Abstract: Method for removing a foreign substance from a polymer composition including subjecting a polymer composition to a medium selected from the group comprising chemical reagents, electron beam radiation, electromagnetic radiation, or combinations thereof, removing the transformed foreign substance from the polymer composition, where the foreign substance is by subjecting the polymer composition to the medium at least partially transformed into a form that facilitates removal from the polymer composition.

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: Methods are disclosed for chemically stabilizing a polymer stent after sterilization. The stent is exposed to a temperature above ambient for a period of time after radiation sterilization. The exposure reduces the concentration of free radicals generated by the radiation.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for controlling microbial growth on a surface are disclosed. A method includes exposing the surface to be treated to electromagnetic radiation, the electromagnetic radiation being emitted from one or more electromagnetic radiation sources towards the surface, wherein the surface is provided with one or more photosensitizers being activatable by electromagnetic radiation. The electromagnetic radiation emitted from the one or more electromagnetic radiation sources has a wavelength in a range between 400 nm and 800 nm, and the one or more photosensitizers exhibit antimicrobial efficacy upon activation by electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: A chemical reaction apparatus includes a horizontal flow-type reactor in which a content horizontally flows with an unfilled space being provided thereabove, a microwave generator that generates microwaves, and at least one waveguide that transmits the microwaves generated by the microwave generator to the unfilled space in the reactor.

Abstract: An ion source includes a conductive substrate, the substrate including a plurality of conductive nanostructures with free-standing tips formed on the substrate. A conductive catalytic coating is formed on the nanostructures and substrate for dissociation of a molecular species into an atomic species, the molecular species being brought in contact with the catalytic coating. A target electrode placed apart from the substrate, the target electrode being biased relative to the substrate with a first bias voltage to ionize the atomic species in proximity to the free-standing tips and attract the ionized atomic species from the substrate in the direction of the target electrode.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sorting ions in order to produce gas from liquid. A first electric field source is electrically insulated from the liquid by an insulating layer. A first conductive deionization surface is positioned in the liquid and within a field line of the first electric field source. An electric conductor is connected to the first conductive deionization surface to discharge charge built up due to attracted ions located on the first conductive deionization surface. The gas is produced on said first conductive deionization surface when said first conductive deionization surface is positioned within the water.

Abstract: A continuous feed discharge surface treater for treating web materials has a discharge chamber where ionization of a process gas occurs defined and contained by one or more rollers. Enhanced chemical coronas and plasmas are achieved by limiting depletion of the gas chemistry from the discharge chamber and dilution or contamination from mixing with drawn in ambient air. Atmospheric coronas can also be achieved in which minimal or no ozone is exhausted from the treater. Various roller and electrode assemblies, including both fixed and rolling electrodes, can be employed.

Abstract: An air purifying system includes one or more air permeable photocatalytic elements defining a core cavity having a sealed top end and an open bottom end. A sealed air flow path ensures that air travels from an outside of the core cavity, through the one or more photocatalytic elements, into the core cavity, to be expelled through the open bottom end. A UV radiation source disposed within the core cavity irradiates air travelling along the sealed flow path and an interior of the one or more photocatalytic elements. Each photocatalytic element is manufactured using a substrate, that is conductive of and transparent to UV radiation, coated with a photocatalyst. A non-photocatalytically active material is initially coated on the substrate and is then converted to a photocatalyst by calcination.

Abstract: Some demonstrative embodiments of the invention include a system and a method for disinfection of a liquid including monitoring the disinfection process. The system may include a conduit to carry flowing liquid to be disinfected, wherein the conduit comprises an inlet to receive the liquid, an outlet to discharge the liquid and walls transparent to ultraviolet radiations; an illumination source located within a transparent sleeve, wherein the transparent sleeve is immersed in the flowing liquid and the illumination source is to disinfect the liquid when passing through the conduit, a first light detector located externally to the conduit to detect light emitted by the illumination source and a second light detector located externally to the conduit to detect light emitted by the illumination source.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provide at least one region of pulsed fluid treatment within a fluid treatment chamber. The instant invention prevents the formation and accumulation of contaminants within conduits and on equipment utilized in the transportation, delivery and processing of fluid columns. It may also be utilized to accelerate the separation of oil and water and increase the efficiency of oil/water separation equipment.

Abstract: A graphene oxide (GO) target is exposed to light having power sufficient to initiate a deoxygenation reaction of the GO target. The deoxygenation reaction of the GO target transforms the GO target to graphene.

Abstract: Internally activated energy distribution guides for use in clear to turbid liquids or air have been developed. An external energy source is transferred to a matrix or single fiber of a side emitting fiber or guide to internally activate a promoter or catalyst on the exterior of the fiber or guide to thereby dissociate target molecules passing by or along the fiber's or guide's surface by a Precise Energy Separation (“PES”) method. A number of different designs can be used, for example, in a mesh, louver system, or box. The method maximizes the interaction between the target molecules and the surface of the side emitting-internally activated distribution network. In a preferred embodiment, u-shaped fiber optics containing catalyst are positioned within tube through which the turbid liquid or air is passed, so that maximum cleavage of targeted bonds is obtained.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for the continuous microwave depolymerization of high molecular weight organic feedstock material, such as waste plastics and includes intermittent or continuous feeding of the processing material on the surface or into the bulk of the sensitized hot bed located under microwave irradiation. As a result of the interaction of electromagnetic field with processed materials, sensitizer is heated by microwave energy and feedstock material undergoes the depolymerization reactions. The reaction zone can be localized on the surface of the hot bed or distributed in the bulk of the reaction mass depending on the agitation conditions of the reaction mass, such as stirring, or other agitation means, for example by re-circulated gas. Products of the reactions are vaporized and transported to the collection system, which may include a combination of a scrubber, a condenser and a settler.

Abstract: The present invention includes a composition for enhancing the antimicrobial efficacy of photodynamic disinfection against Gram-negative organism that is receptive to paraben potentiation using a composition comprising a photosensitizer and at least one paraben. The present invention also includes a method for photodynamic disinfection comprising applying the composition to a desired treatment area and applying light to the desired treatment area at a wavelength absorbed by the photosensitizer so as to inhibit Gram-negative organism located within the treatment area wherein the Gram-negative organism is receptive to paraben potentiation.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to purification and/or sterilization techniques and devices. Methods and systems are provided herein for removing contaminants from air using a combination of an ionic liquid and a reactive oxygen species.

Abstract: The present invention relates to tubular elements, such as fuel assembly tubes, which are designed to be used in high pressure and high temperature water in nuclear reactors, such as pressurized water nuclear reactors. In particular, the present invention relates to a method of improving wear resistance and corrosion resistance by depositing a protective coating having a depth of from about 5 to about 25 ?m on the surface of the tubular elements. The coating is provided by nitriding the tubular element at a temperature of from about 400° C. to about 440° C. The nitridation of the tubular element can be carried out for a duration of from about 12 hours to about 40 hours.

Abstract: Sterilisation apparatus arranged controllably to generate and emit hydroxyl radicals. The apparatus includes an applicator which receives RF or microwave energy, gas and water mist in a hydroxyl radical generating region. The impedance at the hydroxyl radical generating region is controlled to be high to promote creation of an ionisation discharge which in turn generates hydroxyl radicals when water mist is present. The applicator may be a coaxial assembly or waveguide. A dynamic tuning mechanism e.g. integrated in the applicator may control the impedance at the hydroxyl radical generating region. The mist and/or gas and/or energy delivery means may be integrated with each other.

Abstract: A plasma sterilizing device has a container for a long tubule to be sterilized, having an adjustable internal pressure, and an electrode provided at at least one end of the long tubule. The device is configured so that plasma is generated inside the long tubule by applying an alternating current voltage to the electrode in such a state that the pressure inside and outside of the long tubule can be adjusted, so that there is a predetermined difference in pressure between the inside and the outside of the long tubule.

Abstract: A transient distribution of electron quasiparticles with elevated effective mass is created by adding a targeted range of both crystal momentum and electron energy in a conductor to place electrons into regions of the electronic band structure diagram having a chosen, desired curvature. Effective mass scales as the inverse of curvature. The quasiparticles form transient bonds with delocalized ions and other reactants in or on a reaction particle where reaction rates and branches are controlled by the choice of effective mass.

Abstract: An improved draft tube spout fluid bed (DTSFB) mixing, handling, conveying, and treating apparatus and systems, and methods for operating are provided. The apparatus and systems can accept particulate material and pneumatically or hydraulically conveying the material to mix and/or treat the material. In addition to conveying apparatus, a collection and separation apparatus adapted to receive the conveyed particulate material is also provided. The collection apparatus may include an impaction plate against which the conveyed material is directed to improve mixing and/or treatment. The improved apparatus are characterized by means of controlling the operation of the pneumatic or hydraulic transfer to enhance the mixing and/or reacting by controlling the flow of fluids, for example, air, into and out of the apparatus. The disclosed apparatus may be used to mix particulate material, for example, mortar; react fluids with particulate material; coat particulate material, or simply convey particulate material.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to systems and methods for a solar and/or AC current powered water disinfection system that is sized for portable use and is specifically tailored for use in under-developed areas of the world or in areas where natural disasters have occurred. Embodiments herein disclosed provide for a system that utilizes an ultraviolet light that is operatively coupled to a pump, inverter, battery, and a charge converter that is adapted for use with a solar panel or AC current. The system is placed into a storage container, or the like, and the water in the storage container is pumped through the ultraviolet light, which kills most waterborne, water-washed, and water-based diseases.

Abstract: Apparatus is described for treating an effluent gas stream from a semiconductor manufacturing process tool. The apparatus comprises a plasma torch for generating a glow discharge from an inert, ionisable gas. The gas stream is conveyed to the glow discharge to ignite a plasma. A source of electromagnetic radiation supplies electromagnetic radiation to the effluent gas stream to sustain the plasma. The apparatus is particularly suitable for treating perfluorinated and hydroflurocarbon compounds in the effluent gas stream.

Abstract: There is described a fluid treatment system. The fluid treatment system comprises: an open channel for receiving a flow of fluid and a fluid treatment zone. The fluid treatment zone comprising a plurality of elongate radiation source assemblies orientated such that: (i) a longitudinal axis of each radiation source assembly is transverse to a direction of fluid flow through the fluid treatment zone, and (ii) an end of each radiation source assembly is disposed above a predetermined maximum height of fluid flow in the open channel. A first baffle plate is disposed upstream of the fluid treatment zone. The first baffle plate is positioned such that a distal end thereof is below the predetermined maximum height of fluid flow in the open channel. In a preferred embodiment, the present fluid treatment system provides for an area in which a cleaning system for the radiation source assemblies can be “parked” when not in use.

Abstract: An integrated production apparatus for production of boron nitride nanotubes via the pressure vapor-condenser method. The apparatus comprises: a pressurized reaction chamber containing a continuously fed boron containing target having a boron target tip, a source of pressurized nitrogen and a moving belt condenser apparatus; a hutch chamber proximate the pressurized reaction chamber containing a target feed system and a laser beam and optics.

Abstract: Reactors for conducting thermochemical processes with solar heat input, and associated systems and methods. A representative system includes a reactor having a reaction zone, a reactant source coupled in fluid in communication with the reactant zone, and a solar concentrator having at least one concentrator surface positionable to direct solar energy to a focal area. The system can further include an actuator coupled to the solar concentrator to move the solar concentrator relative to the sun, and a controller operatively coupled to the actuator. The controller can be programmed with instructions that direct the actuator to position the solar concentrator to focus the solar energy on the reaction zone when the solar energy is above a threshold level, and point to a location in the sky having relatively little radiant energy to cool an object when the solar energy is below the threshold level.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reactor for the photocatalytic treatment of liquid or gaseous streams, which reactor comprises a tube through which the stream to be treated flows, wherein, in the tube, there are arranged at least one light source, at least one flat means M1 provided with at least one photocatalytically active material and at least one flat means M2 reflecting the light radiation radiated by the at least one light source, wherein the reflecting surface of the at least one means M2 and the inner wall of the tube are at an angle greater than or equal to 0°, in such a manner that the light exiting from the light source is reflected by the at least one means M2 onto the photocatalytically active material, and to a method for the photocatalytic treatment of liquid or gaseous streams by irradiation with light in the reactor according to the invention.

Abstract: A sterilizing apparatus and an ion generating apparatus, which generate sufficient amount of cations in a short period of time and also maintain the amount of ions generated at a level that is harmless to the human body. The sterilizing apparatus and the ion generating apparatus optimize the position of an electrode to maximize the generation of active hydrogen. The ion generating apparatus includes a first electrode for generating hydrogen ions and a second electrode located such that the second electrode is separated from the first electrode by a designated distance for generating electrons and superoxide anions. The hydrogen ions generated from the first electrode react with the electrons generated from the second electrode to produce hydrogen atoms, and the hydrogen atoms react with the superoxide anions generated from the second electrode to sterilize the air.

Abstract: An ozone generating apparatus according to one embodiment includes a hollow cylindrical sealed container provided with an inlet for a feed gas containing oxygen gas and an outlet for an ozonized gas. A discharge tube including a dielectric tube arranged within the container and a first electrode arranged within the dielectric tube is provided in the container. A second electrode is arranged within the container and surrounds the first electrode, spaced apart from the dielectric tube to form a discharge gap between the second electrode and the dielectric tube. The apparatus further includes a discharge voltage source configured to apply a discharging voltage across the first and second electrodes, and a cooling water jacket surrounding the second electrode. The dielectric tube has an outer diameter of 12 mm or more, but 19 mm or less.

Abstract: A method for producing a fuel composition from a feedstock which may contain biomass and municipal solid waste is described. The method includes the step of pyrolyzing the feedstock in the presence of a transition metal, using microwave energy, so that the level of oxygen in at least one product of the pyrolysis is reduced. An integrated process is also described, in which the transition metal can be regenerated. Moreover, pyrolysis products such as bio-oils can be upgraded to liquid fuel compositions. Related systems for producing fuel compositions are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for irradiating partly formed packages (10) with electron beam irradiation from at least one electron beam sterilizing device (18), characterized in that it comprises: providing at least one partly formed package (10) to be irradiated in a gaseous environment, and exposing the gaseous environment to a pre-determined pressure regulation cycle and exposing the partly formed package (10) to irradiation at least during a portion of said pressure regulation cycle. The invention also relates to a device for realizing said method. The invention further relates irradiation of a packaging material web.

Abstract: The Centrifugal Fluid Ring Reactor employs a centrifugal impeller and a fluid barrier to mix multi-phase fluids and repeatedly move the mixture through a reaction zone, where the mixture contacts catalysts and/or is subjected to electromagnetic, mechanical, nuclear, or sonic energy to create ions, free radicals or activated molecules, which initiate or promote a desired reaction. It can be used to convert carbon dioxide, methane and other gaseous carbon sources into liquid fuel at ambient temperature and pressure.

Abstract: A microreactor for photoreactions includes a housing upper part, a lid plate made of a material that allows transmission of light, a flow path plate made of a material that suppresses light reflection and has a high thermal conductivity, and a housing lower part. Light is applied through a window of the housing upper part and the lid plate to a flow path of the flow path plate. The lid plate made of the material that allows transmission of light and the flow path plate made of the material that suppresses light reflection and has a high thermal conductivity are welded each other to form an integrated body.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically conditioning a patch plate and a plenum of an electrophysiology measurement system is provided. An arm is linearly movable between a non-operative position and an operative position. An end effector mounted to one side of the arm is configured to condition the patch plate. Another end effector mounted to an opposite side of the arm is configured to condition the plenum. A linear actuator is coupled to the arm and is configured to drive movement of the arm between the operative position and the non-operative position. When the arm is positioned in the operative position, the arm is situated between the patch plate and the plenum.

Abstract: A sterilization system having a controllable (e.g. adjustably modulatable) non-ionising microwave radiation source for providing microwave energy for combining with a gas (e.g. an inert gas or a mixture of inert gases) to produce atmospheric low temperature plasma for sterilizing biological tissue surfaces or the like. A plasma generating region may be contained in a hand held plasma applicator. The system may include an impedance adjustor e.g. integrated in the plasma applicator arranged to set a plasma strike condition and plasma sustain condition. The gas and microwave energy may be transported to a plasma generating region along an integrated cable assembly. The integrated cable assembly may provide a two way gas flow arrangement to permit residual gas to be removed from the surface. Invasive surface plasma treatment is therefore possible. The plasma applicator may have multiple plasma emitters to produce a line or blanket of plasma.

Abstract: In some embodiments, energy is released by converting the bonding potential energy between two electropositive masses capable of forming a stable bond between them into the kinetic energy of an electron quasiparticle initially captured between them by the coulomb potential. The electron quasiparticles form transient bonds with delocalized ions and other reactants in or on a reaction particle where reaction rates and branches are controlled by the choice of electron quasiparticle effective mass. Methods and apparatus for stimulating and controlling such association reactions are shown and described. Thermionic and semiconductor methods and apparatus convert the electron quasiparticle energy directly into electricity. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing nano particles, including: moving material in a plasma generating space in a first direction; and synthesizing nano particles by cooling the material moved along the first direction, wherein the synthesizing the nano particles may be performed by cooling the material at gradually lower temperatures during the moving thereof in the first direction.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for synthesizing nano particles. The apparatus for synthesizing nano particles is configured to include: a plasma generator that generates plasma; a recovery device that recovers the synthesized nano particles; and a cooler that is disposed between the plasma generator and the recovery device and includes a cooling path where the nano particles are synthesized, while material supplied from the plasma generator is cooled, wherein the cooling path is set to have lower cooling temperatures for each section as going to the moving direction of the nano particles.

Abstract: An apparatus for sanitizing pillows and other material that can be contained therein, comprising a box-like body adapted to contain at least one pillow or other item to be sanitized, elements for generating and releasing a sanitizing agent being provided in combination with forced hyper-ventilation elements adapted to force the sanitizing agent to pass through the pillow or other item and sanitize it.

Abstract: A device for carrying out gas reactions, comprising a plasma reactor with a through-flow of gases which has a, particularly cylindrical, plasma chamber, wherein flow-forming elements for forming a flow of gases are arranged before and/or in and/or after the plasma reactor in order to form a gas stream within the plasma chamber such that at least one, particularly central, zone in the gas flow is formed which is flow-reduced. A method for carrying out gas reactions is also provided.

Abstract: A filtration apparatus including an annular filter surrounding a waste treatment chamber, a first turbine drawing liquid up within the chamber and a second turbine driving liquid outwardly through the filter. In the method of treating organic waste, the chamber includes an ultraviolet lamp and a cylindrical baffle surrounding the chamber having a mirrored surface. The disclosed apparatus further includes anodic and cathodic plates surrounding the filter.

Abstract: A method of treating water in order to minimize scaling and biomass buildup in water conduits or containers in which the treated water is used includes processing ambient air in a chamber including at least one ultraviolet light source to generate an output flow mixture of air and reactive oxygen species (ROS) gasses, controlling the at least one ultraviolet light source, a flow rate of the output flow mixture and an ROS gas ratio in the output flow mixture, mixing a water flow with the output flow mixture to realize a flow of water/ROS gas mixture and outputting the flow of water/ROS gas mixture as the treated water. Preferably, the processing includes generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) gasses in the output flow mixture including at least one of Super Oxide (O2?) Peroxide (—O2—), Hydroperoxide (HO2?), Hydroxyl Radicals (OH.), Ozone (O3?) and Molecular Oxygen (O2).

Abstract: A method for performing quantum control on infinitesimal quanta includes: an independent reaction space provision step, wherein at least one three-dimensional closed space is provided; an infinitesimal-quantum kinetic energy enhancement step, wherein differently shaped reaction elements are provided on at least one inner surface of each closed space, each reaction element having at least two slits and plural pores; a parameter control step counted by time with the unit of second, wherein at least a first reaction parameter is provided, and, upon occurrence thereof, wave control is performed on a corresponding one of the at least one closed space.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing sulfur from a hydrocarbon feed includes a cell having two compartments and a membrane separating the compartments, wherein one compartment is communicated with a hydrogen source and the other compartment is communicated with the hydrocarbon feed to be treated, wherein the membrane comprises a palladium membrane which is modified to have an additional amount of a mix of palladium and other metals (Ni, Ag, Co and Au) between about 4.62*10?3 and 1.62*10?2 g/cm2; and a power source connected across the hydrogen source compartment to generate a current across same, whereby atomic hydrogen is formed from the hydrogen source at a surface of the membrane and diffuses across the membrane to react with the hydrocarbon feed. A process using this apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A highly pure nitrogen fluoride process fluid having an impurity content of 10 ppm or less can be effectively obtained by using radiation to cause the dissociation of chemical bonds in the impurity to form dissociation products and thereby make the removal of the dissociation products from the process fluid easier than the removal of the impurity from the process fluid.

Abstract: Hydrogen energy systems for obtaining hydrogen gas from a solid storage medium using controlled laser beams. Also disclosed are systems for charging/recharging magnesium with hydrogen to obtain magnesium hydride. Other relatively safe systems assisting storage, transport and use (as in vehicles) of such solid storage mediums are disclosed.

Abstract: A system of heating a sample on a microchip includes the steps of providing a microchannel flow channel in the microchip; positioning the sample within the microchannel flow channel, providing a laser that directs a laser beam onto the sample for heating the sample; providing the microchannel flow channel with a wall section that receives the laser beam and enables the laser beam to pass through wall section of the microchannel flow channel without being appreciably heated by the laser beam; and providing a carrier fluid in the microchannel flow channel that moves the sample in the microchannel flow channel wherein the carrier fluid is not appreciably heated by the laser beam.

Abstract: A method for decontaminating bioaerosol with high concentrations of bacterial, viral, spore and other airborne microorganisms or biologic contaminants in flight at high flow rates. A plasma screen created across the flow of air contaminated with airborne biologic agents renders contaminants non-culturable within milliseconds. The technology may cooperate with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. It may be particularly beneficial in preventing bioterrorism and the spread of toxic or infectious agents, containing airborne pandemic threats such as avian flu, sterilizing spaces such as hospitals, pharmaceutical plants and manufacturing facilities, treating exhaust ventilation streams, minimizing biological environmental pollutants in industrial settings, improving general air quality, preventing sick building syndrome.

Abstract: A method of producing a catalyst material with nano-scale structure, the method comprising: introducing a starting powder into a nano-powder production reactor, the starting powder comprising a catalyst material; the nano-powder production reactor nano-sizing the starting powder, thereby producing a nano-powder from the starting powder, the nano-powder comprising a plurality of nano-particles, each nano-particle comprising the catalyst material; and forming a catalyst precursor material from the nano-powder, wherein the catalyst precursor material is a densified bulk porous structure comprising the catalyst material, the catalyst material having a nano-scale structure.

Abstract: Combustion flame-plasma hybrid reactor systems, chemical reactant sources, and related methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, a combustion flame-plasma hybrid reactor system comprising a reaction chamber, a combustion torch positioned to direct a flame into the reaction chamber, and one or more reactant feed assemblies configured to electrically energize at least one electrically conductive solid reactant structure to form a plasma and feed each electrically conductive solid reactant structure into the plasma to form at least one product is disclosed. In an additional embodiment, a chemical reactant source for a combustion flame-plasma hybrid reactor comprising an elongated electrically conductive reactant structure consisting essentially of at least one chemical reactant is disclosed. In further embodiments, methods of forming a chemical reactant source and methods of chemically converting at least one reactant into at least one product are disclosed.