Abstract: A system and method for recovering a sterilization agent from waste gaseous mixture, comprising a gas separator to wash waste gas comprising a gaseous mixture of a sterilization agent, insert dilution gases, and water vapor, from plurality sterilization chambers, with water, thereby producing a water-gaseous sterilization agent mixture collected at bottom section of the gas separator, and inert dilution gases exhausted at top section of the gas separator; a pressure reducing valve; a first tank or gas evaporator to produce gaseous sterilization agent and water vapor; a first condenser to produce condensed water vapor and separate the gaseous sterilization agent from the condensed water vapor; a water tank to receive the condensed water vapor; a separation pump for raising pressure of the gaseous sterilization agent; a second condenser to cool the gaseous sterilization agent causing the sterilization agent to condense into liquid; and a second tank for storing the liquid sterilization agent.

Abstract: A method and system for recovering a sterilization agent and nitrogen from a waste gaseous mixture, comprising: pressure reducing valve for reducing pressure of waste gas from sterilization chambers to a first predefined pressure; a first condenser to receive the gaseous mixture and cool it to a temperature below boiling point and above freezing point of the water vapor at the first predefined pressure, to produce condensed water vapor; a first tank for storing the condensed water vapor; a separation pump for raising pressure of the gaseous mixture to a second predefined pressure; a second condenser to cool the gaseous mixture to a temperature below boiling point and above freezing point of the sterilization agent at the second predefined pressure, to condense the sterilization agent into liquid, and to discharge the nitrogen gas remaining in the gaseous mixture; a second tank for storing the sterilization agent; a compressor to compress the discharged nitrogen gas and increase pressure of the discharged nitr

Abstract: In some embodiments, a medical system includes a dialysis machine having at least one outer surface to be disinfected at a given location, at least one disinfection sensor connected to the dialysis machine at the given location, the disinfection sensor including two or more electrode in fluid contact with the outside surface of the dialysis machine, and a conductivity sensor component in electrical contact with the two or more electrodes, the conductivity sensor component configured to send an electrical signal indicating a conductivity of a liquid on an outside surface of the dialysis machine and in contact with the two or more electrodes, a processor configured to receive the electrical signal and thereby determine a disinfection status of the given location, and a user interface configured to indicate the disinfection status of the given location.

Abstract: A system for recovering a sterilization agent may include a pressure reducing valve for reducing a pressure of a waste gas from a sterilization chamber to a first predefined pressure. The waste gas may include a gaseous mixture of a sterilization agent, nitrogen gas, and water vapor. A first condenser may cool the gaseous mixture to below a boiling point temperature and above a freezing point temperature of the water vapor at the first predefined pressure. A first tank may store the condensed water vapor. A separation pump may raise the pressure of the gaseous mixture to a second predefined pressure. A second condenser may cool the gaseous mixture to below a boiling point temperature and above a freezing point temperature of the sterilization agent at the second predefined pressure causing the sterilization agent to condense into a liquid. A second tank may store the separated sterilization agent.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a gas liquefaction separator, a gas liquefaction recovery system, and a method for separating and recovering ethylene oxide. The gas liquefaction separator includes a housing, a blocking plate, a gas baffle, and a liquid collector, the latter three being located inside the housing. The liquid collector—an outer edge of which is connected to an inner wall of the housing—is located below the gas baffle, which is located below the blocking plate. The liquid collector includes a first flow guide surface, on a bottom portion of which is disposed a first hole. The gas baffle—an upper surface of which forms a second flow guide surface and an outer edge of which has a protrusion(s)—is connected to the first flow guide surface through the protrusion(s), thereby forming a second hole between the outer edge of the gas baffle and the first flow guide surface.

Abstract: A method of implementing and using an apparatus (1a,1b,13,25) to achieve hand sanitisation by application of ozone. The apparatus has a disinfecting chamber (3,3?,110) with at least one port (2) adapted for insertion of at least one hand into the disinfecting chamber (3,110). A sensor (4) detects entry and/or exit of the hand (26) into the disinfecting chamber (3,110). An ozone water output (7,130) of an ozone water supply (8) is arranged to deliver ozone water to the at least one hand (26) when inserted into the disinfecting chamber (3,110). Control means (6) times start and stop of a discharge of ozone water from the at least one ozone water output (7,130) into the disinfecting chamber (3,110) when the at least one sensor (4) detects entry of the at least one hand (26) into the disinfecting chamber (3,110).

Abstract: An apparatus for the inactivation of airborne pathogens and pathogens on the surface of an object. The apparatus including a housing with an intake region and an exhaust region and an airflow path disposed between the intake and exhaust regions. The apparatus also includes a space within the housing for placement of the object as well as an intake fan and an oxidant generator proximate the intake fan. The apparatus includes an air filter disposed in the airflow path for removing particulates and pathogens and passes the intake air through either or both of an activated carbon filter and a catalyst to convert the oxidant into oxygen.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an apparatus, method and system for storing perishable items that degrade in the presence of oxygen and/or humidity and that are frequently accessed by a consumer. The apparatus comprises an openable insulated vessel with precisely controlled internal temperature and humidity, which becomes airtight when closed, and a corona ozone generator with an oxygen gas feed tank and fan within the insulated airtight enclosure, which converts ambient oxygen trapped within the airtight enclosure into ozone by circulating the enclosed volume of air through the corona ozone generator after the vessel is opened and then closed. Also disclosed is a refrigerated embodiment of the apparatus, which may be self-contained and transportable. The apparatus is network connected to allow for remote control and monitoring and sends alerts to web applications or mobile applications when monitored parameters substantially vary from their settings.

Abstract: A safety device for a medical injector supporting a needle projecting forwardly from the front of the injector has a tubular sleeve slidable rearwardly to expose at least the tip of a supported needle. The sleeve has a forward end for contacting an injection site and a removable cover for the needle is attached to the forward end of the sleeve. The sleeve has an external end face lying in a radial plane and having an orifice through which a needle projects when the sleeve slides rearwardly. The removable cover effects a seal to the forward end of the sleeve. Alternatively, the cover may frictionally engage the forward end of the sleeve or the cover may have a bore into which an enlargement member may be pressed so as to expand the cover within the sleeve and connect the cover to the sleeve.

Abstract: A gas transfer system including a housing, a pressurized gas canister held by the housing, a first passageway in fluid communication with the pressurized gas canister and configured to supply pressurized pre-sterilization gas from the pressurized gas canister to a fluid flow component, a gas discharge canister held by the housing; and a second passageway in fluid communication with the gas discharge canister and configured to supply post-sterilization gas from the fluid flow component to the gas discharge canister. Additional related devices, systems and methods are provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for reducing the temperature of an effluent stream flowing out of a sterilization chamber. The process involves the use of a mixing tank and heat exchangers which provide for cooling the effluent to a temperature required by local drain or sewer requirements (e.g., below about 60° C.) while saving on the amount of cooling water needed to cool the effluent.

Abstract: A method of decontaminating a room or space, comprising the steps of providing a cold-mist decontamination device capable of generating an atomized mist comprised of a decontaminant and water, inputting into an internal processor the parameters of the room or space and the concentration of the decontaminant in the decontamination solution, measuring the temperature and humidity in the room or space, and determining the maximum amount of the decontamination solution that can be introduced into the room or space in atomized form without condensing the decontaminant on surfaces within the room or space.

Abstract: In one aspect, provided herein is a single crystal silicon microcalorimeter, for example useful for high temperature operation and long-term stability of calorimetric measurements. Microcalorimeters described herein include microcalorimeter embodiments having a suspended structure and comprising single crystal silicon. Also provided herein are methods for making calorimetric measurements, for example, on small quantities of materials or for determining the energy content of combustible material having an unknown composition.

Abstract: Provided is a steam sterilizer for medical instruments including a feeding system configured to feed a sterilization chamber and including at least one main tank for containing a sterilization fluid; an evacuation system configured to evacuate a discharge fluid from the sterilization chamber; and a purification system configured to draw one of the fluids out of one of the systems and to introduce it into the main tank, and including cleaning means configured to filter the fluid.

Abstract: A system, device and method for sterilizing or decontaminating an object that by exposing the object to a sterilant gas comprised of one or more oxides of nitrogen, such as NO, NO2, NO3, N2O3, N2O4, N2O5, N2O and mixtures thereof. The source of the sterilant gas can be generated from a sterilant gas-generating composition or provided by a source of the sterilant gas.

Abstract: A free radical sterilization system having a chamber defining a region, and a generator for generating free radical reach effluent from a free radical electric generator and/or a vaporizer. A closed loop circulating system without a free-radical destroyer is provided for supplying the mixture of free radicals from the electric generator mixed with the hydrogen peroxide solution in the form of the effluent to the chamber. The free-radical sterilization system is used in sterilizing items in the chamber and, with an open-bottomed wound chamber, in treating wounds on a body.

Abstract: A system for recovery and reutilization of sterilant gas mixture from a sterilizer chamber includes a storage tank in gaseous communication with a sterilizer chamber via a gas recovery assembly, wherein after sterilization the gas recovery assembly evacuates the sterilant gas mixture to the storage recovery tank. The system also includes an inert purge gas supply adapted to supply a purge gas to the sterilizer chamber after the sterilant gas mixture is withdrawn to the storage recovery tank, wherein the gas recovery assembly evacuates an additional portion of the purge gas from the sterilizer chamber to the storage tank to enrich the gas mixture for later reutilization in subsequent sterilization cycles.

Abstract: A unit for sterilizing a web of packaging material for a machine for packaging pourable food products includes a sterilizing chamber containing a liquid sterilizing agent at a first temperature; a conveying device for feeding the web through the sterilizing chamber before the web is formed into a succession of sealed packages of pourable food products; a hold tank for the sterilizing agent; a feed mechanism activated selectively to feed the sterilizing agent from the tank to the sterilizing chamber; a drain activated selectively to drain the sterilizing agent from the sterilizing chamber into the tank in the event of stoppage of the packaging machine; and a cooling device activated selectively, at the end of the package production cycle, to cool the sterilizing agent in the tank to a second temperature lower than the first temperature.

Abstract: A blow molding machine for producing plastic bottles, particularly PET bottles, including a plurality of blow molding stations, which have assigned thereto valve blocks with control valves and blowing nozzles for introducing or discharging blowing air; and a cleaning-in-place (CIP) system for cleaning the blow molding machine. Since the valve blocks are configured such that they can be included in the CIP process, the system components, such as the blowing nozzle, which are particularly important for the production of PET bottles in terms of hygiene, can be cleaned and sterilized without disassembly.

Abstract: A system includes a portable source of gaseous chlorine dioxide (CD). The source has first source and return couplings for sealingly connecting to a CD generation flow path comprising at least one gas conduit. The CD generation flow path comprises second source and return couplings for sealingly connecting the source to a device to be treated with the CD generation flow path, or a tent structure enclosing the device to be treated. A portable scrubber has third couplings for sealingly connecting to a scrubbing flow path comprising at least one gas conduit for removing the CD from the device or tent structure. The gas conduit has fourth couplings for connecting the device or tent structure to the scrubbing flow path.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the sanitization, detoxification, disinfection, high level disinfection, or sterilization of both the interior and exterior surfaces of an object, including those with lumens and/or channels of various sizes, within a closed space, or closed system of space, in addition to their surrounding atmosphere, and relates particularly, though not exclusively, to the generation of an aerosol including an anti-pathogen/toxin/fungal/sporicidal agent(s) or substance(s) (applied agent), or chemical neutralizing agent(s) or substance(s), by way of one or more ultrasonic nebulizer(s). However the applied agent used in the present invention may also be in the form of any gas, vapor, plasma, aerosol, or other form. The apparatus and method also includes an option to incorporate and utilize a means to wash the object. The present invention includes the application of a positive or negative air/gas pressure to the internal space, lumens, ducts, or channels, of an object.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating superheated steam capable of reducing or eliminating microorganisms associated with an item includes a gas heater for heating a gas, a steam generator coupled to the gas heater and having a reservoir for supplying water, wherein the heater heats the gas such that when water is combined therewith, a mixture of superheated steam and gas capable of reducing or eliminating microorganisms is discharged from the apparatus. The generation of the steam-gas mixture may be done at one atmosphere of pressure and the mixing may be done prior to expelling the fluid from the apparatus. The apparatus may be configured as a hand-held device, A method of treating an item for microorganisms includes generating a superheated steam at approximately one atmosphere of pressure, directing a flow of the steam onto the item, and reducing or eliminating microorganisms using the steam.

Abstract: A method for reducing biological contamination of indoor air, which method includes providing a concentrated salt solution, which is either (i) a brine capable of responding to aeration thereof by a rapid increase of its Redox potential, wherein the rate of said increase is greater than the rate of increase observed for a 45% (w/w) calcium chloride solution subjected to identical aeration conditions; or (ii) a brine which is passed through an electrolytic cell in order to raise its Redox potential; circulating said concentrated salt solution through a treatment zone; causing a stream of biologically contaminated air to flow through said treatment zone, such that said contaminated air is contacted with said salt solution in said treatment zone; and withdrawing purified air from said treatment zone.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for repairing exterior wall structures. According to the invention, the transfer of moisture through external cladding to the wall structure is prevented by treating the external cladding with facade protection, after which holes are formed in the external cladding at a distance from each other and, through the holes, an insulation space behind the external cladding is dried and disinfected with disinfectant.

Abstract: A process and a system using a disinfecting atmosphere for deactivating Bacillus bacteria and its spores, such as Bacillus anthracis (anthrax) and C Botulinum and its spores, commonly proposed as bioterrorism threats, are described. Said disinfecting atmosphere includes ozone at a concentration of 2-350 ppm by weight and hydrogen peroxide at an amount of 0.2-10 weight percent at a relative humidity of at least 60%.

Abstract: A method for sterilizing contact lenses included in a moist environment in a closed package, wherein the package is heated, wherein the heating is carried out by introducing the package into a space which is at superatmospheric pressure or which is adjusted to superatmospheric pressure and which is heated with dry hot air. Further, the invention relates to an apparatus for carrying out such a method.

Abstract: A system for recovery of a sterilant gas mixture from a sterilizer chamber is disclosed. The system includes a gas recovery tank, a sterilizer chamber in gaseous communication with the gas recovery tank and a gas recovery assembly coupled to the gas recovery tank and the sterilizer chamber. The gas recovery assembly is configured to transfer a sterilant gas mixture including at least one sterilant gas between the sterilizer chamber and the gas recovery tank. The system further includes an analyzer assembly coupled to the sterilizer chamber, the analyzer assembly including at least one sterilant gas sensor configured to detect density of the sterilant gas and a control module coupled to the analyzer assembly and to the gas recovery assembly. The control module includes at least one control module configured to determine at least one of a transfer pressure and flammability of the sterilant gas mixture as a function of the density of the sterilant gas.

Abstract: A method for disinfecting a microtome cryostat (1) comprises a defrosting phase (11), provision (13) of a vaporous disinfection agent (2) which acts upon the closed cryostat chamber (3) and a period of time (14) during which said disinfection agent (2) acts, and having an associated device for carrying out the method. According to the invention, fast and effective disinfection and rapid restarting of a microtome cryostat (1) is possible with secure drying, the temperature difference (?T1, ?T2) being produced after the period of time (14) in the cryostat chamber (3) whereupon the precipitated disinfection agent (2) is removed (18) to a cold area.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for conducting a continuous operation, flowing vapor phase decontamination in either an open loop or a closed loop. Using the method, a multi-component liquid decontaminant is vaporized and delivered into, through and out of a sealable enclosure by means of a carrier gas that is flowing into, through and out of said sealable enclosure. After leaving the enclosure, the vapor is captured in a cold-water bath and decomposed. The invention humidifies the carrier gas by passing it through a temperature controlled water bath to warm, or to cool, the carrier gas as necessary in order to bring the carrier gas to the desired temperature and humidity before it is combined with the vaporized sterilant and allowed to flow into the sealable enclosure. The concentration of the vapor sterilant and the percent saturation of the vapor sterilant are simultaneously controlled by controlling the rate at which the carrier gas flows and the rate at which the liquid sterilant is vaporized.

Abstract: An automated workstation or apparatus for disinfecting an object in a controlled environment is provided. A method for disinfecting an object in a controlled environment is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for reducing microbial contamination on poultry, or on surfaces used in processing poultry, employing compositions including medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid, and to the compositions. The methods include applying a medium chain peroxycarboxylic acid composition to poultry or to the surfaces.

Abstract: An electrochemically activated fluid is provided, which has an anolyte and a catholyte. For example, a sparged anolyte and a sparged catholyte are provided. In another example, a combined anolyte and catholyte is provided.

Abstract: A method of processing bone material using supercritical fluids is disclosed. The method comprises placing the bone material in a processing chamber, adding supercritical fluid to the processing chamber, pulsing the supercritical fluid in the processing chamber, and rinsing the bone material. A processing system for processing bone material using supercritical fluids in accordance with the present invention comprises a processing chamber for housing the bone material, a vat for storing a processing fluid, a pump, a heating element, a flow path, a tank, and a solvent port.

Abstract: A system for recovery and reutilization of sterilant gas mixture from a sterilizer chamber includes a storage tank in gaseous communication with a sterilizer chamber via a gas recovery assembly, wherein after sterilization the gas recovery assembly evacuates the sterilant gas mixture to the storage recovery tank. The system also includes an inert purge gas supply adapted to supply a purge gas to the sterilizer chamber after the sterilant gas mixture is withdrawn to the storage recovery tank, wherein the gas recovery assembly evacuates an additional portion of the purge gas from the sterilizer chamber to the storage tank to enrich the gas mixture for later reutilization in subsequent sterilization cycles.

Abstract: Inventive methods and apparatus are useful for collecting magnetic materials in one or more magnetic fields and resuspending the particles into a dispersion medium, and optionally repeating collection/resuspension one or more times in the same or a different medium, by controlling the direction and rate of fluid flow through a fluid flow path. The methods provide for contacting derivatized particles with test samples and reagents, removal of excess reagent, washing of magnetic material, and resuspension for analysis, among other uses. The methods are applicable to a wide variety of chemical and biological materials that are susceptible to magnetic labeling, including, for example, cells, viruses, oligonucleotides, proteins, hormones, receptor-ligand complexes, environmental contaminants and the like.

Abstract: A method of generating a microbial deactivation fluid to circulate through an apparatus that has a decontamination chamber for holding medical instruments and devices, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a first compartment and a second compartment in the circulation system; (b) providing a chemical reagent in the first compartment and a builder composition in the second compartment; (c) causing a fluid to flow through the second compartment to mix with the builder composition to create an alkaline fluid; (d) when the alkaline fluid has reached a predetermined pH level, causing the alkaline fluid to flow through the first compartment to mix with the chemical reagent to dissolve the chemical reagent to generate a microbial deactivation fluid; and (e) continuing steps (c) and (d) to continue the generation of the microbial deactivation fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus for sterilizing a sealable enclosure includes a circuit for flow of a sterilizing gas or gasses. The circuit is connected to the enclosure to be sterilized to form a closed circuit and pumps to circulate gas through the circuit and enclosure. The circuit has parallel branches one of which contains apparatus to deactivate a sterilant to be added to the carrier gas flowing through the circuit and apparatus to dehumidify the gas. The other branch contains apparatus to heat the gas and apparatus to supply a sterilant vapor or vapors to the gas. Control apparatus determines which of the parallel branches the gas flows through. The control apparatus maintains flow through one branch passage until the relative humidity falls below a predetermined level. The flow through that branch is then terminated and flow through the other branch initiated.

Abstract: The invention refers to a device (1) and method for sterilizing partly formed packages (6) in a packaging machine. The device (1) comprises an inner chamber (2) and an outer chamber (3), the inner chamber (2) being provided with a sterilization unit (5). Further, it comprises a carrier unit (10), comprising a separating member (11) and a package carrying member (12), which is being adapted to rotate between a first position in which the package carrying member (12) is located in the outer chamber (3), and in which the separating member (11) separates the inner chamber (2) from the outer chamber (3), and a second position in which the carrier unit (10) has rotated a package (6) into the inner chamber (2) and in which the separating member (11) separates the inner chamber (2) from the outer chamber (3).

Abstract: A system for recovery and reutilization of sterilant gas mixture from a sterilizer chamber includes a storage tank in gaseous communication with a sterilizer chamber via a gas recovery assembly, wherein after sterilization the gas recovery assembly evacuates the sterilant gas mixture to the storage recovery tank. The system also includes an inert purge gas supply adapted to supply a purge gas to the sterilizer chamber after the sterilant gas mixture is withdrawn to the storage recovery tank, wherein the gas recovery assembly evacuates an additional portion of the purge gas from the sterilizer chamber to the storage tank to enrich the gas mixture for later reutilization in subsequent sterilization cycles.

Abstract: A system for recovery and reutilization of sterilant gas mixture from a sterilizer chamber includes a storage tank in gaseous communication with a sterilizer chamber via a gas recovery assembly, wherein after sterilization the gas recovery assembly evacuates the sterilant gas mixture to the storage recovery tank. The system also includes an inert purge gas supply adapted to supply a purge gas to the sterilizer chamber after the sterilant gas mixture is withdrawn to the storage recovery tank, wherein the gas recovery assembly evacuates an additional portion of the purge gas from the sterilizer chamber to the storage tank to enrich the gas mixture for later reutilization in subsequent sterilization cycles.

Abstract: Method of sterilising a packaging material (1) by means of a sterilising agent in liquid form, comprising the steps of: providing a packaging material (1) to be sterilised, providing a source (11) of sterilising agent in liquid form, forcing the liquid sterilising agent through a nozzle (12) to form a jet (14a) directed towards the packaging material, subjecting the jet (14a) of liquid sterilising agent to a controlled, periodic disturbance causing the jet (14a) of liquid sterilising agent to form a train (14) of droplets of controlled, essentially uniform size and controlled rate, moving the packaging material (1) in relation to said nozzle (12) or vice versa, whereby said train (14) of droplets forms a coating (2) of sterilising agent of controlled thickness and controlled coverage on the packaging material (1), and vaporising the film of sterilising agent on the packaging material (1). The invention also concerns a similar method and devices for implementing said methods.

Abstract: Emulsified systems of a surfactant-stabilized, biodegradable water-in-solvent emulsion with bimetallic particles contained with the emulsion droplets are useful at removing PCBs from ex situ structures. The hydrophobic emulsion system draws PCBs through the solvent/surfactant membrane. Once inside the membrane, the PCBs diffuse into the bimetallic particles and undergo degradation. The PCBs continue to enter, diffuse, degrade, and biphenyl will exit the particle maintaining a concentration gradient across the membrane and maintaining a driving force of the reaction.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ozone on-line injection, reuse and destruction system, which draws liquid to be mixed with ozone through a pump. The system mainly comprises a gas-liquid separation device and an ozone destruction device. When mixed with the drawn liquid, some of the ozone may dissolve in the liquid and the undissolved portion is recovered and reused, while the ozone, oxygen and nitrogen that cannot be reused are introduced into an ozone destruction device. The ozone destruction device contains an ozone destruction medium so that it can decompose ozone into oxygen that can escape into the environment along with the undissolved oxygen and nitrogen, thereby avoiding environmental pollution caused by the direct release of ozone.

Abstract: A system for recovery and reutilization of sterilant gas mixture from a sterilizer chamber includes a storage tank in gaseous communication with a sterilizer chamber via a gas recovery assembly, wherein after sterilization the gas recovery assembly evacuates the sterilant gas mixture to the storage recovery tank. The system also includes an inert purge gas supply adapted to supply a purge gas to the sterilizer chamber after the sterilant gas mixture is withdrawn to the storage recovery tank, wherein the gas recovery assembly evacuates an additional portion of the purge gas from the sterilizer chamber to the storage tank to enrich the gas mixture for later reutilization in subsequent sterilization cycles.

Abstract: A process to transform solid waste into fuel by adding water and heat to provide no more than 350 BTUs/lb of the weight of the solid waste for no more thatn 85 minutes. Such a process transforms the solid waste into fuel in a process time of not greater than 85 minutes. The system uses a pressure vessel; a condenser tank to permit selective addition of water to and evacuation of steam from the vessel; a heater to increase the temperature of the vessel; a vacuum pump to selectively reduce pressure within the vessel and to help evacuate steam from the vessel to the condenser tank; and a water pump to selectively add water from the condenser tank to the interior volume of the vessel. A method for converting solid waste into fuel includes loading the solid waste into a rotating pressure vessel and transforming the solid waste into fuel by adding water; reducing pressure; adding heat; and then evacuating steam. The contents are evacuated from the pressure vessel. At least some of the contents are fuel.

Abstract: A method for producing high purity terephthalic acid wherein a slurry having an acetic acid solvent and, dispersed therein, crude terephthalic acid crystals which has been prepared by subjecting a p-alkyl benzene to a liquid phase oxidation in a solvent of acetic acid is continuously converted to a water slurry by the mother liquid exchange, and then the resultant water slurry is subjected to a hydrogenation treatment, which comprises introducing the above acetic acid slurry to a tower having a center axis having a plurality of agitating blades at the top thereof, to form a region having a high concentration of terephthalic acid crystals in the tower through the sedimentation of the terephthalic acid crystals, supplying the water for substitution to the bottom of the tower in such a manner to form an upward water flow while generating a revolving flow of the high concentration region by the rotation of the agitation blade, to thereby subject said terephthalic acid crystals and said upward water flow to a coun

Abstract: A method for treating grain comprising circulating concentrated ozone through an evenly distributed column of grain to maintain a concentration of between 50 and 100 ppm.

Abstract: Sterilization methods and apparatus are effective to achieve a 6-log reduction in CFUs of industry standard bacteria and bacterial spores, i.e., B. stearothermophilus and B. subtilis spores, by subjecting sterilizable materials to a chemical additive-containing carbon dioxide sterilant fluid at or near its supercritical pressure and temperature conditions. Most preferably, the chemical additive-containing supercritical carbon dioxide sterilant fluid is agitated during sterilization, e.g., via mechanical agitation or via pressure cycling.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for preparing tissue for incorporation into xenografts and bioprosthetic devices. The methods of the invention make use of supercritical fluids to remove infectious materials and chemical agents from tissues, as well as to permeate a tissue with a chemical agent (e.g. tanning, cross-linking, and bioactive agents).

Abstract: A mixed bed of iodine source/iodine capture resin provides high flow rates that are useful for treatment of water. The ratio of source/capture resin can be adjusted to meet the goals of the system. If insufficient iodine is being provided, the source resin amount can be increased relative to the capture resin. If excess iodine or iodide are found in the treated water, the capture resin amount can be increased relative to the source resin. The release of iodine from the source resin and its effectiveness can be significantly enhanced by using a mixed bed system in which one or both of the source and the capture ion exchange resins have had their exchange sites saturated with the anion of an organic acid such as citrate and/or isocitrate. This significantly increases the amount of iodine released into aqueous solution and enhances the disinfecting power of that iodine.