating whole stream of contaminated lean sulfolane in an extraction system is provided. A rejuvenator is installed in the solvent circulation loop to remove the contaminants continuously to keep the solvent clean, effective and less corrosive. The rejuvenator includes a high pressure vessel with a removable cover and a round rack with vertical stainless steel tubes fitted in the high pressure vessel. A magnetic bar is placed in each stainless steel tube. A screen cylinder is installed outside the ring of stainless steel tubes. As the contaminated sulfolane is passed through the rejuvenator, the rejuvenator picks up contaminants. The rejuvenator can be dissembled to remove the contaminants periodically. The rejuvenator is simple in construction, reliable in operation, and low in operation and maintenance costs. With this rejuvenator, the extraction system operates at high efficiency and high capacity without the dreaded corrosion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a magnetic separation apparatus for continuous separating and recovering magnetic solid particles from a solid-liquid mixture. The apparatus includes at least one magnetic separation unit and each unit includes: an outer cylindrical vessel having a material inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet; an inner cylindrical vessel, at least part of which extends along the axis inside the first cylindrical vessel without contacting with the inner surface of the outer cylindrical vessel; and a magnet, rendering the bottom of the inner cylindrical vessel magnetism during the first period and making the part of the surface lose its magnetism during a second period. When the solid-liquid mixture flows through the magnetic surface of the inner cylindrical vessel in the passage, the magnetic solids are absorbed and separated from the mixture.

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: Porous, ferro- or ferrimagnetic, glass particles are described that selectively bind molecules of interest, especially nucleic acid molecules; under appropriate conditions. Methods of preparing the porous, ferro- or ferrimagnetic, glass particles and their use for identifying or separating molecules of interest are also described. Kits comprising the porous, ferro- or ferrimagnetic, glass particles are also provided.

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: A major type of unwanted cells that accumulate in aging are anergic cytotoxic T-cells. These cells often have virus-specific T-cell receptors, as well as other surface markers that distinguish them from their youthful counterparts, and are thought to play a major role in the decline of the immune system with age. Here we disclose the use of magnetic cell separation methods and apparatuses to remove senescent T-cells defined by the surface markers CD8+, KLRG1+ and CD8+, CD28?. We disclose how these markers are used to remove anergic T-cells from the blood of aged C57BL/6 mice, resulting in lasting rejuvenation of their immunological marker profile. Using antibodies with magnetic microparticles linked to their Fc domains, we first developed a method to use magnets to filter out the unwanted cells from the blood, and later constructed a device that does this automatically.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and systems for use at the point of care. The methods devices of the invention are directed toward automatic detection of analytes in a bodily fluid. The components of the device are modular to allow for flexibility and robustness of use with the disclosed methods for a variety of medical applications.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for separating target components from a source fluid includes one or more source channels connected to one or more collection channels by one or more transfer channels. The target components of the source fluid can be magnetic or bound to magnetic particles using a know binding agent. 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 that is stagnant until a predefined volume of source fluid is processed or a predefined volume of target components accumulate in the collection channel, at which point collection fluid can be pumped into the collection channel to flush the target components out of the collection channel.

Abstract: The invention is a system and method for conditioning fluids utilizing a magnetic fluid processor or device that includes an elongated housing comprising a core enclosed by a magnetic component in combination with an electrical return path. The process utilizes said device to affect and electron configuration within fluids by generating a magnetic field, thereby separating, for example, metals and organic or inorganic materials from fluids, in order to achieve desired fluid composition and properties.

Abstract: Device designed to desalinate brackish water which performs said function by the combined action of magnetic fields generated inside the device and ion-selective membranes, thus obtaining two separate water currents, one with a low salt concentration and the other reject current with a high salt concentration. It comprises an external cylindrical body of magnetized iron (1), an inner body also cylindrical and made of the same material (2) and an intermediate chamber (3) in which are placed a series of ion-selective membranes (6 and 7) arranged radially around the axle common to all of the bodies, and placed alternately such that each negative-ion selective membrane has a positive-ion selective membrane on either side.

Abstract: The invention is a magnetic fluid processor for conditioning fluids that includes an elongated housing comprising a core enclosed by a magnetic component in combination with an electrical return path. In one embodiment, the processor includes an elongated housing comprising a hollow core for storing an inert gas, said core enclosed by a magnetic component. The processor is electrically coupled to an electrical return path, which alters a magnetic configuration within fluids, thereby separating metals and organic or inorganic materials from fluids, in order to achieve desired fluid composition and properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system comprising magnetic nanoparticles of a metal oxide and a polymer, which in turn contains monomers with different functional groups. This system can be solid (nanocomposite) or liquid (ferrofluid). The present invention also relates to a process for obtaining the system, as well as its use, mainly in biotechnological, veterinary and medical applications, such as, for example, for the diagnosis and treatment of human diseases.

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: The extraction of hydrocarbons or other contaminates from a body of water or fluids is accomplished by distributing recovery particles with an affinity for hydrocarbons (or an affinity specifically designed for the contaminate of concern) into the contaminated body of fluids, allowing for adherence between the particle and the contaminate, and subsequent removal of the contaminate/recovery particle matrix by use of a magnet or other mechanical or electromechanical or electrochemical means to subsequently attract the contaminate/recovery particle matrix to a fixed point, removing them from the body of fluids (obtaining high volumetric removal efficiency) and providing equipment to separate the contaminate/recovery particle matrix from the equipment preparing the equipment for reuse and subsequently separating the contaminate from the recovery particle for reuse of the particle if desired and eventual disposition of the contaminate.

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: What is presented is an innovative design of a chemical reactor for catalytic breakdown of halogenated hydrocarbons, the body of which acts as a specialized electromagnet capable of immobilizing and retaining very large quantities of non-magnetized ferro-dia- or para-magnetic material-containing nano, micro-, or milli-particles within it's reactor volume despite high-velocity flow of any liquid through said reactor.

Abstract: The invention provides core-shell magnetic particles comprising a magnetic core and a functional shell, methods for making same, methods of separation using same, methods for using same, and devices comprising same. The particles and methods of the invention are useful for targeting and removing substances of interest that may be found in complex mixtures.

Abstract: A magnetic separator comprising a separation chamber is provided. The separation chamber comprises a having an inlet and at least one outlet opposite the inlet in a downstream direction, and a magnetic source operatively coupled to the separation chamber. The magnetic source comprises a plurality of magnets that can be selectively turned off and on to create a dynamic magnetic field in the separation chamber.

Abstract: The present invention is related to devices for manipulating magnetic particles that are suspended in a fluid, possibly containing a biological entity of interest, the magnetic particles being able to bind the entity of interest, the fluid being contained in a reaction vessel constituted by a large upper compartment with a funnel shape, an elongate lower compartment with a substantially constant cross-section and a closed base. The devices are especially useful in methods for the extraction of nucleic acid to enable them for further processing.

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: In a method for separating magnetizable particles from a suspension, the suspension is passed through a cylinder-symmetrical separator wherein the substance streams are separated by at least one tubular separation screen. The separator separates the substance stream into a concentrate as well as a so-called tailing and the control of the separation rate of the concentrate and tailing is carried out solely by controlling the flow rate. To this end, at least one separation screen (11, 21) is displaceable in the separator (10, 20), so that a variable gap (15, 25) is formed.

Abstract: The invention is a process that utilizes a device or processor that includes an elongated housing comprising a core enclosed by a magnetic component in combination with an electrical return path, which affects the electrons within fluids, thereby separating, for example, metals and organic or inorganic materials from fluids, in order to achieve desired fluid composition and properties.

Abstract: An apparatus for the magnetic treatment of a fluid which produces at least one magnetic field for a period of time, Tc at or above a critical magnetic field strength, Hc, the period Tc and the field strength Hc determined relative to one another and dependant upon the properties of the fluid.

Abstract: A magnetic ligand particle is provided that includes a metal-binding organic ligand attached to a magnetic particle. In some embodiments, the magnetic ligand particle does not include a polymer layer, a metal layer or a metalloid layer in contact with the magnetic particle and/or the ligand. The organic ligand can be EDTA in some embodiments. Methods of using the magnetic ligand particle to remove metal contaminants from a liquid or slurry are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and apparatus for treating oil-containing particulates such as mill sludge comprising applying a treatment solution to a particulate feed stream to form a treated slurry, applying a mechanical disrupter to the treated slurry to reduce an average particulate size, applying a magnetic separator to the treated slurry to form a ferrous slurry, and applying a thermal separator to the ferrous slurry to extract a hydrocarbon portion and produce a ferrous product stream. This basic method and the associated apparatus may be modified in a number of ways including, for example, applying a sizing operation to the oil-containing particulates to remove larger particles from the particulate feed stream, condensing a volume of the hydrocarbon portion or using magnetic separators of varying strength to provide ferrous slurries of varying ferrous content.

Abstract: To provide a magnetic particle parallel processing apparatus permitting repeated use of a container, and a method of magnetic particle parallel processing permitting repeated use of a container, with which the rate of repeated use of a container is enhanced to thereby achieve a saving in the working space and a saving in the working time. The apparatus comprises: at least one reaction container; a liquid disposal tank; a reagent etc.

Abstract: This invention relates to microfluidic systems and more particularly to methods and apparatus for accessing the contents of micro droplets (114) in an emulsion stream. A method of accessing the contents of a droplet (114) of an emulsion in a microfluidic system, the method comprising: flowing the emulsion alongside a continuous, non-emulsive stream of second fluid (118) to provide an interface (120) between said emulsion and said stream of second fluid (118); and in embodiments applying one or both of an electric (112a, 112b) and magnetic field across said interface (120) to alter a trajectory of a said droplet (114) of said emulsion to cause said droplet to coalesce with said stream of second fluid (118); and accessing said contents of said droplet (114) in said second stream (118).

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: A method for magnetically assisted extraction of a target substance from an aqueous solution containing a plurality components includes mixing a surfactant and functional magnetic particles having affinity for the target substance into the aqueous solution containing the target substance so as to bind the target substance to the functional magnetic particles and form a particle-containing single-phase aqueous surfactant solution. The particle-containing single-phase aqueous surfactant solution is transitioned to a two-phase state, a first particle- and surfactant-containing disperse phase being formed within a surrounding second phase. The first particle- and surfactant-containing disperse phase and the surrounding second phase are separated using a magnetic field. The first particle- and surfactant-containing disperse phase are separated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for disinfecting and purifying liquids and gasses comprising; a) passing said liquids or gasses through a reactor or a combination of reactors, having a truncated compounded concentrator geometry; and b) simultaneously delivering and concentrating diversified electromagnetic and acoustic energies into a specific predetermined inner space of said compounded concentrator reactor, forming a high energy density zone in said reactor or reactors over a predetermined period of time. The reactor according to the present invention is preferably a compounded parabolic concentrator or a compounded ellipsoidal concentrator. The electromagnetic energy delivered and concentrated into and inside the reactor can be of any range of the electromagnetic spectrum, such as ultra-violet, visible, infra-red, microwave etc., or combination thereof. The acoustic energy is of any suitable frequency.