Abstract: A water treatment process whereby heat is used and recaptured to pasteurize water and or sewage effluent. Contaminated waters are partially treatable utilizing bacterial and chemical processes; however some bacteria (e.g. Cryptosporidium and Giardia) are resistant to chemicals. The present process raises the temperature of the water to a desired pasteurization temperature and for a corresponding required length of time to destroy pathogens and viruses. A heat exchanger is employed to use the waste heat from the pasteurization tank to pre-heat the fluid entering the tank. After the initial heating of the tank, the pre-heating reduces the required heat to maintain the temperature of the tank. Make-up heat increases the temperature within a small temperature range. The make-up heat may be waste heat from a separate process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for thawing and heating biological material such as plasma, bone marrow or stem cells. The apparatus includes a housing containing a fluid-filled, sealed bladder for receiving a bag of the biological material. An agitator is provided which is operable to inflate an actuator pillow causing a support plate to compress the fluid-filled bladder, thereby promoting movement of the fluid within the bladder to agitate the biological material. A heater is provided which heats the fluid while contained in the bladder.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for producing hot water without a flame. The system and method heats water to at least a specified temperature without a flame by providing a source of water and a prime mover, pumping water from the source of water into one or more heat exchangers, pre-heating the water using the one or more heat exchangers, heating the pre-heated water to at least the specified temperature without a flame using a dynamic heat generator driven by the prime mover, using the heated water in the one or more heat exchangers to pre-heat the water and providing the heated water to an output.

Abstract: A method of sterilizing a liquid food product includes flowing a food product to be sterilized through an input channel. The method also includes flowing the liquid food product through a heating channel that is fluidly coupled to the input channel. Further, the method includes flowing the food product through an output channel fluidly coupled to the heating channel. The output channel is adjacent the input channel, and the output channel, the input channel, and the heating channel are all integrated portions of a heat exchanger. Further still, the method includes transferring heat between the output channel and the input channel.

Abstract: A system that enables cooling a concentrated photovoltaic cell, while simultaneously treating water, e.g., desalinating sea water. A concentrated PV panel converts solar energy to electric power. Recirculated water e.g., reclaimed or sea water, at an optimized temperature range flows into the PV panel to cool the solar PV cells. The recirculated water is heated by the PV panel and is then directed to a water treatment unit, e.g., a heat exchanger or water desalinator. The water treatment unit may be a high temperature reverse osmosis (RO) unit, or a bacterial water treatment plant. A flow of water to be treated enters the heat exchanger/desalinator unit. Heat from the heated recirculated water is used to treat the cooler water.

Abstract: A method and device related to a liquid product pressure and (optionally) temperature treatment method reduces the level of microorganisms in the liquid product to a preselected level. Utilizing the method, liquid product is diffused in a chamber with the speed of pressure variation of liquid product in one embodiment of about 109 Pa/sec. The preferred speed of the diffused drops is about 10 m/sec. The liquid product can optionally be heated before or during diffusion, and is preferably heated as a diffused liquid product by mixing it with superheated steam. The device includes a chamber and a diffuser in communication with the chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a product sterilization or pasteurization method. The inventive method includes: transferring a product from outside to inside a pressurized inlet compartment of a chamber through at least one pressurizing airlock; loading the product onto a conveyor to transfer the product through the chamber from the inlet compartment to an outlet compartment; heating the product by dipping the product in hydrostatic columns while applying variable pressure and temperature; passing the product through an intermediate pressurizing compartment; cooling the product by dipping the product in hydrostatic columns while applying variable pressure and temperature; unloading the product from the conveyor at a pressurized outlet compartment; and transferring the product to the exterior from the outlet compartment through at least one atmospheric pressurization airlock.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for treating of marine growth on the surface, such as the holes of boats and ships. A confinement arrangement is used to confine a volume of heated fluid against the surface. The confinement arrangement is retained against the surface by maintenance and mounts rollers so that it can be moved over the surface to treat other parts of the surface. A heated fluid is provided to the confined volume from an external heater.

Abstract: Contaminants from surfaces of temperature sensitive substrates, such as glass substrates are removed by exposing the surfaces to a hydrogen Surface-mixed diffusion flame for a predetermined duration of time. The predetermined duration of time being insufficient to heat up the surfaces substantially thereby causing damage to the temperature sensitive substrates.

Abstract: A method and system for treating biosolid material having pathogens, the method including: introducing dried biosolid material into a pathogen treatment vessel; monitoring an actual temperature of the dried biosolid material in the treatment vessel; determining a desired residence time of the biosolid material in the treatment vessel; determining a desired minimum temperature of the dried biosolid material in the treatment vessel, wherein the minimum temperature is based on the desired determined residence time of the biosolid material in the treatment vessel; passing the dried biosolid material through the treatment vessel such that the actual residence time of the biosolid material in the treatment vessel is at least as long as the determined residence time; applying heat from a hot fluid to the dried biosolid material in the treatment vessel, if the actual temperature of the biosolid material is lower than the minimum temperature, and reducing pathogens in the biosolid material by maintaining the biosolid

Abstract: A method of presterilizing an aseptic tank and connecting conduits involves pumping a certain amount of cold water into the tank and the conduits which is caused to pass through a heat exchanger. In the heat exchanger, the water is heated to 120-150° C., whereafter the water is pumped across the tank and conduits during 10-20 minutes.

Abstract: A method for sterilizing a plastic bottle in an aseptic filling system according to which at least an inner surface or an outer surface of a bottle is sterilized by injecting a heated sterilizing fluid at 65° C.-90° C. while maintaining internal pressure of the bottle at 1 kPa-20 kPa.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a thermal treatment to a product, such as food, is described. One embodiment of the apparatus includes lime and water contained separately within a sealed reaction vessel. The reaction vessel includes a flexible wall portion that is adjacent to a perforator that can puncture a membrane separating the lime and water. In one embodiment, the perforator is separate from and fee-floating within the water. In another embodiment, the reaction vessel is substantially surrounded by the product. The reaction vessel is hermetically sealed against underpressure or overpressure, permitting use with pressurized food. The reaction vessel can be incorporated into a variety of containers and the reaction vessel and container can be sterilized for packaging food.

Abstract: A method is provided for heat-treatment and processing of biological materials with a fluid from a fluid source in a closed packaging/container, wherein the fluid is introduced into the packaging/container for direct treatment contact with the biological materials and the fluid is transported or circulated out of the packaging, thereafter packaging/container is completely sealed. The method may be used for heat-treatment and processing of biological materials with a fluid in order to increase the shelf life or the sensoric qualities of the material.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for pasteurizing products, in particular filled receptacles, such as bottles. The apparatus is provided with a control unit having a first control circuit that is controlled according to a first criterion. At least one second control circuit, controlled according to a second criterion, is also provided. The second control circuit is superimposed on the first control circuit.

Abstract: The disclosed apparatus includes a stator and a rotor disposed for rotation within the stator. An inner wall of the stator defines one or more collider chambers. Rotation of the rotor causes movement of fluid disposed between the rotor and stator and establishes a rotational flow pattern within the collider chambers. The fluid movement induced by the rotor increases the temperature, density, and pressure of the fluid in the collider chamber. Aspects of the invention include increasing the metals and/or solids content of the fluid.

Abstract: A method for sterilizing medical devices, comprising the steps: producing a plurality of hydrogen surface-mixed diffusion flame; exposing the plurality of hydrogen surface-mixed diffusion flame to the medical devices for a predetermined period of time; and exposing the medical devices to the plurality of hydrogen surface-mixed diffusion flame at a predetermined distance; wherein the hydrogen surface mixed diffusion flame further produces free radicals for further sterilizing of the medical devices.

Abstract: An apparatus and procedure for the cleaning of containers such as bottles in a bottle filling plant or containers in a container filling plant. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for sterilizing a cosmetic product, in which said product consists of a fluid circulating under regulated pressure in a sterilization circuit (1), according to the viscosity of said fluid. The invention also relates to the device for implementing such a method.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating objects comprises a plurality of rotating carousels for transporting said objects along a curved path, sterilizing devices arranged on said plurality of carousels along said path and distributed on a carousel of said plurality of carousels and partially on at least a further carousel of said plurality of carousels; an apparatus for treating objects comprises a rotating carousel arrangement for transporting said objects along a curved path, said rotating carousel arrangement comprising at least a carousel for treating objects, and a sterilizing arrangement arranged on said carousel arrangement along said path, and comprising a sterilizing device that operates at ambient pressure; a method for treating objects comprises transporting along a curved path said objects by means of a plurality of rotating carousels comprising sterilizing said objects during said transporting with sterilizing devices arranged on said plurality of carousels, wherein said transporting comprises transferring sa

Abstract: Contaminants from surfaces of temperature sensitive substrates, such as glass substrates are removed by exposing the surfaces to a hydrogen Surface-mixed diffusion flame for a predetermined duration of time. The predetermined duration of time being insufficient to heat up the surfaces substantially thereby causing damage to the temperature sensitive substrates.

Abstract: A method for the isolation or detection of a prion in a sample is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for the disinfection and/or decontamination and/or inactivation of TSE infectivity.

Abstract: Mixtures of tetrafluoropropenes with bromofluoropropenes provide compositions that have boiling points within an acceptable range, have good chemical stability, low GWP and are essentially non-flammable.

Abstract: An ablutionary installation including a mixing valve having respective inlets for hot and cold water and an outlet for temperature controlled water, a temperature sensor for monitoring outlet water temperature and providing a signal representative of the outlet water temperature to an electronic controller, a user interface permitting selection of outlet water temperature up to a pre-determined temperature, the electronic controller being operable to compare the selected and sensed outlet water temperatures for controlling the mixing valve to adjust the ratio of hot and cold water delivered to the outlet according to the selected outlet water temperature, and apparatus for initiating a disinfection cycle to deliver water to the outlet at a temperature higher than the pre-determined temperature, wherein the initiating apparatus includes an operating sequence with at least two inputs.

Abstract: A method of controlling Legionella bacteria in cooling water systems is described. The method involves the heating of recirculating cooling water to temperatures of 70° C. for sufficient time to kill the bacteria. The method functions best in combination with chemical bactericides.

Abstract: A product carrier for use in pressure processing substances is substantially fluidically closed, and is insulated, to prevent heat transfer from the product being treated to the cooler wall of the pressure vessel. The insulating material has compression heating properties, such that as the product is pressurized, the temperature of the insulation increases as does the temperature of the product and pressure media, thereby helping to prevent heat transfer from the product to the surrounding media and pressure vessel wall.

Abstract: Continuous biowaste sterilization process, the operability of which is ensured in such a way that during process startup, extreme conditions possibly coming into question during operation are simulated, i.e. the greatest possible flow rate and the lowest temperature of the feed flow. In the startup stage, a liquid to be sterlized is circulated in the apparatus, until the capacity has been ascertained, whereafter the discharge stream can be conducted to a sewer system. The apparatus according to the invention comprises, in the flow direction of the biowaste-containing liquid, a storage tank, at least one feed pump capable of delivering a constant flow, at least one heating unit, at least one cooling unit, and a circulation circuit for circulating the biowaste-containing liquid through the heating unit, as well as connecting piping and valves. By means of specific piping and valve arrangements it is also ensured that all parts of the apparatus can be sterilized for maintenance purposes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling the operation of such a heat-disinfecting device for waste, viz. biologically hazardous waste, on the one hand, including a mold inside which is placed waste and, on the other hand, being designed capable of ensuring compacting, heating and cooling this waste in this mold. This control method is characterized in that during compacting and before applying heating the presence of a non-compactable object in the mold is checked, in order to either complete compacting if no such non-compactable object is detected or to interrupt the process in the event such a non-compactable object is detected.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to purification systems, and to sanitization and/or sealing of the purification system. The purification system includes an electrodeionization device which can comprise one or a plurality of stages. The electrodeionization device can be constructed with a resilient sealing member forming a water-tight seal between rigid thermally and dimensionally stable compartment spacers. The construction of the electrodeionization device may allow cycling of hot water and/or other liquids, which, in some cases, can improve efficiency and performance of the electrodeionization device. Moreover, the cycling of hot water and/or other liquids may be used to sanitize the electrodeionization device to at least a pharmaceutically acceptable condition and, preferably, in certain instances, to meet at least minimum requirements according to U.S. Pharmacopoeia guidelines by inactivating any microorganisms present within the electrodeionization device.

Abstract: A method for treating a biological organism in a medium, comprising heating the medium containing the organism by a temperature of at least about 2° C. at a rate which exceeds a relaxation rate of a cellular membrane of that organism, under such time and temperature conditions which do not thermally denature a substantial portion of the biological proteins. A method is also provided for treating a biological organism in a medium, comprising heating the medium containing the organism by a temperature of at least about 2° C. at a rate which exceeds a relaxation rate of a cellular membrane of that organism, under such time and temperature conditions which do not thermally denature a substantial portion of the biological proteins.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a sterile medical solution is disclosed. The method includes providing at least two components, a first component including bicarbonate ions and a second component including glucose or calcium ions, preheating the first component to a first temperature and the second component to a second temperature, heat sterilizing the first and second components separately to a third and fourth temperatures respectively, the third and fourth temperatures being sterilizing temperatures for the first and second components, maintaining the first and second components approximately at their respective third and fourth temperatures, so as to sterilize the first and second components, cooling the first and second components and delivering the first and second components to a mixing device.

Abstract: A method of sterilizing a pharmaceutical composition containing a suspension of a pharmaceutical comprises rapidly heating the pharmaceutical composition from ambient temperature to an elevated temperature, maintaining it at or above the elevated temperature for a period of time, and rapidly cooling the pharmaceutical composition to ambient temperature.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for sterilizing heat sensitive fluids are provided. The methods include providing a first heat sensitive fluid component, providing a second fluid component, heating the second fluid component to a temperature greater than a predetermined sterilizing temperature, mixing the first heat sensitive fluid component with the heated second fluid component to heat the first heat sensitive fluid components and provide a mixed fluid at a temperature at least up to the predetermined sterilizing temperature, and maintaining the mixed fluid at that temperature for a predetermined sterilizing period. Apparatus for carrying out this method is also provided.

Abstract: Method for sterilizing infectious waste water and a system thereof disclosed in the present invention comprise pump feeding step A, heating/sterilization step B, drainage step C, cleaning step D and vacuum suction step E. The pump feeding step A is a step wherein infectious waste water in a raw water tank is pumped to a tank body of a sterilization tank, the heating/sterilization step B is a step wherein infectious waste water pooled into the tank body is indirectly heated to sterilize the infectious waste water, the drainage step C is a step in which waste water treated by heating/sterilization is discharged from the tank body, the cleaning step D is a step in which after the drainage step, washing water is showered to clean the tank body.

Abstract: A medical instrument thermal treatment system according to the present invention is in the form of a stand including a thermally treated tray to thermally treat medical instruments. The stand includes a frame to support the tray, while a drape including a sensing device is disposed over the tray to form a drape container or receptacle within the tray for collecting a sterile medium. The tray is thermally treated to heat the sterile medium in order to warm medical instruments or other medical items placed in the tray. The sensing device provides a signal to the system indicating the presence of liquid and/or leaks within the drape container to facilitate control of system operation.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided for reducing microorganisms in a conductive medium using a low voltage pulsed electrical energy.

Abstract: A heater and a counterflow heat exchanger are arranged inside a pressure vessel, having an inlet connected to a pressurizing device and an outlet connected to a depressurizing device. To thermally sterilize a microbiologically contaminated liquid, the inflowing contaminated liquid is pressurized and pumped into the pressure vessel, where it is pre-heated by flowing along the heat exchanger and then heated to the required treatment temperature by the heater. The arising treated liquid is cooled by flowing along the heat exchanger and is then depressurized upon exiting the pressure vessel. Thermal energy is transferred from the outflowing liquid to the inflowing liquid by the heat exchanger. Pressure energy is transferred from the outflowing liquid to the inflowing liquid by the interconnected depressurizing and pressurizing devices. A high proportion of the total required energy is retained within the system, and high treatment temperatures (above the atmospheric boiling point) are efficiently achievable.

Abstract: Advanced Oxidation Technologies (AOT) using laser triggered and driven AOT platform are disclosed, including a method for the advanced oxidation of dangerous chemical and biological sources suspected in particular regions, a variety of uses of said method, and the environments where it can be implemented.

Abstract: Methods for sanitizing organic waste without introducing exogenous heat or chemicals are provided, which involve mixing organic waste with nutrient rich organic material to form a porous matrix that can be maintained at a temperature and duration sufficient to reduce the amount of living microorganisms in the mixture to sanitary levels. The invention also includes dewatering the organic waste prior to the sanitizing process, using various organic fibrous materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to a scalable autoclave array for studying chemical reactions which consists of autoclave modules, which each consist of a reactor shell hermetically fastened over a reaction vessel and which can be filled with gas independently of one another via controllable autoclave valves from a pressure regulating chamber, which contains a pressure sensor and is connected via least one controllable valve to at least one gas supply and at least one gas outlet.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for sterilising a liquid comprising a step or steps which consist(s) in heating a liquid to a temperature higher than about 60° C. and in applying an electric field of the order of magnitude of about 102 V/cm or more.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for in situ soil sterilization using contained microwave energy, and more specifically methods and devices for removing from the soil to a specified depth in situ substantially all biological pests. The method comprises exposing the specified depth of soil to sufficient energy flux, within a sufficiently short exposure time, of microwave frequency electromagnetic radiation at a frequency tuned to dissociate biopolymers. The device comprises: a source of microwave frequency electromagnetic radiation; a carriage; and, optionally a radiation shield and a cooling system. The carriage moves the source of electromagnetic radiation to an area for treatment and the radiation shield prevents leakage of radiation to undesired points. The cooling system maintains the device at a sufficiently cool temperature for reliable operation.

Abstract: This invention is related to methods for inactivating micro-organisms using high pressure processing. A method is described for inactivating micro-organisms in a product using high pressure processing including the steps of packing said product in a flexible container, heating said product to a pre-pressurized temperature, subjecting said product to a pressure at a pressurized temperature for a time period; and reducing the pressure after said time period. The method of the present invention could further comprise an additional step of subjecting said product to a predetermined amount of oxygen for a time interval. The methods of the present invention may be applied preferably to food, cosmetic or pharmaceutical products.

Abstract: An apparatus suitable for low temperature processing and high temperature sterilization comprising a halogenated heat-transfer fluid. The apparatus comprises an expansion device which may optionally comprise a membrane. Another embodiment of the present invention is a method therefor.

Abstract: A Waste Material Sterilizing and Size Reduction Apparatus A waste treatment apparatus and a method of treating waste using such an apparatus is described. The apparatus comprises a sealable vessel with an auger mounted therein. The vessel is adapted to receive the waste, and is then sealed. The application of steam to the waste which is rotated within the vessel using the auger effects a sterilizing of the waste material.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for precisely monitoring and collecting data relating to the light treatment of a product in a treatment system. In one implementation, a method for use with a treatment system using light comprises the steps of: illuminating a product with a light treatment comprising light having a spectrum of wavelengths within a range of 170 to 2600 nm, the light treatment for treating the product; and measuring a fluence of a portion of the light treatment for each of a plurality of wavelengths of the spectrum of wavelengths simultaneously. In preferred implementations, the light treatment is a pulsed light treatment and the product is a biological fluid product flowed through a treatment chamber. Furthermore, in preferred implementations, the light treatment is for the deactivation of microorganisms, such as viruses, bacteria, fungus, and other pathogenic and non-pathogenic microorganisms.

Abstract: A device for sterilizing or disinfecting waste that is contaminated with microorganisms, comprising a container which is capable of retaining the waste, means disposed in said container which are capable of pulverizing and/or crushing said waste, and driving means which are capable of driving said pulverizing and/or crushing means, wherein the driving means of the device comprise a combustion engine, which is capable of transmitting heat to the waste.

Abstract: A device for preparing a sterile liquid includes structure for validating a sterilization treatment applied to the liquid. The validating structure includes structure for calculating, from at least one operating parameter of the device, a parameter representing a sterilizing value for the sterilization treatment, and structure for comparing the calculated parameter to a threshold value corresponding to the sterility of the liquid.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a system for thermal disinfection of sludge with the aim of pathogen reduction. Such thermal sludge treatment systems require a certain minimum detention time t dependent on the temperature T of the heated sludge. The system according to the present invention is a continuous flow system. The system includes means for continuous sludge heating. The heated sludge flows continuously through at least one chamber, whereby the flow through the chamber has a substantially vertical direction. The mean residence time t2 of the sludge between entering the chamber and leaving the chamber is minimum 2 times the time period t required by regulations for conventional batch systems. The ratio of the flow path length of the flow through the chamber or chambers to the hydraulic diameter of the vertical flow through the chamber or chambers l/d is at least 3:1. The higher the ratio t2/t, the smaller can be the required ratio l/d. The relationship is: l/d*t2/t>8.

Abstract: Sterilant monitoring assembly includes an external housing defining an inlet and an outlet, and an internal flow path extending therethrough. An internal housing is located within the external housing and substantially surrounded by the internal flow path. The internal housing defines an interior sensor chamber therein, and includes a valve arrangement to join the interior sensor chamber selectively in fluid communication with the internal flow path. Preferably, the valve arrangement of the internal housing is defined by a base portion and a cover portion moveable relative to each other between an open position and a closed position. In one embodiment, the cover portion has an open end section configured for sealing engagement with an opposing surface of the base portion when moved axially to the closed position. In another preferred embodiment, the base portion and cover portion include mating peripheral walls.