Abstract: A reprocessing case may be used to assist in reprocessing an instrument, such as an endoscope in an automated reprocessor. The reprocessing case may include various features such that the case may include and be transitioned between a closed configuration, an open configuration, and a disinfection configuration. In particular the reprocessor may transition the case to a disinfection configuration during a reprocessing procedure.

Abstract: A device for measuring oxidation-reduction potential at operating temperature and pressure in hot water systems is disclosed and claimed. The device includes a flow-through cell, an oxidation-reduction potential probe, a temperature detector, and an external pressure-balanced reference electrode assembly. Each component of the device works in conjunction with the other components and each has electrical connections that transmit signals to a controller. The controller calculates and determines adjustments to feedwater chemistry for the hot water system.

Abstract: A device for measuring oxidation-reduction potential at operating temperature and pressure in hot water systems is disclosed and claimed. The device includes a flow-through cell, an oxidation-reduction potential probe, a temperature detector, and an external pressure-balanced reference electrode assembly. Each component of the device works in conjunction with the other components and each has electrical connections that transmit signals to a controller. The controller calculates and determines adjustments to feedwater chemistry for the hot water system.

Abstract: An apparatus for indicating biological content within a container is provided. The apparatus includes a medical sterilization container having a cover removably attached to the medical sterilization container. An enclosable, sterilizable interior compartment is formed by the medical sterilization container and the cover, wherein the interior compartment is sized to house at least one medical instrument. A biological indicator is located at least partially in communication with the interior compartment, wherein the biological indicator provides at least one indication of biological content within the interior compartment after the medical sterilization container and cover are subjected to a sterilization process.

Abstract: A steam generation system comprises: an oxygenated water treatment (OWT) sub-system configured to generate water having oxidizing chemistry; a steam generation sub-system configured to convert the water having oxidizing chemistry into steam having oxidizing chemistry; an attemperator or other injection device or devices configured to add an oxygen scavenger to the steam having oxidizing chemistry to generate steam having less oxidizing or reducing chemistry; and a condenser configured to condense the steam having less oxidizing or reducing chemistry into condensed water.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for detecting contamination of a boiler condensate and/or a boiler feedwater in industrial fermentation processes. The method includes measuring an oxidation-reduction potential at one or more locations in the fermentation process with one or more devices capable of measuring oxidation-reduction potential at operating temperature and pressure. If the measured oxidation-reduction potential is not within an optimum range, an alarm is triggered.

Abstract: A steam generation system comprises: an oxygenated water treatment (OWT) sub-system configured to generate water having oxidizing chemistry; a steam generation sub-system configured to convert the water having oxidizing chemistry into steam having oxidizing chemistry; an attemperator or other injection device or devices configured to add an oxygen scavenger to the steam having oxidizing chemistry to generate steam having less oxidizing or reducing chemistry; and a condenser configured to condense the steam having less oxidizing or reducing chemistry into condensed water.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to corrosion management systems designed to deliver corrosion protection and/or the management of corrosion to a top portion of an enclosure (e.g., storage tanks, cisterns, containers, etc.). In one embodiment, the present invention relates to corrosion management systems designed to deliver corrosion protection and/or the management of corrosion to a top portion, or roof portion, of an enclosure where such a system includes one or more dispensers designed to deliver at least one corrosion inhibitor to a system designed to protect a top portion of an enclosure (e.g., storage tanks, cisterns, containers, etc.).

Abstract: An apparatus produces a probe carrier by discharging plural kinds of liquids respectively containing plural kinds of probes capable of specifically bonding to a target substance on a carrier. The apparatus includes a liquid discharge device, a positioning device for determining a position between the liquid discharge device and the carrier, and moving the carrier in the scanning direction, an application information detector to detect application information of discharged liquids, and a defective spot detector to detect defective spots where the liquids are not applied. Also included are a discharge data forming device for forming data on the defective spots, a processor for counting a number of redrawings, and a secondary scanning direction driver for relatively moving the carrier in a secondary scanning direction. In the apparatus, redrawing is performed according to discharge data, and when the number of redrawings exceeds a prescribed number, a message of abnormality is outputted.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of preventing corrosion in industrial water systems. The method includes maintaining a real-time oxidation-reduction potential at a set point, wherein the system is at operating temperature and pressure. A nonlinear equation is derived based upon theoretically derived or empirically collected data. The equation is then used to determine an inflow of active chemical species to the water system.

Abstract: This invention concerns methods and apparatus for measuring oxidation reduction potentials of water in a hot water system at system temperature and pressure and methods of using the measured oxidation-reduction potential to monitor and control the addition of oxygen scavengers or oxygen to the system in order to maintain effective corrosion inhibiting concentrations of the oxygen scavengers or dissolved oxygen in the system.

Abstract: In a method of reducing corrosion of a metal material, a substance such as semiconductor for generating an electric current by thermal excitation is coated or adhered on a metal material surface, to be exposed to a water having a high temperature of 150° C. or more, of a boiler and ducts or pipes, to which hot water heated by the boiler contacts, of a thermal electric power plant or a nuclear reactor structural material or ducts or pipes surrounding the reactor in a nuclear power plant.

Abstract: A method for treating a biofilm in an appliance comprising a structure defining a cleaning chamber, wherein the biofilm resides on the structure, comprises treating the structure with heat. The heat may sanitize the structure, kill microorganisms in the biofilm, and loosen the biofilm from the structure. Optionally, the biofilm may be rinsed from the structure following or during the treatment with heat.

Abstract: The present invention provides an effective method of inhibiting corrosion on metallic surfaces in contact with a fluid contained in an industrial system, which includes adding to such fluid an effective corrosion controlling amount of a phosphoglyceride compound, optionally with emulsified soybean oil.

Abstract: A method for mitigating stress corrosion cracking of a component exposed to a high temperature water in a high temperature water system is provided. The method comprises the steps of lowering corrosion potential conditions to a desired low corrosion potential in the high temperature water environment; and introducing a first material comprising zinc into the high temperature water environment, such that the desired low corrosion potential facilitates transport of the first material into cracks in a structure communicative with the high temperature water environment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for controlling the level of in-process monomer in an emulsion polymerization reaction. Also disclosed is a method of controlling particle size by controlling the level of in-process monomer.

Abstract: A method of automatic cleaning of cooking cavities of cooking equipment for food processing includes the introduction of steam at a temperature of at least 100.deg. C. from a supply line and nozzle into a cooking cavity for a time period depending on the degree of disinfection desired. The cooking cavity is rinsed with the steam condensate; and the supply line and nozzle are flushed with demineralized water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preventing the deposition of contaminants in steam systems. In a method of this type, deposits are prevented in a simple and economic manner by metering an additive into the steam, which additive adheres to the steam-side surface of the steam system and has the effect of repelling moisture and contaminants.

Abstract: A method and system for reducing stress corrosion cracking in a hot water system, such as a nuclear reactor, by reducing the electrochemical corrosion potential of components exposed to high temperature water within the structure. The method includes the steps of: providing a reducing species to the high temperature water; and providing a plurality of noble metal nanoparticles having a mean particle size of up to about 100 nm to the high temperature water during operation of the hot water system. The catalytic nanoparticles, which may contain at least one noble metal, form a colloidal suspension in the high temperature water and provide a catalytic surface on which a reducing species reacts with least one oxidizing species present in the high temperature water. The concentration of the oxidizing species is reduced by reaction with the reducing species on the catalytic surface, thereby reducing the electrochemical corrosion potential of the component.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved column for use in solid phase synthesis or purification. In a specific embodiment, the column is a disposable plastic column for use in solid phase synthesis or purification of complex chemicals, such as biomolecules and more specifically oligonucleotides. In some embodiments, the column has a top orifice with a sufficient diameter so that a fluid line or a multiple fluid line bundle may dispense fluids into the column with great efficiency. The column has an upper cavity portion configured and sized to render it compatible with dispensing pippetors, so that it can be used as a pipette tip or a pipettor can be used to aspirate the column. The column has a lower cavity portion with a shoulder for ready placement of a lower frit to contain the solid support in a central cavity portion of the column. An upper frit can be conveniently placed in the central cavity portion to seal the solid phase resin.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward the use of a reaction product of an alkynediol and a polyalkylene polyamine to inhibit intergranular corrosion of metal surfaces in industrial processing systems caused by spray water mist or condensation.

Abstract: A method and composition for controlling corrosion of metals, particularly ferrous-based metals in contact with aqueous systems is disclosed, which includes treating industrial waters with a combination of a tetrazolium salt of the general formula: where R1, R2 and R3 may be various organic or inorganic substitutents, where n may be 1 or 2, and at least one other aqueous system treatment material.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for treating a cork-based product useful for making stoppers. The invention is characterised in that it comprises the following steps: a) introducing the product in a sealed container; b) subjecting said product to the action of water vapor under pressure ranging between 2.105 and 30.105 Pa for a duration ranging from about 5 seconds to 5 minutes; c) producing an expansion to restore atmospheric pressure inside the container; d) recuperating the treated product.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for retarding the formation of corrosion and/or removing existing corrosion deposits on a metal surface where the metal is in contact with air. The process comprises contacting said metal surface with an oxime in an amount effective to retard the formation of corrosion on the metal surface.

Abstract: A dissolved oxygen removal method using an activated carbon fiber catalyst thereof which includes the steps of a reducing agent injection step for injecting a reducing agent into the water, a reactor entrance dissolved oxygen measuring step for measuring a concentration of a dissolved oxygen contained in a water, a water flow rate control step for controlling the supplied amount of the water, an activated carbon fiber catalyst reaction step for removing a dissolved oxygen contained in the water with the reaction between the reducing agent and the dissolved oxygen in an activated carbon fiber reactor in which an activated carbon fiber catalyst is packed, and a control step for controlling the feeding rate of the reducing agent in accordance with the water flow rate and the reactor entrance dissolved oxygen, for thereby extending the life time of the facility and decreasing the operational and maintenance costs by fully removing a dissolved oxygen in water used for an steam generator or cooling system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for microbial intervention and pasteurization of food product surfaces and food processing equipment. The apparatus comprises a chamber, a steam generator, a controller, a timer, a power source, and a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor, along with the timer, is used to control the exposure of food products and/or equipment to steam. After a controlled period of steam application, a chilled water source is used to bathe the food products and/or equipment. The method includes the steps of placing food or equipment in the chamber, adding steam to the chamber, continuing to add steam until the surface of the food or equipment is greater than a first preselected temperature, maintaining the surface temperature by the continued application of steam for a period of about 60 seconds or until it is greater than a second preselected temperature, and then bathing the outer surface of the food or equipment with chilled water for about 60 seconds.

Abstract: Filtration of raw water by a filtration apparatus in which a membrane module is incorporated is sLopped, and sterilization is performed for a predetermined time period by supplying steam to the filtration apparatus. Thereafter, the raw water at an ordinary temperature is passed through the filtration apparatus at a linear velocity of 0.1. m/sec. or less, so as to cool the filtration apparatus.

Abstract: Primary amines, ammonia, or mixtures thereof can be detected using a reagent comprising from about 650 ppm to about 25 percent by weight of phthalic dicarboxyaldehyde; from about 74 to about 99.88 percent by weight of an alkali metal borate; and, from about 550 ppm to about 22 percent by weight of a nucleophile.

Abstract: A method for reducing corrosion of metal components in a water-cooled nuclear reactor. A compound containing a platinum group metal, e.g. palladium, is injected alone in small amounts into the high temperature water of the reactor in the form of a solution or suspension. This compound decomposes under reactor thermal conditions to release atoms of the metal in an amount sufficient when present on the metal components to reduce the electrochemical corrosion potential of the metal components to a level below the critical potential to protect against intergranular stress corrosion cracking.

Abstract: A method for mitigating crack initiation and propagation on the surface of metal components in a water-cooled nuclear reactor. A metal coating having an electrically insulating outer layer is applied on the surfaces of IGSCC-susceptible reactor components. The preferred metal coating is a zirconium alloy with a zirconia outer layer. The presence of an electrically insulating layer on the surface of the metal components shifts the corrosion potential in the negative direction without the addition of hydrogen and in the absence of a noble metal catalyst. Corrosion potentials.ltoreq.-0.5 V.sub.SHE can be achieved even at high oxidant concentrations and in the absence of hydrogen.

Abstract: A method of depositing noble metals on surfaces or matrices to manufacture industrial catalysts that can be used in a variety of applications. Such deposition of noble metals can be achieved by treating the surfaces in high-temperature (150.degree. C. or higher) water containing dissolved noble metal ions or its colloidal suspensions. The method consists of the steps of placing the surface of a metal substrate in contact with a volume filled with high-temperature water; injecting a solution of a noble metal compound into the volume for a predetermined duration; and removing the surface of the metal substrate from contact with the high-temperature water after expiration of said predetermined duration. The noble metal compound has the property that it releases species of the noble metal in high-temperature water. These noble metal species deposit on or incorporate in the oxide film on the surface of the metal substrate.

Abstract: A method for mitigating general corrosion and crack initiation and growth on the surface of a metal components in a water-cooled nuclear reactor. A compound containing a non-noble metal such as zirconium or titanium is injected into the water of the reactor in the form of a solution or suspension. This compound decomposes under reactor thermal conditions to release ions or atoms of the non-noble metal which incorporate in the surfaces of the components, including the interior surfaces of any cracks formed therein. The preferred compounds are zirconium compounds such as zirconium acetylacetonate, zirconium nitrate and zirconyl nitrate. Zirconium incorporated in the oxided surface of a metal component will reduce the electrochemical corrosion potential at the surface to a level below the critical potential to protect against intergranular stress corrosion cracking without the addition of hydrogen.

Abstract: A method for improving the performance and longevity of coatings of metal deposited from aqueous solutions of inorganic, organic or oraganometallic metal compounds. The method involves co-deposition of noble metal or corrosion-inhibiting non-noble metal during growth of oxide film on a component made of alloy, e.g., stainless steels and nickel-based alloys. The result is a metal-doped oxide film having a relatively longer life in the reactor operating environment. In particular, incorporation of palladium into the film provides greatly increased catalytic life as compared to palladium coatings which lie on the oxide surface.

Abstract: A method for ensuring the distribution of noble metal in the reactor circuit during plant application without measuring the reactor water for noble metal content by chemical analysis. The method involves the measurement of electrochemical corrosion potential in an autoclave or a high-flow test section that is connected to the reactor water circuit through sample lines downstream of the injection port, preferably the point in the reactor circuit which is furthest from the injection port. If the noble metal flows into the autoclave or test section at these distant points in the reactor circuit, then the noble metal will deposit on the test specimens inside the autoclave or test section.

Abstract: A method for improving the performance and longevity of coatings of metal deposited from aqueous solutions of inorganic, organic or oraganometallic metal compounds. The method involves co-deposition of noble metal or corrosion-inhibiting non-noble metal during growth of oxide film on a component made of alloy, e.g., stainless steels and nickel-based alloys. The result is a metal-doped oxide film having a relatively longer life in the reactor operating environment. In particular, incorporation of palladium into the film provides greatly increased catalytic life as compared to palladium coatings which lie on the oxide surface.

Abstract: A method for mitigating crack growth on the surface of stainless steel or other alloy components in a water-cooled nuclear reactor wherein a solution or suspension of a compound containing a noble metal is injected into the coolant water while the reactor is not generating nuclear heat, e.g., during shutdown or recirculation pump heatup. During shutdown, the reactor coolant water reaches temperatures as low as 120.degree. F., in contrast to the water temperature of 550.degree. F. during normal operation. During pump heatup, the water temperature reaches 400.degree.-450.degree. F. At these reduced temperatures, the rate of thermal decomposition of the injected noble metal compound is reduced. However, radiation-induced decomposition also occurs inside the reactor. In particular, the noble metal compound can be decomposed by the gamma radiation emanating from the nuclear fuel core of the reactor.

Abstract: A method for mitigating crack growth on the surface of stainless steel or other alloy components in a water-cooled nuclear reactor wherein a solution or suspension of a compound containing a noble metal is injected into the coolant water along with a reducing agent. The presence of the reducing agent will assist in better deposition of the noble metal, for example, palladium, on metal surfaces, thereby increasing the noble metal loading and also improving the tenacity with which the noble metal is bound onto the metal. The extent of noble metal doping is important in providing a better (lower) ECP response of the metal in the presence of a stoichiometric ratio of H.sub.2 to O.sub.2, which reduces the hydrogen demand considerably. The more tenacious the noble metal is bound to the metal surface, the longer its expected life will be, particularly under in-reactor Situations where the metal surfaces are subjected to a variety of hydrodynamic conditions.

Abstract: A method for mitigating crack growth on the surface of stainless steel or other metal components in a water-cooled nuclear reactor. A compound containing a noble metal, e.g., palladium, is injected into the water of the reactor in the form of a solution or suspension. This compound has the property that it decomposes under reactor thermal conditions to release ions/atoms of the noble metal which incorporate in or deposit on the interior surfaces of the crack. The compound may be organic, organometallic (e.g., palladium acetylacetonate) or inorganic in nature. The palladium deposited inside a crack should exhibit catalytic behavior even if the bulk surface palladium is depleted under high fluid flow conditions. As a result, the electrochemical potential inside the crack is decreased to a level below the critical potential to protect against intergranular stress corrosion cracking.

Abstract: Methods of glycosylation analysis are described in which a sample containing one or more specific oligosaccharide(s) (the analyte) is contacted with a surface on which is immobilized a glycosidase specific for the analyte and/or a specific binding partner for a product of the action of a glycosidase on the analyte. The surface may be the active surface of a biosensor, e.g., a biosensor based on the principle of frustrated total reflection.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for treating industrial water systems. Pursuant to the method, the industrial water systems are treated with an effective amount of a hindered amine. In further embodiments, the hindered amine also acts as a steam tracer.

Abstract: A process, system and pressure chamber for the automated sterilization of articles, particularly medical or dental instruments is disclosed, which is simple to use and economically efficient by comparison with conventional autoclaves and steam sterilizing system. Steam is generated by the pulsed injection of a controlled quantity of water into a heated boiler whenever it runs dry. The boiler is coupled in a closed-loop system to a relatively small pressure chamber in the form of a cassette that is readily inserted and removed from a holder connecting the chamber to a steam inlet conduit and a venting conduit, the latter being closed off during pressurization of the chamber. By automated monitoring of the boiler and chamber temperatures, conditions in the chamber are measured and the boiler and valves in the system controlled to effect a sterilization cycle.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting corrosion of iron or iron-based alloys which are in contact with an aqueous system by introducing and maintaining within the system at least one ortho dihydroxyaromatic compound having at least one electron withdrawing group pendant from the aromatic ring.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting corrosion due to dissolved oxygen wherein trihydroxybenzene compounds, alone or in combination with conventional oxygen scavengers, preferably hydroquinone, are added to boiler water to prevent corrosion by reducing dissolved oxygen levels in boiler feedwater.

Abstract: A sterilization container is provided with relatively large top and bottom apertures to allow hot steam to rapidly pervade the interior of the container through the top while flushing cool air out the bottom. The apertures are provided with pressure actuated valves with large cross sections to minimize impedance to gas flow when the valves are open. The pressure-sensitive elements of the valves are set such that the valves close to seal the apertures when the external pressure is at atmospheric, and rapidly open fully when the pressure begins to rise in the autoclave as steam is admitted at the start of a sterilization cycle. When the external pressure is returned to atmospheric at the end of the cycle, the pressure-actuated valves close to provide a sealed container for removal from the autoclave.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting corrosion due to dissolved oxygen is disclosed, whereby chelant-stabilized sodium erythorbate, alone or in combination with conventional corrosion inhibitors, is added to boiler water to prevent corrosion by reducing dissolved oxygen levels in boiler feedwater.

Abstract: The use of benzo and/or tolyltriazole alone or in combination with neutralizing and filming amines to reduce copper corrosion in boiler condensate systems by feeding the mixture into the main steamheaders.

Abstract: An improved process for removing oxygen from an aqueous medium used in a steam generating system, the aqueous medium having hydrazine added thereto, wherein hydrazine-containing aqueous medium condensate formed in a condenser is exposed to ultraviolet light in the condenser hotwell, prior to being recycled to the steam generator. The exposure to ultraviolet light is for a period of time sufficient to effect removal of the dissolved oxygen by the hydrazine without the need to add chemical additives or catalysts to the system.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for chemically scavenging oxygen from an aqueous medium are disclosed. Furfural catalyzed by hydroquinone can be used as an oxygen scavenger in any aqueous medium, but is especially well adapted for use in boiler water systems.

Abstract: There is provided a composition which inhibits corrosion and copper plate-out during chemical cleaning of a steam or water carrying system. The composition comprises an .alpha.-aminoalkylsulfide and a surface active agent.

Abstract: Use of methoxypropylamine as a neutralizing amine in combination with hydrazine to prevent corrosion in steam condensate systems or in other low solids aqueous systems.