Abstract: The present invention relates to a dialysis machine having an extracorporeal blood system; a dialysis fluid system having a dialyzer; having a control unit, wherein the dialysis machine furthermore comprises a balancing chamber having two balancing chamber halves for a balanced infeed and draining of dialysis fluid to and from the dialyzer, wherein a line is provided through which the dialysis fluid is conducted to the balancing chamber, and wherein a mixing chamber is provided in which the fresh dialysis fluid or a component thereof is located and which is directly or indirectly connected to a de-airing line closable by a valve; wherein the dialysis machine has a control unit that is configured such that the control unit opens and closes the valve once, or a number of times, in the operating state of the special air separation of the dialysis machine when the balancing chamber half of the balancing chamber in fluid communication with the named line is in its high-pressure phase.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for suppressing the dew point of a compressed gas to a minimum level below ambient temperature by controlling pressure, cooling and removing liquid water condensate from the compressed gas prior to storage in a receiver vessel and/or delivery to point of use.

Abstract: Disclosed are techniques such as roll to roll processing to produce membrane valves in microelectromechanical systems that are integrated with micro-pumps that include a pump body having compartmentalized pump chambers. One application of this technology is as a valve assembly for a gas concentrator that includes a first micro pump for feeding an input gas stream, a second micro pump to supplying a vacuum and at least one sieve bed having a zeolite. The gas concentrator uses the valve assembly for controlling entry of gas from the first micro pump into the sieve bed and the second micro pump to vent.

Abstract: A method for improving the effectiveness of a building air circulation system having motorized blower and a contamination filter. The method including predicting a cost of operation of the system over an operational duration based on at least electricity consumption of the motor (115), and an operational cost to operate the filter (148), predicting a cost of maintenance of the system over the operational duration based on at least one of, a condition of the filter (148), a cost of a filter (148), a cost of labor to clean or replace the filter (148), and an effectiveness of the filter (148) over the operational duration, and balancing the cost of operation of the circulation system versus the cost of maintenance of the circulation system over the duration to recommend at least one of a filter use/bypass schedule, a filter maintenance schedule, and a fresh air input schedule satisfying an operation objective and an operational constraint.

Abstract: A compliance monitoring module for an inhaler comprising: a miniature pressure sensor, a sensor port of said sensor being configured to be pneumatically coupled to a flow channel of said inhaler through which a user can inhale; a processor configured to: receive data from a sensing element of the pressure sensor; receive data from a mode sensor configured to detect when the inhaler changes from an inactive mode to an active mode; and based on said data from said pressure sensor sensing element and said data from said mode sensor, compile a compliance report; and a transmitter configured to issue said compliance report.

Abstract: A ventilator delivers breathing gas to a patient via a patient circuit connecting the ventilator and the patient. The ventilator is configured to, upon activation of an oxygen boost function of the ventilator, increase the oxygen concentration of the breathing gas so as to deliver oxygen-enriched breathing gas to the patient. The ventilator includes a control unit configured to determine the volume of a part of the patient circuit conveying breathing gas from the ventilator to the patient, determine a delay in delivery of the oxygen-enriched breathing gas to the patient based on the volume, and cause indication of the delay to an operator of the ventilator.

Abstract: An air separation unit includes an air inlet with a reversible blower downstream therefrom and an adsorption bed filled with adsorption media downstream of the reversible blower. The adsorption bed contains an adsorption media which preferentially adsorbs nitrogen over oxygen. An oxygen and argon output is located downstream of the absorption bed. At least a portion of the mixed gas of oxygen and argon is routed to a modular argon separator which separates out at least a portion of the argon to provide high purity oxygen to a high purity oxygen outlet. The argon separator can be configured as a molecular sieve filter to separate the argon from the oxygen or the argon separator can be in the form of a gas cooler and condenser which condenses liquid oxygen for storage and discharge as substantially pure oxygen.

Abstract: A gas concentration device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: an air supplier supplying pressurized air; a plurality of adsorption beds which separate pressurized air supplied from the air supplier into product gas and purge gas by a pressure swing adsorption method and discharge the separated product gas and purge gas; a flow passage regulating valve unit which regulates flow passages so as to allow the pressurized air to be supplied to the adsorption bed from the air supplier and so as to reduce pressure of the adsorption bed so that a nitrogen adsorption process and a nitrogen desorption process are alternately performed; and a pressure boosting unit which is configured to be fed with the purge gas and the product gas discharged from the adsorption bed and is configured to pressurize the product gas in multi-stage sequentially using the purge gas and the product gas.

Abstract: Method for detecting an air filter condition, in particular for combustion engines, comprising the following steps: calculation of a linear regression over data-couples values, each comprising pressure drop value at the air filter and square of air flow value crossing the air filter, corresponding to said pressure drop value, in order to obtain an angular coefficient of the linear regression, comparison of the angular coefficient or of the function construed on the angular coefficient with at least one threshold in order to detect an operative condition of the air filter (FIG. 1).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a continuous manufacturing apparatus for a carbon nanotube having gas separation units and a continuous manufacturing method for a carbon nanotube using the same. According to the present invention, the present invention has an effect to provide the continuous manufacturing apparatus of the carbon nanotube and continuous manufacturing method using the same, in which it makes possible to perform a rapid processing; has excellent productivity and excellent conversion rate of carbon source; can significantly reduce the cost of production; can reduce energy consumption because a reactor size can be decreased as compared with capacity; and a gas separation unit that not generate a waste gas.

Abstract: A method for filtering a gas includes delivering a gas into a compartment of a gas filter, the compartment being at least partially bounded by a casing comprised of a flexible sheet of polymeric film. A partial vacuum is applied to the gas filter so that the partial vacuum assists in drawing the gas through a porous filter body of the gas filter that is at least partially disposed within the compartment of the gas filter.

Abstract: A system comprising a sensor coupled to a filter having a filter type. The sensor measures pressure drop across the filter and communicates with the controller. An air handler pushes air through the filter and communicates with a controller. The controller comprises an interface connection, a memory, and a microprocessor. The interface connection receives the air flow rate of the air handler and the pressure drop across the filter. The memory stores the relationship between pressure drop and air flow rate for a filter of the same filter type when the filter is clean and when the filter is exhausted. The memory also stores the relationship between pressure drop and the life of a filter of the filter type. The processor determines the remaining life of the filter using the received and stored information. The display receives information from the controller and displays the information.

Abstract: A cooling device includes an electrode unit which is arranged in a space between adjacent radiation fins and which is electrically insulated from the radiation fins, and a power supply source which applies a voltage between a heat radiation structure and the electrode unit. The cooling device is further provided with an insulation resistance detection unit which calculates an insulation resistance between the heat radiation structure and the electrode unit, and a comparison unit which compares the insulation resistance calculated by the insulation resistance detection unit with a predetermined threshold, wherein, as a result of the comparison of the calculated insulation resistance and the predetermined threshold by the comparison unit, when the calculated insulation resistance is lower than the predetermined threshold, the cooling device is adapted to judge that the radiation fins have clogged.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for recovery of target gas, which may increase a target gas concentration in a recovered gas by using a single gas separation membrane module and a plurality of gas storage tanks. The apparatus for recovery of target gas includes a gas separation membrane module configured to perform an enrichment process n times (n is a natural number) so that an injected gas is separated into a permeated gas and a recovered gas in each enrichment process, and (n+1) number of gas storage tanks, wherein in an nth enrichment process, gas stored in an nth gas storage tank is supplied to the gas separation membrane module and separated into an nth permeated gas and an nth recovered gas, the nth permeated gas is stored in a (n?1)th gas storage tank, and the nth recovered gas is stored in a (n+1)th gas storage tank.

Abstract: A pressure swing adsorption (PSA) system and a PSA process including a PSA cycle schedule are disclosed. The PSA cycle schedule includes an unlimited number of equalization steps, no idle steps, no dead time and a minimum number of three PSA adsorbent beds assisted with two or more equalization tanks. The PSA system, process and cycle schedule include the following sequence of cycle steps: a feed step, two or more down equalization steps either between beds or between a bed and a tank, an optional forced cocurrent depressurization step coupled with a forced intermediary light end pressurization step, a countercurrent depressurization step, a light reflux step, two or more up equalization steps between beds or between a bed and a tank, an optional forced intermediary light end pressurization step coupled with the forced cocurrent depressurization step, and a light product pressurization step.

Abstract: An electrochemical actuator drive system and method that provides for full control of an electrochemical pump system having at least three electrochemical actuators, including two valve actuators, and one pump actuator. The driving circuit is based on a standard H-bridge driving circuit wherein part of the circuit is shared among actuators. Because the system only needs to operate either the pump actuator or one of the valve actuators at any given time, part of the H-bridge driving circuit can be shared among the three actuators, thereby permitting the use of four half-bridge driving circuits.

Abstract: A method for automatically controlling a flow in a flow line system including a flow line, a flow line inlet and outlet, and a control valve located in the flow line at the outlet. The method includes controlling the opening of the valve with a control unit. An outlet flow rate is measured or estimated from the flow line. The valve is opened. It is determined if a sudden drop occurs in any of the measurements or estimates. It is decided if a liquid blockage in the flow line is present or approaching. If a liquid blockage is indicated as present or approaching, the opening of the valve is increased by an amount determined by the measurements or estimates. Any further manipulation of the valve is inhibited before a non-zero time period has expired. The steps are repeated. Also a system and a computer program product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a generation system for converting compressed air in a passive main control room habitability system to energy when the main control room habitability system is activated during an accident scenario in a nuclear reactor power plant. The system includes a pressure regulator for reducing the pressure of the compressed air to produce reduced pressurized air, an eductor to deliver air to the control room, and piping to connect the tank to the pressure regulator and the eductor to allow the flow of compressed air therein. The generation system includes a mechanism positioned upstream of the eductor for receiving the reduced pressurized air from the pressure regulator and converting at least a portion of said reduced pressurized air into energy.

Abstract: A cyclic adsorption process is provided, the process containing one or more adsorber vessels undergoing the steps of at least pressurization and depressurization and driven by one or more variable speed centrifugal machines operating under acceleration and deceleration conditions and adjusted to the steps, vessel size, and process conditions employed, wherein the process cycle time is greater than the ratio of the change in inertia, defined the maximum energy that can be lost during a cycle due to inertia changes, to 0.3 times the total power of the one of more centrifugal machines that would be consumed in the absence of inertial effects.

Abstract: Systems and methods for removing hydrogen sulfide from biogas resulting from anaerobic digestion of biodegradable waste utilize scrubbing vessels with pressure release devices to vent biogas when necessary to avoid over pressurization of the digesters. Use of iron containing sulfide scavengers in the digesters is avoided which avoids the disposal costs associated with iron containing sludge and the regular need to shut down the digesters to remove scale.

Abstract: There is provided a process for effecting permeation of at least an operative material component of an operative mixture from a higher pressure space, through a membrane, and into a lower pressure space, wherein the higher pressure space is disposed in mass transfer communication with the lower pressure space through the membrane.

Abstract: A closed loop pressure management system for an exhaust regeneration system is provided with a first tube capable of retaining a first fluid and extending between a proximal end and a distal end, a first fitting coupled between the distal end of the first tube and an exhaust conduit for receiving an exhaust fluid, and a pressure sensor manifold. The first fitting may include a diaphragm configured to provide a sealed interface between the first fluid of the first tube and the exhaust fluid of the exhaust conduit, and communicate the exhaust fluid pressure through the first fluid pressure. The pressure sensor manifold may include at least a first inlet coupled to the proximal end of the first tube and a pressure sensor configured to determine the exhaust fluid pressure based at least partially on the first fluid pressure at the first inlet.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods comprising a dynamic pressure regulator and a force balance needle that regulate pressure changes due to flow or composition changes in a pressurized flow system, such as, for example, a CO2-based chromatography system.

Abstract: A precision pump system having a motor driver for accurately and repeatedly delivering process fluid, (e.g., photo chemicals) using a pumping fluid with minimal process fluid loss to a fabrication process and whereby the motor driver can be easily and quickly replaced without interrupting the fluid flow path. This is accomplished with the use of a gas removal reservoir having at least one vertical partition therein and at least one free end near a top side of the gas removal reservoir where both the input and output to the gas removal reservoir are located on a bottom surface and a pumping fluid reservoir that are associated with the pump, either integrated with the pump or closely adjacent. In addition, this precision pump system can be remotely monitored, viewed and controlled over the Internet. In addition, trapped process fluid within a downstream filtering block can be recirculated to the gas removal reservoir when trapped gas in the filter is removed.

Abstract: A mud-gas separator is arranged for both well control and drilling process. In some aspects, the mud-gas separator includes a main vessel including a bottom portion and a side portion. The mud-gas separator also includes a gas vent associated with the main vessel and configured to vent gas from well returns introduced into the main vessel. It also includes a first mud outlet formed within the bottom portion of the main vessel and configured to pass mud from well returns introduced into the main vessel and includes a second mud outlet formed within the side portion of the main vessel and configured to pass mud from well returns introduced into the main vessel.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure include systems, apparatuses, and methods that are directed to controlling pressure in a pressurized flow system, such as a C02-based chromatography system or other pressurized flow systems. Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure comprise one or more apparatuses, systems or methods for implementing multiple pressure regulators to control pressure. In addition to providing pressure control, apparatuses, systems and methods described herein dampen damaging thermal effects caused by pressure drops of a mobile phase including C02.

Abstract: A system and method of controlling a flow of steam in a steam generator having a heater for heating fluid in a vessel is disclosed. The method includes: delivering the steam from the steam generator to a first side of a filtering membrane; receiving purified steam from a second side of the filtering membrane, the purified steam having a steam flow rate; determining at least one coefficient of a substantially linear mathematical relationship between the steam flow rate of the purified steam and duty cycle; and configuring the steam generator to control: the duty cycle of the heater based on the determined at least one coefficient and a target steam flow rate; and/or the target steam flow rate based on the at least one coefficient and a target duty cycle of the heater.

Abstract: An oxygen concentrator may rely on a pressure swing adsorption process to produce an oxygen enriched gas stream from canisters filled with granules capable of separation of oxygen from an air stream. The adsorption process uses a cyclical pressurization and venting of the canisters to generate an oxygen enriched gas stream. During venting of the canisters, use of oxygen as a purge gas may improve the efficiency and lifetime of the oxygen concentrator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for separation or purification of gaseous streams by removal of acid gases using a liquid amine solution. The process involves the steps of—contacting the gaseous stream with liquid lean amine solution in at least one continuous flow stirred-tank reactor (10; 10a, 10b; 10c); —removing a sweetened gaseous flow from said continuous flow stirred-tank reactor (10); —removing rich amine from said continuous flow stirred-tank reactor (10; 10a, 10b; 10c) for regeneration; —passing rich amine solution through at least one flash tank stripper 20; 20a, 20b; 20c; —removing acid gases and vapour from said flash tank stripper 20; 20a, 20b; 20c; —removing lean amine from said flash tank stripper for recirculation to said continuous flow stirred-tank reactor (10; 10a, 10b; 10c).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed that allow for the monitoring and analysis of production process data for a multi-step asynchronous cyclic production process (e.g. pressure swing adsorption) in a steady state plant (such as a steam methane reforming plant). Data collected from cooperating sensors is processed applying a moving window discrete Fourier transform (DFT). The transformed data can be further analyzed in the broader steady-state plant environment to accurately detect any process anomalies and avoid false alarms.

Abstract: A method and a device for reducing the humidity of a gas in a housing interior, in particular in a battery housing interior, includes leading a gas through a first selectively permeable membrane and into an intermediate space. The intermediate space has the first selectively permeable membrane as an inlet and a second selectively permeable membrane as an outlet. The gas is then cooled in the intermediate space by a cooling unit such that a water vapor portion of the gas is condensed into water and the gas having a reduced water vapor content is directed through the second selectively permeable membrane into the housing interior.

Abstract: Method for removing dissolved gases from water to produce boiler feed water in a catalytic steam reforming process where boiler feed water is heated by indirect heat transfer with a reformate stream and/or a combustion product gas stream and the boiler feed water subsequently flash vaporized to form steam and residual liquid water, where the steam formed by flash vaporization strips the dissolved gases from the water.

Abstract: A method for managing an oxygen generating system includes receiving a first pressure signal associated with a first pressure of a tank, and determining the first pressure to be less than or equal to a startup threshold pressure. The method includes sending a signal to switch a first circuit on, said first circuit for providing power to a bank of oxygen generators. The method includes sending a signal to switch a second circuit on, said second circuit for providing power to an air compressor. The method also includes receiving a second pressure signal associated with a second pressure. The method also includes determining the second pressure to be greater than or equal to a shutoff threshold pressure, said second pressure associated with a pressure of the tank. The method also includes sending a signal to switch the first circuit off, and sending a signal to switch the second circuit off.

Abstract: A liquid depth-operated valve assembly for use in a zero gravity environment includes a Pitot pump disposed within a centrifugal separator configured to separate an air and a liquid from one another. Also included is a Pitot opening disposed at a first radial location relative to a substantially central location of the centrifugal separator. Further included is a depth-sensing port disposed at a second radial location along the Pitot pump, the second radial location disposed radially inwardly of the first radial location, the depth-sensing port in operative communication with a valve.

Abstract: A modular ductwork assembly decontaminates an air stream circulating within a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. The assembly includes one or more of (a) an ionizing module for removing particulates from the air stream, (b) a sterilization module for neutralizing airborne pathogens present in the air stream, (c) an ozone treatment module for neutralizing pathogens or odoriferous or gaseous constituents or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in the air stream, optionally (d) baffles for slowing and disrupting the flow rate and promoting turbulence in the air stream traveling through the modules, optionally (e) a fan module for directing a treated air stream, optionally (f) an ozone sensor, optionally (g) a monitoring or ozone control means, and optionally (h) a means of delivering and repurposing generated ozone. Each of the modules is arranged substantially adjacent to at least one of the other modules.

Abstract: An inlet air treatment system and method comprises a used coalescer having intake air passing therethrough and an unused coalescer not having intake air passing therethrough. A mechanism automatically adjusts the inlet air treatment system such that the used coalescer is no longer in the airflow and the unused coalescer is in the airflow.

Abstract: A regeneration controller for an air dryer on a vehicle includes a location identifier that determines a current location, a regeneration profile identifier that selects a regeneration profile based on the current location, and a regeneration initiator that initiates regenerations of the air dryer based on the regeneration profile.

Abstract: There is provided a method of filtration for a rail vehicle or other off-highway powered system. The method includes determining a filter load of a primary filtration system to an air intake of an engine. The method also includes determining that the filter load exceeds a specified threshold. Additionally, the method includes de-activating the primary filtration system. The method further includes activating a secondary filtration system to the engine.

Abstract: There is provided a process for effecting separation of at least a gaseous permeate-disposed operative material from a gaseous supply material that is being supplied to a gaseous supply material receiving space that is disposed in mass transfer communication with a permeate receiving space through a membrane, the gaseous supply material including an operative material that defines a gaseous supply material-disposed operative material, and the membrane including a gel. The process includes replenishing liquid material that has become depleted from the gel.

Abstract: An oxygen concentrator may rely on a pressure swing adsorption process to produce an oxygen enriched gas stream from canisters filled with granules capable of separation of oxygen from an air stream. The adsorption process uses a cyclical pressurization and venting of the canisters to generate an oxygen enriched gas stream. The oxygen concentrator system may include one or more flow restrictors to allow controlled release of oxygen enriched gas between the canisters.

Abstract: An emissions control system is provided that comprises a fuel tank, a hydrocarbon filter element, and a three-way valve coupled between the hydrocarbon filter element and the atmosphere. The three-way valve is comprised of three ports, a purge port, a reference port, and a sealed port, and enables identification of degradation of the emissions control system. The arrangement of the ports on the valve enables a simplified testing method that reduces background errors caused by transitioning between various operating positions.

Abstract: A smart filter assembly is provided, the smart filter assembly having a fouling detection instrument and a communications module. The fouling detection instrument measures the weight of the filter assembly to indicate the degree of fouling. The communications module conveys the signal from the fouling detection instrument to a control system.

Abstract: A modified wet scrubber for removing airborne toner particles including, increased recirculation pumping capacity, and controlling the operating fluid level by relating the pressure differential between the inlet and outlet air streams to proper operating fluid level.

Abstract: A cyclic adsorption process is provided having pressurization and depressurization steps and driven by one or more centrifugal machines operating under acceleration and deceleration conditions wherein the deceleration rate of the machine is controlled to minimize power consumption and maximize the efficiency of the process. The operating speed of the centrifugal machine during deceleration is matched to the measured pressure ratio conditions so that the centrifugal machine arrives at its minimum operating speed near the point required to begin acceleration.

Abstract: Provided is a novel hydrogen separation membrane formed of a Nb—W—Mo-based alloy. A method for separating hydrogen using the hydrogen separation membrane and hydrogen separation conditions are selected by a particular procedure. A hydrogen separation membrane formed of the Nb—W—Mo-based alloy membrane.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for managing an oxygen generating system configured for supplying a sustained flow of oxygen, which may include a control box. The control box may include an oil-less air compressor configured to pump the oxygen to an oxygen storage tank from at least two banks of at least one oxygen generator. The control box may include or be connected to a pressure sensor associated with the oxygen storage tank. The control box may further include one or more controller devices configured to control at least two circuits for providing power to the at least two banks of at least one oxygen generator. The one or more controller devices may be configured to switch on or off each bank of oxygen generators in response to particular threshold pressures associated with the storage tank. The one or more controller devices may also be configured to control the oil-less air compressor.

Abstract: A fluidized reactor system for removing impurities from a gas and an associated process are provided. The system includes a fluidized absorber for contacting a feed gas with a sorbent stream to reduce the impurity content of the feed gas; a fluidized solids regenerator for contacting an impurity loaded sorbent stream with a regeneration gas to reduce the impurity content of the sorbent stream; a first non-mechanical gas seal forming solids transfer device adapted to receive an impurity loaded sorbent stream from the absorber and transport the impurity loaded sorbent stream to the regenerator at a controllable flow rate in response to an aeration gas; and a second non-mechanical gas seal forming solids transfer device adapted to receive a sorbent stream of reduced impurity content from the regenerator and transfer the sorbent stream of reduced impurity content to the absorber without changing the flow rate of the sorbent stream.

Abstract: A wet scrubber (1) and a method of using the wet scrubber to clean a process gas containing sulphur dioxide comprising at least one spray level system (20) with atomizing nozzles (38) to which an absorption liquid is supplied for atomization by the nozzles (38). The method comprises operating the spray level system (20) in at least a first operating mode with an active nozzle density of at least 0.7 nozzles/m2, an absorption liquid flow of at least 10 m3/hour per nozzle and a Total Flow of at least 30 m3/hour/m2.

Abstract: A liquid degassing apparatus is arranged to prevent pervaporated solvent cross-contamination by counteracting liquid vapor pervaporation flow. Liquid vapor pervaporation cross-contamination among a plurality of degassing modules is counteracted with specifically configured volumes and bleed inlet flow to conduits fluidly coupling permeate sides of said plurality of degassing chambers.

Abstract: A cyclic adsorption process is provided having pressurization and depressurization steps and driven by one or more centrifugal machines operating under acceleration and deceleration conditions wherein the deceleration rate of the machine is controlled to minimize power consumption and maximize the efficiency of the process. The operating speed of the centrifugal machine during deceleration is matched to the measured ratio pressure conditions so that the centrifugal machine arrives at its minimum operating speed near the point required to begin acceleration.