Abstract: A thermophoretic sampler includes a sample assembly into which a removable sample cartridge can be inserted. The sample cartridge holds a substrate that, upon insertion, is exposed to a sample chamber. Thermophoresis is induced in the sample chamber, causing nanoparticles to be deposited on the substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for treating a hot gas flow containing slag and to an entrained-bed gasifier system that comprises the device. The device comprises, in a housing, an inlet arranged at the top for the hot gas flow, an immersion pipe, which is arranged vertically and concentrically in the housing and into which the inlet opens, a coolant bath, into which a lower section of the immersion pipe is immersed, and at least one raw gas outlet opening for cooled raw gas that has been freed of slag. The lower section of the immersion pipe is designed as a radially expanded gas distributor bell in the coolant bath. Said gas distributor bell is formed by a substantially conical jacket surface having a cross-section that expands downward, wherein the jacket surface has a plurality of gas passage openings, which are distributed over the circumference of the gas distributor bell. The dimensions of the gas passage openings increase with the immersion depth in the coolant bath.

Abstract: A fluid treatment system by force of thermophoresis, including first and second modules between which the fluid to be treated is intended to circulate, the first module configured to be brought to a temperature greater than that of the second module so as to engender a temperature gradient causing a force of thermophoresis capable of projecting the particles to be purified in the direction of the second module. The first module includes a succession of parallel first tubes configured to be traversed by hot fluid, the second module includes a succession of parallel second tubes configured to be traversed by cold fluid, and the first tubes are arranged staggered with the second tubes.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for separating a gas mixture comprising providing a slot in a gas separation channel (conceptualized as a laterally elongated Clusius-Dickel column), having a length through which a net cross-flow of the gas mixture may be established; applying a higher temperature to one side of the channel and a lower temperature on an opposite side of the channel thereby causing thermal-diffusion and buoyant-convection flow to occur in the slot; and establishing a net cross-flow of a gas mixture comprising at least one higher density gas component and at least one lower density gas component along the length of the slot, wherein the cross-flow causes, in combination with the convection flow, a spiraling flow in the slot; and wherein the spiral flow causes an increasing amount of separation of the higher density gas from the lower density gas along the length of the channel. The process may use one or more slots and/or channels.

Abstract: A chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) chamber is disclosed. The CMP chamber includes a chamber body, a door mounted on the chamber body and a chamber substructure being one selected from a group consisting of a moisture separator separating a moisture generated in the CMP chamber, a supplementary exhaust port, a transparent window mounted on the door, a sampling port mounted on the door, a sealing material including a metal frame, an o-ring for sealing the door and a combination thereof.

Abstract: A device for condensing water includes a container with a plurality of openings and a heat transfer zone arranged in an interior of the container. The heat transfer zone includes a bulk material layer and/or a fiber layer and/or a textile layer and/or a grid layer and/or a lattice layer and/or a perforated plate. The interior of the container is subdivided by the heat transfer zone into a first zone and a second zone. Further, the heat transfer zone has at least in sections an open porosity and/or channels through which process gas can flow from the first zone to the second zone and through which a further process gas in the form of cooling gas can flow in a reverse direction. A permeable region of the heat transfer zone partially includes materials which have a thermal conductivity of more than 20 W(mK)?1 in a temperature range up to 300° C.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for separating a gas mixture comprising providing a slot in a gas separation channel (conceptualized as a laterally elongated Clusius-Dickel column), having a length through which a net cross-flow of the gas mixture may be established; applying a higher temperature to one side of the channel and a lower temperature on an opposite side of the channel thereby causing thermal-diffusion and buoyant-convection flow to occur in the slot; and establishing a net cross-flow of a gas mixture comprising at least one higher density gas component and at least one lower density gas component along the length of the slot, wherein the cross-flow causes, in combination with the convection flow, a spiraling flow in the slot; and wherein the spiral flow causes an increasing amount of separation of the higher density gas from the lower density gas along the length of the channel. The process may use one or more slots and/or channels.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating a liquid from a mixed gas stream can include a wall, a mixed gas stream passageway, and a liquid collection assembly. The wall can include a first surface, a second surface, and a plurality of capillary condensation pores. The capillary condensation pores extend through the wall, and have a first opening on the first surface of the wall, and a second opening on the second surface of the wall. The pore size of the pores can be between about 2 nm to about 100 nm. The mixed gas stream passageway can be in fluid communication with the first opening. The liquid collection assembly can collect liquid from the plurality of pores.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for treating a hot gas flow containing slag and to an entrained-bed gasifier system that comprises the device. The device comprises, in a housing, an inlet arranged at the top for the hot gas flow, an immersion pipe, which is arranged vertically and concentrically in the housing and into which the inlet opens, a coolant bath, into which a lower section of the immersion pipe is immersed, and at least one raw gas outlet opening for cooled raw gas that has been freed of slag. The lower section of the immersion pipe is designed as a radially expanded gas distributor bell in the coolant bath. Said gas distributor bell is formed by a substantially conical jacket surface having a cross-section that expands downward, wherein the jacket surface has a plurality of gas passage openings, which are distributed over the circumference of the gas distributor bell. The dimensions of the gas passage openings increase with the immersion depth in the coolant bath.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for separating a gas mixture comprising providing a slot in a gas separation channel (conceptualized as a laterally elongated Clusius-Dickel column), having a length through which a net cross-flow of the gas mixture may be established; applying a higher temperature to one side of the channel and a lower temperature on an opposite side of the channel thereby causing thermal-diffusion and buoyant-convection flow to occur in the slot; and establishing a net cross-flow of a gas mixture comprising at least one higher density gas component and at least one lower density gas component along the length of the slot, wherein the cross-flow causes, in combination with the convection flow, a spiraling flow in the slot; and wherein the spiral flow causes an increasing amount of separation of the higher density gas from the lower density gas along the length of the channel. The process may use one or more slots and/or channels.

Abstract: Systems and methods are contemplated for down-flow cooling of a feed gas. Contemplated systems can include a housing having an inlet conduit disposed within an upper portion and configured to receive a first stream. First and second stages can be disposed within the housing, with the first stage disposed upstream of the second stage and having a first cooling stream, and the second stage having a second cooling stream that is colder than the first cooling stream. The housing can be configured such that the first stream is cooled by down-flow heat exchange with the first and second cooling streams to produce a conditioned stream depleted of at least a portion of water condensed from the feed gas.

Abstract: Methods for recovering water from the plume of a heat removal or exhaust device are provided. The methods utilize a condensation apparatus (1) with a heat transfer wall (7), a condensation side (3), and a cool-air side (5). The plume is fed to the condensation side (3) as cool air is fed to the cool-air side (5). As the plume travels through the condensation side, water condenses on the heat transfer wall (7).

Abstract: Provided is a gas isolation valve which separates reactive materials, principally gases, contained in a high temperature reactor from the surrounding atmosphere. The valve is of modular construction with each module having a gas providing section and a gas removal section. Any number of modules can be provided in series. A central chamber, open at each end gives unimpeded access to the high temperature reactor. It is through the central chamber that the product of the reactor is removed and harvested. In the case of Ilas invention the product is carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: A fluid treatment system by force of thermophoresis, including first and second modules between which the fluid to be treated is intended to circulate, the first module configured to be brought to a temperature greater than that of the second module so as to engender a temperature gradient causing a force of thermophoresis capable of projecting the particles to be purified in the direction of the second module. The first module includes a succession of parallel first tubes configured to be traversed by hot fluid, the second module includes a succession of parallel second tubes configured to be traversed by cold fluid, and the first tubes are arranged staggered with the second tubes.

Abstract: The present invention is a multiple reaction set for the production of chemicals by equilibrium limited reactions utilizing plate-type or extended surface heat exchangers. The heat exchangers cool the reaction products to condense methanol within the reaction products for separation, and to warm incoming feed reactants prior to entrance of the reactants into a reactor utilized for methanol production. The various reactors, heat exchangers, and separators can be formed as separated zones within enclosed vessels, thereby eliminating the need for separately constructed reactors, heat exchangers, and separators. Multi-stream plate-type of extended surface heat exchangers can be utilized to allow efficient cooling and methanol separation.

Abstract: A system for condensing water from atmospheric air is disclosed. The aforesaid device comprises (a) a structure comprising at least one cooled member connectable to a cooling device, the surface has a temperature lower than a dew point of an ambient atmosphere and adapted to condense water from ambient atmosphere; (b) at least one water collecting channel adapted to collect said water condensed on the cooled member and, (c) a water storage subsystem fluidly connected to at least one water collecting channel; The member is configured in a form of a hollow shell. The cooled member has an outer downward surface.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and plant for energy-efficient removal of CO2 from a gas phase by means of absorption. The invention is particularly suitable for use in connection with thermal power plants fired by fossil fuels, and is also well-suited for retrofitting in existing thermal power plants. A processing plant according to the invention comprises three sections: a primary CO2-generating process that serves as main product supplier; a CO2-capture and separation plant based on absorption and desorption of CO2 respectively by/from at least one absorbent; and a second CO2-generating process where combustion of carbonaceous fuel in pure oxygen atmosphere serves as energy supply to at least a part of the thermal energy necessary to drive the regeneration of the absorbent in the desorption column(s).

Abstract: A thermoelectric particle precipitator for removing and collecting particles from a fluid stream. The thermoelectric particle precipitator utilizes one or more thermoelectric modules to create a temperature gradient which causes suspended particles in a fluid stream to undergo thermophoretic movement and precipitate on a surface on the cooled side of the temperature gradient. The collection surface may be a cooled surface of the thermoelectric module or a cooled surface of a thermal mass. The collected particles may be analyzed to determine their composition.

Abstract: A separation column for a gas chromatograph that includes a block of electrically insulating material having a channel located between two strips of thermoelectric material spaced from the channel by strips of electrically insulating material. Electrodes are connected to opposite ends of the strips of thermoelectric material. More specifically, each strip of thermoelectric material has two layers of dissimilar material to enable the strips to provide selective and cooling depending on the direction of current flow through the strips.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for separating a fluid mixture consisting of at least two components. The inventive method comprises the following steps: contacting the fluid mixture at a first, lower temperature in a first operating zone with a carbon membrane which is arranged adjacent to a surface of a porous transport matrix or which is applied on a surface of the matrix, whereby at least one fluid component is adsorbed and at least one component of the fluid mixture preferably permeates the membrane; heating a surface spatially distant from the membrane and/or a part of the porous transport matrix to a second, higher temperature which facilitates the thermal desorption of adsorbed components in a second operating zone; separately removing the fluid mixture depleted by the at least one permeated component from the first operating zone and the fluid mixture enriched with the at least one permeated component from the second operating zone.

Abstract: A device for separating gases, especially isotopes, by thermal cycling of a separation column using a pressure vessel mounted vertically and having baffled sources for cold and heat. Coils at the top are cooled with a fluid such as liquid nitrogen. Coils at the bottom are either electrical resistance coils or a tubular heat exchange. The sources are shrouded with an insulated “top hat” and simultaneously opened and closed at the outlets to cool or heat the separation column. Alternatively, the sources for cold and heat are mounted separately outside the vessel and an external loop is provided for each circuit.

Abstract: A thermoelectric particle precipitator for removing and collecting particles from a fluid stream. The thermoelectric particle precipitator utilizes one or more thermoelectric modules to create a temperature gradient which causes suspended particles in a fluid stream to undergo thermophoretic movement and precipitate on a surface on the cooled side of the temperature gradient. The collection surface may be a cooled surface of the thermoelectric module or a cooled surface of a thermal mass. The collected particles may be analyzed to determine their composition.

Abstract: The present invention is a bi-thermal membrane process for separating and recovering hydrogen isotopes from a fluid containing hydrogen isotopes, such as water and hydrogen gas. The process in accordance with the present invention provides counter-current cold and hot streams of the fluid separated with a thermally insulating and chemically transparent proton exchange membrane (PEM). The two streams exchange hydrogen isotopes through the membrane: the heavier isotopes migrate into the cold stream, while the lighter isotopes migrate into the hot stream. The heavy and light isotopes are continuously withdrawn from the cold and hot streams respectively.

Abstract: The present invention related to a method and a device for reducing the number of water vapour molecules per unit volume in a housing (1) by providing an end (11) of the housing (1) which has a lower thermal inertia than the rest of the housing with perforations (15). When the temperature outside the housing (1) falls some of the more energetic water vapour molecules in the housing (1) will leave the housing (1) via the perforations (15) and a small number of the less energetic molecules will enter the housing from the surroundings. This will lead to a nett flow of water vapour molecules out of the housing (1).

Abstract: A condenser system for controlling vapor concentration contained in a flowing airstream is provided. The flowing airstream has an initial temperature upon entering the condenser system and a final temperature upon exiting the condenser system. The condenser system has a membrane member allowing mass transfer of the vapor therethrough with the airstream contacting the membrane member. A condensing member diffuses the vapor from the airstream through the membrane member. An insulating layer is positioned between the membrane member and the condensing member with the insulating layer inhibiting heat transfer between the flowing airstream and the condensing member wherein the final temperature of the airstream is substantially equal to the initial temperature of the airstream.

Abstract: A method for maintaining the temperature of an oxygen-selective ion transport membrane within a desired temperature range includes providing an ion transport reactor with the oxygen-selective ion transport membrane. An oxygen-donating feed gas is delivered to a cathode side at a first temperature, at a first rate, and at a first oxygen partial pressure and a reactant gas is supplied to an anode side at a second temperature and a second rate. A physical condition is then established within the ion transport reactor that favors the transport of elemental oxygen through the oxygen selective ion transport membrane as oxygen ions. One or more process variables are then regulated to maintain the temperature of the oxygen selective ion transport membrane within the desired range.

Abstract: A method of conditioning a process stream of air in an air conditioning system wherein the process stream of air is dehumidified and cooled to provide a conditioned stream of air, the method comprising providing an adsorption wheel having a multiplicity of passages through which the process air can flow for adsorbing moisture therefrom, the wheel capable of adsorption of moisture from the process air and of regeneration on a continuous basis as the wheel rotates. The method further comprises passing a first portion and a second portion of the process air to be conditioned through the wheel to remove moisture therefrom, the first portion of the process air passing through the wheel after the regeneration to remove heat from the wheel prior to the second portion passing through the adsorption wheel; then introducing the first portion of the process air to a heat exchanger to remove heat from the first portion.