Abstract: Water purification occurs under the influence of cold plasma obtained in water, which has a two-phase state, in which water and the smallest bubbles filled with gases dissolved in water are simultaneously present in the turbulence zone. The plasma is ignited inside the gas bubbles when exposed to an electric high-voltage nanosecond pulse. Since the turbulence zone located behind the flow body is saturated-saturated with fine bubbles, the plasma discharge in the bubbles becomes voluminous and diffuse in consistency. The combination of the hydrodynamic effect on water by the flow body and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in a volumetric plasma discharge in the turbulence zone causes a synergistic effect that increases the efficiency of water treatment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for disintegrating particles (3) of a suspension with ultrasonic sound, the device (1) comprising: a channel (10) for a suspension, wherein the channel (10) comprises a particle-processing portion (12), at least one pump (20) configured and arranged to adjust a flow velocity of the suspension in the channel (10), at least one ultrasonic sound source (30), arranged such at the channel (10) that an ultrasonic field generated by the ultrasonic sound source (30) extends at least in the particle-processing portion (12) inside the channel (10), wherein the device (1) comprises an instrumentation and control system configured to regulate the flow velocity of the suspension such that particles (3) of the suspension are arrangeable in a predefined spatial particle distribution in the particle-processing portion (12) of the channel (10) by adjusting the flow velocity of the suspension with respect to an inertial force (40) acting on the suspension, wherein the inertial force (40

Abstract: An oil extraction apparatus includes an ultrasonication vessel that receives raw plant material and ethanol. An ultrasonication probe ultrasonicates the raw plant material received in the ultrasonication vessel and generates a mixture including ultrasonicated raw plant material, plant oil, and ethanol. A collection vessel is in fluid communication with the ultrasonication vessel. The collection vessel receives a mixture including plant oil and ethanol from the ultrasonication vessel. A heater heats the collection vessel to separate ethanol from the mixture including plant oil and ethanol. A reclamation vessel is in fluid communication with the collection vessel. The reclamation vessel receives separated ethanol from the mixture including plant oil and ethanol. An ethanol collection tube is connected with the reclamation vessel. The ethanol collection tube is arranged to carry separated ethanol from the mixture including plant oil and ethanol to the reclamation vessel from the collection vessel.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic cavitation unit for a hydrodynamic cavitation device is provided. The hydrodynamic cavitation device is configured for fluid communication with an inlet conduit and an outlet conduit and may include an expansion chamber downstream of the inlet conduit. The hydrodynamic cavitation unit includes a body; and a plurality of lumens through the body. Each of the lumens is configured for fluid communication from the inlet conduit, through the body, and to the outlet conduit. A ratio of a total cross-sectional area of the lumens to a cross-sectional area of the inlet conduit is about 1:1 in at least a first point in the body, less than 1:1 in at least a second point in the body, and greater than 1:1 in at least a third point in the body. The hydrodynamic cavitation unit may include a cap or a vortex unit including the cap. The vortex unit may extend into the expansion chamber. The at least one lumen may include a constriction relative to the inlet conduit.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic cavitation unit for a hydrodynamic cavitation device is provided. The hydrodynamic cavitation device is configured for fluid communication with an inlet conduit and an outlet conduit. The hydrodynamic cavitation unit includes a body; and a plurality of lumens through the body. Each of the lumens is configured for fluid communication from the inlet conduit, through the body, and to the outlet conduit. A ratio of a total cross-sectional area of the lumens to a cross-sectional area of the inlet conduit is about 1:1. A ratio of a cross-sectional area of the hydrodynamic cavitation unit to the cross-sectional area of the inlet conduit is about 2:1. Each of the lumens may have a frustoconical or Venturi shape. Related apparatuses, systems, techniques, and articles are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a chlorine dioxide manufacturing device that can accurately control the amount of chlorine dioxide produced. The present invention provides a chlorine dioxide gas manufacturing device comprising an electrolysis chamber, a liquid surface level measuring chamber, and a bubbling gas feeding device. The electrolysis chamber and the liquid surface level measuring chamber each comprises an electrolytic solution and a gas and the electrolysis chamber and the liquid surface level measuring chamber are joined to each other above each liquid surface via a gas piping and joined to each other below each liquid surface via an electrolytic solution piping so that the height of the electrolytic solutions contained in each chamber are substantially equal.

Abstract: One of the purposes is to provide a pulse discharge power supply for use in generating pulse discharge. The pulse discharge power supply includes a pulse generation unit, a control circuit, an electric current detector and an electric current signal processing unit. The pulse generation unit generates a first pulse, and applies it to a discharge load for generating pulse discharge. The electric current detector detects an electric current flowing into the discharge load in accordance with the application of the pulse. The electric current signal processing unit outputs into the control circuit a signal based on an integration result of the electric current having been detected. The control circuit controls the generation of a second pulse in the pulse generation unit based on the signal being received.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a liquid supply for an electronic cigarette. The liquid supply is configured for connecting with an atomizing device. The liquid supply includes a housing, a liquid outlet, a movable valve, and an elastic element. The housing defines a liquid chamber configured for storing tobacco liquid. The housing has an open end configured for connecting with the atomizing device. The liquid outlet is defined in the open end. The movable valve is movably arranged in the open end. The elastic element elastically abuts against the movable valve such that the valve seals the liquid outlet. When the liquid supply is coupled to the atomizing device, the valve is capable of being pushed by the atomizing device to a position where the liquid outlet is opened.

Abstract: A water container or bottle with integrated disinfection preferably includes a battery compartment, a control printed circuit board (PCB) to manage several parameters including timing, voltage rate, and user-interface. A high voltage power supply is coupled to a set of electrodes to cause an electric discharge. The electric discharge results in a series of reactions in the water that eliminate bacteria and viruses, dissolves organic material, and oxidizes inorganic compounds.

Abstract: A humidifier is provided that typically includes a water filtration unit and a pump that draws filtered water from the water filtration unit, typically a carbon nanotube filter. The humidifier further includes a nozzle having an outlet orifice, wherein the nozzle is connected to the pump, where the pump forces the filtered water through the nozzle, thereby expelling the filtered water into an atmosphere in the form of a purified vapor or mist.

Abstract: A nitrous acid generator includes a treatment vessel having an inner space being capable of holding a liquid; a gas supplier supplying a gas to the inner space such that the gas forms a bubble in the liquid, the gas containing oxygen and nitrogen; a plasma generator including a first electrode, a second electrode, and a power supply for applying a voltage therebetween, the plasma generator generating plasma in the bubble, the plasma producing nitrogen oxide including nitrogen monoxide and nitrogen dioxide; a gas-liquid contact member to which the nitrogen oxide and the liquid are introduced from the treatment vessel, the gas-liquid contact member causing the nitrogen oxide to be dissolved in the liquid while the nitrogen oxide and the liquid pass through the gas-liquid contact member; and a cooler cooling the nitrogen oxide and the liquid while the nitrogen oxide and the liquid pass through the gas-liquid contact member.

Abstract: A system and method for stretching the discharge of plasma in a liquid utilizes in certain embodiments a first, second and third electrode within a liquid holding container, a gas injection conduit for introducing a gas such as air or oxygen into the container, and a power supply electrically coupled to at least the second and third electrodes. In certain embodiments, a seed plasma generated by a first and second electrode is stretched, and a larger plasma is generated by a first and third electrode. In certain embodiments, a fourth electrode can be used to further stretch the plasma. An increase in gas introduction flow rate can also be utilized to facilitate the stretching of plasma.

Abstract: The present invention consists of a method of pre-treatment of adulterated water for distillation, including adulterated water produced during hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”) of shale rock during natural gas drilling. In particular, the invention is directed to a method of treating adulterated water, said adulterated water having an initial level of bicarbonate ion in a range of about 250 ppm to about 5000 ppm and an initial level of calcium ion in a range of about 500 ppm to about 50,000 ppm, said method comprising contacting the adulterated water with a non-thermal arc discharge plasma to produce plasma treated water having a level of bicarbonate ion of less than about 100 ppm. Optionally, the plasma treated water may be further distilled.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a bubble implosion reactor cavitation device. The bubble implosion reactor cavitation device includes a tube-shaped cylindrical body including an upstream, a distal end surface and a downstream, proximal end surface. The tube-shaped cylindrical body defines an axial passage that extends through the tube-shaped cylindrical body between the upstream, distal end surface and the downstream, proximal end surface. The apparatus also includes a bubble generator subassembly connected to the tube-shaped cylindrical body. The bubble generator subassembly is at least partially disposed within the axial passage defined by the tube-shaped cylindrical body. The apparatus also includes a retaining member connected to the tube-shaped cylindrical body for retaining the bubble generator subassembly within the axial passage defined by the tube-shaped cylindrical body.

Abstract: Embodiments discussed herein relate to systems and methods for separating two or more phases of an emulsion or other mixture. The methods include providing the mixture with a net and unipolar charge (e.g., such that adjacent droplets therein acquire net and unipolar charges), thereby enhancing coalescence of like-phase droplets therein and producing, or enhancing the production of, two or more consolidated phases; and collecting the two or more consolidated phases.

Abstract: A photon conversion assembly. The photon conversion assembly includes a first plurality of photon conversion particles configured to convert photons in a first received band to photons in a first converted band, and a second plurality of photon conversion particles configured to convert photons in a second received band to photons in a second converted band. A first plasmonic near-field enhancement material that enhances an attraction of photons in the first received band is positioned in proximity to at least some of the first plurality of photon conversion particles, and a second plasmonic near-field enhancement material that enhances an attraction of photons in the second received band is positioned in proximity to at least some of the second plurality of photon conversion particles.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved water treatment process that operates on a continuous flow of fluids that are subjected to hydrodynamic waves, acoustic ultrasonic waves in combination with injected ozone and electro chemical treatment. The treatment system provides a cost efficient and environmentally friendly process and apparatus for cleaning and recycling fluids as contaminated as coal slurry, as well as other types of fluids having various levels of contaminants such as aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and suspended solids. The volatile organic compounds are reduced to an acceptable level without the use of acids, ion exchange materials, or anti scaling chemicals which is of economical and environmental significance and benefit.

Abstract: The system includes a glow discharge cell connected to a plasma torch. The glow discharge cell includes an electrically conductive cylindrical vessel having an inlet, an outlet, and a hollow electrode. The hollow electrode has an inlet and outlet. A first insulator seals the first end of the electrically conductive cylindrical vessel around the hollow electrode and maintains a substantially equidistant gap between the electrically conductive cylindrical vessel and the hollow electrode. A non-conductive granular material is disposed within the substantially equidistant gap. The plasma arc torch includes a cylindrical vessel, a tangential inlet connected to the outlet of the electrically conductive vessel of the glow discharge cell, a tangential outlet, an electrode housing connected to the cylindrical vessel such that a first electrode is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical vessel and extends into the cylindrical vessel, and a hollow electrode nozzle connected to the cylindrical vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus for disinfecting a fluid has a fluid-containing structure; an inward-facing first electrically conductive cylindrical body contained within said fluid-containing structure; an outward-facing electrically conductive second cylindrical body disposed within said first cylindrical body, in mutually facing parallel and coaxial relation thereto, and spaced apart therefrom to define a fluid-occupiable cavity; a power supply electrically coupled between said first cylindrical body and said second cylindrical body, said power supply producing therebetween an electric field, said field comprising a waveform approximating a series of alternating square wave pulses of opposite polarity, said pulses having a maximum absolute value of approximately 60 volts per centimeter, a complete cycle of said waveform, comprising a first pulse and a succeeding pulse of opposite polarity, recurring with a frequency of between about 2 kHz and and about 5 kHz and providing about 2 amps to about 4 amps.

Abstract: Separation processes using osmotically driven membrane systems are disclosed generally involving the extraction of solvent from a first solution to concentrate solute by using a second concentrated solution to draw the solvent from the first solution across a semi-permeable membrane. Enhanced efficiency may result from using low grade waste heat from industrial or commercial sources. Pre-treatment and post-treatment may also enhance the osmotically driven membrane processes.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a fuel decontamination unit comprises a decontamination region containing fuel; and an ultraviolet light located in the decontamination region; wherein the ultraviolet light is configured to irradiate the fuel. In an embodiment, a method of decontaminating fuel comprises flowing a contaminated fuel into a decontamination unit; irradiating the fuel with ultraviolet radiation that is emitted from the ultraviolet light such that the contaminated fuel becomes a purified fuel; flowing the purified fuel out of the decontamination unit; wherein a microorganism level in the purified fuel is less than that of the contaminated fuel.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a flow of fluid with microwave radiation, the apparatus comprising: a vessel having a sidewall and opposed first and second end walls defining a substantially cylindrical chamber, the first end wall being disposed a predetermined distance d1 from the second end wall; a pipeline for flowing fluid through, the pipeline passing through the first end wall towards the second end wall of the vessel, the chamber and the pipeline being substantially co-axial and the pipeline being substantially transparent to microwave radiation; and a microwave radiation inlet in the side wall of the vessel for admitting microwave radiation of wavelength ? into the chamber, wherein the distance d1 is substantially equal to an integral multiple of ?/2 so that the chamber is a microwave resonator.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved water treatment cavitation reactor cone. The tank operates on a continuous flow of fluids which are subjected to ultrasonic waves in combination with a high level of injected ozone. The treatment tank includes a tangential inlet that induces a rotating flow into the tank thereby increasing the mixing of the ozone within the effluent. The effluent is further treated with DC current. The treatment tank provides a cost efficient and environmentally friendly process and apparatus for cleaning and recycling fluids as contaminated as frac water, used to stimulate gas production from shale formations, as well as other types of fluids having various levels of contaminants such as aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and suspended solids. The calcium carbonate scaling tendency is reduced to an acceptable level without the use of acids, ion exchange materials, or anti scaling chemicals which is of economical and environmental significance and benefit.

Abstract: An aqueous fluid treatment method and system is provided which preferably uses a 3 step electro-chemical oxidation process to remove organic contaminates from water. A high surface area electro-chemical reaction cell can be employed to remove organic particles and precipitate hardness salts from the aqueous solution. Several 3-phase spark arcs generated mixed oxidants and acoustic cavitations to remove dissolved organic compounds and oxidize organic metal compounds in the next step. Finally, a dielectric discharge in aqueous foam is used to eliminate recalcitrant organic compounds such as, but not limited to, polychlorinated aromatics, disinfectants, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals before release to environment or recycled.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for creating plasma particles and applying the plasma particles to a liquid. Liquid feedstock (e.g., water and/or hydrocarbons mixed with biomass) is pumped through a pipeline; the single-phase stream is then transformed into a biphasic liquid-and-gas stream inside a chamber. The transformation is achieved by transitioning the stream from a high pressure zone to a lower-pressure zone. The pressure drop may occur when the stream further passes through a device for atomizing liquid. Inside the chamber, an electric field is generated with an intensity level that exceeds the threshold of breakdown voltage of the biphasic medium leading to a generation of a plasma state. Furthermore, the invention provides an energy-efficient highly adaptable and versatile method and apparatus for sanitizing water using plasma particles to inactivate biological agents contaminating water.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed which produce physical, chemical and/or biological non-local effect on a target substance through non-local processes mediated by quantum entanglement. In one broad embodiment, the apparatus includes a target substance, a first container holding said target substance; an originating substance, a second container holding said originating substance, said originating substance being quantum-entangled with said target substance; and a mean for manipulating said originating substance such that when said manipulation mean operates, said non-local effect is generated in said target substance through said non-local processes mediated by quantum entanglement.

Abstract: A method and devices comprise a low frequency high energy ultrasound system having at least one sonotrode projecting into a reactor vessel through which the liquid passes via at least one inlet orifice and at least one outlet orifice. To avoid cavitation at the sonotrode, in a close region of the oscillation-transducing sonotrode surface a pressure/amplitude combination close to or above the pressure-amplitude characteristic line is generated at which considerably reduced or no cavitation occurs and in the adjacent region in the vessel at least in a region and at least at times a pressure/amplitude combination is maintained below the pressure-amplitude characteristic line at which cavitation is generated. A device has an inlet orifice arranged such that the liquid impacts directly onto the oscillation-transducing sonotrode surface, and is shaped that in the close region of the oscillation-transducing sonotrode surface a pressure close to or above the pressure-amplitude characteristic line prevails.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of fluid including the step of exposing the fluid to a pulsed plasma discharge. The pulsed plasma discharge will be generated using a suitable electrode configuration to generate the plasma discharge in the fluid. Apparatus useful in the method may include a vessel, at least two electrodes for generating a plasma discharge in water, and a flow inlet and a flow outlet to allow water to be passed through the vessel. Also described is an in-line water treatment, where a pulsed plasma discharge is used in a pipe carrying moving water. Plasma based fluid treatment system may have many advantages in comparison to other treatment methods, such as very minimal maintenance, low operating power, and minimal pressure loss through the device.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for generating energized water molecules and administering same to a human or other biological subject. The system includes a humidifying apparatus, and excitation apparatus, and a control system. The system may further include a fluid management system to assist in the delivery of energized water molecules.

Abstract: A device for purifying a fluid is disclosed. The aforesaid device comprises: (a) a passage adapted for conducting a flow of the fluid, said passage provided with input and output openings; (b) a plurality of elongate members coated with a titanium oxide disposed within the passage; (c) fastening means for mechanically fixating terminals of the elongate members within the passage; (d) at least one source of ultraviolet radiation adapted for illuminating the elongate members; (e) pumping means adapted for generating the fluid flow through the passage from the input opening to the output opening. The fastening means comprises at least two fasteners. Each fastener comprises two mutually orthogonal spaced apart pluralities of parallel rods. The rods are adapted for restricting lateral displacement of the elongate members.

Abstract: A method and a system for producing a change in a medium. The method places in a vicinity of the medium at least one energy modulation agent. The method applies an initiation energy to the medium. The initiation energy interacts with the energy modulation agent to directly or indirectly produce the change in the medium. The system includes an initiation energy source configured to apply an initiation energy to the medium to activate the energy modulation agent.

Abstract: A method of improving natural gas release from a well via an enhanced hydraulic fracturing operation. The method includes capturing or retrieving the flow back from the well following the fracturing operation. The flow back or other source water is introduced to an electrocoagulation (“EC”) treatment process. EC treatment separates the water from other fracturing fluid components in the flow back and also removes bacteria and other contaminants. Thereafter, the EC-treated fluid is recycled for subsequent fracturing operations. The process may also be used to treat all source water, including fresh water delivered to the well before it is used as a fracturing fluid.

Abstract: A method of producing desalinated water and recovering minerals from the feedwater uses membrane separation and electrodialysis brine concentration. This process can recover all of the minerals as high purity industrial minerals, including capturing the calcium and sulfate as agricultural grade gypsum and boron as high purity boric acid. In addition the process allows the use of low cost lime or dolime to produce valuable magnesium hydroxide.

Abstract: An electrochlorination and electrochemical system for the on-site generation and treatment of municipal water supplies and other reservoirs of water, by using a custom mixed oxidant and mixed reductant generating system for the enhanced destruction of water borne contaminants by creating custom oxidation-reduction-reactant chemistries with real time monitoring. A range of chemical precursors are provided that when acted upon in an electrochemical cell either create an enhanced oxidation, or reduction environment for the destruction or control of contaminants. Chemical agents that can be used to control standard water quality parameters such as total hardness, total alkalinity, pH, total dissolved solids, and the like are introduced via the chemical precursor injection subsystem infrequently or in real time based on sensor inputs and controller set points.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a delivery apparatus for delivering electromagnetic energy into a solution. The delivery apparatus comprises a coil means arranged within an outer housing for delivering a magnetic field into the solution, a voltage assembly means coupled to the coil means for delivering an electric field into the solution, and connection means for delivering an electromagnetic signal to the coil from electromagnetic signal generation circuitry contained within the housing. The arrangement of the present invention confers significant physical stability on the delivery apparatus and ensures that heat generated by heat generating components of the apparatus is conducted away from the electromagnetic signal generation circuitry so that the apparatus can be operated continuously.

Abstract: A method and a modular system for performing a sterilizing treatment of ballast waters (12) onboard of a ship (10), for reducing and/or removing the contents of invasive living micro-organisms. A water loading pump (13) and a water preliminary filtering stage (14) are operatively connected to a plurality of ballast water storing tanks (11); a UV sterilizing apparatus (18) for the ballast water is submerged into the ballast water in each water storing tank (11), and is operatively connected to a local control unit (QE). Each UV sterilizing apparatus (18) comprises a UV radiation source (28). The ballast water (12) inside each storing tank (11) is recirculated although the UV radiation source (28), for a required time and mixed with the ballast water inside the water storage tank (11) to enable the living micro-organisms to be substantially reduced or eliminated, during the navigation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for the treatment of liquids, comprising a filter module with a filter, an inlet for liquid, a first outlet for liquid and a second outlet for filtered liquid, wherein the inlet and the first outlet are positioned on a first side of the filter, and the second outlet is positioned on the second side of the filter, a first UV-treatment module with a first UV-light source, wherein the first UV-treatment module is connected with the first outlet of the filter module and adapted to receive liquid from the filter module, and to expose said liquid to UV-light from the first UV-light source, and a second UV-treatment module with a second UV-light source, wherein the second UV-treatment module is connected with the second outlet of the filter module adapted to receive filtered liquid from the filter module, and to expose said liquid to UV-light from the second UV-light source.

Abstract: A process for producing ultrapure water, in which a stream of water is purified in a reverse osmosis device, wherein the water stream is subject to pretreatment including splitting the water stream into at least two partial streams, partial exchange of cations present in at least one of the partial streams for H+ ions by a cation exchanger operated in the H+ mode, and complete exchange of the anions present in at least one further of the partial streams for OH? ions by a softener operative in parallel to the cation exchanger, and treating the partial streams treated by the cation exchanger and the softener by at least one anion exchanger operating in the OH? mode, and wherein the water stream obtained from the pretreatment is fed into the reverse osmosis device.

Abstract: A reactor unit for photocatalytic treatment of fluids such as air, includes a catalyzer device (4) comprising a catalytic material support having a generally tubular shape defining a fluid flow channel extending around and along a fluid flow path and a photocatalytic material coated on at least a portion of an internal surface of the support, and a radiation source (30) received in a central portion of the catalyzer device. The catalytic material support comprises a wall portion and a plurality of tapered protrusions (8) extending from an internal surface of the wall portion to a tip proximate to the radiation source, the tapered protrusions being arranged around the radiation source and along the fluid flow channel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for purifying a liquid comprising liquid particles and residual particles. It is hereby possible to generate substantially pure water from, for instance seawater.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved water treatment process that operates on a continuous flow of fluids that are subjected to hydrodynamic waves, acoustic ultrasonic waves in combination with injected ozone and electro chemical treatment. The treatment system provides a cost efficient and environmentally friendly process and apparatus for cleaning and recycling fluids as contaminated as frac water, used to stimulate gas production from shale formations, as well as other types of fluids having various levels of contaminants such as aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and suspended solids. The calcium carbonate scaling tendency is reduced to an acceptable level without the use of acids, ion exchange materials, or anti scaling chemicals which is of economical and environmental significance and benefit.

Abstract: A method of treating contaminated air, gas and surfaces is accomplished through the nebulization of gas and/or liquid oxidants through a field of electromagnetic radiation or sonic waves. The contaminated gas and/or liquid streams are blended with gaseous and/or liquid oxidants by the nebulizer and directly injected in the energy field. Free radicals produced from oxidants in the presence of the energy field instantaneously oxidize a large effective surface area of the contaminated media. Surfaces are treated more efficiently with the energy field situated directly above and parallel to but not on the surface; a high-frequency energy field may be used to create a large concentration of free radicals without damaging the surface in a collimated beam of the field situated parallel to the surface. A catalyst may be employed at the tip (i.e. discharge orifices of gas and/or liquid) of the nebulizer or blended into the nebulized cloud to increase the formation of free radicals.

Abstract: An apparatus for passive sorting of microdroplets including a main flow channel, a flow stream of microdroplets in the main flow channel wherein the microdroplets have substantially the same diameter and wherein the flow stream of microdroplets includes first microdroplets having a first degree of stiffness and second microdroplets having a second degree of stiffness wherein the second degree of stiffness is different than the first degree of stiffness. A second flow channel is connected to the main flow channel for the second microdroplets having a second degree of stiffness. A separator separates the second microdroplets having a second degree of stiffness from the first microdroplets and directs the second microdroplets having a second degree of stiffness into the second flow channel.

Abstract: A method and system of providing ultrapure water for semiconductor fabrication operations is provided. The water is treated by utilizing a free radical scavenging system and a free radical removal system. The free radical scavenging system can utilize actinic radiation with a free radical precursor compound, such as ammonium persulfate. The free radical removal system can comprise use of a reducing agent. The ultrapure water may be further treated by utilizing ion exchange media and degasification apparatus. A control system can be utilized to regulate addition of the precursor compound, the intensity of the actinic radiation, and addition of the reducing agent to the water.

Abstract: Provided is a purifying apparatus, which includes ultraviolet lamps and an ozone lamp having different wavelengths from one another and disposed in tubes to remove bacteria, VOC, bad odors in water or air, and these tubes are arranged in a serial or parallel way. Folds are formed at inner ends of the spiral photocatalytic sheets which are in contact with the lamps and the respective lamps are inserted into to increase the contact area with air or water and the one with the lamp, thereby preventing the lamp from being damaged. The purifying apparatus includes: an outer case having an inlet and an outlet; a spiral photocatalytic sheet to be inserted into the outer case; a UV lamp to be inserted into the spiral photocatalytic sheet, wherein folds are disposed at an inner side of the spiral photocatalytic sheet where a space for inserting the UV lamp is formed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for desalination of salt water based on an engineered acoustic field that causes constructive and destructive interference at pre-computed spatial positions. The engineered acoustic field can cause high-pressure and low-pressure regions where desalination membranes are located. The induced pressure from the acoustic field can force pure water through the membranes leaving ionic and dissolved molecular species behind.

Abstract: A device and related method for producing electrical energy, in the form of current flowing in a load. The said method uses two solutions with different ionic concentration as energy source. The said device includes at least two electrodes immersed at least partially in a liquid contained in a cell. The method includes a plurality of phases. Among them, a phase in which the electrodes and are brought into contact with a first solution; a phase in which they are electrically charged; a phase in which they are brought into contact with a second solution; a phase in which at least a part of the accumulated charge is let flow through the load. The energy provided to the load is more than the energy used to charge the electrodes.

Abstract: A novel composition for a photocatalyst Fe doped ZnO nano-particle photocatalyst that enables the decontamination process by degrading toxic organic material such as brilliant cresyl blue, indigo carmine and gentian blue by using solar light is described. In the current disclosure method of making a specific size of the nano photocatalyst is described. Characterization of the photocatalyst, optimal working conditions and efficient use of solar light has been described to show that this photocatalyst is unique. The process described to use the photocatalyst to degrade toxic organic material using the solar light to activate the photocatalyst is cost efficient and cheap to clean our water resources.

Abstract: Contaminants are removed from a quantity of contaminated liquid in a treatment reservoir (2,28) containing a carbon based adsorbent material capable of electrochemical regeneration. The adsorbent material is in the form of a bed supported on a plate (6) at the base of the reservoir. The bed is agitated for a period to distribute the adsorbent material in the liquid and adsorb contaminant therefrom. At the end of the period the agitation ceases, and the bed of adsorbent material is allowed to settle. The adsorbent is then regenerated, during or after settlement, by passing an electric current through the bed to release from the adsorbent gaseous products derived from the contaminant, in bubbles rising through the decontaminated liquid in the reservoir. Various methods of regenerating the adsorbent material are disclosed, as are apparatus in which the method can be applied.

Abstract: A smell-diffusing cell array substrate, an apparatus configured to transfer smell information and an electronic device are provided, the smell-diffusing cell array substrate includes at least one smell-diffusing cell having a microcapsule with a core-shell structure. A shell of the microcapsule includes a wall material and a photocatalyst dispersed in the wall material. A core of the microcapsule includes a smell-diffusion material and a hydrophilic liquid.