Abstract: Methods and systems for hydrogen generation from solid hydrogen storage compositions which generate hydrogen in an exothermic reaction wherein the heat released can be absorbed by solid endothermic compositions are disclosed. The solid hydrogen storage compositions comprise mixtures of chemical hydrides and water surrogate compounds. Fuel cartridges suitable for use with compositions which generate hydrogen upon the application of thermal initiation and methods for operating the fuel cartridges are also disclosed.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a method of fabricating a mixing chamber in a hydroprocessing reactor. The method can include providing a first section forming an opening and coupling a second section including a sidewall to the first section. The second section forms a flange for coupling the mixing chamber and facilitating the mixing of one or more fluids.

Abstract: In accordance with the purpose(s) of the present disclosure, as embodied and broadly described herein, embodiments of the present disclosure, in one aspect, relate to methods of making nanostructures (e.g., nanoparticles, nanofibers), systems for making nanostructures, and the like.

Abstract: A method of hydroprocessing hydrocarbons is provided using a substantially liquid-phase reactor having first and second catalyst beds with a heat transfer section positioned therebetween. The first and second catalyst beds and the heat transfer section are combined within the same reactor vessel. Each catalyst bed having an inlet temperature and an exit temperature and having a hydroprocessing catalyst therein with a maximum operating temperature range.

Abstract: A reactor system for the transformation of solid, liquid, gaseous, and related hydrocarbon feedstocks into high-purity, high-pressure gas streams capable of withstanding high temperatures and high pressures. The system comprises a plurality of reactor housings and a plurality of molten-metal bath vessels within the housings, the bath vessels in fluid communication with each other via conduits, with communication facilitated by gravity and temperature/pressure differentials.

Abstract: An apparatus for reforming a hydrocarbon stream is presented. The apparatus involves changing the design of reformers and associated equipment to allow for increasing the processing temperatures in the reformers and heaters. The reformers are operated under different conditions to utilize advantages in the equilibriums, but require modifications to prevent increasing thermal cracking and to prevent increases in coking.

Abstract: A hydrogen manufacturing system for performing offgas flow control includes: a vaporizer (1) for heating a material mixture containing a hydrocarbon material; a reforming reactor (2) for generating hydrogen-containing reformed gas by reforming reactions of the material; a PSA separator (5) for repeating a cycle of adsorption and desorption, where in the adsorption PSA separation is performed with an adsorption tower loaded with an adsorbent to adsorb unnecessary components in the reformed gas and extract hydrogen-enriched gas out of the tower, and in the desorption the offgas containing the unnecessary components from the adsorbent and remaining hydrogen is discharged from the tower; and a buffer tank (6) for holding the offgas before supplying to the vaporizer. The offgas flow supply from the tank (6) to the vaporizer is changed continuously over time when the cycle time is changed according to load change on the separator (5).

Abstract: Systems and processes for commercial production of fatty acid alkyl esters for fuel applications are disclosed, wherein the fatty acid alkyl esters are produced from a lipid feedstock comprising varying component concentrations. The components may include free fatty acids, glycerides, and physical and chemical contaminants. An operator or control system may select a process route to optimize a process parameter such as a throughput of the system based on the concentration of the components. The selected process route may include transesterification and/or an esterification processes, and preliminary processes, such as pre-treatment processes, fatty-acid stripping processes, and a fatty acid distillation processes.

Abstract: A micro-reactor system assembly comprises a stack of at least n process modules (1-6), wherein n is an integer equal to or greater than 1, made from a rigid first material and comprising at least one reactive fluid passage (1A, 1B, 2A, 3A, 6A) for accommodating and guiding a reactive fluid, and at least n+1 heat exchange modules (7, 8) made from a ductile second material other than said first material and comprising at least one heat exchange fluid passage (7A, 8A) for accommodating and guiding a heat exchange fluid, wherein each process module (1-6) is sandwiched between two adjacent heat exchange modules (7, 8).

Abstract: The instant invention is a device for producing dispersions and method of producing dispersions. The device for producing dispersions includes a first stator, a second stator, a shell encasing the first stator and the second stator, a rotor being disposed therebetween the first stator and the second stator thereby forming a first chamber and a second chamber, at least one first inlet port into the first chamber, and at least one outlet port out of the second chamber. The device may optionally include at least one additional second inlet port into the second chamber.

Abstract: The instant application provides apparatus and methods for the generation of gas, preferably chlorine dioxide. The methods and apparatus of the invention use a removable reaction chamber for the reaction of precursor chemicals, e.g., chlorite salt and an acid. The methods and compositions of the invention provide gas for a number of personal and commercial applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluidized bed reactor system made up of at least two fluidized bed reactors, comprising at least one main reactor (1) in the form of a circulating fluidized bed and a secondary reactor (2) in the form of a circulating fluidized bed, and also a particle line comprising a particle separator for transporting fluidized bed particles from the main reactor into the secondary reactor, characterized in that, in the lower region of the respective reactor, a line (10) connects the secondary reactor (2) to the main reactor (1) for transporting fluidized bed particles.

Abstract: Systems and methods for fabricating bodies (e.g., porous bodies) are described. Various aspects provide for reactors and the fabrication of reactors. Some reactors include surfaces that provide for heterogeneous reactions involving a fluid (and/or components thereof). A fluid may be a gas and/or a liquid. A contaminant in the fluid (e.g., a dissolved or suspended substance) may react in a reaction. Some reactors provide for independent control of heat transfer (between the fluid, the reactor, and the environment) with respect to mass transfer (e.g., fluid flow through the reactor).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and a device for the combustion of sulphur and/or sulphur-containing compounds, with formation of sulphur dioxide.

Abstract: A system and process for separating methacrolein (MA) from methacrylic acid (MAA) and acetic acid in the gas phase product from partial oxidation of isobutylene (IB) in two oxidation steps is disclosed. The process and system maximize recovery of all three components at minimum capital and energy cost, under conditions that minimize polymerization conditions and plugging by solids deposition in compressors, columns, etc.

Abstract: Macro- and microfluidic devices and related technologies, and chemical processes using such devices. More specifically, the devices may be used for a fully automated synthesis of radioactive compounds for imaging, such as by positron emission tomography (PET), in an efficient, compact and safe to the operator manner. In particular, embodiments of the present invention relate to an automated, multi-run, microfluidic instrument for the multi-step synthesis of radiopharmaceuticals, such as PET probes, comprising a remote shielded mini-cell containing radiation-handing components.

Abstract: The present embodiments are directed towards heat integration in gas processing units. In one embodiment, a system is provided that includes a gas processing section. The gas processing section has a gas path, a first shift reactor disposed along the gas path, wherein the first shift reactor is configured to perform a first shift reaction to produce a first shifted gas. A second shift reactor is also disposed along the gas path downstream from the first shift reactor, wherein the second shift reactor is configured to perform a second shift reaction to produce a second shifted gas. A first steam generator is disposed along the gas path between the first and second shift reactors, wherein the first steam generator is configured to transfer heat away from the gas path to generate a first steam.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating electrical energy from combustion of biomass is provided. The present invention provides both liquid-phase and gas-phase fuel to an internal combustion engine that is designed to run on both types of fuel. Scrubbing syngas generated in an updraft gasifier with a first petrochemical-based liquid fuel reduces the concentration of tars in the syngas stream and also enables absorption of tars from the syngas into the first liquid fuel. After absorption, the tars form a second liquid fuel that is suitable for direct use in the internal combustion engine. As a result, the syngas provided to the engine is substantially free of tars and the volume of liquid fuel available to the engine is increased.

Abstract: A system for producing a high hydrogen to carbon ratio fuel centered approximately around C9 treats an exhaust stream from a manufacturing plant processes. The exhaust stream is processed in a Fischer Tropsch reactor, and contains CO and/or CO2, which is sequestered, and can be a full stack exhaust stream. The Fischer Tropsch reactor is a pellet style reactor, a foam reactor, or an alpha alumina oxide foam reactor. A plasma chamber generates H2 for reacting in the Fischer Tropsch reactor. A portion of the exhaust stream is consumed in the plasma chamber. An algae reactor converts sequestered CO2 to O2. The algae is exposed to the exhaust stream to extract nutrients therefrom and augment its growth. The plasma chamber receives at a high temperature region thereof CO or CO2 that is reduced to its elemental state. The product stream and fuel are condensed and separated, and re-burned as fuel.

Abstract: A reactor is provided comprising a reactor substrate and upper and lower manifold structures. The upper manifold structure and the lower manifold structure each comprise at least one flow directing cavity that reverses a flow direction of a fluid flowing through the relatively short open-ended channels of the substrate between the upper and lower manifold structures. The flow directing cavities of the upper and lower manifold structures are configured to direct fluid from the inlet region of the upper manifold structure to the outlet region of the lower manifold structure in an additional serpentine path defined by the flow direction reversals introduced by the upper and lower manifold structures. Additional embodiments are disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A system and method for producing a fuel gas is provided. In particular, a combustion product of an internal combustion engine is converted by a catalytic converter heated by the beam of the laser to a subject component of a fuel gas. Other gases can be formed simultaneously in other catalytic converters heated by the laser beam. The resulting converted gases can be used to produce a fuel gas which can be stored and/or used to further fuel the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the production of hydrogen using a reformer including a housing, a first plate having a first plurality of fin structures and a second plate having a second plurality of fin structures assembled such that the first plurality of fin structures is interleaved with the second plurality of fin structures. At least one inlet port is formed in at least one of the first plate and the second plate, and at least one outlet port is formed in at least one of the first plate and the second plate. The fin structures may be coated with a catalytic material to enhance or stimulate reactions taking place within the apparatus. A heat exchange device may also be integrated into one or both plates of the reformer.

Abstract: A hydrogen generator according to the invention comprises: a combustion gas passage (5) configured to flow combustion gas coming from a combustor; a preheat-evaporator (6) which is supplied with a material gas and water and configured to evaporate the water and heat the material gas by heat transmitted from the combustion gas passage and a carbon monoxide reducer (10) through partition a wall; a reformer (7) configured to generate reformed gas from the material gas and steam fed from the preheat-evaporator by using a reforming catalyst (8) and heat transmitted from the combustion gas passage through the partition wall; the carbon monoxide reducer (10) configured to remove carbon monoxide from the reformed gas fed from the reformer by a carbon monoxide removing catalyst (9); a cylindrical body (3) closed at both ends thereof having an internal space is divided by the partition walls (1), (2), (30), (47) to form the combustion gas passage, preheat-evaporator, reformer and carbon monoxide reducer within the cyli

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for decontaminating disposable protective products prepared from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), used in a nuclear power plant, to less than minimum detectable activity (MDA) are disclosed. In the disclosed methods and apparatus, solid protective products made of PVA, generated from a nuclear power plant, are dissolved into a liquid, and then are decontaminated to less than MDA. The PVA solution decontaminated in this way is concentrated to an appropriate concentration or dried, and finally is subjected to self-disposal. This can fundamentally block the generation amount of combustible waste amounting to 50% or more of low and intermediate level waste of nuclear power plants, thereby considerably contributing to a reduction of the operating expenses of the nuclear power plants.

Abstract: A novel tar-free gasification process and system is disclosed that involves the partial combustion of recycled dry solids and the drying of a slurry feedstock comprising carbonaceous material in two separate reactor zones in a two stage gasifier, thereby producing mixture products comprising synthesis gas. The synthesis gas produced from the high temperature first stage reaction zone is then quenched in the second stage reaction zone of the gasifier prior to introduction of a slurry feedstock. The temperature of the final syngas exiting the second stage reaction zone of the gasifier is thereby moderated to be in the range of about 350-900° F., which is below the temperature range at which tar is readily formed, depending upon the type of carbonaceous feedstock utilized.

Abstract: A decomposition apparatus and a decomposition system for high-efficiency decomposition of waste plastic and organic matter, in particular medical waste formed of varieties of plastic, are provided by introduction of a catalyst circulating means using a rotary wheel and/or introduction of a mixing vessel.

Abstract: An integrated process for preparing alkylene oxides and alkylene glycols is described. For this purpose, an alkylene oxide plant and an alkylene glycol plant are combined with one another and the water originating from the alkylene oxide plant and also other constituents of the reaction mixture are introduced into the alkylene glycol plant. In this way, alkylene glycols which have been produced in the alkylene oxide plant can be recovered as materials of value and the water circulation into the alkylene glycol plant can be eliminated or drastically reduced. In addition, the energy-intensive treatment of the process water from the alkylene oxide plant can be dispensed with. The integration of the two processes leads overall to better energy efficiency and conservation of resources in the work-up of residues from the process.

Abstract: A system for conversion of waste and solar heat energy into a carbon sequestration device, including as a collector for collecting carbon dioxide gas from a carbon dioxide gas source, such as ambient air. The Joule Thompson effect is used to cool and thereby refrigerate/liquefy ambient air and then extracting carbon dioxide therefrom, comprising steps of and means for providing a hydride heat engine, operating the hydride heat engine utilizing hydride thermal compression technology to compress hydrogen gas and thereby to cool ambient air to a temperature rendering air into a refrigerated/liquefied state by use of a Joule-Thompson type process, and extracting carbon dioxide from the refrigerated/liquefied ambient air and collecting the carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A compact catalytic reactor defining a multiplicity of alternately arranged first and second flow channels, for carrying first and second fluids, respectively. At least the first fluids undergo a chemical reaction. Each first flow channel contains a removable gas-permeable catalyst structure incorporating a metal foil substrate, said catalyst structure defining flow paths therethrough. The substrate comprises a stack of spaced-apart foils wherein the catalyst structure incorporates a multiplicity of resilient strips which are bent out from the foil substrate so as to project from the substrate and to support said catalyst structure resiliently spaced away from at least one adjacent wall of said channel. Each strip being connected to said catalyst structure only at an end or ends of said strip, and being integral with said foil.

Abstract: A method operable to remove contaminants from a contaminated fluid stream is provided. The process includes receiving the fluid stream containing contaminants. A first portion of the contaminants are removed from the fluid stream with a first scrubbing vessel. A first base solution reacts with the contaminants such that the contaminants enter a contaminant solution. A remaining portion of the contaminants from the fluid stream is then removed with a at least one additional scrubbing vessel, wherein a second base solution reacts with the contaminants such that part of the remaining portion of the contaminants enter a second solution. Water content is then removed from the fluid stream with a desiccating module, wherein the desiccating module outputs a clean fluid stream.

Abstract: Apparatuses for processing a hydrocarbonaceous feedstock flows are provided. In one aspect, the method includes providing two or more hydroprocessing stages disposed in sequence, each hydroprocessing stage having a hydroprocessing reaction zone with a hydrogen requirement and each stage in fluid communication with the preceding stage. A hydrogen source is provided substantially free of hydrogen from a hydrogen recycle compressor. The hydrocarbonaceous feedstock flow is separated into an portions of fresh feed for each hydroprocessing stage, and the first portion of fresh feed to the first hydroprocessing stage is heated. The heated first portion of fresh feed is supplied with hydrogen from the hydrogen source in an amount satisfying substantially all of the hydrogen requirements of the hydroprocessing stages to a first hydroprocessing zone. The unheated second portion of fresh feed is admixed with effluent from previous stage to quench the hot reactor effluent before entering a second stage.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a process for the isomerization of a non-equilibrium alkylaromatic feed mixture. The process can include contacting the non-equilibrium alkylaromatic feed mixture in a C8 isomerization zone. The C8 isomerization zone may include a first isomerization stage and a second isomerization stage. At the first isomerization stage, at least a portion of the non-equilibrium alkylaromatic feed mixture can be contacted at a first isomerization condition in a liquid phase in the substantial absence of hydrogen to obtain an intermediate stream. At the second isomerization stage, at least part of the intermediate stream and at least a part of a stream rich in at least one naphthene can be contacted at a second isomerization condition to obtain a concentration of at least one alkylaromatic isomer that is higher than a concentration of that at least one alkylaromatic isomer in the non-equilibrium feed mixture.

Abstract: System(s) and process(es) are provided to produce synthesis gas (syngas) from carbonaceous feedstock and synthesize the syngas into liquid fuel and related byproduct substances. Dissipated heat and byproduct substances are utilized to supply energy to the system(s) and process(es). Utilization of dissipated heat and the byproduct substances as energy sources allows the system(s) and process(es) to be implemented without input from external energy sources. Byproduct substances also are recycled for reconversion to syngas. Syngas is produced in a gasification platform through a multi-phased gasification process comprising pyrolysis of the carbonaceous feedstock, steam reformation (or reaction) of pyrolysis gas, and cleaning of syngas ejected from such steam reformation. The syngas is catalytically converted into a product comprising the liquid fuel and the byproduct substances.

Abstract: A process for producing biofuels from biomass is provided by removing sulfur compounds and nitrogen compounds from the biomass by contacting the biomass with a digestive solvent to form a pretreated biomass containing soluble carbohydrates and having less than 35% of the sulfur content and less than 35% of the nitrogen content, based on untreated biomass on a dry mass basis, prior to carrying out aqueous phase reforming and further processing to form a liquid fuel.

Abstract: Deep desulfurization of hydrocarbon feeds containing undesired organosulfur and organonitrogen compounds to produce a hydrocarbon product having low levels of sulfur-containing and nitrogen-containing compounds, is achieved by first subjecting the entire feed to an extraction zone to separate an aromatic-rich fraction containing a substantial amount of the refractory organosulfur and organonitrogen compounds and an aromatic-lean fraction containing a substantial amount of the labile organosulfur and organonitrogen compounds. The aromatic-lean fraction is contacted with a hydrotreating catalyst in a hydrotreating reaction zone operating under mild conditions to convert the labile organosulfur and organonitrogen compounds. The aromatic-rich fraction is oxidized to convert the refractory organosulfur and organonitrogen compounds to oxidized organosulfur and organonitrogen compounds.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for converting heavy hydrocarbon feed into lighter hydrocarbon products. The heavy hydrocarbon feed is slurried with a particulate solid material to form a heavy hydrocarbon slurry and hydrocracked in a slurry hydrocracking unit to produce vacuum gas oil (VGO) and pitch. A first vacuum column separates VGO from pitch, and a second vacuum column further separates VGO from pitch. As much as 15 wt-% of VGO can be recovered by the second vacuum column and recycled to the slurry hydrocracking unit. A pitch composition is obtained which can be made into particles and transported without sticking together.

Abstract: A method of actively controlling pattern factor in a gas turbine engine includes the steps of issuing fuel into a combustion chamber of a gas turbine engine through one or more circumferentially disposed fuel injectors, determining an initial circumferential pattern factor in the combustion chamber, and adjusting fuel flow through one or more selected fuel injectors based on the initial circumferential pattern factor, to yield a modified circumferential pattern factor in the combustion chamber. The step of determining the circumferential pattern factor can include the steps of detecting a chemiluminescent signature within the combustor, correlating the chemiluminescent signature to an equivalence ratio, and computing the initial circumferential pattern factor based on the equivalence ratio.

Abstract: The invention describes combustors and steam reformers and methods of combustion and steam reforming. For example, integrated combustion reactors are described in which heat from combustion is transferred to an endothermic reaction. Thermally efficient reactors and methods of alcohol steam reforming are also described. Also described is an integrated combustor/reformer containing a methanation catalyst.

Abstract: A method is disclosed including co-processing a biomass feedstock and a refinery feedstock in a refinery unit. The method can include producing a liquid product by catalytically cracking or hyrocracking or hydrotreating a biomass feedstock and a refinery feedstock in a refinery unit having a fluidized reactor. Catalytically cracking can include transferring hydrogen from the refinery feedstock to carbon and oxygen from the biomass feedstock. Hydrocracking or hydrotreating can include transferring hydrogen from a hydrogen source to carbon and oxygen from the biomass feedstock, and to carbon from the refinery feedstock.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plate (10a) intended to be integrated in a stack of plates in a heat exchanger system, the plate comprising a plurality of channels (38) distributed in rows (40), each row comprising side walls (42) arranged opposite one another and spaced apart from one another in a first direction (44), so that two directly consecutive side walls delimit one of the channels (38), the rows being arranged opposite one another and spaced apart from one another in a second direction (46) which is perpendicular to the first. Furthermore, in the fluid circulation zone (20) of the plate incorporating the channels (38), only the latter are coated with a catalyst allowing a chemical reaction.

Abstract: A decomposition reaction apparatus for the decomposition treatment of a thermosetting resin, which comprises a reaction apparatus comprising an introduction section for introducing a resin composition containing the thermosetting resin and a solvent containing a monomer component of the thermosetting resin or a component similar to the monomer component, a decomposition reaction section for heating and pressuring the resin composition and the above solvent so as for the solvent to have a supercritical state or a subcritical state, to thereby prepare a treated and recovered product containing a recycled resin formed by the reduction of the molecular weight of the above thermosetting resin, and a discharge section for discharging the treated and recovered product.

Abstract: A microreactor may include a reaction channel having at least one curved microchannel, the at least one curved microchannel having an outer and inner curved surfaces and being configured to generate a centrifugal force, an inlet configured to supply at least one reactant into the reaction channel, and an outlet bifurcated into a first sub-outlet in communication with the inner curved surface of the at least one curved microchannel and a second sub-outlet in communication with the outer curved surface of the at least one curved microchannel.

Abstract: A system comprising a multi-stage reactor. The multi-stage reactor may include a water gas shift (WGS) reactor and a sour methanation reactor configured to generate methane without prior removal of acid gas. Furthermore, the multistage reactor may be a single unit having both the WGS reactor and the methanation reactor.

Abstract: Improved processing of an oxygenate-containing feedstock for increased production or yield of light olefins is provided. Such processing involves oxygenate conversion to olefins and subsequent cracking of heavier olefins wherein at least a portion of the C4+ hydrocarbon stream resulting from such oxygenate conversion processing and at least a portion of a cracked olefins effluent stream resulting from such olefin cracking processing are processed with a dividing wall fractionation column to form process streams containing: a) C3?hydrocarbons, b) C6+ hydrocarbons, and c) C4 and C5 hydrocarbons, including C4 and C5 olefins, respectively.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is an apparatus, which comprises (1) a first cylindrical, porous, catalytic rotor symmetrically positioned about an axis of rotation and surrounding a first interior space; wherein the first porous catalytic rotor comprises a first catalyst; (2) an outer casing, wherein the outer casing and the rotor are separated by an annular space; (3) a motor configured for rotating the rotor about the axis of rotation; (4) a feed inlet line; and (5) a first outlet line, wherein the first outlet line is fluidly connected with the annular space. Herein disclosed is also a method comprising: (1) passing a feed gas comprising at least one gaseous reactant through a porous, catalytic rotor, wherein the porous, catalytic rotor is permeable to the at least one gaseous reactant and is made from or contains a catalyst effective for catalyzing a first reaction; and (2) extracting a first desired product.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method and a system by which hydroxycarboxylic acid cyclic dimers are efficiently generated, allowing high yields of high-quality polyhydroxycarboxylic acid to be obtained. The method for synthesizing polyhydroxycarboxylic acid comprises a depolymerization step for depolymerizing hydroxycarboxylic acid oligomers to produce hydroxycarboxylic acid cyclic dimers, wherein, in the depolymerization step, a reaction solution is heated via heat transfer from a heat medium passage under reduced pressure while the reaction solution is being flowing through a horizontally provided reaction solution passage.

Abstract: A fuel processing system for heavier sulfur-laden hydrocarbon fuels, such as JP-8 and diesel fuels, having a fuel processor in which the sulfur-laden hydrocarbon fuels are reformed using steam reforming, an integrated desulfurization/methanation unit, and a solid oxide fuel cell. The heart of the system is the desulfurization/methanation unit which has a first reactor vessel and a second reactor vessel disposed within the first reactor vessel, forming an enclosed reaction space between the first reactor vessel and the second reactor vessel. A methanation catalyst is provided in the enclosed reaction space or the second reactor vessel. A desulfurization material is provided in the other of the enclosed reaction space and the second reactor vessel. During the normal course of operation, the desulfurization material will reach a saturation point at which it is no longer able to adsorb the sulfur-containing compounds.

Abstract: A compact catalytic reactor defines a multiplicity of first and second flow channels arranged alternately in the reactor, for carrying first and second fluids, respectively, wherein at least the first fluids undergo a chemical reaction. Each first flow channel containing a removable gas-permeable catalyst structure (20) incorporating a metal substrate, the catalyst structure defining flow paths therethrough, with catalytic material on at least some surfaces of each such path. The catalyst structure also incorporates a multiplicity of projecting resilient lugs (22) which support the catalyst structure (20) spaced away from at least one adjacent wall of the channel (17).

Abstract: Methods and devices for a fully automated synthesis of radioactive compounds for imaging, such as by positron emission tomography (PET), in a fast, efficient and compact manner are disclosed. In particular, the various embodiments of the present invention provide an automated, stand-alone, hands-free operation of the entire radiosynthesis cycle on a microfluidic device with unrestricted gas flow through the reactor, starting with target water and yielding purified PET radiotracer within a period of time shorter than conventional chemistry systems. Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention is related to a microfluidic chip for radiosynthesis of a radiolabeled compound, comprising a reaction chamber, one or more flow channels connected to the reaction chamber, one or more vents connected to said reaction chamber, and one or more integrated valves to effect flow control in and out of said reaction chamber.

Abstract: Provided is a production apparatus (100) for continuously producing aligned carbon nanotube aggregates on a substrate supporting a catalyst while continuously transferring the substrate. The production apparatus (100) includes gas mixing prevention means (12, 13) for preventing gas present outside a growth furnace (3a) from flowing into the growth furnace (3a). The gas mixing prevention means (12, 13) includes a seal gas ejection section (12b, 13b) so that the seal gas does not flow into the growth furnace through the openings of the growth furnace. The production apparatus prevents the outside air from flowing into the production apparatus, uniformly controls, within a range suitable to production of CNTs, a concentration distribution(s) and a flow rate distribution(s) of a raw material gas and/or a catalyst activation material on the substrate, and does not disturb gas flow as much as possible in the growth furnace.