Abstract: Techniques for depleting target organisms in water include a waterproof transducer configured for ensonifying a container of water with low intensity sound at one or more ultrasound frequencies for a duration sufficient to prevent maturation of at least 90% of the target organism. In some cases the target organism is mosquito larvae. For example, a portable system for depleting target organisms in water includes a control system and a plurality of waterproof transducers. The system is configured for ensonifying a surface layer of water in an acoustic frequency range from about 40 kilohertz to about 100 kilohertz and in a power concentration range from about 35 milliwatts per milliliter to 100 milliwatts per milliliter for a duration in a range from about 1 to about 100 seconds.

Abstract: [Problem to be Solved] A device and a method for efficiently decontaminating a device used to culture cells are provided. [Means for Solving Problem] A decontamination device for decontaminating a device used to culture cells, manipulate microorganisms, or perform a sterility test, the device comprising an ultrasonic atomizer that atomizes a peracetic acid disinfectant by using ultrasonic oscillation to discharge droplets, a diffusion fan, a temperature-humidity sensor, and a controller.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a fluid containing one or more analytes of interest includes; measuring a plurality of properties of a sample fluid with unknown concentrations of the one or more analytes of interest; and using the measurements and a model of the relationship between the plurality of properties and concentrations of the one or more analytes to calculate the concentration of at least one of the analytes of interest. The model may be an artificial neural network. The method may be used to monitor the concentration of inhibitors of gas hydrate formation in a fluid. Apparatus for use in the method is also provided.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, a device for fragmenting molecules in a sample by ultrasound is provided. The device comprises a planar-shaped cartridge and a fragmentation instrument that has a vessel-like shape. By means of applying under-pressure in the fragmentation instrument the cartridge is pulled towards the fragmentation instrument and therefore spatially closes a fluid compartment that is comprised by the fragmentation instrument. Afterwards, an ultrasound treatment of the sample, which is comprised in a sample compartment of the cartridge, may be processed. A sealing layer is provided in between the cartridge and the fragmentation instrument in order to hold the fixation of the cartridge tightly and in order to provide for leakage prevention out of the fluid compartment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process using ultrasonic cutting for the preparation of an oral delivery device comprising a core which includes a pharmaceutically active agent covered by an outer coating which includes one or more openings communicating from the exterior of the device toward the core.

Abstract: A sterile-substance-supplying apparatus comprising: an atomization unit including a reservoir unit to reserve hydrogen peroxide, and an ultrasound vibrator to impart ultrasound vibration to the reserved hydrogen peroxide to be atomized; an evaporation unit, provided above the reservoir unit, that heats the atomized hydrogen peroxide to be evaporated; a connecting member connecting the evaporation unit and the atomization unit to each other; a hydrogen-peroxide-supply port to allow the hydrogen peroxide to be supplied to the reservoir unit; a carrier-gas-supply port, provided at the connecting member, that allows carrier gas for allowing the atomized hydrogen peroxide to flow to the evaporation unit to be supplied; and a container portion to reserve a substance for transmitting the ultrasound vibration generated by the ultrasound vibrator, and a metal vibrating plate, provided at a bottom portion of the reservoir unit, that transmits to the hydrogen peroxide the ultrasound vibration transmitted through the sub

Abstract: Processes for decrosslinking crosslinked plastic and devulcanizing vulcanized rubber include advancing such materials through single screw or twin screw extruders including special ultrasonic treatment zones wherein threadless shaft (single screw) or shafts (twin screw) rotate under an ultrasonic horn having a distal end aligned with the shaft or shafts and being shaped complimentary thereto. Special arcuate (single screw) or double-arcuate ultrasonic treatment flow paths confine the materials to flow under the horn where the material is subjected to ultrasonic waves to decrosslink the material, in the case of crosslinked plastic, or devulcanize the material, in the case of vulcanized rubber, with the extrudate leaving the die as a continuous stream or rope as is typical of virgin plastic or rubber.

Abstract: The invention is directed to the application of EMR to one or more elements for the purpose of generating a scent response in humans. Electronic scents may be transmitted on a stand-alone basis, unaccompanied by other sensory stimulus, or as part of a multisensory experience. Examples of multisensory experiences include theatrical motion pictures, television programming, sound recordings, or e-books accompanied by one or more scents. These scents may be coordinated with content elements, such as the scent of horses accompanying the motion picture “High Noon,” the scents of beer and leather accompanying a sound recording of “When You're a Jet” from “West Side Story,” or the musty scent of a cellar in an e-book version of Poe's “The Cask of Amontillado.

Abstract: Systems and methods for thermally decomposing hydrocarbon feedstock may comprise a hydrocarbon feedstock, a non-oxidizing carrier gas, one or more heat exchangers, and a reaction chamber. The carrier gas may be used to transfer heat to the hydrocarbon feedstock. The heat exchanger(s) may be configured to heat the carrier gas. And the reaction chamber may be configured to receive hydrocarbon feedstock and heated carrier gas. Inside the reaction chamber, the hydrocarbon feedstock and the heated carrier gas may mix with one another causing the thermal decomposition reaction. The thermal decomposition reaction occurs in a substantially oxidant-free environment thereby eliminating or greatly reducing the production of carbon oxide byproducts. Hydrogen gas may be separated from a gaseous product stream that is thereafter collected from the reaction chamber. A portion of the gaseous product stream may be thermally coupled to the carrier gas and may thereafter be recycled through the system.

Abstract: A sterilizing device for sterilizing of a fluid by UV-radiation comprising an inner tube receiving an UV-lamp. An outer tube arranged around the inner tube. A jacket tube arranged around the outer tube. A proximal end with a first inlet/outlet for the fluid and a second inlet/outlet for the fluid. A distal end of the sterilizing device arranged opposed to the proximal end comprising a third inlet/outlet for the fluid and a fourth inlet/outlet for the fluid. A first gap arranged between the inner tube and the outer tube, the first gap defining a first flow path for the fluid interconnecting the first inlet/outlet and the third inlet/outlet. A second gap arranged between the outer tube and the jacket tube, and the second gap defining a second flow path for the fluid interconnecting the second inlet/outlet and the fourth inlet/outlet.

Abstract: The reduction of viscosity of petroleum products and hydrocarbon emulsions and the like is effected by applying electrodynamic shocks unto a foaming streamflow of the high viscosity emulsion to create a densely whirled streamflow by agitation with a high radial gradient of pressure. Chemical bonding breakup and destruction of long structured molecules of paraffin occur in the emulsion to result in the formations of free radicals and carbamides, and separation of a processed mixture into light and heavy fractions. The process alters the physiochemical properties of the emulsion to cause decrease of density, and the reduction of viscosity.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved water treatment cavitation reactor cone. The tank operates on a continuous flow of fluids which are subjected to ultrasonic waves in combination with a high level of injected ozone. The treatment tank includes a tangential inlet that induces a rotating flow into the tank thereby increasing the mixing of the ozone within the effluent. The effluent is further treated with DC current. The treatment tank provides a cost efficient and environmentally friendly process and apparatus for cleaning and recycling fluids as contaminated as frac water, used to stimulate gas production from shale formations, as well as other types of fluids having various levels of contaminants such as aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and suspended solids. The calcium carbonate scaling tendency is reduced to an acceptable level without the use of acids, ion exchange materials, or anti scaling chemicals which is of economical and environmental significance and benefit.

Abstract: An apparatus for irradiating a liquid sample with acoustic energy to generate cavitation in the liquid sample. The apparatus includes a source for emitting high intensity ultrasound waves and is adapted to receive a cartridge having a chamber containing the liquid sample, wherein the high intensity ultrasound waves are focused on a focus position at or near a nucleation element extending at least partially into the chamber.

Abstract: A novel process and apparatus is disclosed for performing chemical reactions. Highly compressed gaseous streams such as H2, CO, CO2, H2O, O2, or CH4 are raised to Mach speeds to form supersonic jets incorporating shockwaves. Two or more such jets are physically collided together to form a localized reaction zone where the energy from the shockwaves causes endothermic reactions wherein the chemical bonds of the reactant gases are broken. Between and among reactants molecular surface interaction and molecular surface chemistry take place. In the ensuing exothermic reactions a desired new chemical product is formed and this product is locked into a lower state of enthalpy (state of energy of formation) through adiabatic cooling by means of a free jet expansion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of cleaning a surface by applying highly propagating ultrasonic energy to said surface, the method comprises immersing at least a portion of the surface into a fluid, wherein said fluid is in contact with an highly propagating ultrasonic energy emitting assembly; and emitting highly propagating ultrasonic energy from the assembly into the fluid to generate cavitation at the surface thereby cleaning said surface.

Abstract: An improved hydrocarbon cracking process includes a first reactor such as a nozzle reactor positioned in series with a second reactor such as a tubular reactor. A cracking fluid such as steam or natural gas is reacted with heavy hydrocarbon material in the first reactor. The first reactor may provide a tremendous amount of thermal and kinetic energy that initiates cracking of heavy hydrocarbon materials. The second reactor provides sufficient residence time at high temperature to increase the conversion of heavy hydrocarbon materials to the desired level. The cracking fluid functions as a hydrogen donor in the cracking reactions so that very little of the heavy hydrocarbon material becomes hydrogen depleted and forms coke even if the heavy hydrocarbon material is repeatedly recycled through the process.

Abstract: Shock waves are applied to clean and sterilize fluids in containers and conveyances. Shock waves destroy pathogens and pollutants in blood, water, food liquids and other fluids.

Abstract: Oil sands ore containing bitumen is treated in a reactor chamber by ultrasonic oscillations impact such that cavitation of ore molecules occurs. The disintegration of the pulsating bubbles in the cavitation results in the separation of the oil, water, sand and air fractions of the oil sands. The oil fraction may be continuously extracted for subsequent refining processes.

Abstract: A system is provided that includes one or more acoustic microfilters through which is flowed a mixture of a fluid and a particulate to selectively filter particles from the fluid. Also included are one or more phononic crystal units coupled to the acoustic microfilter(s) to further selectively filter particles from the fluid. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an improved sterilizing device (1) for sterilizing of a fluid by UV-radiation. The sterilizing device (1) has a modular setup with at least one flange (2, 3), an inner and an outer tube (4, 5) and comprises at least one UV-lamp (16) for emitting UV-radiation. A lamp tag (32) attached to or incorporated in the at least one UV-lamp (16) comprises information regarding the UV-lamp (16). The lamp tag (32) is interconnected with a lamp sensor unit (18) and/or a control unit (19) and may comprise sensors to control the sterilizing process.

Abstract: A stirring device and an analyzing device for stirring a liquid retained in a vessel with sound wave. The Stirring device (20) comprises: a surface acoustic wave element (24) having sound generation section (24b, 24c) located on a piezoelectric substrate (24a) wherein the sound generation sections are electrically connected in parallel, and center frequencies of respective fundamental waves of the sound generation sections differ from each other, respective resonant frequency bands of the sound generation section are partially overlapped with each other, and origins of acoustic stream caused by sound wave radiated to the vessel from different sound generation section are located alternately; and a drive control section (21) for controlling a frequency of drive signal input to the surface acoustic wave element so that at least two sound generation sections of the plurality of sound generation sections generate sound wave simultaneously.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for converting methane in a feed stream to acetylene. The method includes removing at least a portion of carbon monoxide from a hydrocarbon stream. The hydrocarbon stream is introduced into a supersonic reactor and pyrolyzed to convert at least a portion of the methane to acetylene. The reactor effluent stream may be treated to convert acetylene to another hydrocarbon process. The method according to certain aspects includes controlling the level of carbon monoxide in the hydrocarbon stream.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for converting methane in a feed stream to acetylene. A hydrocarbon stream is introduced into a supersonic reactor and pyrolyzed to convert at least a portion of the methane to acetylene. The reactor effluent stream may be treated to convert acetylene to another hydrocarbon process.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for converting methane in a feed stream to acetylene. The method includes the further conversion of the acetylene to a hydrocarbon stream having olefins. The hydrocarbon stream is introduced into a supersonic reactor and pyrolyzed to convert at least a portion of the methane to acetylene. The reactor effluent stream is be treated to convert acetylene to another hydrocarbon, and in particular olefins. The method according to certain aspects includes controlling the level of contaminants in the hydrocarbon stream.

Abstract: A pyrolytic reactor comprising a fuel injection zone, a combustion zone adjacent to the fuel injections zone, an expansion zone adjacent to the combustion zone, a feedstock injection zone comprising a plurality of injection nozzles and disposed adjacent to the expansion zone, a mixing zone configured to mix a carrier stream and feed material and disposed adjacent to the feedstock injection zone, and a reaction zone adjacent to the mixing zone. The plurality of injection nozzles are radially distributed in a first assembly defining a first plane transverse to the feedstock injection zone and in a second assembly transverse to the feedstock injection zone.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for converting methane in a feed stream to acetylene. A hydrocarbon stream is introduced into a supersonic reactor and pyrolyzed to convert at least a portion of the methane to acetylene. The reactor effluent stream may be treated to convert acetylene to another hydrocarbon process.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for converting methane in a feed stream to acetylene. The method includes removing at least a portion of glycols from a hydrocarbon stream. The hydrocarbon stream is introduced into a supersonic reactor and pyrolyzed to convert at least a portion of the methane to acetylene. The reactor effluent stream may be treated to convert acetylene to another hydrocarbon process. The method according to certain aspects includes controlling the level of glycols and in particular, dimethyl ethers of polyethylene glycol in the hydrocarbon stream.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for converting methane in a feed stream to acetylene. The method includes removing at least a portion of solids from a hydrocarbon stream. The hydrocarbon stream is introduced into a supersonic reactor and pyrolyzed to convert at least a portion of the methane to acetylene. The reactor effluent stream may be treated to convert acetylene to another hydrocarbon process. The method according to certain aspects includes controlling the level of inorganic and organic solids in the hydrocarbon stream by use of adsorbent beds, filters, cyclone or gravity separators.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for converting methane in a feed stream to acetylene. The method includes removing at least a portion of nitrogen contaminants from a hydrocarbon stream. The hydrocarbon stream is introduced into a supersonic reactor and pyrolyzed to convert at least a portion of the methane to acetylene. The reactor effluent stream may be treated to convert acetylene to another hydrocarbon process. The method according to certain aspects includes controlling the level of amines in the hydrocarbon stream.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for converting methane in a feed stream to acetylene. The method includes removing at least a portion of oxides of nitrogen and sulfur from a hydrocarbon stream. The hydrocarbon stream is introduced into a supersonic reactor and pyrolyzed to convert at least a portion of the methane to acetylene. The reactor effluent stream may be treated to convert acetylene to another hydrocarbon process. The method according to certain aspects includes controlling the level of oxides of nitrogen and sulfur in the hydrocarbon stream.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for converting methane in a feed stream to acetylene. A hydrocarbon stream is introduced into a supersonic reactor and pyrolyzed to convert at least a portion of the methane to acetylene. The reactor effluent stream may be treated to convert acetylene to another hydrocarbon process.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for converting methane in a feed stream to acetylene. A hydrocarbon stream is introduced into a supersonic reactor and pyrolyzed to convert at least a portion of the methane to acetylene. The reactor effluent stream may be treated to convert acetylene to another hydrocarbon process.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for converting methane in a feed stream to acetylene. The method includes removing at least a portion of nitrogen from a hydrocarbon stream. The hydrocarbon stream is introduced into a supersonic reactor and pyrolyzed to convert at least a portion of the methane to acetylene. The reactor effluent stream may be treated to convert acetylene to another hydrocarbon process. The method according to certain aspects includes controlling the level of nitrogen in the hydrocarbon stream.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for converting methane in a feed stream to acetylene. A supersonic reactor is used for receiving the methane feed stream and heating the methane feed stream to a pyrolysis temperature. A high temperature carrier stream passes through the reactor chamber at supersonic speeds. According to various aspects, a static mixer is provided for mixing the methane feed stream and the carrier stream.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for converting methane in a feed stream to acetylene. A hydrocarbon stream is introduced into a supersonic reactor and pyrolyzed to convert at least a portion of the methane to acetylene. The reactor effluent stream may be treated to convert acetylene to another hydrocarbon process.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for converting methane in a feed stream to acetylene. The method includes removing at least a portion of hydrides of arsenic, phosphorus, antimony, silicon, and boron from a hydrocarbon stream. The hydrocarbon stream is introduced into a supersonic reactor and pyrolyzed to convert at least a portion of the methane to acetylene. The reactor effluent stream may be treated to convert acetylene to another hydrocarbon process. The method according to certain aspects includes controlling the level of hydrides of arsenic, phosphorus, antimony, silicon, and boron in the hydrocarbon stream.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for converting methane in a feed stream to acetylene. The method includes removing at least a portion of carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide and water from a hydrocarbon stream. The hydrocarbon stream is introduced into a supersonic reactor and pyrolyzed to convert at least a portion of the methane to acetylene. The reactor effluent stream may be treated to convert acetylene to another hydrocarbon process. The method according to certain aspects includes controlling the level of carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide and water in the hydrocarbon stream.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for converting methane in a feed stream to acetylene. A hydrocarbon stream is introduced into a supersonic reactor and pyrolyzed to convert at least a portion of the methane to acetylene. The reactor effluent stream may be treated to convert acetylene to another hydrocarbon process.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for converting methane in a feed stream to acetylene. The method includes removing at least a portion of sulfur containing compounds from a hydrocarbon stream. The hydrocarbon stream is introduced into a supersonic reactor and pyrolyzed to convert at least a portion of the methane to acetylene. The reactor effluent stream may be treated to convert acetylene to another hydrocarbon process. The method according to certain aspects includes controlling the level of sulfur containing compounds in the hydrocarbon stream.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for converting methane in a feed stream to acetylene. A hydrocarbon stream is introduced into a supersonic reactor and pyrolyzed to convert at least a portion of the methane to acetylene. The reactor effluent stream may be treated to convert acetylene to another hydrocarbon process.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for converting methane in a feed stream to acetylene. The method includes removing at least a portion of mercury from a hydrocarbon stream. The hydrocarbon stream is introduced into a supersonic reactor and pyrolyzed to convert at least a portion of the methane to acetylene. The reactor effluent stream may be treated to convert acetylene to another hydrocarbon process. The method according to certain aspects includes controlling the level of mercury and mercury containing compounds in the hydrocarbon stream.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for converting methane in a feed stream to acetylene. The method includes removing at least a portion of oxygen from a hydrocarbon stream. The hydrocarbon stream is introduced into a supersonic reactor and pyrolyzed to convert at least a portion of the methane to acetylene. The reactor effluent stream may be treated to convert acetylene to another hydrocarbon process. The method according to certain aspects includes controlling the level of oxygen in the hydrocarbon stream.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for converting methane in a feed stream to acetylene. A hydrocarbon stream is introduced into a supersonic reactor and pyrolyzed to convert at least a portion of the methane to acetylene. The reactor effluent stream may be treated to convert acetylene to another hydrocarbon process.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for converting methane in a feed stream to acetylene. A hydrocarbon stream is introduced into a supersonic reactor and pyrolyzed to convert at least a portion of the methane to acetylene. The reactor effluent stream may be treated to convert acetylene to another hydrocarbon process.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for converting methane in a feed stream to acetylene. A hydrocarbon stream is introduced into a supersonic reactor and pyrolyzed to convert at least a portion of the methane to acetylene. The reactor effluent stream may be treated to convert acetylene to another hydrocarbon process.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for converting methane in a feed stream to acetylene. A hydrocarbon stream is introduced into a supersonic reactor and pyrolyzed to convert at least a portion of the methane to acetylene. The reactor effluent stream may be treated to convert acetylene to another hydrocarbon process.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for converting methane in a feed stream to acetylene. A hydrocarbon stream is introduced into a supersonic reactor and pyrolyzed to convert at least a portion of the methane to acetylene. The reactor effluent stream may be treated to convert acetylene to another hydrocarbon process.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for converting methane in a feed stream to acetylene. A hydrocarbon stream is introduced into a supersonic reactor and pyrolyzed to convert at least a portion of the methane to acetylene. The reactor effluent stream may be treated to convert acetylene to another hydrocarbon process.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for converting methane in a feed stream to acetylene. The method includes removing at least a portion of heavy hydrocarbon compounds including C2+ hydrocarbons from a hydrocarbon stream. The hydrocarbon stream is introduced into a supersonic reactor and pyrolyzed to convert at least a portion of the methane to acetylene. The reactor effluent stream may be treated to convert acetylene to another hydrocarbon process. The method according to certain aspects includes controlling the level heavy hydrocarbons in the hydrocarbon stream by use of adsorbents, physical separators or cryogenic separation.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for converting methane in a feed stream to acetylene. A hydrocarbon stream is introduced into a supersonic reactor and pyrolyzed to convert at least a portion of the methane to acetylene. The reactor effluent stream may be treated to convert acetylene to another hydrocarbon process.