Abstract: A microfluidic device including: a substrate having a flow channel and an outlet port connected to the flow channel and configured to discharge liquid; and an inlet portion being present on a surface of the substrate and configured to allow injection of liquid into the flow channel, wherein the inlet portion includes a first tube and a second tube being present in an interior of the first tube and having a height smaller than that of the first tube, the outlet port includes a first outlet port and a second outlet port, the flow channel includes a first flow channel and a second flow channel, the second flow channel connects the second outlet port and a space between the first tube and the second tube, and the first flow channel and the second flow channel are not connected.

Abstract: Systems and a method for removing carbon nanotubes from a continuous reactor effluent are provided herein. The method includes flowing the continuous reactor effluent through a separation vessel, separating carbon nanotubes from the continuous reactor effluent in the separation vessel, and generating a stream including gaseous components from the continuous reactor effluent.

Abstract: A separation system including a source of a gaseous mixture, the gaseous mixture comprising at least a first constituent and a second constituent, and a separation unit in communication with the source to receive the gaseous mixture and at least partially separate the first constituent from the second constituent, wherein the separation unit comprises at least one of a vortex separator and a pressure vessel.

Abstract: A method for separation of isotopes includes vaporizing a sample having two or more isotopes of the same element. A stream of atoms is generated from the vaporized sample. One or more light waves are applied to the stream. The one or more light waves are tuned to convert one or more specific isotopes in the flowing stream to a set of one or more magnetic states. A magnetic field is applied to the stream, deflecting atoms in the stream based on their magnetic states. Isotopes are collected based on their deflections (or lack of deflection).

Abstract: A heat separator for generating a warmer gas and a cooler gas from a gas in equilibrium, comprising two filtering meshes separated by a channel.

Abstract: An air pollution control apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a stack that discharges flue gas discharged from a boiler outside; a blower that is provided downstream of the stack and draws in the flue gas; and a CO2 recovering apparatus that recovers CO2 in the flue gas drawn in by the blower. The stack includes a controlling unit that suppresses release of the flue gas outside from the stack and suppresses inflow of atmosphere to the stack, and the controlling unit is a channel forming unit that forms a serpentine channel through which the flue gas and the atmosphere in the stack flow.

Abstract: A method of dissociating or decomposing the elemental components of a medium within a treatment zone via application of radio frequency energy. The selected medium may be communicated to a treatment zone, such as a chamber, wherein the chamber walls and/or a plurality of antenna disposed within the chamber or treatment zone emit radio frequency energy capable of separating the elemental components of the selected medium. The plurality of antenna may further comprise a chemical coating disposed thereon to facilitate the medium separation process. Denser elemental components may be removed from a bottom portion of the chamber or treatment zone, while lighter elemental components may be removed from an upper portion of the chamber or treatment zone. A vacuum pump or any other means known within the art may be used to remove the elemental components from the chamber or treatment zone.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for separating a flowing medium mixture into at least two fractions with differing mass density. The device comprises an inlet for the medium mixture to be separated, which connects to first separating means for separating the flowing mixture in at least a first and a second fraction, and that connect to first and second outlet means for discharging the first and second fractions. The device further comprises a feedback loop comprising second separating means between the second outlet means and the inlet means of the first separating means. The invention also relates to a method for separating a flowing medium mixture into at least two fractions with differing mass density, using the claimed device. The device and method allow to obtain a more selective separation, particularly in purifying natural gas.

Abstract: Particulates called nanoparticles (principally having a diameter of 10 nm or less) are reliably and easily according to size with high throughput. An impactor includes a particulate size classifying chamber provided with an exhaust port for particulates, a nozzle ejecting to the inside of the particulate size classifying chamber a carrier gas containing particulates to be classified, and a trapping plate as particulate trapping unit provided in the particulate size classifying chamber and selectively trapping particulates ejected from the nozzle.

Abstract: An inline virtual impactor comprising an outer housing having a housing inlet, a housing inner surface, a major flow outlet and a minor flow outlet; a flow accelerator member disposed in the upstream portion of the outer housing; and a flow stabilizer member disposed within the outer housing downstream of the flow accelerator member, wherein the disposition of the flow accelerator creates an annular flow passage between the flow accelerator and the outer housing, and wherein a flow divider that is at least partially downstream of the flow stabilizer member effects splitting of the flow stream entering the housing into major and minor flows. The minor flow comprises primarily particles having a size greater than a cutpoint size and the major flow comprises primarily particles smaller than the cutpoint size. The inline virtual impactor may further comprise an aspiration section located upstream of the flow accelerator member.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and a system for separating gas components of a gas containing a plurality of gaseous components. A compressible feed stream containing at least one target compressible component and at least one non-target compressible component is mixed in a substantially co-current flow with an incompressible fluid stream comprising an incompressible fluid in which the target component(s) is/are capable of being preferentially absorbed. Rotational velocity is imparted to the mixed streams, separating an incompressible fluid in which at least a portion of the target component is absorbed from a compressible product stream containing the non-target compressible component(s). The compressible feed stream may be provided at a stream velocity having a Mach number of at least 0.1.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method for selecting particles, such as based on their morphology, is disclosed. In a particular example, the particles are charged and acquire different amounts of charge, or have different charge distributions, based on their morphology. The particles are then sorted based on their flow properties. In a specific example, the particles are sorted using a differential mobility analyzer, which sorts particles, at least in part, based on their electrical mobility. Given a population of particles with similar electrical mobilities, the disclosed process can be used to sort particles based on the net charge carried by the particle, and thus, given the relationship between charge and morphology, separate the particles based on their morphology.

Abstract: Improved systems and methods are provided herein for passively filtering out droplets of different size such as satellite droplets from the generation of primary droplets and use these satellite droplets as the source for monodispersed production of submicron emulsions. The systems and methods described use active flow control to sort droplets of different size into desired collecting zones and use conventional shearing principles, and, as a result, provide 100% filtration of satellite droplets regardless of size differences.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating a chosen gas from a mixture of gases having no moving parts and utilizing no chemical processing is described. The separation of particulates from fluid carriers thereof has been observed using ultrasound. In a similar manner, molecular species may be separated from carrier species. It is also known that light-induced drift may separate light-absorbing species from carrier species. Therefore, the combination of temporally pulsed absorption of light with ultrasonic concentration is expected to significantly increase the efficiency of separation by ultrasonic concentration alone. Additionally, breaking the spatial symmetry of a cylindrical acoustic concentrator decreases the spatial distribution of the concentrated particles, and increases the concentration efficiency.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide an inertial separation device, system, and method. The inertial separation device includes an inlet nozzle coupled to an expansion chamber. A sample outlet and an outlet port are coupled to the expansion chamber. In operation, a fluid sample passes though the inlet nozzle and is expanded in the expansion chamber such that the sample is separated into at least two fractions having different masses, a selected mass fraction passing through the sample outlet and a remaining portion of the sample passing out of the outlet port. A system including the inertial separation device includes a conduit coupled to the sample outlet nozzle and a detector coupled the conduit. The inlet nozzle may be, for example, coupled to an emissions source.

Abstract: A particle separator and method for removing particles from an exhaust gas stream of an internal combustion engine. Differing flow regions having different flow conditions are formed in the particle separator. The differing flow regions are configured such that essentially particles having different, defined sizes and/or masses are adapted to be separated out of the exhaust gas stream in the differing flow regions. The exhaust gas stream is adapted to flow through at least portions of the particle separator.

Abstract: A module mountable in the crankcase of a vehicle for removing gases therefrom including a housing having an opening communicable with the crankcase, a set of bearings disposed in such housing, a hollow shaft journaled in such bearing having first and second partitions providing first and second axially disposed chambers, cooperating with said housing to provide first and second annular chamber, such shaft having a passageway intercommunicating the first axial chamber and the first annular chamber, a passageway intercommunicating the first axial chamber and the second annular chamber and a passageway intercommunicating the second axial chamber and the second annular chamber, a spiral, centrifugal separator mounted on such shaft in the first annular chamber, and a pillar mounted on the shaft in the second annular chamber and means connectable to motive means for rotating such shaft.

Abstract: A rotary phase separator system generally includes a step-shaped rotary drum separator (RDS) and a motor assembly. The aspect ratio of the stepped drum minimizes power for both the accumulating and pumping functions. The accumulator section of the RDS has a relatively small diameter to minimize power losses within an axial length to define significant volume for accumulation. The pumping section of the RDS has a larger diameter to increase pumping head but has a shorter axial length to minimize power losses. The motor assembly drives the RDS at a low speed for separating and accumulating and a higher speed for pumping.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for separating gas mixtures by means of an inventive gas centrifuge during which a compressible working fluid from an axial central supply tube (1) is introduced into the enlarging casing space (2) whereby passing through the flow channels (6) of the compression area (A) of a double-walled centrifuge rotor (3) and, in the axially distant area (B) inside the double tube, is guided in flow channels (6) having a constant flow cross-section (4) when in the centrifuged state. The flow of gas is separated into a specifically heavier and a specifically lighter gas fraction at a separating barrier (8) that is dependent on the individual gas volume portion. Inside the flow channels (6), the separated gas fractions are forcibly guided, slowed down and diverted in a separate manner with decreasing axial distance. The acceleration of the gas molecules in compression area (A) and the slowing down of the gas fractions in expansion area (C) ensue in a manner that is proportional to mass.

Abstract: A bioreactor and process is described which offers a transition or continuum between one or more of (a) from biotrickling filter conditions to biofilter conditions, (b) changing media characteristics, c) liquid or nutrient recirculation rates or frequency, (d) pH, (e) gas velocity, (f) retention time along the gas flow passage or (g) cross-sectional area. For example, media may be arranged in sections of a rectangle, with gas flow in a horizontal direction sequentially through the sections, and liquid flow in a vertical direction from top to bottom in one or more sections. Zonal control of process conditions may be provided as the gas passes from inlet to outlet and liquid is introduced at the top of one or more zones and flows down by gravity.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to methods and apparatuses for forming films using CVD. One or more method and apparatus embodiments include preventing the formation of bonds and/or breaking bonds that permit polymers to form in an exhaust line of a CVD apparatus.

Abstract: A mechanism configured to interact with air, which has been sucked through a device that imparts turbulence to the air, causes a redistribution of components (e.g., oxygen and nitrogen) in the air so that when the air arrives at a location where the oxygen is to be consumed there is an enriched supply of oxygen available. The effects of a first stage of turbulence of the induced air is reduced, resulting in a higher density supply to the atomization point and to the combustion chamber, in the case of an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A process for separating carbon dioxide from a fluid containing carbon dioxide, NO2, and at least one of oxygen, argon, and nitrogen comprises the steps of separating at least part of the fluid into a carbon dioxide enriched stream, a carbon dioxide depleted stream comprising CO2 and at least one of oxygen, argon, and nitrogen and a NO2 enriched stream and recycling said NO2 enriched stream upstream of the separation step.

Abstract: An impact filter suitable for a kitchen exhaust hood is provided with a grease trap to capture grease particles and channel the particles away. The trap can be of different configurations. The filter can be used in various system layouts.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for the removal of a number of molecular contaminants from surfaces within a device. A purge gas containing oxygen and/or water is introduced into the interior of the device, contacting at least a portion of the interior surfaces. A contaminated purge gas is produced by transferring a portion of the contamination from the interior surfaces into the purge gas. The contaminated purge gas is removed from the device and the process is continued until the contaminant concentration in the contaminated purge gas is below a predetermined level.

Abstract: Airborne particles are impacted on a collection surface, analyzed, and then the collection surface is regenerated. Thus, the same collection surface can be used in numerous cycles. The analysis can be focused on one or more properties of interest, such as the concentration of airborne biologicals. Sensors based on regenerative collection surfaces may be incorporated in many networks for applications such as building automation.

Abstract: A system for separating particles entrained in a fluid includes a base with a first channel and a second channel. A precision gap connects the first channel and the second channel. The precision gap is of a size that allows small particles to pass from the first channel into the second channel and prevents large particles from the first channel into the second channel. A cover is positioned over the base unit, the first channel, the precision gap, and the second channel. An port directs the fluid containing the entrained particles into the first channel. An output port directs the large particles out of the first channel. A port connected to the second channel directs the small particles out of the second channel.

Abstract: An inertial inlet particle separator system (14) for a vehicle engine (12) is provided. The system (14) includes a particle sensor (60) that generates a contamination signal. An inertial inlet particle separator (56) is also included in the system (14) and has a fluid parameter adjusting system (58) mechanically coupled within the inertial inlet particle separator (56). A controller (62) is electrically coupled to the particle sensor (60) and the clean fluid parameter adjusting system (58). The controller (62) adjusting a fluid parameter of the inertial inlet particle separator (56) in response to the contamination signal. A method of performing the same is also provided.

Abstract: A gas contaminant separator includes a pressure tube and a concentric and axially aligned down pipe mounted within the pressure tube. The pressure tube and down pipe define an annular space having a helical rib extending therein. A plurality of magnets are mounted to the down pipe above the helical rib adjacent a perforated plate. A spiral induction plate is mounted within the down pipe for imparting rotation on a gas stream after the gas stream moves through the magnetic field created by the magnets, and through the perforated plate. A gas inlet admits gas into the annular space, and a gas outlet removes gas from the down pipe after it has passed through the annular space, across the magnetic field, through the perforated plate, and through the spiral induction plate mounted in the down pipe.

Abstract: A source capture system for capturing contaminated air from an industrial process includes structure both for continuously capturing a contaminated air volume emitted during operation of the industrial process and for mixing that contaminated air volume with an ambient air volume to produce a mixed air volume which is then transferred to an air clean apparatus or the like. The source capture system recognizes that air volumes will exhibit different characteristics traveling through an air treatment system, and that certain of those characteristics such as cloud-like formation and contaminated air volumes having significant gaseous phase vapor components are undesirable and operate to decrease the overall effectiveness of the air treatment system, regardless of what type of technology is used for the air cleaning apparatus.

Abstract: An air intake system for a cab and engine of a vehicle is shown and described. In a preferred embodiment, dry, ambient air is provided to the cab and engine through a duct that is mounted to an inner surface of a vehicle hood such that the hood forms a top surface of the duct. The duct is relatively narrow across the width of the hood and flares into an air chamber on either side of the hood. An air inlet opening is provided on both sides of the hood such that outside air is drawn into the air chambers. The velocity of the air drops as it passes into and through the air chambers, causing the moisture in the air to separate and drain from the air chambers through an evacuator valve provided in the bottom surface of each chamber. Two openings are provided in the bottom surface of the duct. One opening sealingly engages an opening in the engine air cleaner and the second opening sealingly engages a cab air intake duct, when the hood is in a closed position.

Abstract: An air cleaning system for treating contaminated air from a mechanical industrial process containing a heterogenous multi-component mixed density fluid (e.g., mist, vapor and/or smoke) that addresses the cloud-like behavior of this contaminated air. The air cleaning system continuously captures a contaminated air volume emitted during operation of the mechanical industrial process and mixes that contaminated air volume with an ambient air volume in order to produce a mixed air volume having certain characteristic temperatures and air velocities. The characteristics of the mixed air volume are controlled such that the mixed air volume does not exhibit cloud-like behavior when transferred via a conduit structure to an air cleaning apparatus or the like.

Abstract: Membranes having a multiplicity of openings therethrough which are sized and shaped to utilize the random motion of molecules of gas to produce gas flow through the membrane predominantly in one direction. Such membranes can be used in power systems, gas separation systems and other systems which utilize fluid flow.

Abstract: A membrane having a multiplicity of openings therethrough which are sized and shaped to utilize the random motion of molecules of gas to produce gas flow through the membrane predominantly in one direction. Such a membrane can be used in power systems, gas separation systems and other systems which utilize fluid flow.