Abstract: A separation container for extracting a portion of a sample for use or testing and method for preparing samples for downstream use or testing are provided. The separation container may include a body defining an internal chamber. The body may define an opening, and the body may be configured to receive the sample within the internal chamber. The separation container may further include a seal disposed across the opening, such that the seal may be configured to seal the opening of the body, and a plunger movably disposed at least partially inside the internal chamber. The plunger may be configured to be actuated to open the seal and express the portion of the sample.

Abstract: A system for limiting the flow from a dispensing valve when a dispensing cartridge is replaced with the system including a dispenser cartridge with a cam and a water socket with a flow limiter therein that is activeable in response to the position of the dispenser cartridge in the dispensing valve and operable in response to an upstream fluid pressure in the dispensing valve.

Abstract: An example method for refining lactose may include washing lactose crystals in a lactose stream in an upstream wash stream including an upstream recirculating wash medium. Washed lactose crystals may be sieved from the upstream recirculating wash medium. The upstream recirculating wash medium may be recirculated back to the upstream wash stream. The washed lactose crystals may be discharged to a downstream wash stream comprising a downstream recirculating wash medium. An example system may include a plurality of refining stages. At least one refining stage may include a washing tank including a lactose crystal inlet and a crystal slurry outlet. The refining stage may include a pump to recirculate a wash stream from the crystal slurry outlet back to the washing tank at a predetermined flow rate. The refining stage includes a screen to separate washed lactose crystals from the wash stream.

Abstract: An extractor may have a housing that maintains a solvent pool in which solids material being processed is immersed during operation. One or more bed decks can be positioned inside of the housing to provide multiple extraction stages. In some examples, the bed decks are arranged to provide one bed deck positioned at a vertically elevated position relative to another bed deck, thereby providing a drop zone where the solids material passing through the machine drops from the vertically elevated bed deck to a lower bed deck. To reduce the amount of solids material passing through the drop zone that becomes entrained in the solvent, the exactor can be configured with a settling zone. In some examples, the settling zone is formed by truncating the length of the vertically elevated bed deck, providing increased space and residence time for the solids material to fall out of suspension.

Abstract: An embodiment of a machine for brewing a beverage such as coffee includes a chamber and a piston assembly disposed in the chamber. The chamber is operable to receive a liquid such as water and a flavor base such as ground coffee, and to allow the beverage to brew from a mixture of the liquid and the base. The piston assembly is operable to filter a solid such as spent coffee grounds from the brewed beverage by moving in a first direction, and to force the filtered beverage out of the chamber by moving in a second direction. By modifying or automating some or all steps of the French press brewing technique, such a machine may control one or more of the brewing parameters with a level of precision that yields brewed coffee having a uniform taste from cup to cup. Furthermore, such a machine may brew the coffee with a speed that renders the machine suitable for use by establishments that serve significant amounts of coffee.

Abstract: A device is disclosed providing an adjustable endcap for use with distribution conduits in a greenhouse. The device provides a solution to seal off the end of a distribution tube while providing further means to regulate the distribution of substances such as air or gas. The device comprises a structure for sealing the end of a greenhouse distribution tube wherein the sealing structure can be freely adjusted to allow variable amounts of air or gas to escape from the sealed end. The device allows for further regulation of pressure and temperature inside the conduit, extension of climate control over a greater distance and the ability to regulate conduits on an individual basis.

Abstract: A method of reconstituting a powdered cell culture media includes providing a mixing apparatus and providing a powdered cell culture media to the fluid chamber of the mixing apparatus, prior to introducing fluid to the chamber. The method further includes introducing fluid to the chamber through an influent port, wherein the influent port is tangentially oriented relative to an inner wall of the fluid chamber to thereby cause the fluid to follow the wall of the fluid chamber in a circular motion, creating a vortex flow in the fluid chamber by introducing fluid at a sufficient flow rate, and enhancing the vortex flow with a geometric fluid flow aid by further channeling the water around the wall of the fluid chamber, around the geometric flow aid. The method further includes continuing to introduce fluid to the chamber and collecting reconstituted fluid that exits the chamber through the effluent port.

Abstract: A flow limiter system is provided for extracting compounds from raw materials with an extraction column. The flow limiter system may include a flow governor assembly which contains and buffers a flow of pressurized solvent entering the base of the extraction column to prevent the flow of pressurized solvent from drilling into the raw materials packed within the extraction column. The flow governor assembly may further include a first disc with a first set of perforations to direct the surge of solvent through the first disc to transform the turbulent surge of solvent into a column of non-turbulent solvent with a flat surface layer that rises up the extraction column evenly and collectively. Additionally, the flow limiter system may also include a limiter disc including a second set of perforations to allow the extracted effluent to flow through the set of perforations and exit the extraction column.

Abstract: A loop dissolution system specifically suited for dissolving uranium compounds in an acidic bath that continually circulates the acid over the uranium compound to be dissolved. The dissolution system includes an upper material feed dissolution plate on which the material to be dissolved is fed, a lower mixing and dissolution ring and a drop pipe system connecting and establishing fluid communication between the upper material feed dissolution plate and the lower mixing and dissolution ring. A pump for circulating the acidic fluid has an intake from the lower mixing and dissolution ring and an outlet that directs a first portion of a fluid to the upper material feed dissolution plate and a second portion of the fluid back into the lower mixing and dissolution ring to circulate the material suspended in the fluid within the lower mixing and dissolution ring to promote turbulence and facilitate dissolution.

Abstract: Gradual-release dosing device for at least one substance in a domestic-use apparatus comprises the presence of a water based work fluid, characterized in that it comprises a casing (2) within which a plurality of doses of said substances (3) is contained, necessary for the corresponding plurality of operation cycles of said apparatus. Said casing (2) being at least partly defined by a material perrreable to said work fluid and capable of releasing at least a dose of said substance (3) at each operation cycle of the apparatus. The substance comprises at least one washing-active, dishwashing-active or cleaning-active preparation from the group consisting of surfactants, builders, water softening agents, zeolites, silicates, polymers, carbonates, carboxylates, sulphonates, bleaching agents, bleach activators, bleach stabilizers, bleach catalysts, cobuilders, alkalizing agents, acidifying agents, redeposition inhibitors, dyes, fragrances, optical is brighteners, UV filters, fabric softeners, and rinse agents.

Abstract: A method of making coffee is provided. After a cold-brewed coffee is extracted from coffee beans, nitrogen gas is charged into the cold-brewed coffee. The cold-brewed coffee into which nitrogen gas is dissolved, is cooled to form a nitrogen-charged coffee. Therefore, the nitrogen-charged coffee may keep a rich density of foam and a flavor.

Abstract: Systems for feeding liquid into an analytical system. The liquid feed systems comprise a reservoir adapted to hold liquid for introduction into an analytical system, a liquid feed line adapted to deliver liquid from the reservoir to the analytical system, and an air feed system adapted to deliver pressurized air into the reservoir to cause liquid to flow from the reservoir into the liquid feed line. The air feed system has a dryer for removing humidity from air delivered to the reservoir. The dryer comprises a condenser assembly. The condenser assembly has a condenser block made of metal and having an extended, serpentine passageway therein. The passageway has an inlet and outlet allowing air to be passed therethrough and a drain allowing condensed moisture to flow therefrom. The condenser assembly also has a cooling element mounted to the surface of the condenser block for absorbing heat from the condenser block.

Abstract: In a process for the separation of solid carboxylic acid fines from mother liquor that includes such fines, the mother liquor is fed to a settlement drum at above atmospheric pressure. The mother liquor having a lower concentration of carboxylic fines than that fed to the settlement drum is then removed, wherein the mother liquor removal occurs at a point above the point at which the mother liquor containing fines is fed to the settlement drum. In a system for performing the separation process, a settlement drum has an inlet for mother liquor with carboxylic acid fines and an outlet for mother liquor having a lower concentration of carboxylic acid fines content than that of the mother liquor introduced via the inlet. The settlement drum is configured to operate at above atmospheric pressure and the outlet is located at a point in the settlement drum above the inlet.

Abstract: Compositions for reducing the aggregate content of a protein preparation include a first substrate having a first surface-bound ligand possessing a metal affinity functionality and a second surface-bound ligand optionally provided on a second substrate and having an aggregate charge opposite to that of the metal affinity functionality of the first substrate, wherein the first surface-bound ligand and the second surface-bound ligand are positioned such that the protein preparation may contact both the first surface-bound ligand and the second surface-bound ligand simultaneously.

Abstract: A set of vertically stackable interacting cartridges for improving the delivery of biocide of a bulk feeder by positioning the stackable cartridges in a stacked condition within a chamber in the bulk feeder wherein the stackable cartridges are maintained in vertical interacting flow alignment with each other to provide enhanced control of the delivery of the biocide carried within each of the stackable cartridges without replacing the control valves of the bulk feeder.

Abstract: A micro-spike algae harvesting and biofuel extraction system and method therefor comprises dispersing an algal solution from a selected height onto an inclined micro-spike board forming a substrate for supporting an array of upwardly-extending miniature spikes, wherein the miniature spikes puncture algae cells suspended in the solution thereby releasing biofuel contained therein.

Abstract: Systems for extracting solute from source material, including solvent source containers configured to store solvent, canisters in fluid communication with the solvent source containers and configured to contain the source material, extract containers in fluid communication with the canister and configured to fluidly receive extract solution from the canisters, heating elements thermally coupled with the extract containers. Some examples include solvent collection containers configured to receive post-extraction portions of the solvent from extract containers. In some examples, solvent collection containers are in fluid communication with solvent source containers and are configured to fluidly receive the post-extraction portion of the solvent and direct a portion of the post-extraction solvent to the solvent source containers. Some examples include a plurality of detachable canisters.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container for a contact lens storage solution, in particular having contact lenses in said contact lens storage solution. The container has a vessel (14), which has a filling opening (20), and a first closing element (24), which can be attached to the vessel (14) and which closes the filling opening (20). The first closing element (24) has a gas supply channel (42) for a cleaning and/or sterilizing gas, which extends from at least one inlet (40) on an outer face of the first closing element (24) to at least one outlet (48) on an inner face of the first closing element (24) facing the interior of the vessel (14). On the outer face of the first closing element, said first closing element (24) has at least one venting opening (50) for the escape of gas from the vessel (14).

Abstract: Apparatus, methods and systems for preparing a polymer concentrate for treating a formation with slick water systems viscous fluid or a gelled viscous fluid are disclosed. The method includes directing a powdered gel into a vortex mixing chamber, while directing a first portion of a base fluid into the vortex mixing chamber to form partially hydrated fluid concentrate. The partially hydrated fluid concentrate is then sucked or sweep into a main portion of base fluid for form the slick water systems viscous fluid or gelled viscous fluid.

Abstract: Hollow conjugated polyelectrolyte (HCPE) microcapsules contain at least one conjugated polyelectrolyte and at least one other polyelectrolyte of complementary charge and the microcapsule has a hollow core. The conjugated polyelectrolyte is a polymer with a multiplicity of charged repeating units where a portion of the charged repeating units form a pi-conjugated sequence. The complementary polyelectrolyte is a polymer with a complementary charged repeating unit to the charged repeating units of the conjugated polyelectrolyte. The HCPE microcapsules can be formed by successively coating a sacrificial core with alternating layers of complementary polyelectrolytes, at least one of which is a conjugated polyelectrolyte. The sacrificial core can be removed to form the hollow center of a HCPE microcapsule.

Abstract: A nucleic acid amplification method includes: adsorbing a nucleic acid onto fine particles by mixing a chaotropic substance-containing adsorbent liquid and the fine particles with a nucleic acid-containing sample; washing the fine particles adsorbing the nucleic acid with a first washing liquid; eluting the nucleic acid adsorbed to the fine particles in an eluate; and performing a nucleic acid amplification reaction on the nucleic acid in the eluate. The adsorbent liquid contains an alcohol, and the first washing liquid is acidic. This method can be carried out by a nucleic acid extraction device, a nucleic acid amplification reaction cartridge, and a nucleic acid amplification reaction kit.

Abstract: Methods and systems for separating para-xylene are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, a method for separating para-xylene includes the steps of providing a feed stream including para-xylene and other C8 aromatic hydrocarbons to a first adsorbent bed within a radial flow simulated moving bed chamber and providing a desorbent stream to a second bed within the radial flow simulated moving bed chamber. The method further includes circulating the feed stream and the desorbent stream radially within the radial flow simulated moving bed chamber to third and fourth beds within the radial flow simulated moving bed chamber. Still further, the method includes withdrawing an extract stream including the para-xylene from the third bed and withdrawing a raffinate stream including the other C8 aromatic hydrocarbons from the fourth bed.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems that can be utilized in separating a polymer from other compounds of a polymer formation process are described. The methods utilize multiple sedimentors in a countercurrent flow design in conjunction with different solvent solutions in the multiple sedimentors to separate a product polymer from other compounds of a polymer formation process. The sedimentors include feed inlets that can encourage contact between countercurrent flows and improve mass transfer rates between the countercurrent flows.

Abstract: A crude oil feedstream is treated to remove or reduce the content of known undesired heteroatomic and polynuclear aromatic compounds containing nitrogen and sulfur by contacting the feedstream with one or more solid adsorbent materials selected from attapulgus clay, alumina, silica gel and activated carbon in a mixing vessel for a time that is sufficient to optimize the adsorption of the undesired compounds from the crude oil, subjecting the mixture to atmospheric flash distillation and then to vacuum flash distillation to recover presorbed boiling ranges of products having a lowered content of the undesired compounds, and preferably regenerating at least a portion of the solid adsorbent material for reuse in the process.

Abstract: An enhanced flash chamber with a flash chamber; a microwave source in communication with the flash chamber for providing a quantity of energy to a plurality of antennas within the flash chamber; a fluid chamber positionable within the flash chamber capable of holding a liquid and the plurality of antennas; and transport tubing for transporting a target material for extraction through the fluid chamber where the quantity of energy from the microwave source interacts with the plurality of antennas to heat the liquid held in the fluid chamber to a superheated state and the superheated state of the liquid transfers a portion of the quantity of energy to the target material to extract an extraction product from the target material.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and membranes for separating mixtures of two or more compounds such as fatty acids or fatty acid esters.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for obtaining a solution from a solid product are disclosed. A solid product is housed in a dispenser. A liquid is introduced into the housing of the dispenser to interact with the solid product to form a solution. To control the concentration of the formed solution, the turbulence of the liquid introduced to the dispenser is controlled and adjusted either manually or on a real time basis to account for varying characteristics of either or both of the solid product and the liquid. The dispenser will adjust the turbulence based on the characteristics to maintain a formed solution within an acceptable range of concentration. The concentrated solution can then be discharged from the dispenser to an end use application.

Abstract: Dissolved oxygen in alcohol is efficiently removed with a simple configuration. Device for removing dissolved oxygen in alcohol has a hydrogen-occluding metal catalyst in which hydrogen is occluded, the catalyst being charged in a device. Dissolved oxygen is removed from alcohol that contains the dissolved oxygen by bringing the alcohol into contact with the hydrogen-occluding metal catalyst. A method of removing dissolved oxygen in alcohol has removing dissolved oxygen from alcohol that contains the dissolved oxygen by bringing the alcohol into contact with a hydrogen-occluding metal catalyst which occludes hydrogen.

Abstract: A system for generating and purifying hydrogen. To generate hydrogen, the system includes inlets configured to receive a hydrogen carrier and an inert insulator, a mixing chamber configured to combine the hydrogen carrier and the inert insulator, a heat exchanger configured to apply heat to the mixture of hydrogen carrier and the inert insulator, wherein the applied heat results in the generation of hydrogen from the hydrogen carrier, and an outlet configured to release the generated hydrogen. To purify hydrogen, the system includes a primary inlet to receive a starting material and an ammonia filtration subassembly, which may include an absorption column configured to absorb the ammonia into water for providing purified hydrogen at a first purity level. The ammonia filtration subassembly may also include an adsorbent member configured to adsorb ammonia from the starting material into an adsorbent for providing purified hydrogen at a second purity level.

Abstract: An adsorption process using a fractionation column including a drying section is described. The drying section dries the desorbent and removes water from the adsorption process resulting in increased capacity for the adsorbent bed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-dosing detergent delivery device.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of extending a use life of a body of recreational water while reducing a concentration of chlorine required to effectively sanitize the body of recreational water, the method comprising the steps of adding a sanitizing concentration of total available chlorine to the body of recreation water that is suitable for human partial immersion in the body of recreation water; adding a source of silver ions and a source of 1,3-Dichloro-5,5-dimethylhydantoin to the body of recreational water to lower the concentration of chlorine required to effectively sanitize the body of recreational water; and maintaining a concentration of silver ions and a concentration of the source of 1,3-Dichloro-5,5-dimethylhydantoin effective at extending the use life of the body of recreational by at least 2 folds before a required chlorine shocking of the recreational body of water.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a process for treating a hydrocarbon stream. The stream can include passing the hydrocarbon stream into a vessel containing a packed zone and a coalescing zone, passing an amine stream into the vessel at a location above an inlet for the hydrocarbon stream, and withdrawing the hydrocarbon stream.

Abstract: A system for extracting oil from oil-bearing plant parts has an extraction vessel supported by an upright stand, a separator vessel mounted below the extraction vessel, and an expansion filter vessel mounted downstream from the separator vessel. A source of hydrocarbon solvent supplies liquid gas to the top of the extraction vessel, while a recycling pump connected to the separator vessel facilitates transport of the solvent through the plant material in the extraction vessel. The solvent is recovered and re-circulated, while extracted oil is removed from the separator. A thermal jacket is mounted on each of the separator vessel and the expansion filter vessel; the thermal jackets supplying heat and cold to the interior of the separator vessel and the expansion filter vessel and help evaporate and condense the solvent.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating a fluid by passing fluid through a treatment structure, the fluid containing undesirable living things, the treatment structure containing electrically conductive nanomaterial with silver, flowing an electric current in the fluid in the treatment structure via the electrically conductive nanomaterial with silver or silver material to kill undesirable living things in the treatment structure, and killing undesirable things in the treatment structure.

Abstract: A system and process are provided for the disinfection of sewage sludge or solids without the addition of chemicals such as chlorine etc. or/and reverse osmosis. The treated sludge or solids can be deposited on landfills or used as fertilizer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for making a lignin component from lignin material by an acid treatment, the method comprising: forming a lignin component of lignin material by treating the lignin material in at least one acid treatment stage; and optimizing process conditions by means of a combination of process parameters comprising retention time, temperature and pH level at the acid treatment stage so that the retention time is over 6 hours during at least one acid treatment stage. Further, the invention relates to corresponding lignin components, a use of the lignin component and a product.

Abstract: [PROBLEM] To provide an industrially advantageous method and system that are simple and have superior energy efficiency for obtaining high-purity propane from low-purity propane. [SOLUTION] Water, carbon dioxide, at least one of ethane and propylene, and at least one of isobutane and normal butane present in low-purity propane in a gaseous phase are adsorbed by means of a zeolite molecular sieve that preferentially adsorbs water and carbon dioxide over propane, an activated carbon molecular sieve that preferentially adsorbs ethane and propylene over propane, and activated carbon that preferentially adsorbs isobutane and normal butane over propane. Propane is condensed in a state in which nitrogen and oxygen are maintained in a gaseous state by introducing the low-purity propane in a gaseous phase into a partial condenser. Nitrogen and oxygen in the gaseous phase are extracted from the partial condenser.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a hydraulically actuated dispenser for dispensing an additive into a treating chamber of the dishwasher. The dispenser includes a storage chamber, a lid, and a hydraulic cylinder that is fluidly connected to a water source external to the dishwasher. The hydraulic cylinder opens the dispenser lid at a predetermined point in a washing operation such that the additive is released into the treating chamber.

Abstract: A process and apparatus is presented for the removal of solid particles from a gas stream. The process and apparatus includes adding a second stream of liquid that is sprayed over the openings in trays in a quench tower. The second spray stream provides for a veil of liquid to wash out solid particles from the vapor stream.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a polymer dissolution system comprising a mix tank, a strainer, and a pump. The mix tank is configured to receive polymers, water, and an inlet stream, to form a polymer solution including swollen polymers, and to discharge the polymer solution. The strainer is configured to receive the polymer solution, and to withdraw at least a portion of the swollen polymers therethrough substantially without shear degradation, thereby forming a resultant solution, wherein the swollen polymers are dissolved at least in part. The pump is configured to receive the resultant solution, and to return the resultant solution to the inlet stream. In some embodiments, the strainer and the pump cooperate together to maintain a viscosity of the resultant solution substantially within a predetermined range.

Abstract: Methods and systems for on-site, continuous generation of peracid chemistry, namely peroxycarboxylic acids and peroxycarboxylic acid forming compositions, are disclosed. In particular, an adjustable biocide formulator or generator system is designed for on-site generation of peroxycarboxylic acids and peroxycarboxylic acid forming compositions from sugar esters. Methods of using the in situ generated peroxycarboxylic acids and peroxycarboxylic acid forming compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing a solution of a solid product in a fluid. A freestanding apparatus comprises an inlet portion through which fluid enters, a reaction portion in which the fluid encounters and dissolves the product to form a solution, and an outlet portion from which the solution exits the apparatus. Fluid may encounter product from a single direction or multiple directions. The apparatus may be configured to receive a particularly shaped solid product, and may comprise a lid or gate to prevent fluid from contacting the product undesirably.

Abstract: Provided herein are integrated continuous biomanufacturing processes for producing a therapeutic protein drug substance. Also provided are systems that are capable of continuously producing a therapeutic protein drug substance.

Abstract: Patent of invention belonging to the field of raw material recycling equipment, comprised of work tanks (1) (distilled solvent), shell of the material holder basket (2), material holder basket (3), drum support and transmission (4), solvent circulation pump (5), solvent heater (6), air insufflation channel (7), post-drying cooling system (8), holding tank for solvent to be distilled (9), vacuum group (10), system de cooling para vacuum group (11), distillers (12), condensers for the distillers (13), condensate recovery tanks (14), electrical junction box for cleaning/drying module (15), electrical junction box for distillation module (16), solvent leak tank (17), Nitrogen generator (18), Nitrogen storage tank (19), meter and controller of Nitrogen and Oxygen contained in the system (20).

Abstract: A high pressure extraction apparatus and extracting method therefor are adapted to maintain a medium at the supercritical state to extract substance-to-be-extracted. The apparatus includes an extraction tank, a piston and a control unit. The control unit controls the piston to reciprocate in the extraction tank as well as controls the pressure of the extract space of the tank, feeding of the substance, discharge of extract, and discharge of leftover. Accordingly, the apparatus performs a continuous supercritical extraction.

Abstract: A microfluidic device including a platform and a cartridge is disclosed. The platform includes a chamber containing a fluid. The reagent cartridge is mounted to the platform. and contains a solid reagent for detecting material contained in the fluid.

Abstract: A method for extraction from Lesquerella seeds having an acid value of less than 6 mg KOH/g, said method including the following steps: a seed-processing step i) that includes a single operation of flattening the seeds and at least one operation of drying the seeds; and a step ii) of placing the processed seeds into contact with a mixture of light anhydrous alcohol and co-solvent under temperature and time conditions that are sufficient for extracting a raw oil including phospholipids and gums, as well as obtaining a de-oiled cake.

Abstract: A cast solid product dispenser for controlling the inputs and operating parameters of dissolution of a cast solid product is disclosed. The dispenser (10) includes a housing (12) having a cavity (18) for removably receiving a container (14) holding a cast solid product. The dispenser (10) includes means for controlling the temperature and pressure of liquid used for dissolution of the cast solid product. The dispenser (10) also includes a pedestal (20) for maintaining a constant distance between the surface of the product and a nozzle (48) during dissolution. The dissolution cycle includes a pulse of spray generally followed by a delay to allow liquid used in the dissolution process to adjust to a desired temperature. A pressure regulator (42) adjusts the pressure variation between various liquid sources so both the pressure and temperature of liquid used in the dissolution process is generally constant.

Abstract: A solid composition comprises: MnO2; and a compound represented by the general formula (I) wherein: R is a polymer; each Y is independently a hydrogen or a negative charge; Z is either hydrogen or is not present; each n is independently 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6; wherein the MnO2 is bound to the compound of formula (I) so as to coat the surface thereof. Such a composition may be used for the separation of polyvalent metal species, such as Mo, from one or more accompanying impurities.