Abstract: A method of denuding bone stock with a denuder, such as a bone stock denuder container, is disclosed. The bone stock is deposited into a wash chamber formed with a curved chamber wall. The bone stock is impacted with a stream of fluid under pressure to separate non-bone tissue from bone. Fluid and non-bone tissue are drained from the wash chamber.

Abstract: A chemical dispensing system is capable of simultaneously supplying a semiconductor processing chemical for production and testing through the use of independent chemical supply lines, which reduces production downtime of an associated semiconductor process, increases throughput and capability of the semiconductor process, and/or the like. Moreover, the capability to simultaneously supply the semiconductor processing chemical for production and testing allows for an increased quantity of semiconductor processing chemical batches to be tested with minimal impact to production, which increases quality control over the semiconductor processing chemical. In addition, the independent chemical supply lines may be used to supply the semiconductor processing chemical to production while independently filtering semiconductor processing chemical directly from a storage drum through a filtration loop.

Abstract: A filtering system capable of removing particulates from a water slurry is disclosed. The filtering system comprises a base plate, the base plate comprising a sealing surface and a slurry inlet. A flexible vessel is configured to seal to the sealing surface, and an interior cavity, wherein the flexible vessel is formed of a flexible filtering material capable of retaining particulates. The flexible vessel permits liquid entering through the slurry inlet to pass through the filtering material and is capable of withstanding an internal pressure sufficient to form a particulate cake without rupturing the flexible vessel. A sealing system is provided for retaining an upper portion of the flexible vessel against the sealing surface. The filtering system may be part of a portable system that includes a cart, hoses, piping, a pneumatic pump and a control panel.

Abstract: Two-dimensional material based filters, their method of manufacture, and their use are disclosed. In one embodiment, a membrane may include an active layer including a plurality of defects and a deposited material associated with the plurality of defects may reduce flow therethrough. Additionally, a majority of the active layer may be free from the material. In another embodiment, a membrane may include a porous substrate and an atomic layer deposited material disposed on a surface of the porous substrate. The atomic layer deposited material may be less hydrophilic than the porous substrate and an atomically thin active layer may be disposed on the atomic layer deposited material.

Abstract: A process for producing a base oil composition particularly adapted for use in oil-base drilling mud compositions. The process includes contacting drilling waste containing an oil-base mud phase with a solvent to produce a mixture of liquids and solids, separating the two phases, partially evaporating the liquids phase to produce an oil base composition substantially lacking low molecular weight carbon chain compounds and also lacking significant concentrations of benzene, toluene, xylene, and/or ethyl benzene, and having increased closed-cup flashpoint when compared to the oil-base mud phase in the drilling waste. The resulting base oil has enhanced health and safety characteristics for workers interacting with and otherwise exposed to the oil base composition during transporting, conditioning or using such compositions. The base oil produced and drilling methods using the recovered and recycled mud are also described.

Abstract: A process allows the extraction of heavy hydrocarbon compounds from solid substrates in an economical and efficient fashion. Materials containing heavy hydrocarbons (i.e. oil sands or roofing shingles) are broken up into an auger and then mixed with light hydrocarbons. Subsequently, the resulting slurry is shaken to separate fluids from solids, and the fluids are subjected to one or more filtering processes to remove waste sediment. These filtering processes may include a series of one or more of centrifuges and nozzle purifier machines. Filtered fluids are distilled to separate heavy hydrocarbons from light hydrocarbons. Simultaneously, the solids are heated to remove the remaining light hydrocarbons as vapors. Light hydrocarbons are cooled in a condenser and coalesced in a holding tank, wherefrom they may be recirculated into the process and used repeatedly. The now-isolated heavy hydrocarbons resulting from the distillation process may be removed as a purified product.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a separation substrate having a high megakaryocyte blocking rate and a high platelet permeation rate, and a cell separation filter and a method for producing a platelet which use the same. The separation substrate of the present invention is a separation substrate including non-woven fabric for separating a platelet from a cell suspension containing a megakaryocyte and the platelet, in which an average pore diameter of the separation substrate is 2.0 ?m to 15.0 ?m, and a thickness of the separation substrate is 10 ?m to 500 ?m.

Abstract: Integrated devices that include a sample preparation component integrated with a detection component are disclosed. The sample preparation component may be a digital microfluidics module or a surface acoustic wave module which modules are used for combing a sample droplet with a reagent droplet and for performing additional sample preparation step leading to a droplet that contains beads/particles/labels that indicate presence or absence of an analyte of interest in the sample. The beads/particles/labels may be detected by moving the droplet to the detection component of the device, which detection component includes an array of wells. Additional analyte detection devices configured to operate an analyte detection chip to prepare a test sample and to detect an analyte related signal from the prepared test sample in the analyte detection chip are disclosed.

Abstract: A device (100) for sensing a first analyte in sweat on skin includes an analyte-specific sensor (120) for sensing the first analyte and an active sweat coupling component (130) for transporting at least one sweat sample inside the device (100) and into fluid communication with the analyte-specific sensor (120). A method of sensing a first analyte in sweat on skin includes actively transporting at least one sweat sample into fluid communication with an analyte-specific sensor (120) for sensing the first analyte using an active sweat coupling component (130) and sensing the first analyte using the analyte-specific sensor (120).

Abstract: The present application provides a digital microfluidic device. The digital microfluidic device includes a base substrate; and an electrode array including a plurality of discrete electrodes continuously arranged on the base substrate. The plurality of discrete electrodes can be grouped into a plurality of first electrode groups, each of which including a plurality of directly adjacent discrete electrodes. The plurality of discrete electrodes can be alternatively grouped into a plurality of second electrode groups, each of which including a plurality of directly adjacent discrete electrodes.

Abstract: A filter arrangement includes first and second media packs with a support core in between. The support core includes a first ring at one end and, optionally, second ring at an opposite end. In some arrangements, at least a first member and second member extend from the first ring while being engagement-free to each other. In some arrangements, no more than a first member extends from the first ring, while being engagement-free relative to itself.

Abstract: A method of determining the result of an assay in a microfluidic device includes the steps of: dispensing a sample droplet onto a first portion of an electrode array of the microfluidic device; dispensing a reagent droplet onto a second portion of the electrode array of the microfluidic device; controlling actuation voltages applied to the electrode array to mix the sample droplet and the reagent droplet into a product droplet; sensing a dynamic property of the product droplet; and determining an assay of the sample droplet based on the sensed dynamic property. The dynamic property is a physical property of the product droplet that influences a transport property of the product droplet on the electrode array. Example dynamic properties of the product droplet include the moveable state, split-able state, and viscosity based on droplet properties. The method may be used to perform an amoebocyte lysate (LAL) assay.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to methods for increasing the amount of DNA available for analysis when using partitioned samples and parallel processing. For example, double-stranded DNA can be dissociated into two single-stranded components, and the single strands partitioned into different droplets prior to analysis. The disclosed methods are useful for performing digital PCR analysis on samples where the target DNA is not in abundance, for example when the sample originates from a body fluid or an FFPE sample.

Abstract: The system and method for processing flowback fluid include a plurality of wellheads producing flowback fluid flows, a plurality of first stage separators corresponding to at least one wellhead of an installation with multiple wellheads and multiple flowback fluid flows, a plurality of metering devices corresponding to each first stage separator, and a second stage separator in fluid connection with the metering devices and the first stage separators. The second stage separator includes a solids separator to further control the storage volumes of the first and second stage separators and retention time in the second stage separator by removing solids.

Abstract: The system and method for processing flowback fluid include a plurality of wellheads producing flowback fluid flows, a plurality of first stage separators corresponding to at least one wellhead of an installation with multiple wellheads and multiple flowback fluid flows, a plurality of metering devices corresponding to each first stage separator, and a second stage separator in fluid connection with the metering devices and the first stage separators. Flowback fluid flows pass from the wellhead to the first stage separators for initial separation of a gas phase, through the metering devices for determination of production levels for each wellhead, and into the second stage separator for an additional gas phase separation. The storage volumes of the first and second stage separators control the retention time in the second stage separator for safe and efficient operation.

Abstract: The system and method for processing flowback fluid include a plurality of wellheads producing flowback fluid flows, a manifold skid, a plurality of first stage separators corresponding to at least one wellhead of an installation with multiple wellheads and multiple flowback fluid flows, a plurality of metering devices corresponding to each first stage separator, and a second stage separator in fluid connection with the metering devices and the first stage separators. Flowback fluid flows pass from the wellhead to the manifold skid so that the flowback fluid flows can be distributed under controlled conditions, such as temperature, pressure, and flow rate. The manifold skid improves safety, efficiency, and control of the later separation processes in the first stage separators and second stage separator.

Abstract: Methods and systems for pumping fluid through tubing are provided. Methods include orbiting one or more first rollers at multiple angular speeds around the periphery of a substantially circular first disk having a first radius with each first roller travelling at the same angular speed as the other first rollers, orbiting second rollers at a second angular speed around a substantially circular second disk having substantially the first radius, and increasing the pressure of fluid in tubing between one first roller and one second roller by causing the one or more first rollers to orbit at a first angular speed greater than the second angular speed so the one first roller moves along and fully compresses the tubing in a first section of the first disk, and simultaneously causing the one second roller to move along and fully compress the tubing in a first section of the second disk.

Abstract: Separation processes using engineered osmosis are disclosed generally involving the extraction of solvent from a first solution to concentrate solute by using a second concentrated solution to draw the solvent from the first solution across a semi-permeable membrane. Enhanced efficiency may result from using low grade waste heat from industrial or commercial sources.

Abstract: With a water, particulate and fibre mixture, a method of quantifying fibre content may include providing a sample of the mixture, filtering the sample to produce a particulate and fibre mixture, burning the particulate and fibre mixture to produce a fibre sample, and dissolving the fibre sample to produce a fibre solution. The fibre solution may be analyzed to determine an elemental content of the fibre solution. The elemental content may be compared to a known elemental content to estimate the fibre content.

Abstract: A method of producing a sugar liquid includes filtering a cellulose-derived sugar liquid through one or more separation membranes selected from the group consisting of an ultrafiltration membrane, a nanofiltration membrane and a reverse osmosis membrane, and washing the separation membrane(s) after filtration with washing water containing an acidic substance and an aromatic compound.

Abstract: The invention is directed towards methods and apparatus for improving the accuracy of monitors measuring the property of spray water used to cool a molten metal strand in a continuous casting operation. The method utilizes a highly effective slid-sieve to remove particles from sample water that would otherwise jam the monitor or would break the monitor. This particle removal results in the monitor providing more accurate measurements which in turn results in lower operating expenses, reduced maintenance costs, and production costs.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of controlling the perforation of crystalline grains in a layer of material. The first step of the method creates at least one crystalline layer composed of multiple grains and at least one grain boundary. Next, a material covers the grain boundaries to create a protective, reinforcing coating on the crystalline layer. Finally, an etching process creates perforations in the grains while the grain boundaries are protected from etching by the coating.

Abstract: A method of producing a sugar liquid, includes filtering a cellulose-derived sugar liquid through one or more separation membranes selected from the group consisting of ultrafiltration membranes, nanofiltration membranes and reverse osmosis membranes, and washing the separation membrane(s) after filtration with warm water at a temperature of not less than 50° C.

Abstract: This disclosure provides methods for preparing both a red blood cell (RBC)-containing product and a platelet-containing product from a plurality of blood units. The method comprises leukoreducing a plurality of blood units, separating RBCs, platelets, and plasma from the units to form leukoreduced blood components, pooling the leukoreduced RBC components; pooling the leukoreduced platelet components, treating the pooled components to inactivate one or more pathogens, adding a storage solution to components, dividing the pooled leukoreduced RBCs into a plurality of RBC-containing product units, each having a uniform number of RBCs, and dividing the pooled leukoreduced platelets into a plurality of platelet-containing product units, each having a uniform number of platelets.

Abstract: Separation processes using osmotically driven membrane systems are disclosed generally involving the extraction of solvent from a first solution to concentrate solute by using a second concentrated solution to draw the solvent from the first solution across a semi-permeable membrane. Enhanced efficiency may result from using low grade waste heat from industrial or commercial sources. Pre-treatment and post-treatment may also enhance the osmotically driven membrane processes.

Abstract: A filter system for a heavy-duty machine includes a filter stand configured to be coupled to the heavy-duty machine. A first filter is supported by the filter stand and is configured to be fluidly coupled to a first fluid flow path that provides pressurized hydraulic fluid to an auxiliary component of the heavy-duty machine, and a second filter is supported by the filter stand and is configured to be fluidly coupled to a second fluid flow path that receives pressurized hydraulic fluid from the auxiliary component of the heavy-duty machine.

Abstract: A sand filter for use with swimming pools includes a tank that has a hollow interior space and a top diffuser for allowing spent pool water to enter the tank and for distributing the pool water inside the tank. The sand filter also includes filter media formed as a bed of material on a bottom of the tank and also includes laterals that are located under the filter media and allow filtered pool water to exit the tank and flow back to the pool. The filter media includes a bed of sand that is disposed on the bottom of the tank and a layer of perlite material that is disposed on a top surface of the bed of sand. The perlite material is a high flow rate, low density perlite material that only contains a trace amount of floaters.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are centrifuge-free self-contained systems for aseptically separating components of whole blood comprising at least one cassette for receiving whole blood; at least one red blood cell exclusion filter; at least one leukocyte reduction filters; at least one platelet exclusion filter; a plurality of product cassettes; and optionally a plurality of pumps and valves; and wherein the filters, pumps, valves, and cassettes are fluidly connected by tubing and the system does not include a centrifuge. Also disclosed are methods for obtaining blood components using the system.

Abstract: A process for producing pig iron or liquid primary steel products is provided. Charge materials containing iron ore and, if appropriate, additions are reduced in at least one reduction unit by means of a reducing gas, and at least parts thereof are smelted in a smelting unit, with coal being added and with formation of the reducing gas. Reducing gas from the smelting unit and/or top gas from the reduction unit are/is subjected to cleaning. The process water obtained during the wet cleaning is degassed and in the process volatile organic compounds are removed from the process water.

Abstract: A blood filter apparatus for separating plasma or serum from blood, a cartridge for analyzing blood including the blood filter apparatus, and a method of separating plasma or serum using the blood filter apparatus.

Abstract: Method for enantioseparation of a chiral system with compound formation comprising a pair of enantiomers. The method comprises the steps of: placing the chiral system to be processed, which is optically enriched by a target enantiomer, in the 3-phase region of the ternary phase diagram of chiral compound forming systems to achieve the establishment of the solid/liquid phase equilibria; phase-separating the liquid and solid phase formed by the placing step; shifting the eutectic composition of the remaining liquid towards a lower eutectic composition (xE) until the overall composition is located in the 2-phase region of the ternary phase diagram of chiral compound forming systems; and performing crystallization in the 2-phase region of the ternary phase diagram for obtaining the target enantiomer in the solid phase. In some cases the shifting step can be skipped.

Abstract: We provide a system and method for reverse osmosis treatment of water, including seawater and brackish water. Methods and systems of embodiments of the invention may include, for example, ultrafiltration followed by biofoulant removal, both of which precede reverse osmosis. In preferred embodiments the system is run at a low flux. For example, a flux of 6-8 GFD may be used with seawater. Additional embodiments may provide the above process in conjunction with a reverse-osmosis membrane cleaning system. The membrane cleaning system is a “clean in place” system that includes use of the natural pressure differential in the reverse osmosis system to remove biofoulants and their precursors.

Abstract: Fluid processing apparatuses and systems are disclosed. In some embodiments the fluid processing apparatuses include a movable enclosure, a plurality of filter housings disposed substantially within the movable enclosure, and a stand disposed within the enclosure. The filter housings are in fluid communication with one another. Each filter housing defines an elongate path and is configured to support a respective filter along the elongate flow path to filter a substantially continuous flow of fluid. The stand supports each filter housing such that the elongate flow path of each filter housing is substantially parallel to a vertical axis, wherein each filter housing is independently rotatable, relative to the stand.

Abstract: A square ink filter vessel for a printing press, like a rotogravure printing press, a flexographic printing press, or other like printing presses, includes a container having a substantially rectangular shaped cross-section with an open top, an outlet port on one side approximate the bottom of the container, a sloped bottom, where the sloped bottom being toward the outlet port, an inlet port on one side approximate the top of the container, and an internal ledge. A lid is adapted to close the open top of the container. A hinge couples the lid to the container, where the lid is hinged to the container on one side. A lid compression device is adapted to compress the lid to the container. A containment basket is adapted to fit inside the container, and has a plurality of holes on all sides and a lip adapted to rest on the internal ledge of the container.

Abstract: In a device and a process for purifying water which is contaminated with sulphate ions and heavy metal ions, the water is collected in a water reservoir and a substance having basic activity in water is fed to the water reservoir in such a manner that a precipitant having heavy metal ions is precipitated from the water, wherein at least a subquantity of water is taken off from the water reservoir and is separated into pure water which is substantially freed from sulphate ions and heavy metal ions and dirty water which is enriched with sulphate ions and heavy metal ions. The dirty water is at least in part recirculated to the water reservoir, as a result of which a concentration of sulphate ions in the water reservoir is achieved such that a precipitant having sulphate ions is precipitated from the water.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to processes for recovery of values from a fermentation mass obtained in producing ethanol. Further, the present invention relates to processes for the recovery of values from an inorganic- and lignin-containing mass. The present invention also relates to processes for the recovery of a fraction having enhanced silica content from a silica-containing mass. Still further, the present invention relates to processes for the recovery of crude ethanol from a fermentation mass. The present invention relates to various lignin-containing products and solutions and mineral-rich products.

Abstract: A system for filtering produced fluid from a wellbore comprises a filter system, a solids collection vessel in fluid communication with a drain in the filter system, and a fluid line coupled to the solids collection vessel. The filter system comprises a housing defining a chamber, a filtration device disposed within the chamber, a fluid inlet disposed in the housing and configured to receive a fluid comprising suspended solids into an inlet portion, a fluid outlet disposed in the housing and configured to pass the fluid out of the housing from an outlet portion, and a drain in fluid communication with a lower portion of the housing and configured to pass at least a portion of the suspended solids out of the inlet portion of the housing.

Abstract: A method of transporting magnetic particles enables magnetic particles to be transported between a plurality of microfluidic chambers which are connected to one another via a fluidic connection on a radially inner side, and are fluidically separated from one another on a radially outer side. Magnetic forces and centrifugal forces are exploited to transport magnetic particles from one chamber to another across phase boundaries.

Abstract: A modular portable evaporator system for use in a Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD) systems having an evaporator, with a sump including an oil skimming weir, a short tube vertical falling film heat exchanger including an outer shell containing short tubes provided for lower water circulation rate. The system further having external to the evaporator, a compressor for compressing evaporated steam from the tube side of the heat exchanger and routing to the shell side of the same exchanger, a distillate tank to collect hot distilled water, a recirculation pump to introduce liquids from the sump into the heat exchanger and an external suction drum protecting the compressor from liquid impurities. The evaporator system receives produced water from the SAGD process into the sump and provides cleaned hot water to a boiler.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention disclosed is an apparatus for separating a solid material from a mixture containing oil, water, clay, sand, soil and drill cuttings. The apparatus comprise a series of processing cells and wash tanks. Hydrocyclonic devices are also used to further purify the solid mixture for disposal.

Abstract: A water recovery process for a steam assisted gravity drainage system for a heavy oil recovery facility, the process comprising a flash drum and a flash drum heat exchanger/condenser, wherein the water recovery process receives hot water produced by a facility at a temperature above the water atmospheric boiling point and cools it to a temperature below the water atmospheric boiling point before transferring it to the remaining section of the water recovery process.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed here include a buoyant filtration system and method including a buoyant inflatable segmented rim encircling a void and attached to a submersible bag. Some embodiments include the buoyant inflatable rim segments with an inflation/deflation valve, ballast attachment, a hose and pump to remove liquid from the void. Some embodiments include at least two filters, connected to the hose.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a system for the pretreatment of lignocellulosic material by thermal hydrolysis, in particular with a view to producing bioethenol, wherein the material is first admixed with water and is then passed to a reactor, in which the soaked material is subjected to a high temperature and a high pressure to such an extent that is it accessible for a subsequent treatment with enzymes, following which the treated material is separated into liquid part and a solid part, where the solid component is subsequently used for the production of bioethenol and enzymation and fermentation. Exclusively steam is used in the method and the corresponding system for heating, stirring and transport, as e.g. the transport through the various elements of the system is provided by a pressure difference between the compartments of the elements. The material (32) is discharged to an economizer (4), in which a separator (5) separates the material into a solid part and a liquid part.

Abstract: A water treatment system using a high pressure advanced oxidation process with unreacted ozone reusing is disclosed, which are able to increase a decomposition speed of a pollutant by reusing a high pressure advanced oxidation process which uses an ozone and photocatalyst and a photo-oxidation reaction of a ultraviolet ray. The capacity of the expensive ozone generator can be reduced as compared to the conventional advanced oxidation process which uses a large capacity ozone generator in which almost ozone is discharged into the air. In addition, it is possible to decrease the load of the off-gas ozone removing apparatus for removing the off-gas ozone which is discharged into the air.

Abstract: A multi stage process for the progressive removal of protein and isolating streams containing cellulose fibers and oil from a waste stream containing Dried Distillers Grains with Solubles is disclosed. Targeted polymers are added to the source and separated streams prior to passing the streams through separation equipment including a rotary screen, a multi disk press, a dissolved air floatation device and optionally a centrifuge in which the waste stream is separated into a stream containing predominantly protein, a stream containing predominantly oil and a stream that contains predominantly cellulose and hemicellulose fibers.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are centrifuge-free self-contained systems for aseptically separating components of whole blood comprising at least one cassette for receiving whole blood; at least one red blood cell exclusion filter; at least one leukocyte reduction filters; at least one platelet exclusion filter; a plurality of product cassettes; and optionally a plurality of pumps and valves; and wherein the filters, pumps, valves, and cassettes are fluidly connected by tubing and the system does not include a centrifuge. Also disclosed are methods for obtaining blood components using the system.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a fluorine recovering apparatus includes a precipitating device allowing fluoride ion-containing water to react with calcium source to form precipitate, a mixing tank mixing a filter aid including particles of a magnetic material having a diameter of 0.5 to 5 ?m with a dispersion medium to produce slurry, a filter aid feeder to the mixing tank, a solid-liquid separator with a filter depositing a filter aid layer, and depositing the precipitate on the filter aid layer, a cleaning mechanism removing the filter aid and the precipitate, a separating tank separating the filter aid and the precipitate, and a returning mechanism returning the filter aid to the filter aid feeder.

Abstract: When lignocellulosic biomass hydrolysate is included in fermentation medium, the broth resulting from biocatalyst production is complex with low filterability. A heat treatment was found to increase filterability, allowing efficient separation of a liquid fraction from a solid fraction, which is further processed for water recycle and syrup production.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and processes for the recovery of nutrients from non-organic phases produced during recovery of oleaginous compounds from biomass. The nutrients recovered can then be utilized to grow additional biomass.

Abstract: A system enables the use of solar heat energy together with electromagnetic energy and optionally energy produced during fermentation of organic products to produce fresh water from salt water, wastewater and water vapor contained in the atmosphere. The resulting fresh water can optionally be rendered drinkable by adding mineral salts at the desired concentration. A method and reactors combine electromagnetic and solar heating steps and optionally heat exchanges with a hot gas originating from combustion, to evaporate droplets of a spray produced from salt water or wastewater. The vapor obtained is separated from the salt particles or agglomerated impurities during evaporation using a cyclone system. The vapor can then be transported over a large distance before being condensed by bearings, in order to separate the water from any additives or impurities that may be present. Additives can be used to lower the vapor pressure of the liquid water and to facilitate droplet fractionation.