Abstract: An apparatus for sterilizing items and storing the sterilized items prior to use includes a container configured to receive items to be sterilized, a trap door coupled with the container, and a mechanism operatively coupled with the trap door and the container. The trap door is reconfigurable between an open configuration providing a fluid passage into the apparatus and a closed configuration in which the items are sealed within the apparatus. The mechanism is configured for selective reconfiguration of the trap door from the closed configuration to the open configuration and to automatically reconfigure the trap door from the open configuration to the closed configuration after completion of a sterilization cycle for items disposed within the apparatus.

Abstract: This disclosure describes an improved heat transfer system for use in reaction vessels used in chemical and biological processes. In one embodiment, a heat transfer baffle comprising two sub-assemblies adjoined to one another is provided.

Abstract: A stackable sieve tray for receiving medical products, preferably for sterilization, has a sieve tray bottom and upward-extending sieve tray sidewalls arranged at the sieve tray bottom. The sieve tray bottom, on its underside, has an indentation in edge regions that holds at least two sieve trays in position with respect to each other in a length and width direction of the sieve trays when the sieve trays are stacked, the indentation of a first sieve tray engaging the sieve tray sidewalls of a second sieve tray.

Abstract: Process vessels can contain one or more entry zones containing stability-improving materials. The entry zones address bed movement and filtration problems. The stability-improving material can be positioned above a treating zone or above a processing bed within the vessel. Entry Zones are intended to improve the stability of downstream operations.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sterilization cassette with a less cumbersome mechanism for opening and closing the cassette, as compared to prior art cassettes. The cassette includes a slider mechanism that couples the cassette closed with pins and hooks on one side, and that allows pivoting of the two cassette pieces with slots and pins on the other side. The cassette can therefore be open and closed with one hand in a simple and easy manner. The cassette can also include inserts that hold instruments in a staggered, multi-layer manner to increase the efficiency of the cassette as compared to the single-layered inserts of the prior art.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for sterilization are presented. An apparatus includes a sterilizing cabinet assembly including a cabinet having an access port and a bottom, the bottom configurable to induce a condensate to flow on the bottom to a vent port. The apparatus further includes a door connected to the cabinet, the door moveable between an open position permitting passage through the access port to an interior of the cabinet and a closed position precluding passage through the access port. The apparatus also includes at least one of the cabinet and the door having the vent port, and a filter overlying the vent port and forming a sealed interface with an adjacent portion of the one of the cabinet and the door.

Abstract: A method for sterilizing a drug delivery device may comprise disposing a liquid drug container, a needle conduit and a cap in a sterilization enclosure so that a mouth portion of the liquid drug container is registered with, and spaced apart from, a circumferential lip of the cap; disposing a cover over the liquid drug container, the needle conduit, and the cap, sealing the sterilization enclosure; subjecting the interior of the sterilization enclosure to a sterilization process in which the liquid drug container, the needle conduit, and the cap are exposed to the sterilization fluid and are sterilized; and applying a downward force to the liquid drug container to move the mouth portion into engagement with the circumferential lip of the cap and to snap the cap onto the liquid drug container to seal the cap and needle conduit to the liquid drug container in an assembled configuration.

Abstract: A composite silica glass made light diffusion member includes a dense silica glass, and a porous silica glass which has been layered on the surface of the dense silica glass. The porous silica glass is a porous body and has a homogeneous pore distribution. The porous body has a framework including a plurality of spherical silica glasses, contains a communicating pore part formed by spaces among them, and has a central pore size of 10 to 20 ?m and a porosity of 25 to 40%. The spherical silica glasses have an average diameter of 30 to 100 ?m. An average value of a specific arithmetic average roughness Ra in each of the spherical silica glass exposed on an outer surface of the porous silica glass is 0.8 to 4.0 nm.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sampling fluid catalytic cracking catalyst wherein catalyst splashing is virtually eliminated, pluggage is reduced, and the temperature and velocity of the catalyst is also reduced.

Abstract: A structured packing for insertion in a reactor having an inlet, an outlet, a wall and an axis. The packing comprises a first part, i.e., a reactor core and a second part, i.e., a reactor casing. The second part is free to move relative to the first part. The first part and the second part are inserted in the reactor such that the first part is located proximate the axis and the second part is located between the first part and the reactor wall. In general, the second part will be in contact with the reactor wall.

Abstract: An adjustable surgical instrument stringer, tray system, and method of sterilization comprising, in general, a one or more axis adjustable stringer to be inserted into the finger rings or ring handles of the surgical instruments to sequentially group the surgical instruments, a surgical instrument tray and lid configured with a pattern of sterilization apertures, the lid having two or more recessed valleys configured to receive the stringer of ringed surgical instruments and releasably hold the surgical instrument therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a removable sterilization rack for supporting objects to be sterilized inside a sterilization apparatus, said sterilization rack comprising: a support structure for supporting said objects; at least one opening for directing a flow of a fluid towards said objects when the objects are supported by said support structure; a docking port for docking with a fluid supply port comprised in said sterilization apparatus and receiving said fluid from the fluid supply port of the sterilization apparatus; and a conduit arranged and configured to bring said docking port in fluid flow connection with said at least one opening, wherein said sterilization rack comprises a marker configured to provide a contactless positioning indication to said sterilization apparatus when said docking port is in a position to receive said fluid from the fluid supply port of the sterilization apparatus.

Abstract: A process for producing an anti-erosion coating on an inner or outer metal wall of a chamber of a fluid catalytic cracking unit, comprising: (i) the shaping of a honeycomb metal anchoring structure, said anchoring structure being formed from a plurality of strips connected in pairs by joining assembly portions of these strips so as to form a plurality of cells between two adjacent strips, (ii) the fastening of said anchoring structure by welding to said metal wall, so that each cell of the anchoring structure is welded to the wall of the chamber at least at the junctions between the contiguous assembly portions of two adjacent strips, and (iii) the insertion of a composite material into the cells from the metal wall and at least up to the upper longitudinal edge of each strip.

Abstract: A genre of media is presented for use with a reactor vessel and for the purpose of immobilizing small particles, often catalytic in nature. The media can include a number of ferromagnetic active wafers stacked together and separated by non-ferromagnetic separator portions, such that when in the presence of a magnetic field and magnetic-particle-containing fluid, at least some of the gaps between active wafers captures and suspends magnetic particles.

Abstract: A method for the aseptic measured delivery of a liquid additive (Z) into a forced flow of a base product (P), wherein the additive (Z) is removed from a storage container (18) under aseptic conditions by means of a removal conduit (18a) and is fed via an end section (E) of the removal conduit (18a) to the base product (P), which flows through a product chamber (RP) and a metering device and valve.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing aqueous chlorine dioxide solutions is described, comprising (a) a reactor (1), (b) a first reservoir unit (8) comprising a first reactant for preparation of chlorine dioxide, the first reactant being in solid form, having an inlet (15) for water and a separate outlet (21), the first reservoir unit (8) being exchangeable, (c) a second reservoir unit (4) for storing a second reactant for preparation of chlorine dioxide. Additionally described are an exchangeable reservoir unit for such an apparatus, a kit comprising or consisting of one or more exchangeable reservoir units and a process for preparing a chlorine dioxide-containing solution usable directly for water treatment.

Abstract: A device including a first part made of ceramic material shrink fitted with a first shrink ring, in which an edge of an axial end of a cylindrical portion of the first part to which the first shrink ring is fitted and an edge of an axial end of the first shrink ring belong to one and the same transverse plane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a commercially viable modular ceramic oxygen transport membrane reforming reactor configured using repeating assemblies of oxygen transport membrane tubes and catalytic reforming reactors.

Abstract: A commercially viable modular ceramic oxygen transport membrane reforming reactor for producing a synthesis gas that improves the thermal coupling of reactively-driven oxygen transport membrane tubes and catalyst reforming tubes required to efficiently and effectively produce synthesis gas.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dosing module (1) for introducing a reducing agent into an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine for exhaust aftertreatment. Said dosing module (1) comprises a flange (20). The flange (20) is secured to a connecting flange (11) on an exhaust pipe. A sealing element (22) located between the flange (20) and the connecting flange (11) is designed as a single layer and separates an interior (26) of the dosing module (1) from an exterior (27). Said sealing element (22) is disposed in the area of the center of gravity (42) of the dosing module (1).

Abstract: A distributor for a circulating dry scrubber reactor includes a venturi section with a venturi section wall extending from a venturi section inlet to a venturi section outlet along a longitudinal axis, with the venturi section inlet connected to an inlet plenum and the venturi section outlet connected to a circulating dry scrubber reactor. A hub is mounted within the venturi section wall with an annular converging-diverging flow path defined between the venturi section wall and the hub for distribution of gas flow from the venturi section outlet into a circulating dry scrubber reactor space and for maintaining stable bed fluidization in a CDS system at a comparatively low system pressure loss.

Abstract: A structured packing for insertion in a reactor having an inlet, an outlet, a wall and an axis. The packing comprises a first part, i.e., a reactor core and a second part, i.e., a reactor casing. The second part is free to move relative to the first part. The first part and the second part are inserted in the reactor such that the first part is located proximate the axis and the second part is located between the first part and the reactor wall. In general, the second part will be in contact with the reactor wall.

Abstract: The present application generally relates to a riser quench system comprising a quench line and one or more quench injecting ports for injecting a renewable fuel oil into the riser of a fluidized catalytic cracker co-processing a renewable fuel oil and a petroleum fraction as reactants.

Abstract: A catalyst substrate module for an exhaust aftertreatment system is provided. The catalyst substrate module comprises an outer containment wall, an inner containment wall, a first bar, a second bar, a first substrate element, a second substrate element, and a center member. The outer containment wall and the inner containment wall are co-planar and aligned along a common centerline. The first bar and the second bar are coupled to an inner face of the outer containment wall. The first substrate element is enclosed within an inner face of the inner containment wall and the second substrate element is captured within a space defined by the inner containment wall and the outer containment wall. Further, the center member extends along the centerline of the inner containment.

Abstract: The disclosure provides conductive membranes for water splitting and solar fuel generation. The membranes comprise an embedded semiconductive/photoactive material and an oxygen or hydrogen evolution catalyst. Also provided are chassis and cassettes containing the membranes for use in fuel generation.

Abstract: Porogen accumulation in a UV-cure chamber may be reduced by removing outgassed porogen by flowing a purge gas across a window through which a wafer is exposed to UV light. Porogens in the purge gas stream may, as they flow through the chamber and into an exhaust baffle, deposit on surfaces within the chamber, including on the exhaust baffle. The exhaust baffle may have particular features that cause such porogen deposition to be more uniformly distributed across the exhaust baffle, thus reducing the amount of time that may be required to fully clean the baffle of accumulated porogens during a cleaning process.

Abstract: Inorganic fibers include a surface and a structure. The surface has a friction coefficient of about 0.5 or greater. The friction coefficient is measured using a scanning probe microscope. The structure is to constitute a holding sealing material to be provided in an exhaust gas purifying apparatus.

Abstract: A structured packing for insertion in a reactor having an inlet, an outlet, a wall and an axis. The packing comprises a first part, i.e., a reactor core and a second part, i.e., a reactor casing. The second part is free to move relative to the first part. The first part and the second part are inserted in the reactor such that the first part is located proximate the axis and the second part is located between the first part and the reactor wall. In general, the second part will be in contact with the reactor wall.

Abstract: A plate that allows the distribution of a polyphase mixture in a reactor that operates in the trickle mode and that consists of at least one gaseous phase and at least one liquid phase, with the plate (10) being located above a catalytic particle bed, comprising a number of shafts (3), and a portion of the shafts of the plate, located close to the wall of the reactor chamber, called peripheral shafts, are truncated. The plate is used in a reactor for the purpose of carrying out hydrotreatment, hydrogenation, or oxidation.

Abstract: A quenching apparatus for a reactor is disclosed. The quenching apparatus includes a quenching unit (31) and a mixing unit (41). The quenching unit includes fluid distribution pipes (33) which branch off from a central portion of the quenching unit in radial directions and eject quenching fluid, and one or more first fluid outlets (35) which are formed through the bottom of the quenching unit. The mixing unit includes inclined baffles (43), one or more partitions (42) and a second fluid outlet (45). The inclined baffles are respectively disposed under the first fluid outlets. The partitions partition a space between inner and outer sidewalls of the mixing unit into a plurality of separated spaces in which the inclined baffles are respectively disposed. Fluid guided by the inclined baffles and the partitions is discharged out of the mixing unit through the second fluid outlet.

Abstract: Process for introducing a polymerization catalyst in solid form into a gas-phase fluidized bed using an injection device having an inner tube of internal cross-sectional area of 10-100 mm2 and an outer tube forming an annulus around the inner tube with a cross-sectional area of 1-10 times the internal cross-sectional area of the inner tube. The polymerization catalyst and a carrier gas are passed through the inner tube into the gas-phase fluidized bed at a carrier gas linear velocity of 4-14 m/s and a carrier gas mass flow rate of 10-35 kg/h. A shielding gas is passed through the outer tube and into the gas-phase fluidized bed at a shielding gas linear velocity of 1-10 times the linear velocity of the carrier gas through the inner tube and at a shielding gas mass flow rate of 100-500 kg/h. No cooled recycle process gas is provided to the injection device.

Abstract: A high surface area grid having two mesh sheets aligned in opposite direction to each other is disclosed. One mesh sheet may be horizontally aligned while the other may be vertically aligned. Piezoelectric actuators may be attached along the sides of each wire sheet, employing piezoelectric actuators to allow a precise control of the displacement of the wires. High surface area grid may be employed in the formation of a photoactive material, where semiconductor photocatalysts may be deposited onto high surface area grid. Photoactive material may be employed for a plurality of photocatalytic energy conversion applications such as water splitting and carbon dioxide reduction. Employing a high surface area grid with the capability of dynamically-controlled dimensions may increase efficiency of semiconductor photocatalysts on its surface.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a plate for distributing a polyphase mixture in a reactor operating in trickle bed mode constituted by at least one gas phase and at least one liquid phase, the plate (10) being located above a bed of catalytic particles, comprising a plurality of chimneys (3), characterized in that a portion of the chimneys of the plate located near to the wall of the chamber of the reactor, those termed the peripheral chimneys, have an upper portion which is inclined at an angle with respect to the vertical. The invention also concerns the use of the plate in a reactor with a view to carrying out hydrotreatment, hydrogenation or oxidation reactions.

Abstract: A steam reformer tube assembly includes a reformer tube including a wall defining an interior space for receiving fluid delivered into the reformer tube, a plug at least partially positioned in an opening in the interior space such that a gap is defined between the plug and the wall of the reformer tube, and a sealing member positioned in the gap to either limit or prevent the passage of fluid toward the opening in the interior space of the reformer tube and along the gap that is defined between the exterior surface of the plug and the interior wall of the reformer tube. A method of assembling a steam reformer tube assembly is also provided.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present techniques include a heat exchange apparatus including: a) a body comprising an interior cavity, the body including: a first surface and a second surface defining at least a portion of the body and the first surface positioned exterior with respect to the second surface and the interior cavity, and the second surface positioned exterior with respect to the interior cavity and interior with respect to the first surface; b) a first conduit for conveying a fluid to the body; c) a second conduit in fluid communication with the first conduit wherein the second conduit is positioned at least partially within the interior cavity of the body; and d) a joint between the first conduit and the second conduit, wherein the joint moves between a first location and a second location based on the temperature within the interior cavity, wherein at least one of said first location and said second location is positioned intermediate the first surface and the second surface.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention includes a refractory material, said material comprising: (i) at least 20 wt. % of a first grain mode stabilized zirconia based upon the total weight of said material, said first grain mode having a D50 grain size in the range of from 5 to 2000 ?m, said stabilized zirconia including a matrix oxide stabilizer; (ii) at least 1 wt. % of a second grain mode having a D50 grain size in the range of from 0.01 ?m up to not greater than one-fourth the D50 grain size of said first grain mode zirconia, based upon the total weight of said material; and (iii) at least 1 wt. % of a preservative component within at least one of said first grain mode stabilized zirconia, said second grain mode stabilized zirconia, and an optional another grain mode; wherein after sintering, said material has porosity at 20° C. in the range of from 5 to 45 vol %.

Abstract: Ammonia oxidizers are disclosed that can include gas distributors and distribution rings to improve the distribution of the flow of a gas feedstream across a catalyst bed in the ammonia oxidizer. The gas distributors include circular plates that have holes through which the gas feedstream is distributed across the catalyst bed. In some examples, the gas distributors also have a sidewall. The distribution rings are attached to the inner wall of the ammonia oxidizer at a predetermined distance below the gas distributor.

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

Abstract: Techniques are provided for seal flush systems. A system may include a reactor circulation pump configured to circulate a slurry through a polymerization reactor. The slurry may include an olefin monomer, a catalyst, and a diluent. The system may also include a catalyst-inhibiting additive system configured to supply a catalyst-inhibiting additive to a seal of the reactor circulation pump and a seal flush system configured to generate a seal flush mixture and supply the seal flush mixture to the seal of the reactor circulation pump.

Abstract: Embodiments of a nozzle assembly and a closable valve assembly for use in a fluid bed reactor system are disclosed. The nozzle assembly includes a first member that extends upwardly through a bottom wall of a fluid bed reaction chamber, and a second member. The first and second members are detachably fitted together via threads on each member. The second member can be removed and/or replaced, thereby facilitating fluid bed reactor maintenance. The closable valve assembly is connected to a nozzle, and includes a valve body and a gate pivotally connected to the valve body. The gate is movable between a first position at least partially covering the nozzle orifice in the absence of gas flow through the orifice, and a second position wherein the orifice is not covered when gas flows through the orifice.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment may be a latch for a hydroprocessing vessel. The latch may include an elongated substantially cylindrical shaft, a helical pawl coupled to the elongated substantially cylindrical shaft, and a grip coupled to the elongated substantially cylindrical shaft. Usually, the grip forms a polygon having at least three sides and adapted to be engaged by a tool.

Abstract: A system for mounting a catalytic converter of an exhaust system to an internal combustion engine includes a bracket adapted to fix the catalytic converter to the engine. A strap is adapted to circumferentially extend about a portion of the catalytic converter and clamp the catalytic converter to the bracket. The bracket includes a seat, a mounting pad and a compliant portion interconnecting the seat and the mounting pad. The seat supports a portion of the catalytic converter opposite the strap. The compliant portion includes a slot extending adjacent to the seat to reduce the stiffness of the bracket and allow the bracket to deflect during thermal expansion of the catalytic converter.

Abstract: A reactor having a top to bottom design configuration capable of being operated in an up flow or down flow configuration with equal ease, where the reactor includes a plurality of tubes optionally housed within a shell and includes top and bottom screen assemblies capable of retaining a catalyst within the tubes, while permitting reactants and products to flow through them.

Abstract: Process for introducing a solid polymerization catalyst into a gas-phase fluidized bed using an injection device having an inner tube of internal cross-sectional area of 10 to 100 mm2 and an outer tube forming an annulus around the inner tube with a cross-sectional area of 1 to 10 times the internal cross-sectional area of the inner tube. The polymerization catalyst and a carrier gas are passed through the inner tube and into the gas-phase fluidized bed at a carrier gas linear velocity of 4 to 14 m/s and a carrier gas mass flow rate of 10-35 kg/h. A shielding gas is passed through the outer tube and into the gas-phase fluidized bed at a linear velocity of 1 to 10 times the carrier gas linear velocity through the inner tube and at a mass flow rate of 100-500 kg/h. No cooled recycle process gas is provided to the injection device.

Abstract: A hydrogen generator is provided for generating hydrogen gas for a fuel cell stack. The hydrogen generator includes container, and a first reactant storage area configured to contain a liquid first reactant. The hydrogen generator also includes a reaction area and a solid second reactant within the reaction area, and a hydrogen outlet. The hydrogen generator further includes a flexible liquid delivery member extending into the reaction area and configured to deliver liquid reactant from the first reactant storage area to the reaction area. The flexible liquid delivery member includes a flexible portion that flexes to allow the delivery member to move with the solid second reactant as the second reactant is consumed.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for sterilizing surgical batteries.

Abstract: An aftertreatment module for use with an exhaust system is disclosed. The aftertreatment module may have at least one exhaust treatment device, and a generally cylindrical housing configured to receive the at least one exhaust treatment device. The aftertreatment module may also have an inlet integral with the generally cylindrical housing and configured to direct exhaust into the at least one exhaust treatment device, and an outlet integral with the generally cylindrical housing and configured to direct exhaust out of the at least one exhaust treatment device. At least one of the inlet and the outlet may extend in a radial direction of the generally cylindrical housing from an axial location at which an open area of the at least one of the inlet and the outlet at least partially overlaps with the at least one exhaust treatment device.

Abstract: An exhaust system including a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) component and an oxidation catalyst component. The exhaust system also includes an exhaust treatment fluid injection system for dispersing an exhaust treatment fluid into an exhaust stream at a location adjacent either the SCR component or the oxidation catalyst component, wherein the exhaust treatment fluid injection device includes a common rail that provides the exhaust treatment fluid under pressure to a plurality of injectors that dose the exhaust treatment fluid into the exhaust stream. The exhaust treatment fluid injection device also includes a return rail for returning unused exhaust treatment fluid to the fluid source.

Abstract: In a showerhead assembly, a path splitting manifold comprises a gas supply inlet and a planar floor and plural gas outlets extending axially through the floor and azimuthally distributed about the floor. The path splitting manifold further comprises a plurality of channels comprising plural paths between the inlet and respective ones of the plural outlets. A gas distribution showerhead underlies the floor of the manifold and is open to the plural outlets. In certain embodiments, the plural paths are of equal lengths.

Abstract: An ammonia production process is disclosed. The process uses gasification of biomass waste and the like to produce syngas which, using an integrated system including using nitrogen enriched air and a porous coated catalyst, produces ammonia in a plasma reactor. The ammonia is finally recovered using sulphonated PolyHIPE Polymer which can be used as a fertilizer after neutralisation.