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 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 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: 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 treatment device is for magnetically treating liquid in a liquid container including a plurality of figurines configured to define a container holder to receive the liquid container. At least one permanent magnet is associated with the plurality of figurines to generate a magnetic field within the liquid in the liquid container.

Abstract: A magnetic separator unit for the selective separation of at least one component from a fluid mixture is described. The unit can include at least one mandrel-shaped magnet unit and tubing wrapped around it. Fluid containing magnetisable particles can be passed through the tubing to allow attraction of the particles to the magnet unit.

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: A filtration device is provided with a filter tank, filter media unit, and magnet. The filter media unit includes a filter media accommodation case and a large number of magnetic granular filter media. The magnet is movable between first and second positions. In the first position, a magnetic field is applied to the magnetic granular filter media, so that the magnetic granular filter media magnetically attract one another. In the second position, magnetic attraction between the magnetic granular filter media is canceled. The filter media accommodation case includes a nonmagnetic mesh member of a nonmagnetic material and magnetism intensification plate of a magnetic material. When the magnet is in the first position, the magnetic granular filter media and nonmagnetic mesh member are located between the magnetism intensification plate and the magnet.

Abstract: A device for separating ferromagnetic particles from a suspension has a tubular reactor having at least one magnet, a suspension being able to flow through the reactor. The reactor (2) has at least one extraction line (3) branching off from the reactor (2), to which extraction line a negative pressure can be applied and which extraction line is surrounded by a permanent magnet (4) in the region of the branching.

Abstract: A process for manipulating magnetic particles suspended in a fluid that are able to bind to an entity of interest, the fluid being contained in a reaction vessel having a large funnel shaped upper compartment, an elongate lower compartment of substantially constant cross-section and a closed base. The process consists of: a) subjecting the magnetic particles to two simultaneously applied magnetic fields to separate all said magnetic particles present in at least the upper compartment of the vessel from the fluid, b) transferring the separated magnetic particles from the upper compartment to the lower compartment, c) removing the fluid from the vessel, d) adding a washing liquid to the lower compartment, e) subjecting the magnetic particles to at least two magnetic fields applied successively with changing directions to wash all the magnetic particles present in the lower compartment, and concentrating said magnetic particles in said lower compartment.

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: 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: A system for sorting and trapping magnetic target species includes a microfluidic trapping chamber designed to receive and then temporarily hold magnetic particles in place within the module. An external magnetic source moves relatives to the fluid chamber as the magnetic particles flow the device in the fluidic medium. The magnetic particles flowing into the module are trapped there while the other sample components (non-magnetic) continuously flow through and out of the station, thereby separating and concentrating the species captured on the magnetic particles. The magnetic particles and/or their payloads may be released and separately collected at an outlet after the sample passes through the trapping module.

Abstract: A method of for treating a hydrocarbon fuel comprises applying a plurality of shock waves to the fuel at a frequency and intensity such as to increase the combustion efficiency of the fuel. An apparatus for treating a hydrocarbon fuel comprises a fuel treatment chamber; an inlet for introducing a hydrocarbon fuel to be treated into the treatment chamber; an outlet for removing a treated hydrocarbon fuel from the treatment chamber; and a means for imparting a plurality of shock waves to fuel within the treatment chamber at a frequency and intensity such as to increase the combustion efficiency of the fuel. The apparatus is particularly suitable for installation in the fuel supply system of an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of the invention for separating at least one first material from a mixture comprising this at least one first material and at least one second material, which comprises the steps: (A) Contacting of at least one magnetic particle and at least one bifunctional molecule or an adduct of the two with the mixture comprising the at least one first material and at least one second material so that an adduct is formed from the at least one magnetic particle, the bifunctional compound of the general formula (I) and the at least one first material, (B) suspension of the adduct obtained in step (A) in a suitable suspension medium, (C) separation of the adduct present in the suspension from step (B) from the suspension by application of a magnetic field, (D) if appropriate, dissociation of the adduct separated off in step (C) in order to obtain the at least one first material. a corresponding adduct and the use of such an adduct for the separation of mixtures of materials.

Abstract: A microreactor containing a plurality of introduction channels 21 and 22 for introducing a plurality of liquids, a merging section 23 for merging the plurality of introduction channels 21 and 22, and a reaction channel 41 located on a downstream side of the merging section 23, characterized in that a flow control section 80 is located on a downstream side of the merging section 23 and an upstream side of the reaction channel 41, and the flow control section 80 contains in a channel 81 thereof a movable particle 82. According to the constitution, such a microreactor can be provided that the flow state in the reaction channel 41 is controlled to realize a flow state with good reproducibility.

Abstract: Methods for separating magnetic nanoparticles are provided. In certain embodiments, a method is provided for separating magnetic nanoparticles comprising: providing a sample comprising a plurality of magnetic nanoparticles; passing the sample through a first magnetic field; at least partially isolating nanoparticles of the first nanoparticle size desired; altering the strength of the first magnetic field to produce a second magnetic field; and at least partially isolating nanoparticles of the second nanoparticle size desired.

Abstract: A magnetic filter device and method for using same, for removing ferromagnetic particles from a liquid, which device comprises a vessel having an inlet for liquid to flow into the vessel and an outlet for the liquid to flow out of the vessel, and the vessel having one or more magnets suspended therein for removing ferromagnetic particles from liquid flowing between the inlet and outlet, characterised in that: the vessel is a horizontal pipe with the inlet at one end and the outlet at the other end, the magnets are suspended transverse to the longitudinal axis of the pipe in one or more sets, and the vessel has one or more helical flow generators which in use, generate helical flow of the liquid as it flows between the inlet and outlet, and/or one or more turbulent flow generators which in use, generate turbulent flow of the liquid as it flows between the inlet and outlet.

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: A device (10) is described for automatically separating solid and liquid phases of a suspension (78) and for purifying magnetic microparticles (76) loaded with organic, e.g., biological or biochemical substances. The device includes a process area (12) with devices, which move in a cyclic manner for transporting the magnetic microparticles (76) in the x-direction. A first guide (14) is used for supplying sample containers (P) in the x-direction and second guides (18) are used for supplying reagent containers (R) in the y-direction to the process area (12). The second guides (18) in the y-direction extend at an angle (?) of 30 to 150 ° to the x-direction. A carrier element (24), including carrier plates (24a, 24b, 24c) can be moved back and forth in the x-direction and can be lifted and lowered in the z-direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides an assembly for reducing combustion emissions of a combustion apparatus having a combustion chamber producing combustion. The combustion apparatus also has a fluid passageway for carrying treated fluid to the combustion chamber. The assembly includes at least one magnet positioned such that a north pole of each magnet is adjacent the fluid passageway, and a south pole of each magnet is on an opposite side of the north pole and positioned away from the fluid passageway. Each magnet is capable of operating at a sustained efficiency at operating temperatures of approximately 302° F. Each magnet provides a residual flux density of at least approximately 10,000 gauss. The combustion emissions have at least approximately a 1.5% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions compared to the combustion of untreated fluid, as well as reductions in hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions.

Abstract: The water is at the origin of an entire series of geological and climatic processes and is primarily the basis of all forms of life. Actually, it is the majority component of all living organisms (50% to 98%); the human body contains 70% of the total mass thereof. The biosphere in its entirety consists of 80% water. Although this may be one of the most highly examined liquids, its properties comprising numerous anomalies have not yet all been elucidated. It plays an essential role in the structure and metabolism of all living beings. This biological role is due to its physical and chemical properties that are out of the ordinary. Bernal and Flower established a rule defining that each oxygen atom has two hydrogen atoms as neighbors and each hydrogen bond contains one hydrogen atom. The separation of the liquid water molecules produces the formation of hydroxyl ion (OH?) and hydronium ions (H3O+), which hampers this rule.

Abstract: This method of processing refuse including organic and non-organic materials is noteworthy in that it comprises the steps of: A) admixing quicklime and a highly slaked substance with said refuse, B) allowing the reaction between said organic materials to proceed to produce a product that includes a calcium organic complex and said non-organic materials, and C) separating said non-organic materials from said calcium organic complex.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for manipulating particles on a micro- or nano-scale. An embodiment of the present invention includes a magnetic micro-manipulation technique that utilizes micro-coils and soft magnetic microscopic wires for localized manipulation of particles. Another embodiment of the present invention uses magneto-static interaction between two magnetic microscopic wires to mechanically manipulate particles. Yet another embodiment of the present invention combines a magnetic particle with a magnetic manipulator or other device for generating magnetic fields to operate as a micro-fluidic micro-motor. Other embodiments of the present invention employ a magnetic separation system employing porous membranes partially filled with magnetic wires.

Abstract: A method and a device for treating water using an electromagnetic field. The method comprising the steps of subjecting the water to the electromagnetic field generated utilizing an inductor coil; and varying a frequency of a driving signal for the inductor coil such that the generated electromagnetic field has a varying frequency.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a magnetic separation rack for isolating magnetically labelled particles from a non-magnetic medium comprising a body portion (1) and a foot portion (8). The body portion comprises an array of sample vessel retaining portions (2) and plurality of magnetising portions (3). Each sample vessel retaining portion comprises at least one visible portion such that when a sample vessel is mounted in a sample vessel retaining portion at least one portion of the sample vessel is visible to a user. The magnetising portions are arranged within the body portion (1) such that at least two magnetising portions (3) are circumferentially spaced about each sample vessel retaining portion (2). The foot portion is pivotally coupled to the body portion such that the body portion is operatively tiltable with respect to the foot portion such that each sample vessel retaining portion may retain a sample vessel mounted therein in a tilted position with respect to the vertical.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for storing magnetic fields generated by a rotating array of magnets. The device consists of a housing of non-magnetic material supporting an array of magnets disposed in the housing according to a pattern conforming with sacred geometry. A method is provided for applying, in a remote location, magnetic fields generated by a magnetic field generator having an array of magnets rotating about an axis. The method comprises the steps of: (i) obtaining an apparatus as described above; (ii) placing the apparatus in a magnetic field being generated by the magnetic field generator for a period of time sufficient for the apparatus to absorb a beneficial amount of the magnetic field; and, (iii) transporting the apparatus with the absorbed field to the remote location and placing the apparatus adjacent an item to be purified.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing soluble and insoluble contaminants from highly purified and ultra-pure liquids having a bulk resistivity in excess of one megohm-centimeter by establishing laminar flow of the liquid in a cylindrical chamber through an electromagnetic field transverse to the direction of flow, to induce mobility of the constituents. The wall of the chamber forms a cathode and a central rod forms an anode in the chamber. The mobilized constituents are transported either to the anode or the cathode, where the material will adhere and agglomerate with other constituents. Systems are provided utilizing the method and apparatus for purifying and analytically evaluating highly purified and ultra-pure water.

Abstract: In some domestic and industrial sewage treatment strategies, a powder of magnetized material is added to an aeration chamber, and aeration is conducted. The mixture is then sent to a sedimentation chamber, and solid-liquid separation is conducted. A portion of the precipitated sludge is returned to the aeration chamber as return sludge and reused. Sedimented sludge is highly concentrated, due to the density of the magnetized material. Traditionally, the settled sludge is removed from the sedimentation tank by slowly scraping the biomass towards a central hopper. The traditional sludge scraping mechanism is large, bulky and difficult to maintain. Magnets or electromagnets will be used to move the biomass to a predetermined destination for removal, thus eliminating the need for the bulky scraper mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system 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 if controlled through the use of an electrode array. The separator comprises a primary separation chamber containing the dense shiny, 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: Self-assembly of magnetic microparticles in AC magnetic fields. Excitation of the system by an AC magnetic field provides a variety of patterns that can be controlled by adjusting the frequency and the amplitude of the field. At low particle densities the low-frequency magnetic excitation favors cluster phase formation, while high frequency excitation favors chains and netlike structures. For denser configurations, an abrupt transition to the network phase was obtained.

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: The present invention provides an apparatus and method of producing transformed water without contact between the original transformed water and the water to be transformed. This is accomplished by organizing the original transformed water into a geometric contained arrangement such that a central cavity is created that substantially surrounds the water that is to be transformed. The water to be transformed is placed into a confined vessel such as a cylindrical container or a pipe inside the central cavity for about sixty seconds. This water then becomes transformed in the same likeness of the molecular clustering of the original transformed water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and a method for treating liquids with magnetic particles, wherein at least one further central element which ensures collection and homogenization of the particles is additionally provided.

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: The present invention relates to a process for separating at least one first material from a mixture comprising this at least one first material and at least one second material, which comprises the steps: (A) production of a suspension of the mixture comprising at least one first material and at least one second material and at least one magnetic particle in a suitable suspension medium, (B) setting of the pH of the suspension obtained in step (A) to a value at which the at least one first material and the at least one magnetic particle bear opposite surface charges so that these agglomerate, (C) separation of the agglomerate obtained in step (B) from the suspension by application of a magnetic field and (D) dissociation of the agglomerate separated off in step (C) by setting of the pH to a value at which the at least one first material and the at least one magnetic particle bear the same surface charges in order to obtain the at least one first material.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods and systems for processing waste are provided. For example, a system for processing waste, wherein the waste comprises hard particulates embedded therein, can be provided. The system can comprise a waste disruptor, wherein the waste disruptor disrupts the waste and releases at least one of the embedded hard particulates from the disrupted waste; a segregator, wherein the segregator segregates at least one of the released hard particulates from the waste; and a dilution unit, wherein the dilution unit dilutes the waste. In some embodiments, the system can include a waste loader that provides waste continuously to the waste disruptor, which is configured to disrupt at least a portion of the continuously provided waste.

Abstract: A device for washing and isolating magnetic particles from a continuous fluid flow in at least one fluidic channel having an inlet at one end and an outlet at another end, said device comprising at least one magnetic source carrier arranged proximate to the at least one fluidic channel. The at least one magnetic source carrier is moveable between a first position and a second position. The at least one magnetic source carrier comprises at least one first magnetic source, wherein a movement of the at least one magnetic source carrier to the first position places the at least one first magnetic source at a first spatial location along the at least one fluidic channel such that said at least one first magnetic source generates a maxima magnetic field at said first spatial location that attracts the magnetic particles from the continuous fluid flow and assembles said magnetic particles at said first spatial location.

Abstract: A continuously operating magnetic particle separating machine includes an inlet for receiving a material having magnetic particles mixed therein, an outlet for discharging the material after the magnetic particles have been separated therefrom, a first flow path extending between the inlet and the outlet, a first magnetic element positionable in the first flow path, a second flow path extending between the inlet and the outlet, and a second magnetic element positionable in the second flow path. The separating machine includes a control system including a diverter valve switchable between a first position for directing the material through the first flow path and a second position for directing the material through the second flow path, whereby the switching frequency of the diverter valve is responsive to a concentration of the magnetic particles in the material.

Abstract: A control system for transferring a sample from a source vessel to a target vessel generally includes a vessel unit, a primary transfer unit, an x-drive, a y-drive, a z-drive and a control unit for controlling the drives. The vessel unit includes a support plate for supporting the source vessel and the target vessel thereon and the transfer unit includes at least one transfer device for transferring the sample from the source vessel to the target vessel. The x-, y- and z-drives reciprocally translate one of the support plate and the transfer device in a respective x-direction, y-direction and z-direction, wherein the x, y and z directions define a three axis Cartesian coordinate system.

Abstract: Techniques for fabricating magnetic nanoparticles are provided. In one embodiment, a method performed under the control of at least one apparatus for fabricating magnetic nanoparticles includes preparing a substrate that defines at least one cavity through a portion thereof, soaking the substrate with a solution, the solution including a multiple number of magnetic nanoparticles, and applying a magnetic field so as to collect at least a portion of the magnetic nanoparticles into the at least one cavity.

Abstract: A rod assembly for the extraction of magnetizable particles from solutions is described. The rod assembly includes at least one guide element. A rod element is insertable into the at least one guide element and moveable in a direction substantially parallel to the at least one guide element. A magnet element is moveable to a distal magnet element position; wherein the distal magnet element position is located on a distal end section of the at least one guide element; wherein the at least one guide element includes an opening at a distal end. A method for the extraction of magnetizable particles from solutions is also described, as well as a magnet element for the extraction of magnetizable particles from solutions.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating magnetic particles from a liquid which contains said particles, said liquid being contained in an elongated vessel (11) having a length axis (12), said vessel being arranged in a vessel holder (13) with its length axis (12) in a substantially vertical position, said vessel (11) having a bottom and a tapered cross-section that diminishes towards the bottom of the vessel and a side wall (14) which has an outer surface which forms an angle with the length axis (12) of said vessel (11).

Abstract: A device facilitating mixing of a fluid containing magnetic or magnetizable particles, including a support for a container for the fluid and particles, a first magnet adjacent one side of the support, a second magnet adjacent the other side, and a drive for moving the second magnet between a first position near the container top and a second position near the container bottom. The first magnet is supported in a third position on the one side near the container bottom. A related tray and method for mixing magnetic particles are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for removing fine particles and particulates from water. The process includes mixing a magnetic ballast, flocculant and water to form magnetic floc, and agitating the magnetic floc in a flocculation zone. A portion of the magnetic floc is collected on a magnetic collector in the flocculation zone. Another portion of the magnetic floc is directed downstream to a setting zone where the magnetic floc is settled. The settled magnetic floc is returned upstream of the settling zone where the returned magnetic floc is recombined with other magnetic floc in the flocculation zone. Ultimately, all, or substantially all, of the magnetic floc is removed by one or more magnetic collectors disposed upstream of the settling zone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provide fluid treatment utilizing an electrical power supply providing at least one distinct programmable output of electrical energy wherein one or more of the voltage, current, repetition rate, amplitude or wavelength of the programmable output establish at least one distinct electrical signal generating concentrated magnetic in a plurality of distinct areas.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a magnetising portion for providing a high-gradient magnetic field in a magnetic separation device. The magnetising portion comprises at least one magnetic assembly. The at least one magnetic assembly comprises: a plurality of magnets whereby each magnet has a north pole, south pole and a magnet axis extending between the north and south poles, and the plurality of magnets are arranged one above the other in a direction at least substantially perpendicular to the axis of each magnet in such a manner that the north and south poles of adjacent magnets are arranged alternately and a space is provide between adjacent magnets; and at least one non-magnetic spacing means arranged in the space between adjacent magnets. The present disclosure also relates to magnetic separation devices comprising at least one of the said magnetising portions and to a method of isolating magnetically labelled particles using the magnetic separation devices.

Abstract: An apparatus for retaining magnetic particles in self-assembled magnetic particle structures in a liquid flow, comprises a micro-channel (5) and magnets (1,2) for generating a substantially static magnetic field across the micro-channel (5) such that magnetic particles (12) suspended in a liquid in the micro-channel (5) form magnetic particle structures (15). The micro-channel (5) has along its length transverse large sections (8) alternating with narrow sections (9). The large sections (8) are periodically distributed along and on either side of the narrow sections (9) so that in use magnetic particle structures (15) form across the large sections (8) of the micro-channel (5), the magnetic particle structures being retained by engagement of end parts (18) of the magnetic particle structures in the large sections (8) of the cell or channel (5).

Abstract: A separator system with a separator column and a method of fractionating magnetic particles, preferably using field-flow fractionation is proposed, which allows for more effective fractionation of magnetic particles with respect to their dynamic magnetic response in a wide frequency and amplitude range of an applied magnetic field, in particular relevant for magnetic particle imaging (MPI).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, device and system for measuring and/or treating contaminating components dissolved in a liquid in a liquid flow, such as in a water treatment, the method comprising the steps of: —carrying at least a part of the liquid from the liquid flow with contaminating components present therein into a container or a conduit; —causing precipitation of at least a part of the dissolved contaminating components, wherein solid particles are formed, and/or treating the quantity of process liquid; optionally followed by: —measuring the presence and/or the quantity of solid particles formed.

Abstract: Methods are provided for aligning carbon nanotubes and for making a composite material comprising aligned carbon nanotubes. The method for aligning carbon nanotubes comprises adsorbing magnetic nanoparticles to carbon nanotubes dispersed in a fluid medium to form a magnetic particle-carbon nanotube composite in the fluid medium; and exposing the composite to a magnetic field effective to align the nanotubes in the fluid medium. The method for making a composite material comprising aligned carbon nanotubes comprises (1) adsorbing magnetic nanoparticles to carbon nanotubes to form a magnetic particle-carbon nanotube composite; (2) dispersing the magnetic particle-carbon nanotube composite in a fluid matrix material to form a mixture; (3) exposing the mixture to a magnetic field effective to align the nanotubes in the mixture; and (4) solidifying the fluid matrix material to form a nanotube/matrix material composite comprising the aligned nanotubes which remain aligned in the absence of said magnetic field.