A process for demineralizing coal includes the steps of forming a slurry of coal particles in an alkali solution, the slurry containing 10-30% by weight coal, maintaining the slurry at a temperature of 150-250° C. under a pressure sufficient to prevent boiling, separating the slurry into an alkalized coal and a spent alkali leachant, forming an acidified slurry of the alkalized coal, the acidified slurry having a pH of 0.5-1.5, separating the acidified slurry into a coal- containing fraction and a substantially liquid fraction, subjecting the coal-containing fraction to a washing step, particularly a hydrothermal washing step, in which the coal-containing fraction is mixed with water and a polar organic solvent or water and an organic acid to form a mixture and separating the coal from the mixture. The demineralized coal has an ash content of from 0.01-0.2% by weight and can be used a feed to a gas turbine.

A fuel production method and a fuel production apparatus, for producing fuel by which the fuel efficiency can be improved and the generation of hazardous substances can be easily suppressed and which is stable, and fuel oil produced by such a method and apparatus are provided. This improves the satisfaction of users, and contributes to the prevention of environmental destruction. A fuel production method for producing fuel oil by mixing and reacting enzyme water with petroleum-based hydrocarbon oil is provided, the enzyme water being produced by mixing a natural plant enzyme, containing at least lipase, in water. The natural plant enzyme further contains cellulase. The enzyme water further contains methanol.

A process for converting triacylglycerides-containing oils into crude oil precursors and/or distillate hydrocarbon fuels is disclosed. The process may include reacting a triacylglycerides-containing oil-carbon dioxide mixture at a temperature in the range from about 250° C. to about 525° C. and a pressure greater than about 75 bar to convert at least a portion of the triacylglycerides to a hydrocarbon or mixture of hydrocarbons comprising one or more of isoolefins, isoparaffins, cycloolefins, cycloparaffins, and aromatics.

For producing synthetic fuels, an educt mixture containing steam and oxygenates, such as methanol and/or dimethyl ether, is converted to olefins on a catalyst in a first process stage, and this olefin mixture then is divided in a separating means into a stream rich in C1-C4 hydrocarbons and a stream rich in C5+ hydrocarbons. The stream rich in C5+ hydrocarbons is divided into a stream rich in C5 and C6 hydrocarbons and a stream rich in C7+ hydrocarbons, wherein the stream rich in C5 and C6 hydrocarbons is at least partly subjected to an etherification with methanol. The ethers thus obtained are admixed to the gasoline product stream.

The moisture absorption capacity of biofuels can be more or less 10 times that of fossil diesel oil, causing biofuels to form acids that induce metal corrosion and form deposits in the fuel tank and pipe lines. Methods for removing moisture from stored biofuels and plant oils are described wherein glycerol is used as a solvent to extract the moisture from the bioliquid or oil, comprising the steps of placing the biofuel or oil in fluid contact with glycerol, incubating for a time, and then removing the glycerol. A cellulous ester dialysis or other semi-permeable membrane may be used to prevent the glycerol from contaminating the biofuel while allowing moisture to pass. Crude glycerol produced as a byproduct of biodiesel production may be used in the method of the disclosed invention with good result. Preferred embodiments of apparatus that employ the method of the subject invention are described.

A wax composition comprising various waxes and an organically modified polysiloxane (OMP). These materials are mixed and melted into a homogenous liquid state creating a molten blend. It is preferred that the slip agent be added to the blend at least 0.25 percent by weight, and more preferably at 0.50 percent by weight. By mixing OMP with known candle and wax potpourri waxes, the wax becomes much easier to remove from the wax container.

The present invention relates to the use of at least 120 ppm of a nitrogen-containing detergent as a diesel fuel additive to improve the performance of a diesel engine having a high pressure fuel system.

The present invention relates generally to processes for preparing agglomerated particulate low-rank coal feedstocks of a particle size suitable for reaction in a fluidized-bed reactor and certain other gasification reactors and, in particular, for coal gasification and combustion applications. The present invention also relates to integrated coal gasification and combustion processes including preparing and utilizing such agglomerated particulate low-rank coal feedstocks.

The disclosure describes a high energy density jet fuel composition, having a smoke point about 18 mm as determined by ASTM D1322 and a thermal stability of no more than 25 mm Hg as determined by ASTM D 3241, and a method for making a jet fuel composition, wherein the net heat of combustion is determined by the aromatics content, cycloparaffins content, and normal plus or iso paraffins content in the jet fuel composition.

The present invention provides novel techniques for controlling the output of a distillation sub-process by controlling, using model predictive control, the temperature of steam used in the distillation sub-process, wherein the steam is generated in a milling and cooking sub-process. In particular, the present techniques are presented in the context of biofuel production, wherein the temperature of a cook tube generated in a milling and cooking sub-process may be controlled to optimize the energy utilization in the ethanol/water separation of a side stripper column, which uses the cook flash steam as an energy source. However, the present techniques may also be applied to other suitable applications, such as liquor processing, where steam generated in a different process may be used in a distillation process to help separate water from the liquor.

Methods for making a fuel composition comprising contacting one or more components of a hydroprocessing feedstock, for example both a fatty acid- or triglyceride-containing component and a paraffin-rich component, with hydrogen under catalytic hydroprocessing conditions are disclosed. The methods are effective to upgrade the component(s) and provide a hydroprocessed biofuel. A representative method utilizes a single-stage process in which hydrogen-containing recycle gas is circulated through both a hydrodeoxygenation zone and a hydrocracking zone in series.

Use of a reaction product of saturated or unsaturated aliphatic mono- or polycarboxylic acids with aliphatic polyamines for improving or boosting the separation of water from fuel oils which comprise additives with detergent action. A Fuel additive concentrate comprising the said reaction product, certain additives with detergent action and optionally dehazers, cetane number improvers and solvents or diluents.

A method comprising applying a chemical change reagent to coal prior to combustion of the coal is provided. In some instances, the chemical change reagent can include an effective amount of a material to reduce NOx emissions, SOx emissions, or both from combustion of the coal.

The present invention is directed to a degradation composition, methods and kits for degrading organic pollutants comprising reduced copper based nanoparticles-polymer complex (Cu-NPs) and an oxidant.

A ballast water treatment device attached to a vessel provided with: a line (1) through which drawn treatment target water flows; and a ballast tank (5) connected to a downstream side of the line (1). The ballast water treatment device is provided with: a filter (3) which is disposed in the line (1) and which filters the treatment target water; and a controller (7). The controller (7) causes the treatment target water to be discharged outboard from an upstream side of the filter (3) in an early stage of drawing of the treatment target water, until water quality is stabilized, and, when the water quality of treatment target water has stabilized, causes the filter (3) to filter the treatment target water. Thus, ballast water filtering can be efficiently performed.

A method includes removing glyphosate from a solution by contacting the solution with a mesoporous inorganic particle having an average pore size of greater than zero and less than about 50 nm, wherein the mesoporous inorganic particle is functionalized with a positively charged moiety selected from ammonium, amine and combinations thereof.

A method for removing glyphosate from a solution by contacting the solution with a polymeric particle including a moiety selected from the group consisting of ammonium, amine and combinations thereof, wherein the moiety is positively charged in the solution.

Methods and systems are provided for disinfecting water mains using ultraviolet (UV) light and advanced oxidation processes. One or more UV light sources are provided and secured to a movable device that moves axially in a pipe. The frequency and intensity of the UV light is determined based on characteristics of the pipe, such as its material and size. The rate at which the movable device moves through the pipe is also determined so that the interior surface of the pipe is properly disinfected. The movable device is remotely caused to move through the pipe. An oxidant supply component having a dispensing portion dispenses an oxidizing agent into the pipe. A portion of the emitted UV light may convert the dispensed oxidizing agent into additional oxidizing agents that further disinfect the pipe.

Described herein is a graphene material based membrane that provides selective resistance for solutes or gas while providing water permeability. A selectively permeable membrane comprising graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide, and also functionalized or crosslinked between the graphene, that provides enhanced salt separation from water or gas permeability resistance, methods for making such membranes, and methods of using the membranes for dehydrating or removing solutes from water are also described.

Provided is a method for reducing COD of wastewater with improved utilization efficiency of ozone. The method achieves an objective by adding agents for removing hydroxyl radical scavengers produced by base-catalyzed ozone advanced oxidation to wastewater. The addition of calcium ion, barium ion, etc. to a base-catalyzed ozonation system makes the hydroxyl radical scavengers form precipitates, separated from water and lose the capability of scavenging hydroxyl radicals, thereby enhancing ozone utilization efficiency. Furthermore, calcium ion, barium ion, etc. form precipitates with partial organic acids yielded in the wastewater ozonation and are separated from water, hence diminishing ozone consumption and indirectly improving the ozone utilization efficiency in the wastewater treatment. The present invention can not only significantly enhance the reaction rate and utilization efficiency of ozone, saving reaction time and costs, but also enable complete mineralization of the organic compounds, significantly reducing COD and total phosphorus of wastewater.

A preparation method of Bacillus subtilis biological composite material loaded with Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles with core-shell structure includes the following steps: 1) preparation of Fe3O4 nanoparticles, 2) preparation of Fe3O4@mSiO2 nanoparticles, 3) preparation of Fe3O4@mSiO2@MANHE nanoparticles; and 4) preparation of Bacillus subtilis@Fe3O4@mSiO2@MANHE composite.

Cations that can precipitate from an aqueous composition to produce scaling are sequestered by adding a multi-dentate ligand to the aqueous composition. The multi-dentate ligand bonds with the cation to form a non-scaling ionic complex; and the aqueous solution with the ionic complex is used in a process that produces substantially pure water from the aqueous composition, where the cation, absent formation of the ionic complex, is subject to scaling. The pH of the aqueous composition (or a brine including components of the aqueous composition) is then reduced to release the cation from the multi-dentate ligand; and the multi-dentate ligand, after the cation is released, is then reused in a predominantly closed loop.

The present invention is directed to systems, apparatus and methods for creating derivatives of at least one form of HDL without substantially affecting LDL. These derivatives of HDL are particles with reduced lipid content, particularly reduced cholesterol content. These particles have the capacity to bind cholesterol and are administered to a patient to enhance cellular cholesterol efflux and reduce cholesterol levels in cells, tissues, organs, and blood vessels. The present method is useful for treating atherogenic vascular disease and may be combined with other therapies such as statins, inhibitors of cholesterol absorption, niacin, anti-inflammatories, exercise and dietary restriction.

The present invention relates to systems for improving the range of pool skimmers. In some embodiments, the present invention provides a weir that is located in the basin of a swimming pool, moves in response to changing water levels in the pool and feeds water from the basin to a skimmer located in a sidewall of the swimming pool. In other embodiments, the present invention provides a deflector that is adjacent to a pool sidewall and extends above the skimmer opening, and includes an opening for feeding water to the skimmer opening. The present disclosure also provides for systems having combinations of such features. Without being bound to any particular theory, it is believed that the apparatuses are relatively cheap to manufacture, safe, conserve water and chemical use, and allow for an aesthetically pleasing full pool.

The invention relates to an apparatus for use with a shale shaker and more specifically to a drilling fluid recovery chute that is attached to and receives tailings from the discharge end of a shale shaker. The drilling fluid recovery chute removes drilling fluids from the waste tailings that are discharged from the shale shaker so that they can be reused or recycled. The invention also relates to a method for recovering drilling fluids from the tailings of a shale shaker.

An apparatus and a method are provided for an application specific fuel filter that is configured to prevent particulates from entering the fuel system of a motor vehicle, the fuel filter comprising a hollow canister comprising a length and diameter; a first end comprising a fuel inlet; a second end comprising a fuel outlet; a filter element comprising a plurality of pleats; and a rolled seam.

Devices and methods for characterization of analyte mixtures are provided. Some methods described herein include performing enrichment steps on a device before expelling enriched analyte fractions from the device for subsequent analysis. Also included are devices for performing these enrichment steps.

The present invention relates to a method of filling a container, preferably containing at least one concentrate, with the concentrate being formed such that it forms at least one liquid concentrate or a part of a liquid concentrate on its solution in or its mixing with a liquid, preferably water, said liquid concentrate or part of a liquid concentrate being suitable for preparing at least one dialysis solution, and with the filling of the container taking place by means of the balance chamber system of a dialyzer which has chambers from which the liquid is conveyed into the container in the form of repeating cycles, with the pressure being measured during a cycle of the filling phase of the container, and with an alarm signal being emitted and/or the filling procedure of the container being stopped if the measured maximum pressure in a cycle does not reach or does not exceed a limit value.

An electrical sensor for sensing electromagnetic properties of process fluids in a dialysis machine or a similar medical device can include a probe for interfacing with the fluids that is made from electronic fabric materials. The electronic fabric probe can include one or more conductors embedded in a non-conductive fabric layer. The electronic fabric probe is accommodated an enclosure which establishes a flow path with respect to the probe to establish fluid contact between the process fluids and the conductors. The conductors can apply or sense current and/or voltage with respect to the fluid. A portion of the electronic fabric probe can be disposed externally of the enclosure to provide electronic communication externally of the enclosure.

Systems and methods for controlling fluid movement and volumes of fluid between a subject and a controlled compliant flow path. The controlled compliant flow path has a means for selectively metering in and metering out fluid from the controlled compliant flow path. An extracorporeal flow path is in fluid communication with the controlled compliant flow path across a semi-permeable membrane where the extracorporeal flow path has a first terminal end and a second terminal end.

A blood purification apparatus capable of achieving a simplified configuration and switching between hemodialysis treatment (HD), hemofiltration treatment (HF), and hemodiafiltration treatment (HDF) as well as selecting from pre-dilution, post-dilution and pre and post-dilution easily and smoothly. The blood purification apparatus includes: a valve means 3 that is capable of closing and opening a dialysate introduction line and a dialysate supply line L3 in any manner, and a control unit 5 that operates the valve means 3 to allow any treatment to be performed selected from hemodialysis treatment in which the dialysate supply line L3 is closed while the dialysate introduction line L1 is opened, hemofiltration treatment in which the dialysate supply line L3 is opened while the dialysate introduction line L1 is closed, and hemodiafiltration treatment in which hemodialysis and hemofiltration are performed concurrently by alternately closing and opening the dialysate introduction line L1 and the dialysate supply line L3.

Blood separation systems and methods are provided for detecting lipids in plasma that has been separated from a plasma-containing fluid, such as blood. The system includes a fluid processing region in which a plasma-containing fluid is separated into plasma and other fluid components. A plasma flow path is associated with the fluid processing region for the flow of at least a portion of the separated plasma into or out of the region. A lipid detector shines blue and/or ultraviolet light through the separated plasma in the plasma line to optically detect the presence of lipids therein. The lipid detector may be used alone or in combination with a hemoglobin detector to reduce the number of false hemoglobin alarms or an interface detector for improved detection and correction of the location of an interface between separated fluid components in the fluid processing region.

The invention relates to a method for providing an aseptic chromatography column, said method comprising the steps of: pre-sterilize an empty chromatography column;pre-sterilize a chromatography medium;introducing the pre-sterilized chromatography medium into the pre-sterilized chromatography column using aseptic equipment, thereby providing an aseptic chromatography column comprising chromatography medium.

A lattice and distribution network for a stackable chromatography cassette comprising: a peripheral seal;at least one screen forming the lattice surrounded by the peripheral seal, each at least one screen comprising a plurality of struts in a latticed arrangement;a first internal distribution network fluidly coupled to the lattice and surrounded by the peripheral seal;a second internal distribution network disposed opposite the first internal distribution network, fluidly coupled to the lattice and surrounded by the peripheral seal;wherein a direction of fluid flow is established from the first internal distribution network through the lattice to the second internal distribution network; andwherein preferential streamlines are minimized.

A separation apparatus that includes a weir tank having a plurality of cells and fluid removal apparatus for each cell to remove the fluid from each cell. The fluid removal apparatus includes an actuator and an extension arm whose movement is caused by the actuator. In addition to the actuator and the extension arm, the fluid removal apparatus includes a plunger attached to the extension arm for selectively engaging a first opening in each cell. Furthermore, a method of removing fluid from the separation apparatus via the fluid removal apparatus.

A slurry filtering device is provided, including a shell body, having a receiving space, an outlet portion and an inlet portion, the outlet portion and the inlet portion respectively communicating with the receiving space, the inlet portion and the outlet portion defining a flow passage therebetween; a first filter, received in the receiving space and connected to the inlet portion, the first filter laterally arranged in the flow passage; a second filter, received in the receiving space and connected to the outlet portion, the second filter laterally arranged in the flow passage.

The present invention provides a filtering apparatus, a sprinkling apparatus using the filtering apparatus, and a filtering method. The filtering apparatus includes a liquid passage chamber, a drainage chamber, and a recirculation chamber. The sprinkling apparatus further includes a jetting section. The filtering method includes the steps of closing a liquid passage hole, filtering a liquid, and flowing the liquid in to a compartment chamber while discharging filter residue.

An in-tank filter bowl de-aeration shroud for a hydraulic or oil reservoir includes an outlet shroud surrounding the filter bowl outlet at a proximal end thereof and having a shroud fluid outlet at a distal end thereof with a larger opening than an opening of the filter bowl outlet. The outlet shroud may be formed as or include a diverging member surrounding the filter bowl outlet at a proximal end thereof and having a diverging member fluid outlet at a distal end thereof, wherein the member diverges from the proximal end to the distal end thereof. The outlet shroud may further include a central deflector positioned within the diverging member and combining with the diverging member to form an annular passage to the diverging member fluid outlet.

a filtering method, with which a fluid to be filtered is led through a filter (4), the filter (4) is back-flushed at regular time intervals and a pre-treatment agent is added to the fluid at the entry side of the filter. A process variable which describes the efficiency of the filtration is continuously computed during the filtration, and a metering quantity of the pre-treatment agent is reset on the basis of the values for the process variable or a characteristic values derived from this.

A reverse osmosis (RO) water filtration device includes a body, a RO cartridge, a first cartridge, a second cartridge and a storage tank all mounted inside the body. Water to be filtered sequentially goes through a water inlet of the RO water filtration device, the first cartridge, the RO cartridge, the storage tank, the second cartridge, and a faucet to get the water filtered. The storage tank provides additional water supply when the pressure between the faucet and RO cartridge is below the water pressure inside the storage tank to increase water volume upon opening a faucet.

A novel embodiment of a Free Flow Filtration Unit ensuring unimpeded flow of media to be filtered and unimpeded flow of permeated media in a leakage proof fully fused rigid unit. A Filtration Unit fused into a singular element, formed by a fused stack of internally channeled flat filter plates (1) each plate formed by fusing of two molded flat half filter plates (2, 3), the filter effect formed by perforation slits or holes (10) in the surface of the plates, said perforations connecting to channels (9) in the plates for free flow of permeate (filtered media) leading to one or more exit (4) perpendicular to the plate, the filter plate exits forming exit channels for permeate from the Filtration Unit as the filter plates (1) are fused into a stack at the exit (4) and at bonding points (8) securing that the filter plates are spaced and rigidly fixed at specific distance in the stack, offering slit like gaps at least at 2 sides for free access and exit flow of media to be filtered. The filter area surface (6) can be covered by fusing a fine filter (7), typically an organic flat sheet membrane, to the filter area surface, whereby very fine micro or ultra-filtration or even molecular filtration can be achieved.

A blood filtration device comprising a generally cylindrical housing having an interior wall. An interior member is mounted interior of the housing and comprises an outer surface having a porous membrane disposed thereon. The housing and interior member are relatively rotatable and define an annular gap therebetween. The blood filtration device also comprises an inlet for directing fluid into the annular gap, a first outlet for exiting filtrate passing through the membrane, and a second outlet for directing from the annular gap the remaining retentate. The porous membrane comprises a first layer and a second layer.

A process for inhibiting formation of calcium scale in a reverse osmosis desalination membrane during desalination involving desalinating an aqueous salt solution comprising water, sodium chloride, calcium chloride, and sodium bicarbonate with the reverse osmosis desalination membrane, while concurrently irradiating the aqueous salt solution with a UV light source that emits UV light with a wavelength of 250-400 nm. Scale formation is inhibited by treating a salt solution with the UV light in a continuous or a non-continuous process.

A tangential filter for filtration of a fluid includes a support element, wherein, along a transverse plane perpendicular to the central axis of the support element a) the support element includes in its central portion only inner channels that do not share a common wall with its outer surface, the inner channels having a substantially equivalent hydraulic diameter, b) the support element includes peripheral channels, including at least first and second adjacent peripheral channels, each of the two channels sharing a common wall with the outer surface, c) the ratio of the hydraulic diameter of the first channel to the hydraulic diameter of the second channel is greater than or equal to 1.1, d) the number of peripheral first channels is greater than or equal to the number of peripheral second channels, e) the second channel has a hydraulic diameter substantially identical to the hydraulic diameter of the inner channels.

Provided is an integral 3D graphene-carbon hybrid foam composed of multiple pores and pore walls, wherein the pore walls contain single-layer or few-layer graphene sheets chemically bonded by a carbon material having a carbon material-to-graphene weight ratio from 1/100 to 1/2, wherein the few-layer graphene sheets have 2-10 layers of stacked graphene planes having an inter-plane spacing d002 from 0.3354 nm to 0.40 nm and the graphene sheets contain a pristine graphene material having essentially zero % of non-carbon elements, or a non-pristine graphene material having 0.01% to 25% by weight of non-carbon elements wherein said non-pristine graphene is selected from graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide, graphene fluoride, graphene chloride, graphene bromide, graphene iodide, hydrogenated graphene, nitrogenated graphene, doped graphene, chemically functionalized graphene, or a combination thereof. Also provided are a process for producing the hybrid form, products containing the hybrid foam, and its applications.

A brine filtration device disposable at a bottom portion of a brine storage tank has inner and outer tubes having a plurality of fine slits in order to mechanically trap any large undissolved salt crystals that may be entrained within a sodium chloride solution. A plurality of beads are disposed between the inner and outer tubes to cause the sodium chloride solution to change direction (i.e., cause turbulence) which further promotes or facilitates dissolution of any undissolved salt crystals entrained within the sodium chloride solution. The sodium chloride solution continues to flow through the slits of the inner tube which further traps or catches any undissolved salt crystals. Additional changes in flow direction of the sodium chloride solution are also contemplated to further increase or facilitate dissolution of undissolved salt crystals entrained in the sodium chloride solution.

A pollution mitigation system is disclosed. The system can include a valve forming a passage the valve installable to form an orifice in a storm drain retention chamber that passes storm water into a conduit of a storm water management system. The valve having a stem connected to a closure member that can plug the orifice. The valve can have a spring loaded actuator that can move the closure member into a closed position. The system can also include a node such as a wireless sensor node or a mote that has sensors, a transceiver, an antenna, a microcontroller, memory, an energy source and at least one output to control movement of the closure member via the preloaded actuator. The node can have an output that provides the stimulus to the preloaded actuator to cause the preloaded actuator to move the closure member to a position that obstructs the passage in response to either the sensor or a transmission from a mobile telephone such as a cell phone or a smartphone.

System and method for control of a subsea located cyclone for separating oil from water. The cyclone is arranged to receive water with oil contents through an inlet line, the oil is separated from the water and delivered through an oil outlet to an oil outlet line, and the water is delivered through a water outlet to a water outlet line. The system is comprising a control valve in the oil outlet or oil outlet line from the cyclone, a first differential pressure transducer arranged between the inlet line and the oil outlet from the cyclone, and a second differential pressure transducer arranged between the inlet line and the water outlet from the cyclone. The system is distinguished in that a sensor for measuring oil contents is arranged in the water outlet or water outlet line, and via a control means said sensor is operatively connected to the control valve.

The present disclosure relates to the technical field of degradation of persistent pollutants and discloses a method for efficiently degrading a perfluorinated compound (PFC), through which the problems of harsh reaction conditions and less high defluorination rate existing in prior-art methods for degrading PFCs are solved. In the present disclosure, a 3-indoleacetic acid (IAA) solution is irradiated with 254 nm UV light to generate hydrated electrons, with which the PFC are degraded by reduction under an aerobic condition, where an organo-modified montmorillonite is added to provide a reaction microzone, so the degradation and defluorination effects of the hydrated electrons for the PFC are greatly improved. The method for degrading a PFC according to the present disclosure is not affected by the pH of and the dissolved oxygen in the solution and less affected by the humic substances in a water body, thereby overcoming the defects in existing methods for degrading PFCs with hydrated electrons while the degradation efficiency is ensured. Therefore, the present disclosure is of great application value.

A method for treating contaminated liquids in a flow by ozone, wherein the ozone is fed in gas form into the flow at one point and then is mixed into the flow in stages by mixers following one another in the flow direction, so that an absolute quantity of introduced ozone increases after each mixer until a feed efficiency of more than 95 percent is reached.