A heat-resistant substrate is composed of (a) a stainless steel plate having a surface roughness Rmax of 500-5000 A and (b) a polyimide resin layer coated on the surface of (a).    The polyimide resin is pref. a copolyimide comprising 10-30 mol% of repeat unit (A) and 90-70 mol% of repeat unit (B). The polyimide resin may be a copolyamidoimide comprising 70-90 mol% of repeat unit (C) and 30-10 mol% of repeat unit (D).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Usable as substrates for solar battery, photo-sensor, photo-switch, etc. in electronic material field. The surface smoothness is high and the heat-resistance, chemical-resistance and electric insulation are good. The substrate can be prepd. inexpensively.
Substrate is composed of (a) a metal plate, (b) a polyimide resin layer adhered to the surface of (a), and (c) a releasable film adhered to the surface of (b).    The metal plate is pref stainless steel or Al plate. The polyimide resin is pref a copolyimide comprising 10-30 mol% of repeat unit (A) and 90-70 mol% of repeat unit (B). The polyimide resin may be a copolyamidoimide comprising 70-90 mol% of repeat unit (C) and 30-10 mol% of repeat unit (D).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Prod. is used as substrate for solar battery, photo-sensor, photo-switch, etc. By the provision of the protecting film (c), the surface of the substrate can be protected against dust or scratching during storage or transportation.
A solar module for several interconnected solar cells consists of a carrier foil (1), e.g. polyester 0.13 mm thick, with an adhesive foil (2), e.g. ethylene vinyl acetate 0.5-0.8 mm thick at the rear (4) of the solar cells. These foils form a rim around the cells. Several such modules are combined and fastened with the rim to a common carrier plate, made pref. of glass, wood or plastics. Strips (8) interconnect the cells.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For vehicle or aircraft models. This silicon cell module is lightweight, simple, flexible and universally usable.
Heat-exchanger comprises a header conduit with a wall aperture, a one-piece moulded manifold with aligned tube connectors extending from a base, a channel in a rear part of the manifold communicating with the connectors, aligned tubes secured to the connectors, and the rear surface of the base conforming to the exterior wall of the header and fixed to it so that the channel communicates with the bore.    The connectors are pref. 12-24 parallel nipples extending radially from the header and with guides at their forward end for aligning the tubes when engaged slidably with them. The header and manifold are pref. of ABS and are bonded together with liq. adhesive. There may be two identical manifolds longitudinally aligned.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Partic. as solar water heater, can be assembled rapidly, and easily, with all tubular connections made simultaneously.
Photovoltaic cell comprises (1) a conductive substrate; (2) a layer of P-N junction molecules (I), oriented so that their acceptor regions are on the substrate; (3) over the junction, a polymer antenna contg. light-capturing sensitisers (II) and able to convey electrons and (4) conducting elements connected to the antenna to provide a current path. When the cell is exposed to light, current flows out of the junction into the substrate and returns through an external circuit so the conductive elements and into the polymer. Each (I) molecule comprises donor and acceptor regions, interlinked by a predetermined distance.    (I) contain porphyrin and quinone molecules interlinked at a distance of 10-40 angstroms. (II) are organic dyes, esp. naphthalene, anthracene or phenanthrene, and absorb sunlight of shorter wavelength than the donor region of (I).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   By conveying electrical energy, the polymer increases efficiency of electron transfer in the junction. The cell is simple to make with only low material requirements, e.g. 1 kg of (I) per sq. km. of junction. The cell simulates chlorophyll-based photosynthetic cells.
The battery (I) contains electrochemical cells (A,B,C) of cylindrical cross-section arranged in a housing (D), an electrically insulating liq. or solid (E) being provided as filling substance (II) in the space between the cells (A,B,C), adapted to absorb heat and also to transfer heat from one cell (A,B,C) to the others. Multicellular batteries of type such that, on short-circuiting one of the cells, the battery would probably be severely damaged, contg. a suitable (II) in the space between the cells, are also claimed.    (II) is solid of m.pt. between 40 and 150 deg.C (II) substantially fills space be tween the cells. (II) has high heat capacity and low viscosity in liq. state. (II) is natural of any of these. Cells have Li or Ca anode. Cells are high energy cells of wound electrical type or high ene rgy wound electrode type cells. Cells have Li or Ca anode and electrolyte of SOCl1, SO2CL2, or SO2.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Preventing damage to cells and possible distortion and breakage of housing on short circuiting. (I) does not rely on pressure-relieving openings which allow emission of toxic and corrosive materials.
Collector comprises a tubular or solid transparent prism located within a pair of parabolic reflectors focussing radiation incident at the max. acceptance angle onto the prism apex. The axes of the parabolic sections lie at the acceptance angle on either side of the normal to the collector, and intersect at the prism apex, with the vertices of the parabolic sections at the base corners of the prism.    The prism may be a tube filled with transparent liq. and incorporating an array of photovoltaic cells of rectangular cross-section within the base of the prism to generate electricity. The reflectors may be made by bending sheet metal to the required section then sliding into a base plate so that it is elastically deformed to the shape of two back-to-back reflectors. The prism has e.g. a base plate of sheet acrylic resin or anodised Al, and a triangular section of hot-bent acrylic resin or glass.    ADVANTAGE -   Avoids convergence of radiation onto the edge of solar cells as the acceptance limit is approached.
Electro-catalyst comprises a Pt-Cu alloy contg. 15-50 at.% Cu supported on a carrier, pref. C black, acetylene black, graphite or WC, in well dispersed form. Alloy loading on the carrier is pref. 0.1-30 esp. 5-15 wt.%.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   With an acid electrolyte fuel cell electrode (claimed). Electro-catalyst has enhanced stability and activity.
In a photovoltaic device comprising an active photovoltaic material (I) and a transparent substrate (II), the improvement is that (II) is a copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene and a perfluoroalkoxy resin having a m.pt. above 300 deg.C.    (II) is pref. 0.1-5 mils thick and (I) is pref. a thin film silicon hydrogen alloy.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   E.g. as solar cells for converting light into electrical energy. The device is partic. useful in space applications. It is flexible and Si: H alloy used displays excellent radiation resistance. It can be used in a bifacial mode, i.e. it can be irradiated from either or both sides, making it possible to operate at 2 suns rather than 1 sun.
In heating and cooling with a bifunctional, flexible solar collector made entirely from plastics, and the appts. used, the novel features are that the solar collector has a flexible synthetic fibre solar absorber with a heat-conducting microporous coating, hermetically sealed in a completely plastics housing.    The solar absorber has interconnected plastics tubes, covered and in conductive contact with a heat-conducting, black and microporous coating. The housing is a UV-resistant, transparent housing with antireflective properties. The bottom insulating mat pref is hermetically sealed against moisture in a plastics bag. The thermal insulation can be increased by using a UV-resistant and transparent air chamber film. The collector can be placed over a sealable exhaustion device for removing col vapour in one junction setting; pref. over a hollow profile frame for collector stabilisation, receiver for cold condensed liquir and supply or liquid to the capillaries; esp. a steam chamber covered by plastics film stretched over profiles.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The claims also cover a collector with a steam dome function, i.e.r receiving and condensing steam. The collector is suitable for heating water to 60-80 deg.C and for cooling to -15 to -20 deg.C, making it useful for heating water and space heating and also for cooling in air conditioning and cold storage applications.
A prim. electrochemical cell comprises an anode, a cathode and an electrolyte which is solid as 20-100 deg. C. The electrolyte comprises an electrolytically active solids polymer derived from a monomer with at least one heteroatom and a salt complex. The salt has the formula R3CMXn, M is lower, phosphorus, antimony of arsenic, X is halogen, n is4 or 6 and R is 6-18C aryl, 1-8C alkyl or 7-26C alkaryl. Pref. the polymer is formed from tetrohydrofuran (THF), 1,3-dioxolane, 1,4-dioxane, ethylene-, propylene- or butylene-oxides. This monomer is polymerised by a catalyst comprising a metal or Lewis acid. In the salt R3CMXn, M is boron and X is fluorine. The anode is of a Gp IIA metal, e.g. Mg or Ca, or aluminium. The catalyst is an alkali(ne earth)metal, Al or Zn compd. The cathode comprises a Gp. IB, IIB, IVA, VA, IVB, VB, VIB, VIIB or VIII element sulphide, halide, haloborate, arsenide or phosphate or sulphure or iodine or a tetraalkyl ammonium polyhalode.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The polymer/salt complex electrolyte has good flexibility and high anionic conductivity.
Colloids of at least one cationic conductive perfluorinated ionomer (I) are made by (i) dissolving an ionomer (I) having an equiv. wt. of less than 1500 in a water/alcohol mixt. at below 300 deg.C; (ii) concentrating and drying the soln. at a temp. of at most 100 deg.C; (iii) milling the prod. into a fine powder and (iv) dissolving and homogenising this powder in a solvent contg. at least one organic solvent at a temp. of at most 100 deg.C.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Conversion of the ionomer into a fine powder allows it to be dissolved at relatively low temps. in solvents in which the original ionomer does not dissolve directly, to give gel-free colloidal solns. which are esp. useful as electrolyte in electrochemical battery cells.
A process for making a composite polymer membrane comprises irradiating a membrane that comprises a first material (I) which defines a porous matrix and a second material (II), blocking the pores of the matrix, which contains a crosslinking agent (III) and a photoinitiator and is crosslinked under UV radiation.    A porous matrix of (I) is formed by removal, esp. liq. extn., of a pore forming material, esp. polyethylene oxide, dispersed in (I). (II) is impregnated in the resulting poers and is polymerised in situ by irradiation.    Claimed use of (I) as polyethylene contg. polyethylene oxide (II) as an ethylenically unsatd. acid or ester; and (III) which forms a sec. radical or tert. non-conjugated radical when irradiated and is used in an amt. of at least 0.1 wt.%.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The membrane is useful as an ion exchange membrane having an ion exchange capacity of more than 1 milliequiv./g and is esp. useful as an electrode separator in an electrochemical device contg. an anode, a cathode and an electrolyte. Other uses include biological application such as dialysis.
Solar heat absorbing sheet comprises a polypropylene base sheet, a cover layer contg. a propylene chloride denatured thermoplastic acryl resin binder and metallic powder and other cover layer contg., at least, an oxide of metal, e.g. Fe.    USE -   Used for solar heat collectors. (J58168843-A)
In the mfr of plastic heat exchangers: the joint part between a plastic end cover and heat exchange tubes, which are made of the same plastic material, is immersed in a soln. which is made by solving the same plastic material as the end cover and the heat exchange tubes in a solvent. The joint part is taken out of the soln and dried to joint the joint part.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used in the mfr of plastic heat exchangers used in car radiators, air conditioning, and other industrial uses. The etching process required in the conventional jointing methods using an adhesive is unnecessary. Since the plastic component for the end cover, heat exchange tubes, and the soln is the same, high jointing strength is obtd.
The lithium cell is composed of an anode collector, a cathode collector, an anode, a cathode made of lithium (alloy), a separator, and the electrolyte. The anode and cathode are set in-between both of the collectors, and the separator is set in-between the anode and the cathode. The lithium ion conductive gelatinous organic electrolyte comprises a lithium salt, polyalkyl-ene oxide, and a sulpholane cpd., in which the salt and the oxide are soluble. Pref (1) the lithium salt is dimethoxyethane addn cpd of LiB-(Ph)4 (where Ph = phenyl).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The gelatinous electrolyte has improved lithium ion conductivity. The electrolyte improves the discharge capacity and the charge-discharge cycle characteristic os the secondary cells.    In an example, 15g of dimethoxyethane addn cpd. of LiB(Ph)4 (mol ratio of LiB (Ph)4 to dimethoxyethane = 1:3) was dissolved in 31.5g of sulpholane, then 9.3g of polyethylene oxide (ave mol wt = 20,000) was added, then the mixture was allowed to stand at 70 deg C for 30 min. Ion conductivity of the obtd electrolyte was at 2.5 x 10 power (-3) S/cm at 25 deg C.
A solar heat collector to heat passing air consists of a wooden frame with two strips on the longer sides and one strip on one short side. The space between the lower strips is filled by an insulating layer of straw or coconut matting and by a black absorption foil, e.g., of PVS. This is covered by a grating of plastic threads, pref. black nylon through which air can enter, and be extracted by the funnel and blower, heated by solar radiation. A transparent smooth foil, made e.g., of UV-stabilised PVC, covers the grating. the foil has pref. many bosses on the inside.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For air drying of hay, straw, cereals or tobacco. A good heat transfer is combined with low cost and a mfr. in any sizes.
A nickel-hydrogen battery comprises a cell stack mounted in a pressure vessel, the battery being for use in a space satellite. The cell-stack of cell components is held in position in the cylindrical pressure vessel as rigidly as possible by a cantilevered central tie rod passing through holes in each of the cell components and carrying an end plate at each end. Each end plate, which is disc-shaped, is provided with integral, peripherally mounted fingers to engage the inner wall of the pressure vessel thereby stopping or damping vibration of the stack on launch of a satellite carrying the battery. Each end-plate thus acts as a support for the cell-stack. The end-plate with fingers mounted thereon may be made of polysulphone or other plastics material by injection moulding.
A solar heat collector rests on a carrier layer (5) with corrugated aluminium (5a), an upper aluminium foil (5b) and a bottom aluminium foil or plate (5c). The thickness of the foils (5b,5c) is e.g. 0.2-0.7 mm, of (5a) 0.1-0.5 mm and the entire layer (5) 3-10 mm. Air can pass through the channels (6). A hot melt foil (4), e.g. of EVA polymer, is used to fix the solar cells (1), embedded in a transparent plastic layer (2). A highly transparent PTFE foil (3) covers the solar cells.    ADVANTAGE -   Such a solar heat collector combines low weight and great rigidity with adequate cooling.
Alkaline cell is made by: sequentially filling a mould with powders of positive material (I), separator mixt. and negative material (II); compacting; placing the resulting laminated tablet in a container; impregnating with an alkaline electrolyte soln.; and sealing.    (I) pref. contains an oxidising agent, conductive material and binder; and (II) pref. contains an H2 storage alloy, conductive material and binder. Oxidising agent is MnO2, Ni oxide (IV), WO3, PbO2 or MoO3; H2 storage alloy is TiNi, TiNiB0.01, TiNiMn0.01, LaNi5 or TiFe; conductive material is acetylene black, black Pb, graphite or powdered Ni; binder is carboxymethyl cellulose (salt) or PTFE; separator mixt. contains electrolyte supporting material, pref. SiO2 or Al2O3, and binder; and electrolyte is aq. KOH, NaOH, LiOH or a mixt. of these.    Method is claimed for forming an alkaline cell by placing a laminated and compacted tablet in the casing and sealing the casing.    ADVANTAGE -   Method is simple and low cost.
The solar heater panel comprises two spaced heaters each with projecting hollow spigots to which are solvent-welded tubes included in a panel which connects the two heaters. Specifically the spigots are of PVC, and the panel is a blend of rubber and PVC, and pref. each spigot is spaced with an encircling flange which locates a tube end.    ADVANTAGE -   Low cost panel is easily assembled, and has no complicated joints between spigots and tubes.
The cathode contains Zn active material and an anode composed of polymer complexed with iodide and/or compsn. of the polymer and iodide dispersed in the polymer matrix. The improvement comprises that the electrolyte of the battery contains polyphosphate having formula (I) (wherein, n is 0 - 100, M = Li, Na, K or NH4). The electrolyte normally contains zinc iodide and opt. additional supporting electrolyte such as Li chloride, Na chloride, Na bromide, M chloride, M iodide, ammonium chloride, ammonium iodide or Zn chloride etc. The anode may contain material such as acetylene black or oil black etc. to increase the electroconductivity.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The battery shows an excellent resistance to a formation of dendrite during the charge of the battery, and it has an excellent durability and a long life.
A battery element useful as at least a portion of the positive plates in a lead-acid battery comprises an acid resistant glass coated with electrically conductive doped tin oxide, the glass having increased acid resistance relative to E-glass.    Pref. the dopant of the Sn oxide is fluoride ion. The element may further comprise a fluid-impervious matrix layer e.g. of thermosetting polymer having a polarity which is increased relative to polypropylene, having mutually opposing first and second surfaces situated such that at least a portion of the coated glass is embedded in the matrix layer to form a fluid impervious, conductive composite.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The elements are useful to provide improved performance in both conventional lead-acid batteries and in bipolar lead-acid batteries. They have the required electrical, chemical, physical and mechanical properties and are esp. resistant to the sulphuric acid electrolyte and to the aggressive oxidative-acidic conditions present on the positive side of lead-acid batteries. The element may be placed so that at least a portion of the coated substrate contacts the positive active electrode material, so that even when some of the positive active material is converted to an electrical insulator (e.g. PbSO4) the glass coated with doped tin oxide provides electrical conductivity through the positive active material-insulator compsn. and thus improves the performance of the battery
A polyethylene-vinyl acetate film with textured surface is produced by extruding a wide and flat sheet of melt on to the surface of a revolving chill roller, where it is cooled to the film and then (with or without a separating film) reeled. The chill roller has the negative of the texture required in its surface.    ADVANTAGE -   The film product is completely stress-free. It is very suitable for making solar cell modules.
New compsn. derivs. are 2-oxa- or 2-imino-3-(4-substd.-5-substd. carboxy-thiazol-2-yl)-4-cyano-7-amino -2H-chromene cpds. of formula (I): B1 and B2 independently = aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, aromatic or heterocyclic gps.; X = O or imino; Z1 = H, 1-4C alkyl (opt. substd. by OH, CN, 1-4C alkoxy, Cl, Br, COOH, carb-1-4C-alkoxy, carbonamido or acetoxy), cyclohexyl, benzyl, phenylethyl, phenyl or p-tolyl; Z2 = H or 1-4C alkyl, opt. substd. by CN, 1-4C alkoxy, Cl, Br, COOH, carb-1-4C-alkoxy, carbonamido or acetoxy; Z1 + Z2 + N can = a 5-6-membered satd. heterocycle and Z1 and/or Z2 can form a ring with the o-position (to the N atom).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   (I) are claimed for use as fluorescent dyestuff in organic material, in light-collecting systems and dyestuffs. For light concn. systems (e.g. for solar cells), they can be incorporated in plastics panels or films (e.g. polymethyl (meth)acrylate, polystyrene, polydiethylene glycol diallyl biscarbonate, polyamides and polycarbonates). They have high fluorescence (with a quantum yield of over phi= 0.9), good solubility inmedia used in light concn., high light-fastness and a wide absorption range.
Vanadium redox battery includes: an anolyte contg. a V3+/V2+ redox system, the V2+ ions being oxidised during discharge, a catholyte contg. a V5+/V4+ redox system, the V5+ ions being reduced during discharge; and an ionically conductive separator between the compartments. The reverse processes take place during the charging process.    The anolyte pref. has a V3+:V2+ ratio of a trace:5.0M to 5.0M: a trace; and the catholyte pref. has a C5+:V4+ ratio in the same range. The pref. range for each is a trace: 2.0M to 2.0M a trace.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   As a storage battery for e.g. space flight. Cell overcomes the diffusion, stability and solubility problems of prior art V cells.
Solar cell assemblage comprises (A) a pre-treated silanised transparent substrate; (B) a layer of semiconductor material comprising solar cell(s); (C) an electrical contact on the surface of (B); (E) an extruded transparent film for encapsulating the assemblage of (A), (B) and (C); (F) a frame to contain the encapsulated solar cell laminate; and (G) sealant to seal the frame to the laminate.    (E) comprises (I) 75-91 pts. wt. blend of (1) 65-75 pts. wt. selectively hydrogenated two block copolymer comprising blocks A and B such that before hydrogenation (i) each A is a polymer block of monovinyl or alpha-alkyl monovinyl arene of number average mol. wt. 5000-75000and is present to a total of 10-40 wt.%, and (ii) each B is a polymer block of number average mol. wt. 10000-150000, formed by polymerising 4-10C conjugated diene and is pesent to a total of 90-60 wt.%; and (2) 25-25 pts. wt. selectively hydrogenated multi block copolymer comprising 10-40 wt.% end blocks A and 90-10 wt.% mid block B as defined above; (II) 8.5-22.5 pts. wt. alpha-methyl-styrene polymer tackifying resin; and (III) 0.5-1.5 pts. wt. mixt. of phenolic antioxidant, UV absorber with benzotriazole functionality and UV absorber with hindered amine functionality.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for a commercial 40 watt solar cell module supported at 4 mounting points moulded into the encapsulant without a centre mounting. The encapsulant can be provided with panels of thickness 0.210'' +- 0.020'' and can contain intra-panel wiring harnesses. It can support a protective outer coating, e.g. a gel coat, to improve weatherability. The encapsulant has max. mould temp. 90 deg. C and button-to-button cycle time less than 10 mins..
Sodium-sulphur accumulator battery for space applications comprises several juxtaposed cylindrical accumulators (1), of which one base carries a terminal of a first polarity and the container comprises a terminal of a second polarity, which can be connected in series-parallel. The battery comprises a heat regulating device comprising:- (a) a heat insulated enclosure of parallelepipedal shape of which one wall has a large opening; (b) plaletets made of a heat conducting material in thermal contact, via an intermediate electrical insulator, on the one hand with the containers and on the other hand with a radiator common to all the accumulators, located at the level of the bottom of the containers and closing the opening of the heat insulated enclosure; (c) heating resistances interposed between the accumulators, capable of being fed by a source outside of the battery, and controlled at the internal temp. of the enclosure, the size and nature of the radiator as well as control of the feeding of the resistances being such that the temp. of the battery is kept at a value between 2 extreme temps. 290 and 380 deg.C, pref. 300-350 deg.C.    ADVANTAGE -   The battery is free from any moving component. It is very compact since it is not necessary to provide space for a forced circulation of cooling gas or convection of vaporised liquid. Exchange of heat towards the exterior is effected very simply by means of only one plane radiator, replacing one wall of the heat insulated enclosure. The battery is in modular form thus allowing prodn. of various types of batteries for meeting various specifications.
Cell comprising a metal container contg. electrodes and electrolyte and a metal cap, includes a conductive member (28) secured to the bottom of the container via an insulator (32) so that the inner part of the conductor is insulated from the bottom of the container and the peripheral part contacts it via a conductive bond, (30,31). When the centre of the bottom of the container bulges the conductive bond breaks sepg. the bottom of the container from the conductive member and breaking electrical contact between them.    USE -   With a galvanic cell, esp. an MnO2-Zn KOH electrolyte cell (claimed). One terminal is isolated when the cell bulges beyond a predetermined amt. The interrupter is simple and irreversible, and avoids an intermediate 'chatter' condition; it can be incorporated without re-designing the cell.
In the structure a transparent substrate (1) has been coated with a transparent first electrode (2), pref. F=doped Sn-oxide, and an intermediate layer (3), e.g. amorphous Si. This layer is then covered with photoresist (5) pref a novolac/ epoxy photopolymer. The structure is then exposed to UV-light pref a wavelength of 350-400 nm through the substrate, exposing the photoresist in the pinholes of the intermediate layer. If positive resist is used then after development an insulating layer is evapd or sputtered, then the remaining resist is removed, lifting off the insulating layer except in the pinholes. If negative resist is used the top-electrode, pref. Ag or NiCr, is deposited after exposure of the resist and development. Then the rest of the resist is removed and with it the overlying part of the top-electrode.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process allows an insulation layer to separate the 2 electrodes in the places where pinholes occur in the intermediate layer, or the electrode-material to be removed in those areas. This allows large area structures, e.g. solar cells or capacitor to be constructed with improved yield.
Amorphous photocell modules are made by producing an amorphous unit cell which is cut up into individual cells each with at least one collector finger. Finally these collectors are joined on each cell to exposed narrow areas of the bottom electrode of the adjoining photocell to form a series circuit.    ADVANTAGE -   This method is suitable for automation and mass prodn. and minimises the number of electrical connections. (Previously notified in week 8737)
Cell comprising an anode, cathode, aq. electrolyte and opt. a porous separator includes in at least one component a promoter (I) comprising a solid material, other than graphite, having a zeta potential such that electro-osmotic flow of electrolyte are induced into the component when current is flowing through its electrolyte-filled pores. (I) is pref. a polymer with pendant sulphonate and halide gps. esp. sulphonated polyvinylidene difluoride.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. in a Pb acid storage cell. Access of the electrolyte to one or both electrodes or other cell component is enhanced.
A wavelength-shifting device useful when optically coupled to a photoelectric cell to increase the portion of the solar spectrum available to the cell for conversion into electricity comprises the reaction prod. of a beta-diketone (I), an aldehyde (II) and an amine (II), the reaction prd. being chelated with lanthanide metal ion. The chelate is physically supported by a polymer so that the resulting wavelength-shifting device can be optically coupled to a photovoltaic cell.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The condensn prod absorbs a significant level of energy from the energy rich part of the solar spectrum below ca. 450 nm, and transfers the energy to the lanthanide ion, which then emits or fluoresces at a longer wavelength which can be utilised by conventional photovoltaic cells. The chelated condensn. prods. have a long-lived fluorescence and a large Stoke's shift, absorbing energy at the energy rich part of the solar spectrum (280-460 nm) and emitting energy at 540 nm and beyond. The chelated condens. prods. are used eg in the form of a coating for photovoltaic cells.
An insulating, transparent substrate (1) is coated with an array of isolated, transparent front-electrodes (2) each defining 1 cell. Then the photovoltaic thin film (3), pref. amorphous Si, is deposited, e.g. by evaporation or sputtering. On this layer a network (4) is deposited, pref. by screen printing, which masks against metal deposition but which can be easily removed e.g. by dissolution. This network is aligned such that it is sepd. from an edge of the front electrode (2) by a small distance, e.g. about 5% of the cell-width. A groove (5) is then made in the top layer (3) pref. by sawing, milling, grinding or sand-blasting, until the front electrode is contacted. This groove covers the distance from the mask-edge (4) to the electrode (2) edge, which is nearest. The surface is then metallised (6) and the pattern (4) removed, pref. by dissolving, pulling off or washing off pref. in an Ultra-sonic bath. This separates the backelectrodes (8) for individual cells and connects, via the groove, the front-electrodes with the back electrode of 1 neighbouring cell.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The construction allows a high voltage, e.g. 12 or 24 V, to be built up using a simple process which does not degrade the conversion level of the cell.
In the prodn. of a lead accumulator, in which the acid electrolyte is fixed by gel-forming material and reinforced with fibres, the novel features are that: (a) an acid-resistant fibre material is dispersed uniformly in the required amt. of H2SO4 by intensive mixing; (2) solid or dispersed colloidal SiO2 is stirred into the mixt.; (3) the accumulator is filled with the mixt. whilst this is still in the solid state; and (4) gelation is allowed to occur in this.    Pref. the fibres consists of glass, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, ethylene-propylene copolymer or a polyolefin and are 0.1-2 mm long and 0.5-20 microns thick. The wt. fraction of fibres in the H2SO4/fibre mixt. is ca 0.05-1%, pref. 0.05-0.1%.    ADVANTAGE -   This is a more efficiency method of incorporating the reinforcing fibres than methods used previously.
System for forming electrodes for electrochemical cells comprises : conductive end electrodes (12,14) spaced apart in aq. electrolyte and connected to a power supply; a pair of precursor electrodes (20,22) each comprising electroactive material to be reduced or oxidised formed on a conductive substrate located in the electrolyte and also connected to the power supply; restraining means to maintain the shape of the precursor electrodes; and a separator (36) between the precursor and end electrodes to cause the restraining forces to be applied uniformly.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. in formation of bipolar electrodes. System promotes high efficiency of the reduction oxidn. process resulting in utilisation of less power.
Solid electrolyte compsn comprises (A) cross-linked polymer prepd. by cross-linking branched polyethyleneimine with poly-functional epoxy cpd. and (B) inorganic electrolyte. Pref (A) is polymer of formula (I). (x and y are integers so mol. ratios of prim, sec and tert amin gps is 1:2:1). It has mol. wt. of 300-100,000. Epoxy cpd. is pref. diepoxyalkane (e.g. 1,3-diepoxybutane or 1,7-diepoxy-octane), epoxy resin of polyalkylene glycol type (e.g. epoxy resin of bisphenol A or F type, novolak epoxy resin or polyfunctional phenol type, diglycidyl ether cpd prepd by reacting resorcinol and epihalohydrin, aralkyl epoxy resin or epoxy resin of hydantoin type. It is used in an amt. of 1-50 PHR. (B) is pref. LiClO4, LiI, LiBF4, LiAsF6, LiCF3SO3, LiPF6, LiSCN, NaI, NaSCN, NaBr, CsSCN, AgNO3,CuCl2 or Mg(ClO4)2. It is in the compsn. in an amt of 0.1-100 mol% per unit monomer of branched polyethylen-imine. The compsn. is prepd. by blending uniformly the imine and the inorganic electrolyte and cross-linking the polyethylene imine by adding the mixt. with the epoxy cpd and heating the mixt. opt in the presence of solvent (e.g. methanol). When the compsn is formed into a sheet etc the compsn is formed prior to the termination of the cross-linking reaction.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Compsn has high-ion conductivity and moulding workability. Useful as a solid electrolyte for prim or sec battery, fuel cell or electrochromic display element. It contains no liq. component so that it has high storage stability and long life.
A solar heating panel has a casing with a translucent cellular cover defining flow channels for a fluid, thermal insulation, a storage reservoir for the fluid, photovoltaic cells, a heat exchanger, and a pump powered by the cells. The heat exchanger pref. has polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, copper, or steel tubes. The cover is pref. of polymethyl methacrylate. The insulation is pref. polyurethane foam.    USE -   For heating water.
A fluorine substd. polymer (I) is dehydrofluorinated by treatment with a basic soln. at 20-100 deg.C for at least 5 mins. (I) is a homopolymer of vinylidene fluoride (VDF) or triflurooethylene or a copolymer or terpolymer containing a major proportion of VDF units with hexafluorooropene, trifluoroethylene, vinyl fluoride, vinyl chloride and/or chlorotrifluoroethylene units. The basic soln. has pH 10-14 and contains an alkali hydroxide, organic amine or quaternary ammonium hydroxide.The dehydrofluorinated polymer has at least 5 mole % units of the formula (II) where X is H or F. The dehydrofluorinated units form conjugated double bonds which impart electrical conductivity to the polymer.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The conductive polymer is used for light weight high storage capacity batteries.
Improved safety latching assembly for holding an external battery pack in sealing engagement with portable and/or remote electronics equipment has a guide frame fixedly attached to the side of either the electronics equipment or the battery pack and a strike plate slideably engaged by the guide frame for movement between an operative and an open position, a shear pin being engaged transversely through the strike plate to hold the strike plate in the normally operative position, and a catch mounted on the other side of the battery pack or electronics equipment to engage the strike plate and cam the battery pack and electronics equipment into sealing engagement.    ADVANTAGE -   When the pressure i'n the battery exceeds a predetermined amount the shear pin is sheared and the strike plate is free to move to the open position which opens the seal between the battery pack and the electronics equipment venting the battery pack to atmos.
Solar cell module comprises a CdS/CdTe junction (1) as a photovoltaic portion and an O2 releasing agent filled in the module, pref. a peroxide esp. Ca, Zn, or Mg peroxide, or ammonium persulphate.    Pref. the agent (9) is contg. in a polyethylene bag (90) in a space in the module with the bag mouth open.    ADVANTAGE -   Supply of O2 to the solar cell minimises the reduction in conversion efficiency which would result from shortage of O2. In an example polyethylene bag (90) is filled with 0.3 g ammonium persulphate (9) and air (30), to a thickness of about 1 mm and is left with its mouth open. (First major country equivalent to J62132371-A)
A hydrometallurgical process for recovering, in re-usable form, materials from exhausted lead-acid batteries such as polypropylene, ebonite, PVC, paste contg. Pb sulphatized cpds. and pure or alloyed metallic Pb, comprises the steps of (a) crushing the batteries, (b) sepn. of paste by wet screening, (c) sepn. of polypropylene by water flotation, (d) sepn. of ebonite and PVC from pure or alloyed metallic Pb by a first hydrodynamic sepn., (e) sepn. of ebonite from PVC by a second hydrodynamic sepn., (f) desulphatisation of the paste by carbonation with Na carbonate to give pure Na sulphate, (g) recovering the pure Na sulphate and (h) recovering pure metallic Pb from the carbonated paste by electro extraction.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process allows recovery of materials from scrap lead-acid batteries in re-usable form, is economically attractive and causes less environmental pollution than e.g. pyrometallurgical recovery processes.
Improved roof construction, for preventing entry of rain and melted snow into a building and for generating electricity, com-prises (a) a flat, horizontal roof substrate; (b) a structure extending above the substrate and having at least one inclined surface; (c) a membrane of elastomeric material on and covering the substrate and the structure, the membrane being water-impervious and resistant to ultraviolet light and deterioration from weather; and (d) photocells for converting photon energy to electricity on the portion of the membrane covering the inclined surface.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Economical roof and photocell construction, which will be effective as both a water and moisture impervious roof covering, and as a generator of electricity from solar radiation, without the expense of a separate frame or other similar support structure for the solar cell array, whilst providing increased thermal insulation to the roof together with optimum position for the photocells.
Solar energy collector has a lens supported by the housing, the lens being operable to concentrate incident solar radiation along a focal axis of the solar energy collector. A receiver is within and supported by the housing along the focal axis for receiving the concentrated solar radiation. The receiver has a layer of transparent material comprising a series of juxtaposed prisms arranged perpendicularly w.r.t. the focal axis for exposure to the concentrated solar radiation.    Pref. each of the juxtaposed prisms is a triangular groove cut perpendicularly w.r.t. the focal axis. There is insulation between a metallic lower support and the housing and the insulation is pref. isocyanurate urethane. The transparent material is pref. a silicone polymer.    ADVANTAGE -   Heat losses from the receiver to the environment are reduced together with front surface reflection loss. Reflection losses from the absorber are minimised.
A secondary battery uses as at least one of positive and negative poles an organic semiconductor obtd from reaction of a nitrogen oxide of the formula NOmX (where X is BF4-, BCl4-, SbF6-, etc), e.g., NOBF4, NP2BF4, NOPF6, NO2PF6, NOSbF6, etc. with a condensed heterocyclic compound of the formula (I) or (II) (where R1 and R2 are each H, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, allyloxy, thioether, amino, halogen atom, aldehyde, cyano, or nitro, Y is N-R3, O, S, or Se, and R3 is H, alkyl, or aryl and m is 1 or 2), e.g. carbazole, N-n-methylcarbazole, N-ethylcarbazole, N-n-propylcarbazole, N-n-butylcarbazole, 4-methylcarbazole, dibenzofuran, dibenzothiophene, etc., or indole, 3-methylindole, 3-ethylindole, N-methylindole, 3-methylthiobenzothiophene, etc. in the presence of a solvent, eg non-proton polar solvent such as acetonitrile, dioxane, nitromethane, etc at -20 - 60 deg.C for 0.5-100 hours.    The organic semiconductor may contain a thermoplastic resin, e.g. PE, PP, ethylene-propylene copolymer etc a conductive material e.g. a metal such as stainless steel, Cu, Au, Pt, etc. Pref. amt of the nitrogen oxide used is 0.01-100 (0.1-10)-fold moles, w.r.t wt. heterocyclic cpd used.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The secondary battery, uses a specific organic conductor with god resistance to oxidn. It has good storability and is free of abrupt rise of charge voltage. The sec battery thus has improved charge and discharge efficiency and cycle life.
Sealed lead storage battery including at least one negative including at least one negative electrode plate capable of absorbing oxygen gas generated from a positive electrode plate during recharging, comprises a battery casing having breathing hole(s) in communication with the interior and a safety valve including a flat synthetic rubber plate held over the breathing hole(s) by means of an open-celled elastomer material. Pref. the portion of the battery casing around the hole(s) which contacts the plate is coated with a liq. sealant.    ADVANTAGE -   The valve is accommodated within a valve chamber and does not protrude above the surface of the battery casing, so the battery is compact; the valving pressure can be adjusted by the compression load applied by the elastomer pad, so versatility can be increased by suitable choice of battery casing parameters; the resiliency of the flat rubber plate minimises wrinkling due to differences in pressure in different chambers and any possible influence due to the effects of tension; the use of one plate to cover several holes reduces the no. of components required; valve structure is simplified and the valving pressure stabilised throughout the life of the battery.
The element is composed of an electrode obtd. by coating an electroconductive member with organic substance, an electrolyte, and a 2nd electrode. The element utilises the change of the system caused by irradiation of light onto the electrode. The organic substance comprises a polymer of an aniline cpd. of formula (I) as main ingredient R1-R3 are H, phenyl, alkyl, alkoxy, or amino.    Pref. aq. soln. contg. Cu (I) ions is used in the electrolyte, and metal including Cu as main ingredient is used for the other electrode.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Photoelectric current higher than that obtd. from conventional polypyrrole electrodes can be obtd., efficiency is improved.
Photo-electric transformation layer consists of a mixt. of phthalocyanines powder, electric charge transporting agent and binder resin. The layer is sandwiched with electrode layer and semi-permeable electrode layer. Phthalocyanine powder is surface-coated with plasma polymerisation membrane of hydrocarbon.    In an example; photoelectric transformation layer: alpha-type-Cu phthalocyanine powders are coated by plasma-polymerisation of styrene-monomer gas to a thickness of about 50 Angstrom (pref. 20-80 Angstrom. To 20 wt. part (as solid of coated powder, 40 wt. part of N-ethylcarbazol 3-aldehyde-methyl-phenyl hydrazone (electric charge transporting agent) and 40 wt. part of polyethylene resin (binder) are blended and dissolved with xylene at 60 deg. C. Obtd. coating soln. is applied with spraying, dipping, or spinner speed two-stage changing method on the gold-layer which is vacuum-evaporated on the surface of Al base board at about 5000 Angstrom thick.    Phthalocyanines material is alpha-type hydrogen phthalocyanine, methylphthalocyanine or their deriv.. Monomer gas is methanes, ethylenes, acetylenes or aromatic hydrocarbons N-contg., O-contg., halogen-contg. hydrocarbons hydrocarbons mixed with P-contg. gas, B-, Si- Ge- contg. gas etc. Plasma polymerization membrane is 20-80 Angstrom thick. The membrane gives solvent-resist, heat-resist, gas permeability-resist dispersibility, electric-resist, photo-permeability, prevention of reflection, repelling of water etc. Electric charge transporting agent is N-ethylcarbazol-3-aldehyde-methyl phenylhydrazone, p-diethyl aminobenzaldehyde-diphenyl-hydrazone, 2-benzyloxy-4-diethyl amino-benzaldehyde-diphenyl hydrazone. Binder is polyethylene resin, pref..    ADVANTAGE -   Large area solar battery is easily prepd. at lower cost, it has high dark-resist, can easily be integrated-modulated.
Material comprises a fluoroplastic film surface-treated on both sides with a condensn. cured coat of an organic Si cpd. formed on one side and a layer of adhesive formed on the other side. The organic Si cpd. consists of an organo-tialkoxysilane, fluoroalkylalkoxysilane, and diorganopolysiloxane having OH gp. on both terminals. Both sides of the fluoroplastic film is surface-treated with pref. hf sputter etching. A silicon-type primer coat is pref. formed between the fluoroplastic film and condensn. cured coat of organic Si cpd. The silicon-type primer coat pref. consists of a cured coat of a mixt. of aminosilane and epoxysilane or a (meth)acrylic acid oxysilane-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer. The layer of adhesive is of pref. hot melt adhesive. The compounding ratio of the organotrialkoxysilane:fluoroalkyl alkoxysilane:diorganopolysiloxane is (e.g. 40-90:5-40:3-20 wt.%).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The surface protecting material is used for protecting solar cells. It has excellent moisture-resistance and abrasion resistance. Even if used outdoors, it does not deteriorate in appearance or lower energy conversion efficiency of solar cells.
(JP92081305-B)      Closed type Ni-Zr storage battery comprises liq. holding papers attached to positive and negative electrode plates. Liq. holding paper is composed of a polypropylene nonwoven cloth having a mean fibre size of 0.5-5 microns.    USE -   For portable power sources. (J62097258-A)
Heat exchange elements are mfd. by providing a thin metal absorber plate and a length of micro-bore metal tubing, forming the metal tubing into at least one loop, clamping the looped tubing in line contact with one surface of the absorber plate along the length of the tubing, applying a bonding material of mastic along at least one of the two sides of the line of contact of the tubing with the absorber plate, and allowing the bonding material to cure, bonding the tubing to the absorber plate, the bonding material retaining its flexibility and having good heat transfer properties in the cured state.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The heat exchange elements are partic. suitable for a solar collector (claimed) in which the heat exchange elements are disposed in an open-topped container with the tubing facing the container bottom and with the open top closed by a transparent panel. The collector is additionally provided with a reflective insulating layer along its sides and bottom, and the container is made from a number of lengths of material rivetted together and mounted on the frame which supports the container. By utilising the solar energy through a thin sheet covered by a heat absorptive coating fast heat is immediately obtained which is transferred quickly into a small water content which heats up very fast and therefore starts a faster flow and syphoning action than conventional systems under both summer and winter conditions, the solar collector being very cost effective.
Photovoltaic cell array is formed on a transparent substrate by forming a transparent conductive oxide film; laser scribing the film into front contact strips (14); forming a semiconductor film and scribing this to form a second set of parallel grooves which define photovoltaic strips (18); forming a conductive film which fills the second grooves to contact the front contact strips (14) and forming a third set of parallel grooves which define back contact strips (22); laser scribing inter-module grooves (26) through the three layers to the substrate to define an array of electrically isolated modules; and etching semiconductor material exposed on the inter-module groove sidewalls.    ADVANTAGE -   Final step of removing alloyed or recrystallised semiconductor, pref. Si, from the inter-module grooves enhances device yield and facilitates device testing before the array is broken up.
Compsn. comprises a copolymer comprising 3-8C unsatd. carboxylic acid or its salt and a minor amt. of comonomer of (meth)acrylamide, 6-25C alkyl (meth)acrylamide and being dispersed in a large amt. of alkaline material. The polymer compsn. has increased viscosity with time and/or high degassing activity.    The alkaline material is pref. an aq. soln. of NaOH and/or KOH. The copolymer pref. comprises 100 pts. wt. acrylic and/or methacrylic acid or its salt and 0.1-20 pts. wt. comonomer(s) of 2-ethylhexyl methacrylate, lauryl methacrylate, stearyl methacrylate, N-lauryl methacrylamide, acrylamide or lauryl acrylate and has particle size of 20-500 microns.    The copolymer is added in an amt. of 0.2-2 pts. wt. into the aq. soln. contg. 8-18 pts. wt. alkaline material and opt. effective amt. of polyvalent ion-contg. salt of non-redox type and effective amt. of polymerisation initiator opt. in presence of crosslinking agent.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The compsn. is usable as a thickening agent. It has activity for degassing entrained gas or liberated gas during reactions and has increased viscosity. (Provisional Basic previously advised in week 8715)
Electrochemical solar cell for decomposition and desalination of water uses a photoactive electrode of organic material. This is produced by depositing a thin film of inert organic material contg. optically excitable mols., e.g. aromatics, dyestuffs or chromophores, generally with interatomic distances corresp. to their reciprocal action energy for efficient energy transfer. These films are activated electrochemically at their interfaces by exposure and cause oxidn. and redn. (decomposition of water) in contact with water and dissolved salts. The cell is constructed so that the surfaces of a flat tank, with its plane oriented towards the sunlight, have a light-transmitting plate or film on the side towards the light and a photoelectrochemically active layer on a stable substrate on the back. The narrow sides form the frame of the tank and have closable opening(s) for discharge of gas at the top and supply of water at the bottom.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The cell is claimed for use in a hot air engine heated by H2 and O2 or a gas turbine operated with H2 and O2 or air, esp. in a combustion chamber of ceramic material withstanding a high combustiontemp. of 2000 deg.C, with gasometers for storing the gases produced in the cell. It can operate with pure water (rainwater) or filtered sea water. Small units are suitable for cooking and prodn. of drinking water, whilst large units could provide energy on a large scale.
A solar heat collector consists of a plate of black anodised aluminium which is sepd. from a plate glass pane by distance pieces, consisting of transparent silicone rubber. These adhesive rubber spacers can have the form of strips which force the liq. to pass in a zigzag path. The surrounding frame is also pref. made of silicone rubber. The rear carries a heat-insulating layer. Inflow and outflow connections are also arranged at the rear.    ADVANTAGE -   This collector combines low mfg. and assembly cost with a high efficiency.
In a solar heating system an absorber mat has a removeable transparent protection which is readily rolled up and has spacers made of plastics; these spacers are not in direct contact with the absorbing mat and they can be easily applied or removed by means of a holder device; they can therefore be applied whenever desired in (e.g.) wintertime.    ADVANTAGE -   The system retains the advantages of low-cost plastic components, but enables them to be protected from winds and low-temp. weathering whenever reqd.
In an accumulator with an electrolyte hardened by addn. of a gelling agent (I), (I) comprises at least 2 components, which have a hardening effect when mixed. Pref. both components have polar gps. and undergo hydrogen bonding. One is finely divided SiO2 (in an amt. of 1.5-6, pref. 3.5-4.5 wt.% w.r.t. the electrolyte) and the other a polyelectrolyte, pref. (co)polyacrylamide (in am amt. of 0.1-1.0, pref. 0.2-0.5 wt.%), 0.05-10, (0.1-0.2) wt.% hydrophobic finely-divided SiO2 is added. Hydrophilic SiO2 is added in an amt. of 1.5-3 wt.%. The second component is also 0.05-1 wt.% hydrophobic SiO2 and 0.02-0.05 (0.025-0.035) wt.% surfactant. Pref. components are added so they cause an increase in viscosity first and cause hardening only after an interval. This is achieved by only roughly mixing them or by adding one (esp. the polyelectrolyte) in the form of a water-in-oil emulsion, with intermediate inversion to an oil-in-water emulsion.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The electrolyte is claimed for use in a lead accumulator with H2SO4 as electrolyte. It gives filling and sufficient strength in each operating state of the accumulator.
The polyanilines are produced by oxidn.-polymerising (1) aniline, p-aminodiphenylamine or their derivs. with (2) oxidants in (3) acid solvents in the presence of (4) thionine acetate.    (1) pref. includes e.g., N-methylaniline, m-toluidine, N-methyldiphenylamine. (1) is used in an amt. of 0.010 to 4 moles/litre, pref. 0.01 to 2 moles/litre. The amt. of (4) used is 10 power(-4) to 1, pref. 10 power(-3) to 0.5 mole to 1 mole of (1). (2) includes pref. ammonium persulphate and is used in an amt. of 0.1-3 moles, pref. 0.5-2 moles to 1 mole of (1). (2) includes pref. ammonium persulphate and is used in an amt. of 0.1-3 moles, pref. 0.5-2 moles to 1 mole of (1). The concn. of acid in (3) is 0.1-10, pref. 0.5-5 moles to 1 mole of (1). The polymerisation is performed at 0-100 deg.C, pref. 10-80 deg.C for 0.5-24 hrs., pref. 1-12 hrs..    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The polyanilines are used for mfg. condensers and batteries. They have rod-like morphology and a conductivity at room temp. of 0.001 to 10 S/cm.. They are easily filtered out and have good mouldability and provide mouldings having good mechanical strength.
Solar cells have an active surface protected by a free-standing film, the film having repeating units of formula (I). In (I), R=gp. (II) or (II). The film has a mol. wt. of at least 25000.    The film is prepd. by: (a) reacting equal molar proportions of 2,2-bis-(3-aminophenyl) hexafluoropropane or 2,2-bis(4-aminophenyl) hexafluoropropane (3- or 4-6F diamine) with 4,4'-hexafluoroisopropylidene (bis(phthalic anhydride)) (6FDA) in cresol as solvent to form a polyimide having repeating units (I) which is soluble in the solvent and (b) isolating the polyimide from the solvent, dissolving in a casting solvent and casting the resulting soln. into a free-standing manipulative film.    ADVANTAGE -   Known polyimide compsns. have low mol. wt. and can only be applied by coating processes.
A solar collection system comprises (a) a frame with a number of elongated trays mounted in it, each tray opening in an upward direction and capable of holding liquid within it; (b) an elongate heat absorber mounted in each tray having upwardly extending parallel vanes; (c) lense means mounted to the frame for concentrating incident solar radiation on the vanes to evaporate the liquid in the trays; and (d) means for collecting liquid which condenses in the housing after evaporation from the trays.    ADVANTAGE -   Incident solar radiation is concentrated on heat absorber elements to preferentially heat a portion of a quantity of liquid to a relatively high temp., to vapourise a liquid over a more efficient segment of the vapour pressure curve, the collector being fabricated from durable materials.
The solar energy collector is of tubular form and comprises an inner tube which absorbs a solar energy and through which a heat-collecting liquid can be circulated. An outer transparent tube of a material which transmits the incident solar radiation and traps the internally reflected solar energy The outer tube, at least in lateral cross-section, has a fluted, corrugated or otherwise non-circular profile.    Pref. the outer tube is glass or acrylic plastics and the inner tube is blackened Cu or black polyethylene.    ADVANTAGE -   Heat absorption and collection is enhanced. Expensive supporting structure or modification of the roof or other structure on which the assembly is mounted is not required.
Process comprises kneading a mixt. of a matrix material with a soluble bulking agent in a F resin dispersion method, forming the kneaded material into a sheet, removing the bulking agent from the sheet and impregnating the sheet with a phosphate soln.    USE -   For making fuel cells. (J56106376-A)
(JP93058585-B)      Prodn. comprises irradiating a light on a light-sensitive organic resin photoresist formed on a non-single crystal semiconductor contg. voids or pin-holes, thereby setting an organic resin charged in the voids or pin-holes.    USE -   For solar cells. (J62069566-A)
(JP93044778-B)      Prodn. comprises coating a slurry of Co powder mixed with Ni powder and water on a conductor core, sintering the core to form a porous body and oxidising its surface.    USE -   For improving the corrosion resistance of the electrode. (J62066572-A)
Aniline type polymeric compsn. comprises 100 ptswt. of an aniline type polymer 1-20 pts.by wt. (solid content) of a fluoro-resin aq. dispersion, and 0.5 - 30 pts.wt. of a low b.pt. water-soluble organic solvent. Pref. polymer is esp. homo- or co-polymers of (N-methyl) 2-methyl or 2-methoxy-aniline etc.. Resin is e.g. poly 4- or polychlorotri-fluoroethylene, polyvinylidene-fluoride, etc. Solvent is acetone, (m)ethylalcohol, methylethyl ketone, etc..    USE -   Compsn. gives photo-electric conductive materials, and member of solar cells, prim. and sec. cells e.g. electrodes with high mechanical strength, light wt., and small contributed to the high content of the aniline type polymer (i.e., the flex strength of 140 kg/cm in contrast to 75 not using organic solvent, sample of 4 cm wide by 1 cm long).
Device for heating industrial/high vol. water with solar energy holds the water in a plastics fiom container, with a cold water inlet plus valve and with an outlet; the top half of the container is transparent and the underside is coloured dark. Beyond the outlet there is a pump and a return valve; the inlet valve is operated electromagnetically. At the inlet a sensor measures the water temp. and is connected to an arrangement to adjust the desired temp. of the water, the inlet admitting more water than the measured water temp. rises.    ADVANTAGE -   The system is suitable for bulk requirements e.g. for commercial use. It has a high safety factor and efficiency. It can be linked in to existing systems.
Change-over heat recovery system for buildings, specially animal stables, consists of two identical heat accumulators with channels. A butterfly valve, operated intermittently by an actuator, directs the hot air from the stable through an inlet to one store to heat up the storage elements, preferably consisting of PVC regenerate foil. At the same time, the heat of the other store is used to warm up the air supplied to the stables. After a given time, the action is reversed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Energy saving way of heating the fresh air for stables by recovering the heat of the waste air.
A densitometer comprises a beta radiation source (18) spaced from a housing (22) holding a scintillator (26) with a light seal (28) to prevent ambient light from entering the scintillator while passing beta radiation. Light emitted by the scintillator is received by a photomultiplier tube (30) in the housing and having electrical connection pins.    Opaque elastomeric potting (38) compound secures the tube and circuitry in the housing with the tube out of contact with the housing. Pref. an electromagnetic shield surrounds the tube within the housing, and the scintillator and source are circular. The seal is pref. an aluminised Mylar film adhered to, or a layer of metal vacuum-deposited on, the scintillator surface. The scintillator is pref. of europium-activated calcium fluoride.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Suitable for use in exceptionally severe conditions, e.g. in a blast gauge, including overpressures of up to 1040 kPa.
Colourless transparent polyimide mouldings contain at least one of recurrent units of formula (I), (II) and (III) as main component (X1-X4 are H, CH3, C2H5, NO2, F, COOH or Cl), (X5 is O, SO2, CH2, S, CO, or (a)), (X6 is SO2, C(CH3)2 or C(CF3)2).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The mouldings have good transparency and high refractive index (at least 1.7). Useful as liq. crystal orientation film, basic film for solar cell, plastic lens or various coating agents.
Thermoforming double tubular fabric for fabrication of multi tubular sheaths without residual axial tension, occurs in a furnace by the continuous passage of the fabric over fixed mandrels placed in the tubes of the fabric. The fabric is woven and has, in the direction of the height of the tubes, continuous polyester high tenacity multifilament yarns that are thermically non-shrinking and have a torsion of a large number of twists, and transversally thermoshrinking yarns, the fabric runs over mandrels with rofiled roller bearings, placed within each tube of the fabric, against contrasting rollers free to move, that are placed at the exterior of the fabric, so that in the blocking section the fabric advances without rolling friction.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For lead acid battery active material retaining grid. The appts. has simple fixed mandrels capable of producing a multi tubular sheath at great speed and low cost, partic. suited for high temps. as well as heavy operating conditions.
Collector for collection of solar thermal energy consists of an absorber with a Cu foil and Cu tubes joined to headers. Its housing is pref. made of polystyrene, protected by an Al foil, and enclosed in a plastic foil. This is supported by a brass tube mesh. Pref. material for the foil is a copolymer of PTFE and ethylene, 65 micron thick.    ADVANTAGE -   Collector is produced at low cost. It has a high efficiency and is resistant to mechanical stresses.
Solar collector comprises a sheet shaped, profiled absorption element with good heat conductivity; a heat insulating underlayer; and between the absorption element and the underlayer, channels through which a fluid can flow, part of the channel wall being made up of part of the absorption element, and the remainder of the channel wall consisting of a poorly heat conductive layer which is carried by the insulating underlayer and which is practically impermeable to and not attached by the fluid.    The poorly-heat conductive layer may profiled so as to form channels with a practically circular cross section in conjunction with the profiled absorption element. The surface of the insulating underlayer is pref. profiled to match the profile of the poorly heat conductive layer.    ADVANTAGE -   The solar collectors are of simple construction, light in weight, cheap to produce, reliable, and give a high yield.
A solid polymer electrolyte comprises a two phase interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) of 20-55 wt.% of a mechanically supporting phase of continuous network of a crosslinked polymer (I) and 55-80 wt.% of an ionic conducting phase comprising a liq. polymer (II) complexed with a metal salt. (I) is an epoxy resin, polyurethane, polymethacrylate, polyacrylate, polyacrylonitrile or polystyrene. (II) is poly(ethylene oxide), poly(propylene oxide) or poly(ethyleneimine). The metal salt is LiI, LiBr, LiClO4, NaI, NaBr, CsClO4, CsI, CsBr, KI, KBr, LiCF3SO3, LiSCN, CsSCN, NaSCN, 11CN,|AgNO3,|CaCl2,|CoCl2,|Mg(ClO4)2,|PbBr2|and/or|MgCl2.|Up|to 0.50 moles metal salt are used per mole of monomer repeat unit in (II).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The electrolyte is used as a solid battery electrolyte. The electrolytes have high conductivities.
In the conversion element, a photo-active layer contains azo pigments of formulae: A-N=N-X1 (I) and (II) (where X1 and X2 are each an azo component and A is a coupler residue). The pref. thickness of the photo-active layer is 0.01-10 microns, esp. 0.05-3 microns.    When the pigments are dispersed into a resin, e.g., polyester resin, polycarbonate resin, polyamide resin, polyurethane resin, etc., the ratio of pigment to the resin used is pref. 10/0-1/4, esp. 10/0-1/2 by wt. ratio. An additive, e.g., Zn oxide, Ti oxide, etc., and a charge donor as well as a charge acceptor may be additionally added to the photo-active layer.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The element, contg. the organic photoconductor, has excellent flexibility, cost effectiveness, conversion efficiency, etc., and is used for solar cells, photo-sensor, image sensor, etc..
(A) Prodn. of a reinforced metal substrate comprises: (a) forming a slurry of a mixt. of metal coated carbon fibres, fibrillated binder fibres and metal powder, the ratio of metal coated carbon fibres to metal powder being 95-5:5-95 and the metal powder and the metal coating being identical; (b) depositing the mixt. from the slurry as a random non-woven web; and (c) drying and sintering the web.    (B) Also claimed are: (i) a web comprising a dry sintered sheet of a 95-5:5-95 mixt. of metal coated carbon fibres and metal powder, produced by process (A); and (ii) a web comprising a dry sheet of the mixt. given in (A).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process is used for prodn. of carbon fibre-reinforced metals, such as reinforced nickel plates for nickel-cadmium batteries, fuel cells, etc. A low cost, lightweight, highly electrically conductive mat is obtd.
(JP93051189-B)      Photoelectric converter comprises a photoelectric conversion element mounted on a polyimide film contg. a polyimide having repetition units of A-Ar1 and/or A-Ar2 where A = gp. (I), Ar1 - gp. (II) and Ar2 = gp. (III); X1 = O, SO2, CH2 or CO; X2 = SO, C(CH3)2 or C(CF3)2.    USE -   For solar cells.
The solar collector consists of a box carcase in which is situated a heat absorber and a bed of insulating material, e.g. mineral wool, polyurethane or similar. The absorber has a number of pipes through which passes a heat transfer fluid, and is protected by a sheet of glass or plastics. The structure for suppressing radiation or convection is situated between the absorber and the sheet, and consists of a set number of corrugated sheets of material transparent to light, placed one above the other.
Solid polypyrrole (1) contains at least 10 wt.% of incorporated polyether.    Polyether can also be incorporated in polythiophene conducting polymer, e.g. for use as a radar absorbing material. To prepn. (1) a current of at least 0.1mA/sq.cm is passed between an anode and a cathode across a cell (4) contg. a soln. of a pyrrole, an electrolyte and a polyether in a solvent to form a film on the anode. The polypyrrole is insoluble in the solvent.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The polymer is conductive and can be used e.g. in p-n hetero-junctions, barrier diodes, photoelectrochemical solar cells and as active electrode in batteries. The polyether allows easier processing of the polymer. The compsn. is flexible, air stable and have conductivities of 0.01-1 ohm-cm..
Laminate-layered tube used in solar systems, etc. consists of an inner layer composed of a soft vinyl chloride resin cpd. having an ave. polymerisation degree of 1000-6000 and contg. a plasticiser e.g. di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate, etc. a heat stabiliser, a filler, a lubricant, a pigment, a flame retardant, an UV ray absorber, an antioxidant, etc., as needed. An outer layer composed of a soft vinyl chloride resin cpd. of the same type as the inner layer, contg. 20-300 pts. wt. of a bridged rubbery polymer, e.g. bridged acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer and/or bridged chloroprene polymer on the basis of 100 pts. wt. vinyl chloride resin present in the soft vinyl chloride resin cpd. In the case, the pref. thickness of the inner and outer layers is 0.5-2 mm and 2-3 mm, respectively.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The laminate-layered tube has good heat resistance and resistance to chlorine-contg. water and is effectively used for the water conveyance tubes in solar systems, etc.
The cell contains a thickened alkaline electrolyte, an inner electrode of Zn-powder contained in a paste and an outer electrode of MnO2 or Ag2O pressed in the form of a hollow cylinder. The Zn-paste is forced into the form of a concentric layer adjacent to the cathode-layer (3) by the presence of a displacement part attached to the anode-conductor.    The shape of the displacer is adapted to the construction of the cell. It contains holes and slits to allow the electrolyte to contact both the central anode-pin (9) and the Zn-paste. The holes are small enough to prevent the Zn-paste from penetrating to the central chamber. The displacer is made of plastic, metal or metallised plastic.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The position and shape of the Zn-paste electrode can be forced and retained into the optimal one for consistent and efficient operation.
A fuel cell mfg. appts.. making composite sheets comprises a movable belt and metering member that is separated from the belt by a distance at least equal to a predetermined final thickness of the composite sheet. The metering member is partic. adapted to vibration in a direction transverse to the belt.    The metering member comprises (a) a curved plate section that is at its closed point to the belt less than 120% of the thickness of the predetermined final thickness; (b) an inclined plate section, contiguous to curved plate section at closest point, which slopes towards the belt from the curved plate section to a second point which is sepd. from the belt by a distance equal to the predetermined final thickness of the composite sheet; (c) a flat plate section contiguous to inclined plate section at second point, that is both parallel to the belt and sepd. from the belt by a distance equal to the predetermined final thickness of the composite sheet; (d) metering member sections that are capable of oscillating in opposite directions transverse to the belt and (e) means for oscillating said metering member sections.    ADVANTAGE -   Appts manufactures composite sheets that are uniform, devise with a smooth surface, due to its vibrating action that tracks down damps, aggregates that otherwise form in fibrous mixts.
Solar heat collector panel comprises steel plate contg. zinc anticorrosive paint layers contg. fine powder of Al of 15 wt. % or more formed on the both sides of the steel plate, and a black paint layer contg. acrylic resin and binder, formed on one of the anticorrosive layers.    (J58008947-A)
Purificn. of electro-conductive polymer comprises of (a) setting polymer in the washing tower, (b) feeding a purified organic solvent into the tower at the below point where the polymer is set, (c) discharging solvent at the top of the tower, (d) feeding discharged solvent into the absorption zone comprising water- and impurities-absorption materials or their mixt., and (e) feeding purified solvent into tower.    Pref. polymer is, e.g. polyacetylene, polyaniline or polypyrrole. Polymer contains impurities, e.g. residue of catalysts, oxidising agents, by-prods., decomposited materials, organic solvents or water. Impurities are removed from the polymer by contacting with solvents, e.g. alcohols, ethers or aromatic hydrocarbons. The water-absorption material is, e.g. mol. sieve, active or silica-alumina or silica gel. The impurities-absorption material is, e.g. active-carbon or alumina.    ADVANTAGE -   Polymer with little impurities is obtd. using smaller amt. of organic solvents.
An ionically conducting material comprises a salt in soln. in a macromolecular material comprising mainly a polyether type amorphous structure. The novelty is that the salt is an ethoxylated salt of formula R-F-M (I) where M = alkali metal, pref. Li; R = polyether type structure and F = a functional gp. from alcoholate, sulph(on)ate, phosph(on)ate, amide and carboxylate.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Prodn. of electrochemical accumulators. The anions of (I) have min. mobility when (I) is in soln. in the polymer and are perfectly compatible with the polymer. The accumulators have longer discharge time.
Electroconductive polymer film contg. solid particles is obtd. (1) forming a dielectric polymer film contg. solid particles on surface of an electrode, and then (2) electrolysing in an electrolyte containing monomer from which electroconductive polymer is produced through the electrolytic polymerisation.    The solid particles e.g. consist of metal such as Pt, Au, or Pd etc., inorganic cpd. such as foam ceramics or NiO2 etc., or organic cpd. such as phthalocyanine or porphyrin etc. Dielectric polymer used in step (1) is e.g. polyethylene, PVC, polyvinylfluoride or polystyrene etc. Monomer used in step (2) is e.g. pyrrole, 3-methylpyrrole, thiophene or furan etc.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The electroconductive polymer film containing solid particles has catalytic property light energy-electric energy conversion property etc.
In a solar collector panel with a substrate bearing solar cells , the novelty is that the substrate has at least one layer of novoloid fabric (crosslinked phenol-aldehyde fibres obtd. by acid-catalysed crosslinking of a melt-spun novolak resin with HCHO), stiffened with synthetic resin (II). The substrate consists of ca. 40-60 (wt.)% (I), rest (II). It pref. has several (esp. at least six) layers of (I), with (II) forming a binding and impregnating matrix. (I) has a weight of ca. 270 g/m2, esp. ca. 278-286 g/m2. (II) is a polyester resin, esp. an isophthalate polyester resin.    ADVANTAGE -   The substrate is relatively strong and simple in construction, highly reliable and lighter than usual.
An all-solid state multi-cell electrochemical device comprises: (a) carbon-contg. bipolar electrodes (15); and (b) solid state electrolyte layers (13) alternating with electrodes (15) and of a polymer rendered ionically conductive by addition of an inorganic salt.    A solid state double layer capacitor comprises (a) pair of electrically conductive layers (12); (b) electrolyte material (13) between layers (12), material (13) consisting of polymer rendered ionically conductive by adding activated carbon; and (c) separator (14) dividing the electrolyte material into electrodes, the separator consisting of a layer of polymer rendered ionically conductive as above.    ADVANTAGE -   The construction avoids the problems of leakage occurring on using a liq. or paste electrolyte.
A photoelectric device comprises: (a) transparent counter electrode; (b) thin dry solid film polymer electrolyte adjacent to (a) and electrically interacting with it; (c) semiconductor adjacent to film (b); and (d) conducting base electrode electrically interacting with the semiconductor. Esp., the device is a photoelectrochemical cell for converting solar energy to electricity.    ADVANTAGE -   The device provides a theoretical efficiency of 35%, cf. 25% for a standard photovoltaic cell, output voltage may be 0.625V.
Metal-halogen cell comprises: an aq. electrolyte contg. Zn or Cd halide; an electrode on which Zn or Cd is deposited during charging; an electrode at which halogen is generated during charging; and an anion exchange resin for storing the halogen. The resin is pref. located externally in a circulating system.    Membrane defines a catholyte and an anaolyte chamber, only the catholyte being circulated through the resin. Metal halide is ZnBr2.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. with a Zn-Br2 cell (claimed). Hal storage system is efficient and minimises cell self-discharge.
A unit has a flat plate collector panel mounted in a housing with horizontal upper edge and uninsulated open back surface, and a cylindrical hot water tank connected to the panel and in the housing parallel and adjacent to the upper edge. The housing comprises a hood around the tank and a pair of side skirts down the sides of the panel with the lower edges resting on a flat surface.    The collector has a glazed window passing radiation to U-shaped collector tubes connected to inlet and outlet manifolds adjacent to, somewhat above and in direct thermal contact with the tank. The skirts and hood exposed only the window, enclosing all other parts so that heat from the panel back surface is retained in the housing to warm the manifolds. The tube parts exposed through the window are pref. lined with EPDM to accommodate expansion in the event of freezing.    ADVANTAGE -   Improved thermal efficiency, appearance and protection of components.
A photocell assembly comprises a transparent light transmissive sheet spaced apart from a sheet (11), with the cavity between them contg. one or more photocells (12) encapsulated in a thermoplastic graft copolymer pottant (14). The graft copolymer comprises 50-90wt.% addition polymerisable backbone monomer (I) of Tg less than 0 deg.C, 0-10wt.% addition polymerisable backbone monomer (II) of Tg 50-150 deg.C and 10-50wt.% poly(vinyl aromatic) macromonomer of Mr 3000-50000; Tg at least 30 deg.C and having an addition polymerisable end gp.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The photocells are photoelectric transducer modules used in solar panels, watches and cameras. The graft copolymer is easily processable, give good protection to the photocell and retain optical clarity.
Panel comprises a metal support plate having a lower infrared radiation rate, 1st paint layer formed on the plate, and 2nd paint layer formed on that paint layer contg. an inorganic pigment and acrylic resin.    USE -   Panel is used for solar heat collectors. (J57204751-A)
A photovoltaic panel is made by mounting a series of individual photocells between an opaque sheet (2) and a transparent or translucent sheet (1), enclosing their gap between the sheets with a compressible seal (5) and flooding the enclosed space with a prepolymerised resin (I), where both sheets and (I) are made from mutually compatible resins, pref. acrylic.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For mfr. of panels with a high resistance to warping or to cracking or delamination when machined or flexed, compared with panels incorporating dissimilar components, e.g. glass for the transparent sheet.
A carbon-graphite component for use in an electro-chemical cell is produced by: (a) forming a precursor sheet contg. an inorganic B-oxygen cpd. (I), a carbonisable, thermosetting resin (II) and cellulose and/or carbonised cellulose fibres (III); (b) heating this sheet in a non-oxidising atmos. to a first temp. range, in which (III) and (II) are carbonised, so that (II) binds (III) together and; (c) heating the sheet in a non-oxidising atmos. to a second, higher temp. range to increase the deg. of graphitisation of (III) and (II).    Pref. (I) is boric acid and is used in an amt. of 2-15, pref. 5-10 (wt.) %. (II) is a phenolic resin, which is cured by heating the sheet in an oxidising atmos. to a temp. below that used in stage (b). It is used in an amt. of 30-45 %. The mixt. used may also contain 2-15 % flame retardant mixt, of boric acid with ammonium sulphate, ammonium phosphate, ammonium sulphonate and/or borax; and/or SiO2 pref. in an amt. of 15-25% w.r.t. boric acid, i.e. 1-2 % SiO2 if 5-10 % boric acid is used.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The component is claimed for use as storage layer electrochemical cells. It is useful cell power stations, esp. those using phosphoric acid fuels cells. The energy yield is higher than that obtd. when no (I) is used. The process also allows the average pore size of the electrolyte storage layer to be varied.
Prodn. of aniline polymer comprises polymerising salt of aniline cpd. in presence of oxidising agent at higher temp. than m.pt. of salt.    Salt of aniline cpd is represented by formula (I), where R1-R8=H, halogen, 1-6C alkyl, 1-6C alkenyl; 6-10C aryl, 1-6C alkoxy, amino, N-alkylamino or quat. N-alkylamino; X=halogen, BF4, ClO4, PF6, CH3COO, HSO4, CF3COO, NO2 or AsF6, and is selected from aniline hydrochloride, aniline hydrobromide, aniline acetate, aniline HBF4 salt, 2-methoxyaniline hydro-chloride, 2-ethoxyaniline hydrochloride, 2,5-dimethoxyaniline HBF4 salt, 2,5-dimethoxy-aniline hydrochloride, 4-aminoaniline hydrochloride, 1,4-diaminobenzene dihydrochloride, 2-methylaniline hydrochloride, 2-methylaniline hydrobromide, 2-methylaniline HBF4 salt and N-phenylaniline hydrochloride. Oxidising agent is e.g. H2O2, FeCl3, (NH4)2S2O8 or quinoline and is used at quantity of 1/5-5 equiv. to salt of aniline cpd.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Aniline polymer with high conductivity (10 power-3S.cm-1 - 10 power2S.cm-1) is produced in high yield and is useful for prim. or sec. battery material, photoconductive material etc.
In a photovoltaic cell comprising a p-n heterojunction, the n type semiconductor is a mineral semi-conductor and the p-type semiconductor, on which the front contact is taken, is an organic polymer contg. units of general formula (I), where R1 and R2=H, alkyl (opt. substd.) or alkoxy and X=), S or Se.    The n type semiconductor has a prohibited band width of 1-1.5 eV and is pref. made of Si, gallium arsenide, indium phosphide, cadmium selenide or cadmium telluride.    ADVANTAGE -   Polymer can be easily prepd. as a thin layer by direct polymsn. on the mineral support. It has good resistance to chemicals and also acta as a protection agent for the mineral semiconductor.
A solar heat collector consists of a transparent plastic hose of elliptical shape which is divided by a dark absorption strip in two channels, joined to each other at one end. The hose is made of flexible material which is stable in presence of UV-radiation and of a heat carrier medium (water or air).    ADVANTAGE -   This improves the heat conversion efficiency and the ratio of price to useful effect of solar heat collectors.
A polymeric substrate, esp. of polyimide, is coated with a metal oxide film to provide oxidation protection in low earth orbital environments. The film contains about 4 vol.% polymer to provide flexibility.    A sheet of polyimide such as kapton (RTM) is surface exposed to a beam of 500 eV to 2000 eV argon ions at current densities of 0.1-10 mA/sq.cm. The argon ion beam is furnished by an electron bombardment ion source used for electric propulsion technology. The ion cleaned surface is mounted in a vacuum chamber and ion sputter coated with a protective thin film of thickness 50-800 angstroms. This is carried out by mounting a sputter target in ion beam. The sputter target is composed of a larger part of a metal oxide such as SiO2 or Al2O3 and a smaller part of flexible polymer such as PTFE or silicone rubber.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The substrate is typically used as a solar array blanket for spacecraft.
A p-n bond-type photoelectric converter element is obtd. by a method in which an n-type high polymer semiconductor wafer made of cis- or trans-type polyacetate is swelled with an organic solvent, e.g. one or more of pentane, hexane, benzene, toluene, acetone, acetonitrile, and DMF and contacted with a p-type high polymer semiconductor made of polypyrrole cpds., e.g. polypyrrole, poly-N-methylpyrrole, etc., polythienylene cpds., e.g. polythienylene, poly-3-methylthienylene, etc., polyfuran cpds. e.g. polyfuran, etc. polyaniline cpds., e.g. polyaniline, poly-O-iodoaniline, etc. amd polyazulene cpds., e.g. polyazulene, aminoazulene, etc. followed by drying for bonding them.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The p-n hetero bond type photoelectric converter element is excellent in bonding between p-type and n-type semiconductors. It can also be mfd. easily. The converter is used in diodes, transistors, photosensors, solar cells, etc. (Amended from week 8703)
Prodn. of a carbon-graphite component for use in an electrochemical cell, esp. as storage layer for the electrolytes and component for preventing electrolyte movement, involves: a) forming a precursor sheet from a mixt. of cellulose fibres (I), purified graphite particles (II) and a carbonisable thermoset-ting resin (III), in which (I) carry (II) and hold them in place; b) heating this sheet to a first temp. range to carbonise (I) and (III), so that the carbonised (III) binds the carbonised (I) and (II) together; and c) heating the sheet to a second, higher temp. range to graphitise the carbonised (I) and (III).    Pref. the precursor sheet is formed from a mixt. contg. 5-35, 20-80 or 35-45 (wt.)% (II) and pref. ca. equal amts. of (I) and (III). (III) is a phenolic resin.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The component is useful in fuel cell power stations. High grade materials can be produced by a simple effective process.
Prodn. of a carbon-graphite component for use in an electrochemical cell, esp. as storage layer for the electrolytes and electrode support, involves: a) forming a precursor sheet with regulated pore structure from a mixt. of cellulose fibres (I) and a carbonisable thermosetting resin (II); b) heating this sheet to a first temp. range to carbonise (I) and (II), so that the carbonised (II) binds the carbonised (I) together; and c) heating the sheet to a second, higher temp. range to graphites the carbonised (I) and (II).    The precursor sheet is formed from a mixt. contg. 5-20 (wt.%) purified carbon particles (III) and pref. ca. equal amts. of (I) and (II), esp. 30-55% (II). (II) is a phenolic resin.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The component is useful in fuel cell power stations. High grade materials can be produced rapidly by a cimple and effective process, which is suitable for mass prodn.
A mat comprises a tube removably positioned between two insulating members, one transparent to solar radiation and connected to the other, with at least one tube surface absorbent of solar radiation, and water inlet and outlet connections for the tube. The tube is pref. of flexible black high-density polyethylene including a UV inhibitor.    The first insulator pref. has encapsulated air bubbles formed as cylindrical columns and barrier-sealed to prevent loss of the air. A support is pref. between the tube and first insulator and is of lightweight foam resistant to scratching or abrasion on relative movement between tube and support, or of polyethylene reflecting solar radiation.    ADVANTAGE -   heat losses equal heat absorption at a mat temp. below that at which the mat components will suffer heat damage, e.g. should a circulating pump fail or inadvertently be switched off, and mat can readily be repaired.
Antioxydising acetylene polymer is doped with fluorine ion by electro chemical process. Ion content is 0.01-10 mol % to 1 mol % of CH unit in polymer.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Stabilised acetylene polymer is useful for various electric and electronic elements and for lithium battery or sec. battery as cathode active material. The doped polymer is used as P- and N-type semiconductors.
Laminated fuel cell consists of a stack of cell elements each comprising a rectangular electrolyte plate (1) sandwiched between an O2 electrode (2) and a fuel electrode (3) with a separate plate (4) separating adjacent elements. The plates and electrodes form identical reactangles with the long side at least twice the short side.    An oxidised gas and a fuel gas are supplied the passages (6,7) along one side of their respective electrodes, the passages extending in a direction parallel to the shorter side. Gas supply and discharge manifolds are provided.    ADVANTAGE -   High power output cell provided which can be easily assembled and transported with efficient use of available space. (First major country equivalent to J62264564-A).
Al alloy is made by solidifying Al-Bi system alloy with approx. 10 power 4 deg.C/sec. or faster solidification rate. The alloy contains, e.g., 0.61-15.0 wt% Bi. When the alloy reacts with water, hydrogen gas is produced.    USE -   The alloy has high H2 generation rate, and is used to supply H2 for e.g. fuel cells.
A heat-resistant substrate is composed of (a) a stainless steel plate having a surface roughness Rmax of 500-5000 A and (b) a polyimide resin layer coated on the surface of (a).    The polyimide resin is pref. a copolyimide comprising 10-30 mol% of repeat unit (A) and 90-70 mol% of repeat unit (B). The polyimide resin may be a copolyamidoimide comprising 70-90 mol% of repeat unit (C) and 30-10 mol% of repeat unit (D).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Usable as substrates for solar battery, photo-sensor, photo-switch, etc. in electronic material field. The surface smoothness is high and the heat-resistance, chemical-resistance and electric insulation are good. The substrate can be prepd. inexpensively.
Substrate is composed of (a) a metal plate, (b) a polyimide resin layer adhered to the surface of (a), and (c) a releasable film adhered to the surface of (b).    The metal plate is pref stainless steel or Al plate. The polyimide resin is pref a copolyimide comprising 10-30 mol% of repeat unit (A) and 90-70 mol% of repeat unit (B). The polyimide resin may be a copolyamidoimide comprising 70-90 mol% of repeat unit (C) and 30-10 mol% of repeat unit (D).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Prod. is used as substrate for solar battery, photo-sensor, photo-switch, etc. By the provision of the protecting film (c), the surface of the substrate can be protected against dust or scratching during storage or transportation.
(JP93035583-B)      Prod. comprises patterning an n-type electrode on an n-type GaAs layer fixed on a metal plate, and dicing the metal plate, GaAs film and n-type electrode into cells.    USE -   For power sources. (J62261186-A)
This amorphous film is formed by using glow discharge plasma and applying a magnetic field at right angles to electric field for discharge.    Electrodes allowing glow discharge plasma are set in parallel in a reactive vessel. AC power source is connected with the electrodes. A coil wound around the vessel is connected with the power source. Mixed gas of monosilane and argon is introduced through a gas introduction pipe. Gas in the vessel is evacuated through a vent connected to a vacuum pump. After evacuating with the vacuum pump, the mixed gas is introduced. Glow discharge plasma occurs at a pressure of 0.05-0.5 Torr. Monosilane is decomposed to radical Si by the glow discharge plasma and adheres to the surface of a base sheet.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The amorphous film obtd. is used in a solar battery, thin membrane semiconductor and as a sensitive material for electrophotography. Damage to charged granules which occurs in conventional processes does not occur.
The insulating film is formed on a base plate comprises inorganic glass contg. organic groups. The insulating film is made by hydrolysis of a mixed soln. contg. at least one metal alkoxide, at least one of RMe(OR')3(R = low alkyl group and phenyl group, R' = low alkyl group, Me=metal), as an organic metal cpd. and water. A acid or silica powder are opt. added. The sol soln. resulting from partial condensation by hydrolysis is coated on the base and burnt at least once.    The burning temp. is pref. 500 deg. C or lower. The metal alkoxide is Si(OR')4, Al(OR')3, Ti(OR')4, or Zr(OR')4, and the organic metal cpd. is RSi(OR')3.    USE -   An insulating film for solar cell free from pinholes is made at low cost.
When the skin film of tin oxide is formed on base body by means of CVD technique, plasma is created using any exciting source selected from hf wave, DC voltage, light ray and microwave under decreased pressure so that the material is activated. Pref. the material is SnCl4.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For prodn. of transparent electrode for solar cell, liq. crystal, film for selective collection of energy from sun light etc. The film can be made formed at any temp. up to 200 deg. C.
A solar module for several interconnected solar cells consists of a carrier foil (1), e.g. polyester 0.13 mm thick, with an adhesive foil (2), e.g. ethylene vinyl acetate 0.5-0.8 mm thick at the rear (4) of the solar cells. These foils form a rim around the cells. Several such modules are combined and fastened with the rim to a common carrier plate, made pref. of glass, wood or plastics. Strips (8) interconnect the cells.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For vehicle or aircraft models. This silicon cell module is lightweight, simple, flexible and universally usable.
Solar cell array comprises: GaAs solar cells; means for imposing a thermal gradient across the thickness of each cell greater than that normally experienced by exposure to direct sunlight; and face electrodes comprising a hot junction electrode producing high thermoelectric potential at the hot face and a cool junction electrode producing thermoelectric potential at the cool face of each solar cell. Electrodes are pref. formed of PbTe. The thermal gradient is imposed pref. by mirrors or lenses which concentrate the sunlight.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. as a spacecraft power source. Array has an enhanced power/wt. ratio.
Solar converter comprising a GaAs photovoltaic cell and a ZnSe fluorescent wavelength shifter is formed by: forming a fluorescent ZnSe substrate by passing Cl2-contg. H2Se vapour over a ZnSe substrate; adding an anti-reflective coating on each side; forming the GaAs cell also with an anti-reflective coating; and bonding it to the ZnSe substrate via their anti-reflective coatings and a transparent bonding material.    ADVANTAGE -   Cell is protected from UV and proton damage.
Power supply for rotating an aircraft propeller comprises an electric motor supplied with power from an Li/peroxide fuel cell using an aq. electrolyte. The electrolyte molarity is maintained by circulating it through a cooling system in which LiOH.H2O is pptd. and collected. Pref. the cooling system is a tube extending from the cell to a remote point on the aircraft and returning to a plenum where the ppte. is collected.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. with a helicopter. System is quieter, lighter and less polluting than a conventional i.c. engine power system.
Material comprises metal or alloy treated in high pressure and high temp. steam or water.    Pref. the steam temp. is 250-550 deg. C, the pressure is 0.5 - 110 atmos. and the water temp. is 100-360 deg. C is prefd.. The steam pref. contains Oz and Hz. The material is e.g., Fe-base, Zr and Zr-base Ni and Ni-base, Co and Co-base, Hf and Hf-base, etc..    USE -   The material is used for electrodes, perforated plates, corrugate plates, and separators of molten carbonate fuel cells.
A porous ceramic structure comprises sintered ceramic as substrate and continuous pores having an equilibrium dia. corresp. to the graphite fibre. The porous ceramic structure is prepd. by calcining a mixt. of the base ceramic powder with graphite fibre, and calcining the mixt. at at least 1300 deg.C after moulding the mixt.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The porous ceramic structure has high gas permeability in spite of its relatively small porosity. The material has strength permitting effective reaction between gases in a fuel cell.
Photovoltaic device including an optically transparent, conductive layer (22) and a second conductive layer (13), comprises at least two cells (11,12) in tandem, the first cell (11) being made of an amorphous semiconductor and the second cell (12) being made of two semiconductor layers (15,14) forming heterojunction (16), pref. of HgCdTe and CdS. The amorphous semiconductor layer (21) of the first cell (11) has a surface which contacts transparent conductive layer (22) and one of the layers of the second cell contacts the second conductive layer (13). Another surface of each cell is connected so that the cells are optically and electrically in series.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. as a solar cell. Device exhibits high overall efficiency at low cost.
A string of solar cells connected in series using contacts is provided with back-contacts for both negative and positive poles, by using an insulating material e.g. adhesive tape, foil or glass-fibre mat. On this insulator a metal contact is provided which is electrically connected via a strip with the front contact of the last cell. The metal contacts are pref. Al/Ag or Cu foils which are glued to the insulator or cell.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The method avoids the need for a frame with contacts or other elaborate arrangements for contacting the cells. The solution is simple and reliable. It is used in solar cells for use in ships or aeroplanes.
A solar cell generator consists of a corrugated carrier (6) of aluminium plating, e.g. 0.2 mm thick, covered on both sides by a thin aluminium plate (8.9). Staggered circular holes (5) in (6,8) help to reduce the weight, leaving uniform webs (7) between them, but do not penetrate the plate (9). An insulating tissue (10) prevents contact between carrier and solar cells (2). Adhesive foil (4,11) is fused to embed the solar cells before a plastic foil (1) or extremely thin glass covers the generator.    ADVANTAGE -   This design has a still more reduced wt. per unit power, amounting to 3.5 - 4 kg/sq.m.
Cell consists of selfsupporting, thin panels of electrodes with identical compsn., pref. containing Ag and/or AgO, and/or Ag2O and/or an element with similar action. The electrodes act on 1 side as an ion-conductive, charge separation layer and on the other side as an absorber layer storing the energy received. The electrodes are connected via a layer capable of ionic transport.    The first electrode is pref. made as a 0.1-5 mm thick panel by compression of metal, metal-oxide, carbon and/or graphite with a thermoplastic binder at a pressure of 10-2000 bar/cm2 at a temp. of 20-400 C. The second electrode has a similar compsn., uses polyvinylchloride as a binder and is compressed at 28-480 C. The ion-conductive layer is pref. KOH,H3PO4, watery NaCl-soln. or a similar gel-based, liquid or solid electrolyte. The anode pref. contains active carbon with a grainsize of 2-4 micron.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The cell avoids the use of separate storage batteries when use is made of photo voltaic cells. The cell gives a higher current yield. /4
Fuel cell is operated by adding CO2 to the fuel and/or O2 electrodes during cell operation. The amt. added is sufficient to maintain the concn. of free OH ions near the O2 electrode at most mildly alkaline, and the concn. of free H ions near the fuel electrode slightly alkaline or at most slightly acidic.    ADVANTAGE -   Cell activity is prolonged, corrosion and side reaction problems are minimised and cell can operate at lower or medium temps.
Utiliser comprises a 1st clear flat plate facing at a 2nd clear flat plate, solvent charged in a space defined by the plates, and semiconductor fine powder dispersed in the solvent.    USE -   For solar energy converters.
A new cyclobutenedione deriv. of formula (I): where X=H, F, methyl or hydroxyl, each R1 and R2=methyl, p-chlorobenzyl, pentafluorobenzyl, phenyl, p-tolyl or octadecyl independently and Y=Cl or hydroxyl.    Cpds. of formulas (II) and (III) are specifically claimed where each X, R1 and R2 = the same as in the formula (I). To prep. (I) 3,4-dichloro-3-cyclobutene-2,6-dione of formula (IV) and an aniline derive. of formula (V) to give a cpd. of formula (II) and hydrolysis of the cpd. of formula (II) give a cpd. of formula (III). where each X, R1 and R2 = the same as in the formula (I).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   An easier mfg. method of cyclobutenedione derivs. with a high purity being synthetic intermediates for squarylium cpds. useful as electrophotographic photosensitive materials, recording materials for optical discs, solar batteries, infrared light cutoff filters, etc.    In an example, 15.1g 3,4-dichloro-3-cyclobutene-1, 2-dione and 13 ml boron trifluoride ethyl ether complex were dissolved in 60 ml methylene chloride. To the soln., 63 ml N,N-dimethylaniline was added and the mixt. was stirred for 5 hours at room temp. The reaction soln. was washed with dil HCl and water and sepd. and purified by column chromatography to give 19.0g of a cpd. with a m.pt. 194-195 deg.C of formula (VI) (yield 81%). 19.0g of the cpd., 75 ml acetic acid and 25 ml water are mixed, the mixt. is refluxed for 1 hours, cooled and filtered and the precipitate is washed with water to give 17.2g of a cpd. with a m.pt. of over 240 deg.C of formula (VII) (yield 98%).
Mfg. hydroxycyclobutenedione deriv. of formula (I) comprises reacting 3,4-dichloro- 3-cyclobutene-1,2-dione of formula (II) and an aniline deriv. of formula (III) to give a chlorocyclobutenedione cpd. of formula (IV) and hydrolysing the cpd. of formula (IV). In the formulae X = H, alkyl opt. substd., halogen, hydroxyl, phenyl opt. substd., carbonamide with alkyl or sulfonamide and each R1 and R2 = alkyl opt. substd., phenyl opt. substd. or benzyl opt. substd. independently.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   An easier mfg. process for hydroxy cyclobutenedione derivs. with a high purity being synthetic intermediates for squarylium cpds. useful as electrophotographic photosensitive materials, recording materials for optical discs, solar batteries, infrared light cut-off filters, etc.
Appts. has the reaction tube filled with reforming catalyst, inside of the furnace body. The raw materials gas consists of methanol and steam. This raw materials gas which is passing through the reaction tube, is heated by hot medium which is flowing inside of the furnace body, to be hydrogen-rich reforming gas. In the appts., the raw materials gas is passed through as same direction as the flow of the hot medium. About the reforming catalyst in the reaction tube, the catalyst which is active at high temp. and thermal resistance (Cu-Cr-Zn system catalyst), is filled at the entrance of the raw materials gas, and the catalyst which is active at low temp. (Cu-Zn system catalyst), is filled at the exit. The hot medium flows with turning by spiral guide plate along the inside wall of the furnace body.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Low CO concn. and high MeOH conversion rate are obtd. with low water MeOH mole ratio. Therefore the life of the fuel cell is elongated, also thermal efficiency is raised. And the methanol reforming appts. can be made to a small size.
A methanol/air fuel cell comprises (A) a cathode, (B) an anode and (C) an anion-exchange membrane permeable to CO2 as electrolyte.    Cathode (A) and/or anode (B) are porous gas diffusion electrodes, contg. the catalyst as a percolation network within the pores, and may contain a layer of an anion-exchange polymer. The catalyst is a cpd. of formula (I) or a polymer contg. these cpds. R1, R2, R3, R4 are H, CH3, OCH3, F or CF3 (pref. H); R5 is ethylene (pref.) or a divalent Ph gp. (C) The membrane consists of a base polymer with Tg above 80 deg.C with ionic gps. at a distance of at least 4C from the main chain.    ADVANTAGE -   The cell is simple and cheap and has long life.
Water cooling system for an electrochemical cell stack comprises: a cell stack (102) contg. interspersed cooling plates; a water coolant inlet manifold (104) on one side of the stack with snivvies (110) to each cooling plate; a water inlet (105) at the top of the manifold; a bleed snivvy (109) at the bottom of the manifold below the lowest of the feed snivvies (110) so that corrosion particles etc. will settle in it for removal; a bleed conduit leading from the bleed snivvy for removal of corrosion particles; and means for returing the cleansed bleed stream to the main cooling stream.    ADVANTAGE -   Constriction of the snivvies by Fe oxide and Cu corrosion prods. in more uniformly distributed on the inlet side so that service life between shutdowns for conduit cleaning is extended.
Segments on a substrate are isolated from one another by: (a) forming a layer on the substrate; and (b) directing an energy beam through the substrate to expel distinctive portions of the layer. The substrate pref. includes a patterned set of active elements between the deposited layer and the substrate, and a pattern of conductive elements between the substrate and active elements.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In mfr. of e.g. large area solar cells to isolate adjacent cells from each other. Shorting effects encountered with wire masking, wet etching and conventional laser sepn. methods are avoided.
The processing method comprises the steps of making several holes in neighbouring two bipolar plates adjacent to the defective cell, the holes extending between the bipolar plates further their both ends to their centre area along the process gas channels of the bipolar plates. Corrosion-resisting conductive wire rods are press-fitted into the holes respectively to short circuit the neighbouring two bipolar plates.    The process gas channels of the two bipolar plates are closed with a heat-resisting sealing material at both ends of the process gas channels to stop the supply of the process gases to the defective fuel cell. The holes are made along inlet and/or outlet portions of the process gas channels at intervals of several process gas channels.    ADVANTAGE -   Can short circuit each defective cell without having influence on fuel cells adjacent to defective fuel cells. (First major country equivalent to J62246268)
After an electrolyte (with high solubility in water but not in non-aq. solvent) is dissolved in saturation in aq. suspension of PTFE fine particles, this mixt. is added with a non-aq. polar solvent to disperse and ppte. the electrolyte in a coagulum of PTFE partices. The coagulum is rolled into a sheet, and then the electrolyte contained in the sheet is removed by dissolving in water.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Use is for a filter (e.g., for fuel cell). Method easily gives uniform pore with high gas permeability. Principle of the method is to utilise big difference in the solubility to the different solvents.
Molten-electrolyte fuel cell comprises a unitary stack of cells and cell enclosures with the electrodes of each cell being iso-layed except for recess to isolated chambers providing a supply of fuel or oxidant gases on a cross flow pattern or a path for removal of waste gases also in a cross flow pattern.    An inner housing is provided around the collective cell enclosures with sealed boundaries between to form the above isolated chambers. An insulated outer housing has openings for gas inlets and outlets and for electrical connections.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Construction is simple and permits continued operation, even with mechanical creep, although the compressive force placed on the stack during operation is reduced, thus minimising mechanical creep.
Fuel cell including an electrolyte contains: a catalyst for reforming hydrocarbon or alcohol fuel gas into H2/CO fuel gas; and a material to remove electrolyte from the catalyst, pref. a porous material provided on the surface of the catalyst, more pref. a material which reacts with the electrolyte to remove it, esp. a cpd. contg. at least one of Si, Al and Cr.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. in a molten carbonate fuel cell for power generation. The electrolyte-removing material of the reforming catalyst removes electrolyte from the fuel gas so that the catalyst is supplied with clean gas and its life extended. (First major country equivalent to J62237677-A)
Polymers of heterocyclic cpds. having oxygen gp. elements are pref. furans, thiophenes, selenophenes, tellophenes or their derivs. substd. at 3 or 4 position of the rings. Builky anions having more than two valency are the ones having more than 10 angstroms dia., e.g. decachlorododecaborates (B10Cl10(2-)), dodecachlorododecaborates (B12Cl12(2-)) or polysulphonic acid sodium salts or polyvinylsulphonic acid potassium salts.    Prepn. of electric conductive compsns. comprises (1) electrolytic oxidn. of the anion polymer cpds. or (2) polymers obtd. by conventional process, are electrically doped by the anions or (3) oxidn. polymerisation in the presence of the anions. The electric conductive compsns. show stable electric conductivity in air.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The compsns. have very stable electric conductivity, and are used for prim. electric batteries, sec. electric batteries, solar batteries, optical conductive materials or the other electronic devices.
A device for generating electric power comprising means for using the free energy of mixing of solns. of different concns., comprising anion exchange and cation exchange membranes, characterised in that the two end compartments have electrodes in electrolytes with the same cations as the metal of electrodes. electrodes, electrodes being capable of undergoing reversible redox reactions, compartments adapted to contain solns., the boundaries of compartments comprising a predetermined sequence of
In the prodn. of photovoltaic units consisting partly or completely of glass blocks, the units are coated with a layer of photovoltaically active chemical elements or cpds. on the side opposite to the incident light. The novelty consists in coating the relevant glass surface, before applying the photovoltaic layer, with an intermediate layer of TiO2, directly on the prodn. of the glass block by solidification and cooling from the melt. Accurately defined conditions are used. The appts. is disclosed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The units are useful for generating solar energy. The introduction of the intermediate layer improves adhesive strength, resistance to corrosion and electrical conductivity.
Fuel cell power generator comprises: anode; cathode; electrolyte matrix contg. molten carbonate; and a creepage barrier for preventing electrolyte creepage at the anode. The barrier comprises a thin layer of material which is poorly wet by the electrolyte located intermediate an outermost anode end of the cell and the facing outermost end of the electrolyte matrix.    Material is pref. an Au or Au-Pd foil.    Appts. comprises a stack of cells in series configuration with an anode plate at the outermost anode end and ceramic blocks sandwiching the creepage barrier at the anode end. The foil forming the barrier pref. has larger dimensions than the ceramic blocks.    ADVANTAGE -   Preventing electrolyte loss maintains cell performance.
Back metallisation of a solar cell is passivated and deep inpurity regions formed by: forming an n+ layer (14) in a p-wafer; forming a p+ layer (18) at the back surface to form a p+-p junction sepd from the n+-p junction by a p-layer; depositing on insulating layer (20) on the back surface; depositing paste metallisation on the back surface; heating the wafer so that the metallisation oxidises and reduces the underlying insulating layer forming metal which alloys with portions of the underlying p and p+ layers; and cooling to form p+ regions (30) extending from the back surface (21) into the wafer.    ADVANTAGE -   Simple, low cost method provides the cell with a back surface field effect and a passivation effect.
A gas manifold (108) for a fu el cell provided on the side of a fuel cell stack comprises: (1) a casing (110), (2) a common protection layer (112) provided on contact areas between the casing and side of the fuel cell stack and adjacent portions for protecting the casing from corrosion, (3) an insulating layer (111) composed of an inorganic insulating material having stability towards electrolytes and provided over the outer surface of the corrosion protection layer, (4) a thermal stress relief layer (113) between the insulating and corrosion protective layers for relieving thermal stress between arising between casing and insulating layer under high temp. conditions.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. a molten carbonate type of fuel cell. Stable operation over long periods of time resulting from maintenance of insulation properties between single fuel cells and between a single fuel cell and the gas manifold. (First major country equivalent to J62232868-A)
A gaseous raw material substance Aa Hb Xc (A is Si or Ge; X is halogen; a,b and c are positive integers with a at least 2 and c not equal to 0) and a forbidden energy band expanding element including gaseous copd. are retained for applied thermal energy in a deposition chamber of temp. 250 to 1200 deg.C. for 0.5 to 60 sec., to form a deposited film on a substrate placed within the chamber.    USE -   For depositing films on solar battery cell, electronic photosensitiser etc. without abnormal growth.
Carbon material consisting of vitreous carbon obtd. by the carbonisation of resin is dipped in hot phosphoric acid and heated in the air (at less than 400 deg.C.) while the phosphoric acid remains adhering still to the vitreous carbon material.    USE -   Deterioration due to heating of a carbon material used as a plate separator of a fuel cell, etc. is improved without requiring any partic. heating device at lower temp. (100-350 deg. C.) than conventional process (for example, 2000 deg.C. or higher).
In the mfr. of the moulding from a base material contg. active carbon and an organic binder which carbonises at firing, the active carbon is coated before the kneading, with fine powder which is stable up to the vol. shrinking of the moulding but is consumed at the firing.    USE -   For filters, fuel cells, etc.
In a photovoltaic device comprising an active photovoltaic material (I) and a transparent substrate (II), the improvement is that (II) is a copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene and a perfluoroalkoxy resin having a m.pt. above 300 deg.C.    (II) is pref. 0.1-5 mils thick and (I) is pref. a thin film silicon hydrogen alloy.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   E.g. as solar cells for converting light into electrical energy. The device is partic. useful in space applications. It is flexible and Si: H alloy used displays excellent radiation resistance. It can be used in a bifacial mode, i.e. it can be irradiated from either or both sides, making it possible to operate at 2 suns rather than 1 sun.
Lightweight solar cell or photovoltaic transducer comprises: a 2-5 mil Ti foil substrate; a base contact formed over the foil; and a I-III-VI2 photoactive semiconductor (I) deposited on the contact.    Pref. the contact is Mo and (I) is a thin film of CuInSe2.    (I) further comprises a thin film of (Cd, Zn)S deposited on top of the CuInSe2. The CuInSe2 has a graded compsn., the interface with the contact being Cu-rich and the upper region being Cu-lean. The CuInSe2 is free of voids and Cu nodules and has an efficiency of at least 7.9% AMO. The CuInSe2/(Cd, Zn)S structure is deposited by the method of US Re 31968 or US 4523051. The cell also includes an upper antireflection coating.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   As space applications (claimed). Cell has a power above 300W/Kg. (claimed)
Dual compartment anode structure for a molten carbonate fuel cell comprises: (a) an electrolyte porous metal plate (14a) with a ribbed surface (14b) facing away from the electrolyte; (b) an H ion-porous, H2 and electrolyte non-porous metal foil (15) contacting the ribs defining an anode reaction gas compartment; and (c) a corrugated current collector (16) contacting the foil defining an anode fuel gas compartment.    Metallic foil is pref. Cu or Ni, or a mixt. of these, of thickness 0.0001-0.001 in., pref. 0.0005 in. max.    ADVANTAGE -   Electrolyte and fuel are sepd. thus permitting internal cell reforming of hydrocarbon fuels without poisoning the reforming catalyst structure also provides greater cell stability due to redn. in corrosion and reduced electrolyte and electrode loss.
Semiconductor solar cells are formed by: placing a substrate in a vacuum of 10 power -4 to -5 torr; introducing a gas plasma to replace residual gases; and depositing successive passivation and (doped) semiconductor layers, the latter being deposited by evapn. from a solid source, pref. Si.    The Si source is pref. heated inductively, indirectly in a refractory crucible or directly in a conductive crucible through which current is passed. The gas plasma is pref. obtd. using a hot W element.    ADVANTAGE -   Method is lower cost than prior art high vacuum, electron-beam heating methods, and avoids high voltages and dangers of radiation damage.
(JP93075189-B)      Solar cell comprises a 1st non-single crystal semiconductor layer contg. Si and C, passivation film formed on a 1st Si semiconductor layer formed on a 2nd Si layer, and electrode in contact with the 1st non-single crystal layer formed on the 1st semiconductor layer. (J62224089-A)
The electrical contacting part is welded to the solar-cell contacting area first by at least one ultra-sonic (US)-pulse of low energy, giving a minimal mechanical adhesion strength. The US-energy may be provided by the welding platform. The same or a different electrode-system is then used to complete the attachment with a resistance welding process.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The US-pulse breaks through any surface comtamination layer on either or both of the surfaces and ensures a controlled resistance welding process will be able to make a satisfactory weld without damaging the semiconductor device. The method is used for electrical connection of solar cells e.g. for use in space-travel applications.
An electrolyte for a negative or positive electrode of a radox flow battery contains 1-4 normalities of hydrochlorine acid, at least 0.5 mole of an active material per litre of electrolyte. The active material is chromium chloride for the negative electrode electrolyte and iron chloride or iron sulphate for the positive electrode electrolyte, the electrolyte further comprising 0.1-4 normalities of an acid comprising an anion form one or more hydrohalogenic acids which does not inhibit electrode reactions, in addn. to the hydrochlorine acid.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Storage of surplus electric power generated by nuclear power and large-scale thermal power plants. Cell resistivity is reduced and stability fo an active material is improved resulting in a compact high performance radox flow battery. (First major country equivalent to J62216176-A)
A fuel cell assembly has one or more unit cells each comprising at least two planar electrodes which are ribbed on one side (to allow access of fuel and oxidizing agent) and have a catalyst layer on the other. In mfr. of the cell, the electrodes are arranged on each side of a matrix impregnated with an electrolyte, in contact with the catalyst. A potential from an external source is applied in order to polarize the potential of at least one electrode in one of the positive and negative directions. Pref. both electrodes are polarized; and the polarization potential is reversed at least once (more pref. at least twice).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Typically a number of cells is laminated together to procide an assembly with the required output. The effect of applying potential in the described manner is to adjust the wettability by the electrolyte of the strongly hydrophobic catalyst (employing the principles of electro-osmosis). The statistical scatter of the unit cell characteristics in an assembly of cells is thereby reduced leading to high output performance and long life. (First major country equivalent to J62216172-A)
In a CO-O2 fuel cell, a soln. contg. at least Cu(+) and a halide complexing agent for the Cu(+) is used as the anode electrolyte, CO being reacted in the soln. as Cu carbonyl complex. Pref. O2 is fed to the cathode gas electrode; or the cathode may be a soln. electrode, pref. contg. the same halide cpd. complexing agent as the anode electrolyte. Halide cpd. is pref. HBr and/or Br2.    Cell has a diaphragm separating the two electrodes. The anode electrolyte further includes a PT gp. metal (ion), esp. Pd, Rh or Ru.    ADVANTAGE -   Cell is able to use CO direct as its fuel without need for any shift converters. (First major country equivalent to J62213068-A)
Polymerising higher mol. wt. 5-membered heterocyclic cpds. by anode oxidn. polymerisation, comprises using anisotropic liq. crystal having a higher dielectric constant.    Pref. polypyrrole, polythiophene or polyfuran are used. The liq. crystal e.g. nematic liq. crystal is used as the solvent.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   A film having higher electric conductivity, esp. for the cross section of the film surface is obtd. The film is used for diodes, solar cells or rectification elements.
(JP93071151-B)      Substrate comprises a transparent conductive layer formed on a transparent substrate; the conductive layer is composed of a F-contained Sn oxide film and Sn oxide film contg. Cl as a halogen element.    USE -   For solar cells. (J62211966-A)
Solar cell comprises: semiconductor layer of first type; semiconductor layer of second type forming a junction; AlGaAs semiconductor layer of second type with grooves through to the second layer; conductive material in the grooves; a bus bar (60) across the grooves; a conductive flat strip (50) spaced from the bar; and a conductive bridge (70) between bar and strip.    Junction may be pn or np type.    ADVANTAGE -   Cell contacts have low resistance and good mechanical integrity: since the strip does not contact the grid lines connections can be made to it by high temp. soldering or welding without damage to the semiconductor.
Appts. to equalise the pressure between a circulating liq. and a gas within the pores of a porous gas electrode in an electrolytic cell comprises a cell housing contg. a porous gas electrode and separately connectable to a source of gas and a supply of liq.. The housing has separate gas and liq. compartments. A holding tank receives excess gas and used liq. from the cell. A pump is provided in the conduit connection between the liq. compartment and the liq. supply.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Balancing electrolytic cell gas with circulating electrolyte, in the operation of electrolytic cells, including fuel cells. The cell may be operated at a high pressure without the need to shut down to treat or replace the electrolyte.
A low temp. gas plasma is generated in the presence of a gaseous pyrrole and iodine so that a plasma-polymerised film of the iodine-contg. pyrrole is formed on a support. Excess iodine is then removed, to obtain a plasma-polymerised py rrole/iodine complex polymer.    Pyrroles of formula (I) can be used for the prepn. of the complex polymer. In (I), R1 to R5 each are H, alkyl, aromatic gp. alicyclic hydrocarbon, or ester residue, ketone residue or halogen derivative residue. The polymer film has a conductivity of 1 x 10 power(-3) - 1 x 10 power(2) S/cm in the film surface direction. The conductivity of the film in the film surface direction is 10 power2 to 10 power8 times of that in the film thickness direction. The iodien content in the film is 5-70 wt.%. The polymer film is porous. The low temp. gas plasma is generated in the presence of an inert gas (e.g. argon, H2, N2, helium).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The complex polymer is free from drawbacks of conventional organic polymer semiconductor materials and has high safety and high mechanical strength. (Previously notified in Week 8742)
Catalyst is produced by mixing polymer substance with reactive functional gps in molecule chain, crosslinking agent and solvent to bind polymer molecules by crosslinking coating mixed soln on a support or impregnating soln in a support, drying support to remove the solvent and to form polymer thin film, binding metal complex to the reactive functional group of the polymer substance, reducing the metal complex and drying the polymer thin film to decompose and remove.    Polymer substances are polyethylene imine, polyacrylic acid and cpds with them as side chain. Crosslinking agents are e.g. (CH2)3(CHO)2, (CH2)3(COOH)2, (CH2)6Br2, (CH2)6(NH2)2 and (CH2)4(CO)-2(NH2)2 etc. Solvents are water, alcohol, acetone, chloroform and THF etc. Metals in metal complex are pref Pt group metals and base metals.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The catalyst is used in synthesis of organic cpds., hydrogenation, oxidn, redn, fuel cells and electrolysis etc. Catalyst with good catalytic properties is easily and effectively produced.
Catalyst is produced by mixing polymer substance with reactive functional gps in molecule chain and crosslinking agent in a solvent to bind polymer molecules by crosslinking, coating mixed soln on a support or impregnating the soln in a support, drying the support to remove the solvent and to form polymer film, impregnating metal complex soln in the polymer film to bind metal complex to the reactive functional gp of the polymer substance, and the reducing the metal complex.    Polymer substances are pref polyethylene imine, polyacrylic acid and cpds with them as side chain. Crosslinking agents are (CH2)3(CHO)2, (CH2)3(COOH)2, (CH2)6Br2, (CH2)6(NH2)2 and (CH2)4(CO)2(NH2)2 etc. Solvents are water, alcohol, acetone, chloroform and THF etc. Metals in metal complex are Pt group metals and base metals.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used in synthesis of organic cpds, hydrogenation, oxidn, redn, fuel cells and electrolysis etc. Catalyst with good catalytic properties is easily and effectively produced.
In a fuel cell generator (10) comprising several fuel cells, (40), fuel feed conduits are arranged exterior to and between the fuel cells to distribute unreformed fuel feed to the exterior surface of the fuel cells where reforming of the fuel feed is effected.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The generator is a high temp. solid electrolyte fuel cell generator using externally reformed fuels. The endothermic reforming reaction is more uniformly distributed along the entire fuel cell length with minimal reforming temp. gradient along the fuel cell length and without loss of active fuel cell area.
The connector (6) is placed on the contact-strip (4) of the cell. On the light-sensitive side of the cell irradiation takes place briefly, pref. about 2 secs., with light of wavelength for which the sensitivity is high and the reflectivity is low, pref. using infra-red of a short wavelength. The panel is thereby heated to a temp. of pref. 190-240 deg.C.    Several contacts can be made simultaneously, on the front- and the back-side of the cell, while the contacts are pressed against the cells. Pref. connectors are Cu-foil coated with a layer of solder (9), alternatively a layer of solder-paste may be provided to allow selective soldering.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The method can be used to connect several solar cells together. It allows heating to a soldering temp. in a very short time, minimising any damage which the solar cell might sustain.
The light sensitive, amorphous semiconductor material, e.g., Si, is deposited from the gas- or vapour-phase on a substrate (1) coated with a transparent conductive oxide-layer (2). Light radiated on the structure consists of one wavelength which is absorbed well by the amorphous layer (3), pref. less than 800 nm wavelength, and to which the substrate and oxide-layer are transparent, and another wavelength which is absorbed by the substrate and oxide-layer and for which the amorphous layer is transparent, pref. 1500 nm or larger. The pref. temp. for the substrate is 20-300 deg.C during deposition, that for the layer (3) is 150-400 deg.C.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The method allows optimisation of the deposition by redn. of detrimental effects such as diffusion from the oxide-layer or substrate into the deposited layer and redn. of the oxide-layer by H2 from the deposition-reaction, and improved characteristics of the amorphous layer by adjusting the substrate temp. and deposited layer temp. at different values. The process is used for the mfr. of solar cells.
Amorphous Si semiconductor is deposited on a substrate by decompsn. of gas phase higher order silane(s) in presence of a p-type catalytic dopant without photo-sensitisation at a substrate temp. of about 200 deg.C and a pressure of 1-50 Torr. The prod. is amorphous p-Si of band gap 1.8-2.6 eV. Pref dopant is B.    Reactants may contain a C source. Gas phase residence time is 1-500 sec. In an embodiment, the catalytic dopant is decomposed at a temp. below the normal decompsn. temp. of the higher silane; the latter is then decomposed in the presence of the decomposed dopant.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. in fabrication of solar cells. Transparent, wide band gap material is formed in a simple low-temp. deposition.
(JP93003753-B)      Appts. comprises (i) a ZnTe-CdTe solid soln. layer adjacent to (ii) a CdTe conductive layer and (iii) n-type Cd(Zn)S semiconductor layer adjacent to the ZnTe-CdTe solid soln. layer.    USE -   For solar cells. (J62203384-A)
Porous metal plate has formed on at least one side, a film of water soluble alkali-silicate system substance. The porous metal plate comprises short Al fibre or stainless short fibre. The alkali is one or more of alkali-metal oxide, tert. amine and quat. amine.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The porous metal plate is used partic. for fuel cells for Ni-porous material, sound absorption material for Al porous material, and filters for stainless steel porous material.    In an example, on both side of Al-porous metal plate made by sintering, having 3mm thickness and 45% porosity, Na2O.K2O.6Si2 (sp. gr. 1.2 g/cc, viscosity of 9 cp. at molar ratio of 25, and at 20 deg.C, and m.pt of 540 deg.C, was sprayed to form SiO2 and metal oxide coating film while removing water in 200 deg.C. oven. The film thus formed had 41% porosity (reduced).
The process consists of (a) cleaning the surface of a substrate of polycrystalline silicon with surface damaged by cutting, by degreasing in 30% sodium hydroxide at 115 deg.C; (b) depositing a 20 micron layer of epitaxiated silicon by the LPCVD technique; (d) doping with B2H6 during growth of the layer; (e) doping with POCl3 at 870 deg.C to form a N+/P union; (f) attacking the latter oxide with HF and forming Al/Ag/Pb contacts by silk screen printing; (g) attacking the former oxide in the contact zone with HF and depositing two successive layers of gold/nickel by electroless deposition; (h) depositing a tin/lead layer over nickel contacts and formation of aluminic contact.
Semiconductor device consisting of amorphous and/or micro-crystalline material includes an interposed layer of high impurity concn. between the layers of a pn junction to promote the recombination of carriers.    Pref. the interposed layer is a boundary layer having a concn. of impurities of N, O, Fe, Cu and Ge greater than the total of these impurities in the n-layer and the p-layer.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. with amorphous Si or amorphous alloy multiple junction solar cells. Conversion efficiency of the solar cell is enhanced.
Photovoltaic cell comprises a conductive substrate; a semiconductor layer; a transparent conductive layer; a preformed thin-film conductive grid; and a conductive adhesive of resistivity 0.5-5 ohm.cm., pref. about 2 ohm.cm, on the grid to connect it to the underlying conductive layer.    The grid pref. comprises fingers with a collector bus and is pref. a metal foil.    Specifically, the collector grid is formed by a die cutting process and the adhesive is applied before locating the grid on the front-end conductive layer. A typically suitable conductive adhesive is a C-loaded polyimide, and the grid may be formed of Al foil (not claimed.)    USE/ADVANTAGE -   As a solar cell. An efficient, low cost front-end contact is formed.
Conductive pattern is formed on a semiconductor surface by: exposing portions of the surface to laser light; and immersing the surface, opt. simultaneously, in a metal plating soln. The laser power density is pref. 4.3-6.6 x 10 power 5 W/sq.cm.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. in mfr. of Si solar cells (claimed). Method is fast and low cost: need for a plating mask is avoided.
Solar cell comprises: an n(+) GaAs layer (10); an n GaAs layer (12); a p GaAs layer (14) forming a pn junction; a p AlGaAs layer (20); a longitudinal alloy grid (40) on the AlGaAs layer and extending through it to the p GaAs layer; a second grid (50) lying across and contacting the first grid; a flat metal strip (60) lying along an edge of the AlGaAs layer connecting the grid lines; and a back contact (30) on the back surface of the cell structure.    Specifically conductivity types may be reversed. Antireflection coatings (21,22) overlie AlGaAs layer (20), comprising e.g. TiO2 and Al2O3 (not claimed). Contact lines (40) are typically 5-10 micron wide and grid lines (50) are typically 30-40 micron wide; lines (40) are typically formed of sputtered AuZn alloy coated with evapd. Ag; and grid lines (50) are typically formed of Ti, Au or Ag.    ADVANTAGE -   The front electrical contact design minimises surface emitter recombination current and enhances open circuit voltage and efficiency.
A metal plate (1) having solar cells (2) is placed on a fixed plate and on surfaces of the metal plate and solar cells a porous expandable sheet material (7), whose upper surface is laminated with cheese cloth (5), is adhered through elastic adhesive (4) and dried. Concrete contg. glass fibres is then sprayed on the metal plate to form a glass fibre-contg. concrete layer (9).    USE -   Design prevents deformation of the surface of the panel due to difference in contraction of composite panel materials.
Curable polyimides contain repeat units of formula (I) and are soluble in organic solvent. In the formula, X, X1-X4=tetravalent carbon cyclic or heterocyclic gps.; Y1-Y3=divalent carbon cyclic or heterocyclic gps.; at least one of Z1 and Z2 is a reactive carbon to carbon double bond-contg. gp.; l, m, n=zero or integers of above one.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The polyimides are used for formation of X-ray shielding films, base sheets of flexible printed board, insulating films for multilayered wiring boards, and solar batteries, etc. They are photocured or thermoset opt. in the absence of photopolymerisation initiators, monomers, and crosslinking agents. Their loss of wt. when forming heat resistant films is small. The polyimides are free from strain and residual stress at the time of imidisation.    In an example, prepn. 116 ml dimethylformamide (DMF) soln. of 16.1 g of 3,3',4,4'-benzophenone tetracarboxylic acid dianhydride was added dropwise to 96 ml DMF soln. of 10.7 g of 3,3'-diaminobenzidine with stirring under ice-cooling over the period of 3 hrs. and stirred at 25 deg.C for 2 hrs. The reaction mixt. was mixed with 11.1 g of phthalic acid anhydride, 2.5 g of maleic acid anhydride and 65 ml of pyridine and stirred at 25 deg.C for 20 hrs. The polyamide acid soln. was blended with 37.8 ml of acetic anhydride and 25.8 ml of pyridine and stirred at 25 deg.C for 3 hrs. and thereby imidised. The reaction soln. was added dropwise to 3 litres of water with stirring. The polymer deposit was filtered out, water-washed and vacuum-dried. The polymer had a logarithmic viscosity of 0.15 (at 30 deg.C in 1% N-methylpyrrolidone).
New compsn. derivs. are 2-oxa- or 2-imino-3-(4-substd.-5-substd. carboxy-thiazol-2-yl)-4-cyano-7-amino -2H-chromene cpds. of formula (I): B1 and B2 independently = aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, aromatic or heterocyclic gps.; X = O or imino; Z1 = H, 1-4C alkyl (opt. substd. by OH, CN, 1-4C alkoxy, Cl, Br, COOH, carb-1-4C-alkoxy, carbonamido or acetoxy), cyclohexyl, benzyl, phenylethyl, phenyl or p-tolyl; Z2 = H or 1-4C alkyl, opt. substd. by CN, 1-4C alkoxy, Cl, Br, COOH, carb-1-4C-alkoxy, carbonamido or acetoxy; Z1 + Z2 + N can = a 5-6-membered satd. heterocycle and Z1 and/or Z2 can form a ring with the o-position (to the N atom).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   (I) are claimed for use as fluorescent dyestuff in organic material, in light-collecting systems and dyestuffs. For light concn. systems (e.g. for solar cells), they can be incorporated in plastics panels or films (e.g. polymethyl (meth)acrylate, polystyrene, polydiethylene glycol diallyl biscarbonate, polyamides and polycarbonates). They have high fluorescence (with a quantum yield of over phi= 0.9), good solubility inmedia used in light concn., high light-fastness and a wide absorption range.
The effects of undesired contaminants present in a limited region, esp. a boundary region, of one layer of a multilayered amorphous semiconductor device are counteracted by incorporating a compensating agent into the region in an amt. to slightly over-compensate for the contaminant.    The semiconductor is pref. amorphous Si, deposited by glow discharge, sputtering or CVD.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. with PIN solar cell structures where the contaminant is present in a boundary region of the i-layer. (claimed). Method counteracts effects of contaminants esp. introduced as a result of residual dopant sources present in the deposition chamber.
Solar cell assemblage comprises (A) a pre-treated silanised transparent substrate; (B) a layer of semiconductor material comprising solar cell(s); (C) an electrical contact on the surface of (B); (E) an extruded transparent film for encapsulating the assemblage of (A), (B) and (C); (F) a frame to contain the encapsulated solar cell laminate; and (G) sealant to seal the frame to the laminate.    (E) comprises (I) 75-91 pts. wt. blend of (1) 65-75 pts. wt. selectively hydrogenated two block copolymer comprising blocks A and B such that before hydrogenation (i) each A is a polymer block of monovinyl or alpha-alkyl monovinyl arene of number average mol. wt. 5000-75000and is present to a total of 10-40 wt.%, and (ii) each B is a polymer block of number average mol. wt. 10000-150000, formed by polymerising 4-10C conjugated diene and is pesent to a total of 90-60 wt.%; and (2) 25-25 pts. wt. selectively hydrogenated multi block copolymer comprising 10-40 wt.% end blocks A and 90-10 wt.% mid block B as defined above; (II) 8.5-22.5 pts. wt. alpha-methyl-styrene polymer tackifying resin; and (III) 0.5-1.5 pts. wt. mixt. of phenolic antioxidant, UV absorber with benzotriazole functionality and UV absorber with hindered amine functionality.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for a commercial 40 watt solar cell module supported at 4 mounting points moulded into the encapsulant without a centre mounting. The encapsulant can be provided with panels of thickness 0.210'' +- 0.020'' and can contain intra-panel wiring harnesses. It can support a protective outer coating, e.g. a gel coat, to improve weatherability. The encapsulant has max. mould temp. 90 deg. C and button-to-button cycle time less than 10 mins..
Electricity is obtd. by: flowing H2 through a conversion cell comprising a pair of spaced solid, H2-permeable metal electrodes with an H ion-permeable electrolyte, such that current is induced through an external circuit connecting the electrodes. Pref. the electrolyte selectively passes H- and the H2 is reduced to H- at the first electrode and to H at the second electrode; the H2 flow is induced by a chemical potential gradient formed across the cell, pref. by the reaction of H2 with a metal.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In e.g. space flights. Cell has a simple design and provides high energy output which does not diminish over time.
Process comprises immersing a Cu or Cu alloy base plate in an alkaline water soln. to form a Cu oxide film on the surface of the plate and immersing the plate in an aq. soln. of molybdate.    Used for solar cells. (J57014154-A)
The glass comprises (in wt.%) 55.0-75.0 SiO2, 2.0-8.0 Al2O3, 3.0-13.0 B2O3, 0-4.0 MgO, 0-3.0 CaO, 0.5-6.0 BaO, 0-4.0 ZnO, 0-3.0 Li2O, 7.0-14.0 Na2O, 0-5.0 K2O, 2.0-8.0 CeO2, 0.3-2.0 TiO2, 0.1-2.0 Sb2O3 and 0-1.0 V2O5.    USE -   Exhibit excellent heat resistance, water resistance and UV rays-intercepting characteristics, as well as excellent light transparency from near infra-red to visible rays range.
Uncharged all-V redox battering has anolyte and catholyte compartments sepd. by an ion-conductive separator, the analyte contg. V(4+) ions and the catholyte contg. a salt VO(x)g where y = 2 and X = F, Br or Cl, or y = 1 and X = SO4 or O, and the salt concn. is 0.25-5.0 M. A specific salt is VOSO4 at a concn. of 0.25-2.5M Pref. 0.5-2.25M esp. 1.0-2.0 M and more esp. 1.5-2.0 M.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   As a rechargeable redox battery for domestic or industrial use. Battery overcomes prior art redox battery system problems relating to diffusion, stability and solubility. (First major country equivalent to J62186473-A
Film is formed on a board by sputtering the target comprising In-oxide sintered compact contg. Sn-oxide, in which the film comprising dense and fine particles is formed on 300 deg.C or higher temp. transparent board by sputtering in vacuum oxygen-contg. inert gas, followed by sputtering in vacuum inert gas contg. low O2 concn. or no O2 to form a film whose grain size was abnormally grown.    USE -   Film formed on glass board, having surface asperity due to abnormal grain growth, but low resistivity such as 1.7-1.9x10 power (-4) ohm.cm can be obtd. Used for transparent electrodes for solar cells.
Power system comprises: a first fuel cell supplied with fuel gas contg. water vapour and an oxidant gas; a second fuel cell supplied with exhaust gas from the first cell and an oxidant gas; and a humidity regulator for the exhaust gas fed from the first to the second cell so that the water vapour content of the gas is appropriate and C deposition in the second cell is prevented.    Fuel supply to the first cell pref. comprises H2, CO, and C02; other hydrocarbons may also be present.    ADVANTAGE -   System is able to operate with good, stable characteristics for a long period even at a high fuel utilisation ratio; and has high power generating efficiency. (First major country equivalent to J62184771-A)
Si solar cell having a grid electrode on one side includes a surface layer of modified Si on the same side having a refractive index of 3.4-3.6 at 633 nm and 3.6-3.8 at 442 nm, the layer being formed by H ion-beam inplantation in the presence of 2-10 vol.%, pref. 2-8 vol.% CH4, on H2. Pref. an antireflection coating is then formed on the modified surface having a refractive index in air of 1.87-1.89, pref. of Si3N4.    H ion-beam implantation is performed at 1000-2000 V and a beam current of 1-3 mA/sq.cm. at the substrate. Method and prod. are claimed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Modified Si layer provides an optimum optical match between the substrate and the antireflection coating (claimed).
Producing Si crystal tape comprises applying downward tension members which support ends of a seed crystal and growing crystal, just after the support members are contacted with each other.    USE -   Used for making Si solar cells.
Solar cell consists of a base-electrode (2) on a substrate (1), an intermediate amorphous Si-layer (4), a top-electrode (6), pref. transparent and a digitated low resistance electrode (7). An insulation zone is formed where a pinhole occurs in the Si-layer, at least when it is within range of the digitated electrode.    An insulating layer is deposited (3) on the base-electrode in those areas above which later the digitated electrode (7) will be formed. This insulator is pref. SiOx or made by selectivee oxidn. of the first electrode. Alternatively the base-electrode (2) is covered by a metal-layer, pref. 10 nm thick Ta-layer, which is later oxidised electrolytically after deposition of the amorphous Si-layer, using a watery H3PO4-soln. A third alternative uses base-electrode (2) of pref. a NiCr-alloy with a 60;40 compsn., which is exposed to a selective etchant, which does not attack the Si-layer, after deposition of the Si-layer. The etchant is pref. Ce-sulphate in a HNO3 soln or a mixt of HCl, ethyleneglycol and NiCl2    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process allows a higher yield of large area solar-cells to be obtd by elimination of defects, without affecting significantly the cell efficiency.
In the structure a transparent substrate (1) has been coated with a transparent first electrode (2), pref. F=doped Sn-oxide, and an intermediate layer (3), e.g. amorphous Si. This layer is then covered with photoresist (5) pref a novolac/ epoxy photopolymer. The structure is then exposed to UV-light pref a wavelength of 350-400 nm through the substrate, exposing the photoresist in the pinholes of the intermediate layer. If positive resist is used then after development an insulating layer is evapd or sputtered, then the remaining resist is removed, lifting off the insulating layer except in the pinholes. If negative resist is used the top-electrode, pref. Ag or NiCr, is deposited after exposure of the resist and development. Then the rest of the resist is removed and with it the overlying part of the top-electrode.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process allows an insulation layer to separate the 2 electrodes in the places where pinholes occur in the intermediate layer, or the electrode-material to be removed in those areas. This allows large area structures, e.g. solar cells or capacitor to be constructed with improved yield.
Fuel cell-electrolysis cell system includes: means for comparing the fuel cell output voltage with a reference voltage and producing a signal corresponding to the difference; and using the signal to adjust the pp. of the oxidant supply to the fuel cell so that the output voltage is adjusted close to the reference voltage.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. in chlor-alkali cell systems where H2 prod. is used as fuel for the fuel cell whose voltage output drives the chlor-alkali cell (claimed). The voltage supply to the electrolysis cell is stabilised independent of any fluctuations in the electrolysis cell (claimed).
Reformer comprises a vaporiser (1) to vaporise fuel (methanol and water) and reactors having catalyst layers to reform fuel to gas mainly contg. H2. The vaporiser is divided to chambers independent from each other and each divided chamber is connected to each corresp. reactor.    USE -   To uniformly distribute fuel gas to each reactor.
Solar cell device is made by (i) forming, on a semiconductor substrate (1), a removable layer (2) of crystal lattice structure identical or similar to that of the substrate; (ii) forming, on the removable layer, a solar cell structure (3) of crystal lattice structure identical or similar to that of the removable layer; (iii) forming on the solar cell structure, a reinforcing layer (4) having sufficient mechanical strength to support the solar cell structure; and (iv) etching away the removable layer (2) to separate the solar cell structure supported by the reinforcing layer such that the light-receiving surface of the solar cell structure is exposed, the removable layer having a higher etching rate than that of the solar cell structure and the reinforcing layer.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process is used esp. for mfr. of cpd. semi-conductor solar cells, e.g. AlGaAs/GaAs solar cells. It provides simple mfr. of low weight, high strength and high conversion yield solar cells. The substrate can be reused repeatedly so that it costa is practically eliminated.
Fuel cell has a number of unit cells (12) stacked in layers and a number of separator elements (13) formed of a conductive material interposed between the unit cells (12), each unit cell (12) including an anode (15) and cathode (16) each formed of porous substrate with an electrolyte matrix layer (14) between the anode (15) and cathode (16). The anode (15) has an anode catalyst layer (25) formed on the surface adjacent the electrolyte matrix layer (14) and a fuel gas channel (24) formed on the other surface. The cathode (16) has a cathode catalyst layer (26) formed on its surface adjacent the electrolyte matrix layer (14), and an oxidant gas channel (29) formed for supplying the oxidant gas to the cathode (16). An electrolyte solution permeable portion (17-1) is formed on the surface of the anode (15) that is located adjacent the separator element (13) and the separator element has a recess (30) formed on its surface adjacent the anode (15), the recess (30) being adapted to a store an electrolyte soln. and contains the electrolyte soln. permeable portion (17-1).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In a fuel cell to produce a high emf. Electrolyte soln. is easily replenished allowing prolonged operation without the fuel cell voltage falling.
Static charges are prevented from accumulating on solar generators by providing a transparent conductive adhesive layer between the solar cells and the cover glass. The latter is treated so that charges are transferred from its outside to the inside in contact with the adhesive layer.    The solar cell (1) is bonded by an adhesive layer (2) to a carrier structure (3) and has two terminals (4,5). Another layer of adhesive (6) fixes a cover glass (7). This layer (6) has pref. a certain percentage of a conductive filler, e.g. carbon fibre pieces (8).    ADVANTAGE -   This is a reliable way of preventing static charge accumulations even with solar generators of super-high voltages.
Air supply appts. for a fuel cell comprises: a compressor (1) for supplying the air; an exhaust gas turbine (2) which drives the compressor using cell exhaust gas; an auxiliary combuster (3) upstream of and associated with the turbine; and a pipe (5) for cnducting exhaust gas from the cell to the auxiliary combustor. The auxiliary combustor includes a catalyst (31) and catalyst heater; a branch pipe (5a) conducts a variable amt. of the exhaust gas to the catalyst and another pipe (20) conducts a fuel/air mixt. to the catalyst.    ADVANTAGE -   Use of an auxiliary combustor stabilises operation under conditions of severs load fluctuation, avoiding blow-out, very hgih combustion temps. etc..(First major country equivalent to J62170169-A)
Method of producing a platinum gp oxidized semiconductor includes subjecting a platinum gp oxidized film to hydrogen plasma treatment.    ADVANTAGE -   The semiconductor is low in specific resistance and can be used in a transparent conductive film of a solar cell.
Solar battery comprises: a substrate; a transparent electrode formed of an undoped layer overlaid with a doped layer; a semiconductor layer; and a metal electrode. The transparent electrode material is pref. Sn oxide or ITO; the doped layer is doped pref. with one or more of F, Cl and Sb.    Pref. undoped layer thickness is less than 0.3 micron, pref. 0.08-0.2 micron. Forming the battery comprises sequential deposition steps.    ADVANTAGE -   Transparent electrode has a large area, low resistance and an uneven surface, enhancing battery performance.
An integrated thin-film layer solar cell is made of a substrate carrying a first electrode layer, a photosensitive layer and a second electrode layer deposited over the full face. The structuring of these three layers is only effected subsequently.    The glass substrate (2) receives a first electrode layer (3) of transparent indium-tin oxide and a photosensitive layer (4) of amorphous silicon, followed by a second electrode layer (5) of aluminium, silver, gold or titanium strips. The structuring (6,7,8,9,10) is the next step.    ADVANTAGE -   Results in the most cost efficient procedure.
Photovoltatic device is formed by depositing a first thin-film cell (13) on a transparent substrate (19), depositing a second thin-film cell (15) for absorbing light of lower energy on a second transparent substrate (23), adhering (29) the cells together so that the substrates form the outer layers; and a contact (21,27) to each cell on a layer adjacent the respective substrate. Adhesive (29) is a conductive, transparent material pref. an epoxy contg. conductive particles, esp. Sn oxide, ITO, CdS, CdTe or ZnTe.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   As e.g. a solar cell. Multiple cell device can be formed from materials which are incompatible for joint processing.
Appts. for soldering a link to an element, with one of these carrying solder, comprises an induction heater, a spaced heat-radiating susceptor, and a conveyor (4) moving a support carrying the element (32), link (36) and solder (42,44) past the susceptor at a rate and spacing such that the solder is melted. There may be a number of spaced susceptors such that the solder is successively melted and solidified in a continuous process.    The heater pref. has a number of induction coils (54) and spaced susceptor blocks (61) each corresponding to a different coil pair, so that the solder is melted and solidified at least twice. The blocks are pref. of Al and the conveyor is a fibreglass mesh belt to pass through regions maintained at above 400 deg.F and below 300 deg.F.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. for spacecraft application partic. for interconnecting solar cells in an array, produces reliable soldered joints with removal of trapped air and other flaws.
The reformer has reactor tubes filled with catalyst and heating devices which heat the tubes, in which methanol or hydrocarbons react with steam and reform into a H2-rich gas. Porous glass tubes having a submicron micropores structure are embedded in the catalyst so as to remove H2 gas selectively from the prod. gas.    ADVANTAGE -   The reaction can proceed smoothly at a lower temp., e.g., at 690 deg.C as opposed to 820 deg.C in conventional methods.    Specifically, a raw gas preheated at 350;450 deg.C is introduced into a catalyst layer heated at 670 deg.C; H2-rich gas is recovered through a porous glass hollow fibre module; H2-lean gas is discharged through an outlet tube, part of which is used as a fuel for burners. The module consists of 0.1-0.5 mm thick wall, 2-5 mm outside dia., 1-3 m long porous glass hollow fibres having several angstrom micropores.
Cpd(s) are of formula (MX3)nM'X4-n where M and M' = different Gp IV atoms, at least one beng Si, X = H or hal and n = 1-4, is used as the deposition feedstock in the mfr. of amorphous Si:H alloy. Pref. M = Si, M' = C or Ge and X = H and/or F.    Deposition process and semiconductor device prod. are claimed; process is pref. by dc. glow discharge deposition.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. in mfr. of photovoltaic semiconductor devices (claimed) e.g. solar cells. Incorporation of the second or dopant atom, e.g. C or Ge, into the alloy is controlled and results in enhanced electronic and photovoltaic properties.
A wavelength-shifting device useful when optically coupled to a photoelectric cell to increase the portion of the solar spectrum available to the cell for conversion into electricity comprises the reaction prod. of a beta-diketone (I), an aldehyde (II) and an amine (II), the reaction prd. being chelated with lanthanide metal ion. The chelate is physically supported by a polymer so that the resulting wavelength-shifting device can be optically coupled to a photovoltaic cell.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The condensn prod absorbs a significant level of energy from the energy rich part of the solar spectrum below ca. 450 nm, and transfers the energy to the lanthanide ion, which then emits or fluoresces at a longer wavelength which can be utilised by conventional photovoltaic cells. The chelated condensn. prods. have a long-lived fluorescence and a large Stoke's shift, absorbing energy at the energy rich part of the solar spectrum (280-460 nm) and emitting energy at 540 nm and beyond. The chelated condens. prods. are used eg in the form of a coating for photovoltaic cells.
Mfr. of a graded I-III-VI2 (esp. CuIn Se2) semiconductor having a near contact region, a bulk region and a near-junction region, by simultaneous evapn. of the gp. I, III and VI elements onto a base contact deposited on a substrate, comprises (a) depositing the near-contact region on the base contact at predetermined fluxes for the elements; (b) adjusting the fluxes w.r.t. one another to deposit a p-type bulk region atop the near-contact region, the gp. VI element concn. being less in the bulk region than in the near-contact region; and (c) adjusting the fluxes w.r.t. one another to deposit the near-junction region atop the bulk region, the gp. I element concn. being less in the near-junction region than in the bulk region and being sufficiently reduced to establish a p-n type transient homojunction within the semiconductor.    Also claimed are (i) mfr. of CuInSe2/(Zn, Cd)S solar cells having a conversion efficiency of at least 10.4% AMO; (ii) methods of enhancing the conversion efficiencies of CuInSe2 semiconductors and CuInSe2/(Zn,Cd)S solar cells; and (iii) a solar cell having a conversion efficiency of at least 10.4% AMO.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The methods are useful for making CuInSe semiconductors and I-III-VI2/II-VI heterojunction and solar cells, esp. solar cells for space application. The semiconductors and solar cells are prepd. at high conversion efficiencies.
Fuel cell comprises a thin, flat, non-porous, dielectric, H2-permeable separator; a thin, flat, non-porous, conductive H2-permeable metallic anode; a flat, porous catalytic cathode; H2 supply to the anode; and an oxidant gas supply to the cathode. The anode converts the H2 to H+ ions and electrons which are then conducted around an external circuit to the cathode to do useful work; the H+ ions pass through the separator to the cathode to form byprods., heat and water.    ADVANTAGE -   Cell is able to utilise a heating, pressurised H2-rich source, esp. reformed CH4 or CH3OH (claimed).
Battery post (12') is securely sealed in aperture (20') passing through case (16') of lead acid battery. The post is positioned in the aperture after that portion (18) of it actually located in the aperture has been coated with a rubber undercoat (26) completely devoid of fillers and the space between the annular undercoat and the battery case is filled with a rubber bonding epoxy material which bonds to both the undercoat and the case.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Method of sealing prevents leakage of highly corrosive liquid acidic electrolyte from a battery case around a battery post or terminal extending from the case used for withdrawing electrical power. The seal remains effective over very long periods.
Device is made by forming 1st. electro conductor layer, photoactivating layer, and 2nd. electroconductor layer on a board having 1st.electrode by glow discharge decomposition of Si-hydride, to provide 2nd. electrode. At least the photoactivating layer is formed using disilane, and by applying energy more than the quantity of the min. energy per unit mass of the disilane. The forming rate of the activated layer thin film depends mainly on the flow rate of disilane, and is not affected by the quantity of the applied energy. At least the initial range of formation of the activated layer is controlled by applying bias voltage (e.g. to hold negative potential to the earthed potential) to the 3rd electrode disposed between the board and discharging electrode faced against the main plane of the board, on which photoactivating layer is to be formed.    USE -   Amorphous Si photoelectric transfer device (e.g. solar cell) can be made in high efficiency and at high deposition rate.
(JP93020872-B)      Prodn. comprises forming a plate from a water slurry of Ni alloy powder and wood pulp, heating the plate to burn out the wood pulp, and sintering it in a reductive atmos.    USE -   Used for portable power sources. (J62154576-A)
(JP93020871-B)      Producing fused carbonate fuel cell comprises forming a plate from a water slurry of Ni or NiO powder and wood pulp, press forming a metal mesh to the plate and heating the plate to burn out the wood pulp.    USE -   Used for portable power sources. (J62154575-A)
(JP93048581-B)      Process comprises adding an agglomerant to an aq. slurry of NiO powder and wood pulp to adsorb the powder, sheeting the slurry into a plate, and sintering it in an oxidn. atmos. to form a cathode.    Used for making portable power sources. (J62154574-A)
(JP93048580-B)      Process comprises adding an agglomerant to an aq. slurry of Ni powder and wood pulp to adsorb the powder, sheeting the slurry into a plate, and sintering to form an anode.    Used for making portable power sources. (J62154572-A)
An insulating, transparent substrate (1) is coated with an array of isolated, transparent front-electrodes (2) each defining 1 cell. Then the photovoltaic thin film (3), pref. amorphous Si, is deposited, e.g. by evaporation or sputtering. On this layer a network (4) is deposited, pref. by screen printing, which masks against metal deposition but which can be easily removed e.g. by dissolution. This network is aligned such that it is sepd. from an edge of the front electrode (2) by a small distance, e.g. about 5% of the cell-width. A groove (5) is then made in the top layer (3) pref. by sawing, milling, grinding or sand-blasting, until the front electrode is contacted. This groove covers the distance from the mask-edge (4) to the electrode (2) edge, which is nearest. The surface is then metallised (6) and the pattern (4) removed, pref. by dissolving, pulling off or washing off pref. in an Ultra-sonic bath. This separates the backelectrodes (8) for individual cells and connects, via the groove, the front-electrodes with the back electrode of 1 neighbouring cell.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The construction allows a high voltage, e.g. 12 or 24 V, to be built up using a simple process which does not degrade the conversion level of the cell.
System includes a reforming furnace contg. catalyst (8), a tank for storing raw material to be supplied to the furnace and a piping for connecting the tank to the furnace through a pump and a valve, bypass piping including a valve is arranged to bypass the valve and the pump.    ADVANTAGE -   When negative pressure is caused by decrease of temp. when operation of the furnace is stopped, the raw material is introduced from the tank through the bypass piping to dip the catalyst into the material liquid, so that capability of the catalyst can be maintained. Since nitrogen gas for purging the reforming line is not necessary, the system can be down-sized and easy maintenance of the system is provided.
In the prodn. of refined metal (Cd or Zn) telluride ingots by zone melting, a liq. tellurium zone is passed through a solid charge of the elemental components of the metal telluride, in stoichmetric proportions, at a temp such that the components reach to give the telluride. The solid charge may be a metal rod (2) surrounded by a stoichiometric amount of solid tellurium.    Also claimed are cadmium or zinc telluride ingots made by the process.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The tellurides are semiconductor materials, cadmium telluride being useful as active component of solar cells, as an electro-optical modulator, as gamma radiation detector, and as a component or substrate for Hg1-xCdxTe alloys used in IR detection and as a photodetector in fibre-optical telecommunications, and zinc telluride being useful as a photoconductor. The process is simple and inexpensive and allows prodn., at relatively low temp., of CdTe and ZnTe ingots of large size and high purity by a modified travelling heater method.
The method uses soluble phthalocyanines as support electrolyte. Soluble phthalocyanines include e.g. (non)metal phthalocyanine 3,4',4'',4'''-tetrasulphuric acid salts, which are dissolved in solvents e.g. water. The monomers to be polymerised are dissolved in the solns. When voltage is applied between a pair of electrodes inserted in the solns., conductive polymers are formed on anodes as a film. The film contains soluble phthalocyanine ion acting as dopant.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The highly conductive mols. are used for the mfr. of sec. batteries, photo-switching elements, sensors, solar batteries, etc. The mols. have a conductivity as high as that of a metal. The conductivity of the mols. can be controlled by doping.    In an example, 0.2 mol/l polypyrrole, 0.03 mol/l Cu phthalocyanine, 3,4',4'',4'''-tetrasulphuric acid Na salt were dissolved in 15 ml distilled water. Into the soln., Li and NESA glass were inserted. When 3.0 V was applied to the electrodes, electric current of 20 mA ran. In two mins., the anode was removed and a reddish violet polypyrrole film was formed on it. The flexible film was released from the base sheet. The film had a conductivity of 10 S/cm at room temp. which was almost equal to the conductivity of polypyrrole film obtd. by the ordinary polymerisation method using LiBF4, etc. as electrolyte in organic solvents, e.g., acetonitrile.
(JP93064870-B)      Amorphous Si solar cell comprises a Ni layer electroplated on the surface of a stainless steel sheet. The grain size of the Ni grains on the surface of the plated layer is 0.01-1.5 microns and the surface roughness is 0.01-0.6 microns.    Used for power sources. (J62143481-A)
Multilayer structure film is formed by CVD from a major gas compound (I), a minor gas component (II) and externally activated H2, the amt. of (II) introduced being periodically controlled. Pref. (I) is an Si-contg gas and (II) is a Ge or C-contg. gas.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. in mfr. of solar cells, electro-photographic devices etc. Method has good productivity and produces good quality structures with good interface characteristics etc.
Defects are removed from an amorphous pin-structure semiconductor device by: applying a reverse bias potential to create a field across the junction; and irradiating at a photon energy greater than the band gap energy while the bias potential is being applied. The irradiation is pref. in the visible range. The reverse bias potential is pref. 1-10V and the radiation intensity is pref. 1-100 suns.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. with solar panel arrays. Method does not require the 150-200 deg.C temps. of the prior art.
Transducer comprises: an upper cell of band gap 1.7eV formed by depositing p-ZnTe on n-CdSe at a temp. below 350 deg.C; and a lower cell of band gap 1.0eV consisting of a thin film heterojunction between a graded ternary I-III-VI semiconductor and a II-VI semiconductor window layer. An n+ transparent conductive oxide layer, pref. of SnO2 or ZnO esp. SnO2:f, contacts the CdSe.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   As a solar cell esp. for space applications. Cell has high resistance to radiation damage, is low cost and is lightweight.
Solid electrolyte compsn comprises (A) cross-linked polymer prepd. by cross-linking branched polyethyleneimine with poly-functional epoxy cpd. and (B) inorganic electrolyte. Pref (A) is polymer of formula (I). (x and y are integers so mol. ratios of prim, sec and tert amin gps is 1:2:1). It has mol. wt. of 300-100,000. Epoxy cpd. is pref. diepoxyalkane (e.g. 1,3-diepoxybutane or 1,7-diepoxy-octane), epoxy resin of polyalkylene glycol type (e.g. epoxy resin of bisphenol A or F type, novolak epoxy resin or polyfunctional phenol type, diglycidyl ether cpd prepd by reacting resorcinol and epihalohydrin, aralkyl epoxy resin or epoxy resin of hydantoin type. It is used in an amt. of 1-50 PHR. (B) is pref. LiClO4, LiI, LiBF4, LiAsF6, LiCF3SO3, LiPF6, LiSCN, NaI, NaSCN, NaBr, CsSCN, AgNO3,CuCl2 or Mg(ClO4)2. It is in the compsn. in an amt of 0.1-100 mol% per unit monomer of branched polyethylen-imine. The compsn. is prepd. by blending uniformly the imine and the inorganic electrolyte and cross-linking the polyethylene imine by adding the mixt. with the epoxy cpd and heating the mixt. opt in the presence of solvent (e.g. methanol). When the compsn is formed into a sheet etc the compsn is formed prior to the termination of the cross-linking reaction.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Compsn has high-ion conductivity and moulding workability. Useful as a solid electrolyte for prim or sec battery, fuel cell or electrochromic display element. It contains no liq. component so that it has high storage stability and long life.
Appts. to reform fuel for fuel cells comprises a heating gas feeder attached to one end of a reactor tube charged with a catalyst. A fin is formed on the outer surface of the tube so that the surface area of the fin increases away from the upstream of a heating gas.
In a reformer of fuel for fuel cells, reactors are placed on and connected to a fuel evaporator. All circumferences of the reactors and evaporator are covered with an insulation layer surrounded by an inner- and an outer-wall.    USE -   To increase the thermal efficiency of the reformer.
A fuel reformer for fuel cells comprises a fuel evaporator having fuel supply nozzles and reactors placed on and connected to the fuel evaporator. Ejecting holes placed at branched ends of supply nozzles are arranged separately.    USE -   To increase amt. of evapn. of feed gas per unit vol.
Reactors to convert vapourised methanol and steam to reformed gas are provided in a heating chamber. At the inside of the inner walls of the heating chamber gas-passing layers made of ceramics and connected to gas exhaust holes are provided to prevent heat contained in the heating gas from escaping.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   To increase the thermal efficiency of reactors.
A fuel reformer (30) for fuel cells is equipped with a reformed gas passing layer (15) composed of porous ceramics placed at the exit of reactors (4) to convert vapourised methanol and steam to reformed gas, which mainly contains H2.    USE -   Used to recover heat from reformed gas exhausted from reactors and to eliminate or miniaturise heat exchangers provided at a back process.
A reformer (30) of fuel for fuel cells is equipped with reactors (4), in which catalyst pellets are supported with porous members (13). Evaporated methanol and steam are passed through the catalyst pellets and heated to convert to reformed gas mainly contg. H2.    ADVANTAGE -   To uniformly disperse feed to catalyst layers.
A reformer of fuel for fuel cells comprises a fuel evaporator placed right above burners, reactors filled with catalyst placed on and connected to the evaporator and a collector placed on the upper part of reactors to collect reformed gas.    USE -   To distribute heat required for vapourisation of fuel and endothermic reforming reaction from the same burners. The appts. can be miniaturised.
The matrix plate provides nonconductive fine particles e.g. oxides of Al or Si, or Si-carbides, Al-nitrides at least on one side of cold rolled 0.5mm or less thick stainless thin sheet. A thin layer is formed which consists of nonconductive filler between the fine particles, and between the particles and the stainless steel thin sheet. The nonconductive filler is, e.g., metal oxides such as Zn-oxide or Ti-oxide, as thermal decomposition products of metal salts of naphthenic acid, or metal organic cpds.    The method involves coating the mixt. of nonconductive fine particles, and other nonconductive filler having good wettability with the nonconductive fine particles, in powdery or soln. form, on one side of the stainless steel sheet, drying, and firing at 400-900 deg.C.    ADVANTAGE -   Excellent compatibility with amorphous layer applied on the energy receiving surface of solar cells.
Processable conductive polymers are prepd. by oxidatively polymerising, in a polymerisation reaction medium, a monomer (I) which is oxidatively polymerisable to a cationic polymer, the reaction medium including a soluble chemical oxidising agent (II) for the (I) and a dispersed polymer (III) having anionic surface character as counter ion for the cationic polymer.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process allows conductive polymers to be prepd. without the limitations of and the equipment required for electrochemical prodn. methods. The resulting polymer compsns. can be coated onto a variety of substrates to provide a conductive polymer film or layer useful e.g. in the prodn. of solar cells and batteries, EMI shielding, etc.
The process consists of deposition on a substrate by plasma-enhanced CVD of one or more semiconductor layers together with bandgap modifiers and at least one other layer after this. This last layer is formed by reaction of constituents, including a halogen contg. oxidant, in a reaction chamber forming radicals, of which at least one is in an excited state which is used in the deposition chamber to form the required layer. The semiconductor layers have pref. a tetradedral crystal structure and include Si and Ge which are provided for deposition as hydrides in linear or cyclical form. Bandgap modifiers used are e.g. aliphatic hydrocarbons with up to 6 C-atoms, O-containing cpds. of N, C, H or hydrocarbons and N-contg. hydrides, among them NH3 and N2H5N3.    An apparatus to carry out the processes is also claimed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process saves energy and uses low-cost equipment. The properties of the devices produced are superior and homogeneous including the sensitive boudary-layers. The method can be used for the mfr. of solar cells, photo-electric and electro-photo-graphic devices.
High pressure H3PO4 fuel cell stack assembly comprises: an air supply to the cathodes; H2-rich fuel gas supply to the anodes; a cathode exhaust conduit for removing O2-lean air and water; a supply of water fog to the conduit to provide a two-phase coolant of air and entrained water droplets; a circulation system for the coolant through the stack, resulting in an air-water vapour exhaust; and a heater for providing heated exhaust to a thermal reformer for prodn. of the H2-rich fuel gas.    ADVANTAGE -   Avoiding use of steam to operate the reformer permits higher stack operating pressures and hence better stack efficiency and power density; also the reformer reaction is autothermal, requiring no auxiliary burner.
Cl2 Hydrate is formed by: adding liq. Cl2 to an aq. liq. in a vessel in an amt. such that some evaporates until the pressure in the vessel is below 100psig but above that needed for hydrate formation at 6-20 deg.C, this pressure then being maintained; sealing the vessel; and removing heat of hydration to an environment having a temp. of about 6-26 deg.C..    USE -   For charging a ZnCl2 storage battery, pref. for use in an electric vehicle.
Catalyst is prepd by fixing a catalytic component on a carbon support material dispersed in water in the presence of a reductant and a surfactant which can be uniformly dispersed in water.    Pref C powder, catalytic component, sufactant, and reductant are added in water heated, filtered, washed with water, dried and calcined in a non-oxidising atmos. Pref. examples of the surfactants are sorbitan monolaurate, sorbitan monooleate, and sorbitan trioleate.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The method provides catalyst which is effectively used in a fuel battery contg. an electrolyte of phosphoric acid. Pt is currently used as a catalyst in a fuel battery being highly dispersed on a carbon material. However, the Pt-particles coagulate decreasing its effective surface area with the running of the battery. Catalyst avoids disadvantage of the prior knowncatalyst.
Solar cell module comprises a CdS/CdTe junction (1) as a photovoltaic portion and an O2 releasing agent filled in the module, pref. a peroxide esp. Ca, Zn, or Mg peroxide, or ammonium persulphate.    Pref. the agent (9) is contg. in a polyethylene bag (90) in a space in the module with the bag mouth open.    ADVANTAGE -   Supply of O2 to the solar cell minimises the reduction in conversion efficiency which would result from shortage of O2. In an example polyethylene bag (90) is filled with 0.3 g ammonium persulphate (9) and air (30), to a thickness of about 1 mm and is left with its mouth open. (First major country equivalent to J62132371-A)
Prodn. comprises anodic-oxidising and polymerising pyrrole cpd or its mixt. in aq soln in the presence of conductive salt consisting of trisoxalatochromic acid (III) ion as controlling voltage of an anode by using a reference electrode.    Concn. of the conductive salt is 0.001-1 mol/l solvent, pref. 0.05-0.2 mol/l solvent. Concn. of pyrrole or its deriv is 0.001-0.5 mol/l solvent pref 0.01-0.2 mol/l solvent.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Polypyrrole film having high conductivity (100 S per cm) is produced easily and repeatedly is useful as electronic parts, electric switches, special electrode materials, covering materials or solar batteries.    In an example 0.1g equiv. K trisoxalatochromate and 0.06 mol pyrrole were dissolved in 100 ml water under stirring in a beaker. ITO glass (3x3x0.1cm) as an anode, Pt plate (3x3x0.05cm) as cathode and satd. calomel electrode as a reference electrode were digested in the aq. soln. ITO glass and Pt plate were connected to a plus pole and a minus pole of a potentiostat respectively by using Cu wire. After preparing potential of the plus pole to +0.75V higher than the reference electrode, the beaker was digested in a thermostat cooled to 0 deg. C and pyrrole soln was polymerised electrochemically for 180 mins. Polypyrrole produced has conductivity of 100 s per cm.
An amorphous Si solar battery comprises a terminal (11) plus spring contact (5) connected to an external output conductor, the surface of the terminal comprising a metal layer (41) with an a-Si film (31) lying between it and an insulated substrate (1). The metal layer (4,41) is electrically connected to a transparent conductive film (2) and the metal layer of the terminal (41) may be electrically connected to a metal layer of the battery (4). The a-Si film acts as an adhesive agent between metal (4,41) and substrate.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Conventional solar batteries using a biased spring contact suffer from the fact that the biasing pressure generates a shear force between the metal contact and the transparent conducting or insulating films which may cause layer separation. The present invention interposes an amorphous silicon layer between the metal and other layers which adheres strongly to both. Bad contacts are therefore avoided. (First major country equivalent to J62128571-A)
A means is claimed for protecting the metallic elements of an electrolyte device against corrosion by providing an electrical connection of the elements or metallic plates of the sealing joints (22, 23, 24, 25, 26) of the electrolyte device to a negative electrical potential. This negative electrical potential may be provided from the outer and most negative of the cathodes in the individual cell or via electrical conductors (28) having one end branched to a negative electrical potential chosen from a source of continuous electricity and the end cathode (38) of the assembly of cells, with the other end of the conductors (28) connected to the elements (22, 23, 24, 25, 26) to be protected. The device in which this means of protecting against corrosion is applied is also claimed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The device is used in electrolytic devices such as electrolysis cells, chemical reactors, fuel cells, etc. where it is necessary to provide sealed joints between a series of cells or modules. Its use reduces the frequency at which such joints need to be replaced. Tests carried out using a negative potential in an electrolysis cell at 70 volts has indicated that after 20 hrs. service no significant corrosion had taken place whilst a similar cell without the use of the negative potential to protect the joints against corrosion exhibited significant corrosion in the same time period.
Power is generated by: combining power from an electrochemical cell employing an aq. metal hydroxide electrolyte, the metal being the anode active metal, with power derived from oxidn. of C to CO2; deriving useful work from the combined power; by pptn. or carbonate using the CO2.    The C is pref. oxidised in a fu el cell or an ic. engine.    C source is coke, coal or a liq. hydrocarbon. In an ic. engine, a catalytic converter is provided to ensure complete conversion to CO2. In the cell system, the reactive metal is an alkali metal, esp. Li. The carbonate ppte. is removed by filtering or centrifuging.    Power generating method and system are claimed.    ADVANTAGE -   Electrolyte management is achieved in combination with an additional power-producing system.
Semiconductor wafer with a passivated deep pn junction is obtd. by: implanting a wafer with a lightly doped emitter region to a depth of about 1 micron; thermally distributing the dopant to form the deep pn junction; and passivating the junction by forming a surface layer.    The lightly doped emitter region has a dopant concn. of no more than 10 power 19 per cc. and the implantation is effected at room temp. at an energy of 5-50 keV and a dose of 10 power 15 ions per sq. cm.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. in solar cell technology. Resulting wafer has good compatibility with front surface contact metallisation, and solar cells have improved conversion efficiency.
A method for forming a solid polymer electrolyte structure comprise forming a suspension of catalytically active, electrically conductive particles (I) and a liq. (II); applying the suspension to at least one side of a fluorocarbon membrane sheet while the sheet is in its thermoplastic form; removing all (II) leaving (I) on the membrane sheet and (d) pressing at least a portion of (I) into the membrane sheet. The process may also include the step of contacting the side of the treated membrane having the particles on the surface with an electrically conductive, hydraulically permeable matrix, and opt subjecting the membrane/matrix combination to a press. sufficient to embed at least a portion of the matrix into the membrane.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process provides a solid polymer electrolyte structure which minimises the electrical resistance between a current collector and an embedded or bonded electrode used in electrolytic SPE cells, thus giving more efficient cell operation. The prods. are useful in a wide variety of electrochemical cells such as fuel cells for continuous prodn. of electrical energy, electrolysis cells for the prodn. of chemical prods and batteries for intermittent prodn. of electrical energy.
Semiconductor device comprises: a semiconductor layer with electrodes on each surface; and a transparent converted region (29a) extending through the layer from an electrode (27a) on one side to an electrode (28a) on the other side. Converted region (29a) is pref. a channel formed by an energy beam, pref. a laser.    Semiconductor is pref. Si:H or Ge:H; one of the electrodes is transparent. Device is formed by directing an energy beam, esp. a laser, between two electrodes on opposite surfaces of the layer to formed a converted conductive channel between the electrodes; the conductivity of the channel is monitored by its transparency, the energy being applied until a threshold of transparency is reached. Energy beam is pref. a near-IR beam. Device and method are claimed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   As a radiation-sensitive device, esp. a photo cell or a solar cell (claimed) in which the converted region is a conductive path between electrodes. Need for stitch bars of the prior art is avoided.
Semiconductor device having interconnections is stabilised by: providing the device with a first electrode which is exposed through an overlying layer of semiconductor; dipping the device in an acid soln.; dipping the device in a metallic ion soln.; and providing a further contact to the first contact.    The device is pref. rinsed after the acid dipping step. Acid is pref. H3PO4 of concn. 30-100%, esp. 30% and dipping time is 10-30 sec. esp. 30 sec.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. in stabilising the intraconnections in solar cells; inter diffusion at contact interfaces is reduced.
The battery consists of a number of stacked cells, each cell producing a voltage of about 1 volt as chemical reactions occur:    H2+CO3(2-)=CO2+H2O+2e    CO+H2O=CO2+H2    in the anode electrode    1/2O2+CO2+2e=CO3(2-)    in the cathode electrode.    The cell contains tiles which contain a catalytic mixture of LiAlO2 and K2CO3-Li2O3. The tiles are sandwiched between an anode electrode and a cathode electrode. The anode and cathode are made of porous nickel alloys. Fuel gas, e.g. H2 or CO is fed to the anode via a channel plate and a perforated plate. Oxidisation gas flows through the cathode via similar plates.
(JP93077191-B)      Thin film solar cell comprises lead-out electrodes for external connections. Each electrode comprises a metal foil electrode and conductive connecting layer laminated on the metal foil electrode connected to a lead terminal through a conductor of this layer. (J62119979-A)
An electrolyte replenishing system for a laminated type fuel cell comprises w.r.t. Fig.2: (a) a cell block (7) having cells; (b) an electrolyte replenishing throat (1) for supplying an electrolyte to (7), and having an outlet connected to (7); (c) an electrolyte exhaust valve (15) for exhausting excess electrolyte, having an inlet connected to the inlet of (1); (d) a head pressure adjusting vessel (13) for regulating the head pressure of the replenishing electrolyte which is brought into (7), having an outlet connected to the inlets of (15) and (1); (e) an electrolyte replenishing valve (12) having an output side connected to the inlet of (13); (f) an overflow line (14) for providing a predetermined head pressure in (13), one end of whic which is connected to (13) and the other end to the output of (15); (g) an exhausted electrolyte tank (16) for storing electrolyte from (15) and (14), and which is connected to the outlet of (15) and the other end of (14); (h) a pump (18) for returning the electrolyte, stored in (16)to the inlet of (12), having an input connected to the outlet of (16), and an output connected to the input of (12); and (i) a venting line (20) for exhausting gas in a reservoir in (7) connected to (7) at the opposite side to (1).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Partic. useful for replenishing electrolyte, e.g. a phosphoric acid, into the fuel cell from outside whilst maintaining a constant head pressure. Exhausting of excess electrolyte prevents damage to the separator plate. (First major country equivalent to J62119871-A)
Solar cell comprises: a 0.0004-0.0005 in thick mono-Si wafer having a 1 micron thick back-surface p or n field region with a dopant surface concn. of about 10 power 19 per cc. The cell includes a thicker epitaxial Si layer interposed between the back surface field region and back surface contact, acting as a support and doped with impurity which provides the desired surface impurity concn. for the back surface field region. The top of the cell is bounded to a top cover glass support by means of high temp. metallised bonding platforms on the cell and the cover.    ADVANTAGE -   Cell is extremely thin, e.g. about 15 micron, and has high conversion efficiency and high open circuit voltage. It is pref. completely sealed in a glass enclosure and has good reliability and rebustness.
Fuel cell appts. comprises: a porous membrane; electrolyte located within pores created by charged particle bombardment and enlarged by chemical etching; a metal film electrode mounted on each face; and a small catalyst ring (26) on the edges of the electrode adjacent the pores for promoting chemical and electrical energy transfomation. The membrane is pref. a thin plastic film.    ADVANTAGE -   Cell is economic in its use of catalyst material.
A reformer (1) for fuels used in fuel cells comprises a carburettor (9) filled with metal particles having high heat capacities to vapourise liq. alcohol and reformers (10) arranged in parallel to reform vapourised gas to gas rich in hydrogen by passing through catalyst (17) in the reformer.    USE -   Flow of two phases of liq. and gas in the carburettor is stabilised and to fluctuation of reformed gas pressure is decreased.
The cell, is made by forming a semi-conductor cpd. with conductivity type selected by deposition of an increased concn. of metallic or non-metallic element; and in a second phase of electro-chemical deposition on an electrode, the semi-conductor cpd. is coated in an electrolytic bath which includes components of the semi-conductor cpd.    USE -   For generating current from light radiation, esp. solar radiation.
A thermoelectric solar cell consists of parallel and series connected thermocouples subjected to solar radiation directly or through a solar collector in the form of a lens, esp. a Fresnel lens.    Also claimed are (a) use of a collector in combination with the thermoelectric solar cell, an optical lens (esp. a Fresnel lens) being located above the cell; (b) use of the solar cell in combination with an electrolysis cell for hydrogen prodn. or water desalination; (c) use of an optical lens (esp. a Fresnel lens) for grilling meat on a spit using solar energy; and (d) use of an optical lens (esp. a Fresnel lens) for grilling or boiling on a plate or grill or in a pot.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The solar cell is inexpensive and efficiently produces a low voltage for electrolytic hydrogen prodn. or other electrochemical reactions.
Semiconductor defects are cured by: connecting Zener diodes (23)in series with each other, connecting the anode of each diode to one side of the junction of an element (3) of the semiconductor device and applying a reverse bias voltage (24) to the diodes and to the elements so that the diode corresponding to each element has its Zener voltage less than the breakdown voltage of the corresponding element (3).    The device is pref. an array of solar cells, the elements each comprising a semiconductor layer (3) and a transparent oxide electrode (2).    ADVANTAGE -   Electrical shorts and shunts due to pinholes or gaps created in layer (3) during the mfg. process are eliminated by a simple process. (First major country equivalent to J62108580-A)
Austenitic stainless steel having a recrystallised structure is subjected to a skin pass rolling before applying a bright or semibright Ni plating layer onto the stainless steel surface.    The skin pass rolling is pref. effected using a hard roll with a draft of 0.1-10% at a slow rolling rate of up to 30 m/min without use of lubricanting oil. The recrystallised structure of the stainless steel is produced by heat treatment at a temp. higher than the recrystallisation point.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Excellent corrosion resistance, workability, solderability, brightness, small contact resistance and smooth surface. It is suitable as material for dry cell cases or solar battery substrates etc.
The element is composed of an electrode obtd. by coating an electroconductive member with organic substance, an electrolyte, and a 2nd electrode. The element utilises the change of the system caused by irradiation of light onto the electrode. The organic substance comprises a polymer of an aniline cpd. of formula (I) as main ingredient R1-R3 are H, phenyl, alkyl, alkoxy, or amino.    Pref. aq. soln. contg. Cu (I) ions is used in the electrolyte, and metal including Cu as main ingredient is used for the other electrode.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Photoelectric current higher than that obtd. from conventional polypyrrole electrodes can be obtd., efficiency is improved.
Electrically conductive transparent film comprises colourless transparent polyimide film made of the principle component(s) of at least one kind of the repeating units selected from formulas (I)-(IV), and an electrically conductive coat formed on at least one surface of the polyimide film.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The electrically-conductive film, for e.g. transparent electrode of display, base film of solar cell, electromagnetic-wave-shielding film, has splendid transparency, heat resistance, durability.
The device comprises a solar battery circuit, including a cathode connected to an underground steel pipe, etc., and connected at the opposite end of the circuit to an underground anode, and a diode including a cathode connected to the steel pipe and an anode connected to the underground anode.    In the daytime, the solar battery operates to prevent electrolytic corrosion of the pipe whilst at night diode circuit is operable.
Photo-electric transformation layer consists of a mixt. of phthalocyanines powder, electric charge transporting agent and binder resin. The layer is sandwiched with electrode layer and semi-permeable electrode layer. Phthalocyanine powder is surface-coated with plasma polymerisation membrane of hydrocarbon.    In an example; photoelectric transformation layer: alpha-type-Cu phthalocyanine powders are coated by plasma-polymerisation of styrene-monomer gas to a thickness of about 50 Angstrom (pref. 20-80 Angstrom. To 20 wt. part (as solid of coated powder, 40 wt. part of N-ethylcarbazol 3-aldehyde-methyl-phenyl hydrazone (electric charge transporting agent) and 40 wt. part of polyethylene resin (binder) are blended and dissolved with xylene at 60 deg. C. Obtd. coating soln. is applied with spraying, dipping, or spinner speed two-stage changing method on the gold-layer which is vacuum-evaporated on the surface of Al base board at about 5000 Angstrom thick.    Phthalocyanines material is alpha-type hydrogen phthalocyanine, methylphthalocyanine or their deriv.. Monomer gas is methanes, ethylenes, acetylenes or aromatic hydrocarbons N-contg., O-contg., halogen-contg. hydrocarbons hydrocarbons mixed with P-contg. gas, B-, Si- Ge- contg. gas etc. Plasma polymerization membrane is 20-80 Angstrom thick. The membrane gives solvent-resist, heat-resist, gas permeability-resist dispersibility, electric-resist, photo-permeability, prevention of reflection, repelling of water etc. Electric charge transporting agent is N-ethylcarbazol-3-aldehyde-methyl phenylhydrazone, p-diethyl aminobenzaldehyde-diphenyl-hydrazone, 2-benzyloxy-4-diethyl amino-benzaldehyde-diphenyl hydrazone. Binder is polyethylene resin, pref..    ADVANTAGE -   Large area solar battery is easily prepd. at lower cost, it has high dark-resist, can easily be integrated-modulated.
Power generating system comprises: a cell with a reactive metal anode, a cathode and an aq. soln. of the hydroxide of the reactive metal as electrolyte; a source of an HF: fluoride salt adduct complex which ppts. an insoluble salt of the reactive metal on contact with the aq. electrolyte; means for sepg. the ppt.; and for recirculating the sepd. electrolyte.    Reactive metal is pref. an alkali metal esp. Li.    ADVANTAGE -   Use of the above complex for electrolyte management is safer and more efficient than prior art use of simple acids e.g. HF. /1
Ferric hydrous oxide that retards the deposition of Fe cpds. on conduit walls is made by boiling in a vented chamber an aq. soln. of Fe cpds. including magnetite, the aq. soln. contg. O2 which suppresses magnetite formation and promotes conversion of the magnetite to ferrous hydrous oxide.    Boiling is carried out pref. at 300 deg. F or less for 24 hrs. pref. under reflux.    Specifically the aq. soln. is the fuel cell coolant or a portion of its feedwater; its pH is pref. adjusted so that the pH of the boiled soln. is above 5.5.    USE -   Used esp. in the cooling system of a fuel cell stack powerplant.
(JP92046469-B)      Solar cell prodn. comprises etching a Si substrate such that a solar cell-forming area of the substrate is thinned and other area is left thick, and adhering a cover glass to a light receiving face.    USE -   For d-c power sources. (J62098679-A)
The film comprises a base (e.g. glass), transparent conductor layer of metal oxides (e.g. In-Ti oxide) formed on the base, and a SnO2 layer on the conductor layer. Between the two layers a SnO2-x layer (x = over 0 to below 1) is formed while varying oxidns for SnO2-x and for SnO2. In either the SnO2 and/or SnO2-x layers, elements that reduce electric resistivity, such as Sn, F, P, etc., may be added.    USE -   The film is used for solar cells, or transparent heaters to defrost windows in automobiles. Electric resistivity of the transparent film can be lowered, and light transmission can be increased.
USE/ADVANTAGE -   Battery energy density, max. output density and electrode stability in electrolyte are improved. Used as the electrode for solar cell, sensor, capacitor, electroconductive material, etc.    In an example, carbazole 0.01 mol was dissolved in electrolyte comprising poly(3,6-carbazole-diyl) was obtd. by synthesising 0.9 mol lithium-perchlorate, 405 ml propylene carbonate, 550 ml glyme. A pt. plates 1 cm2 positive and negative electrodes were immersed in the electrolyte, and a 5 mA/cm2 current was applied, and poly(3,6-carbazole-diyl) was produced on the anode. After the current had been applied, potential difference between both electrodes was 4.1 V. Both electrodes were then shortened by a 5 mA/cm2 electric current. Potential between both electrodes was 4.1 V when current was finished. The obtd. poly(3,6-carbazole-diyl) was used as an electrode and a porous carbon plate (1 cm x 1 cm x 0.1 cm) obtd. by heat-treating foamed phenol resin in Ar at 1000 deg.C was used for the other electrode. The electrodes were immersed in 50 ml electrolyte comprising 0.9 mol Li-perchlorate + 450 ml polycarbonate + 550 ml methyl mono glyme and both electrodes were counter-faced with a 0.5 mm thick glass fibre filter. Current (0.3 mA/cm2) was applied between both electrodes.
Thin film solar cell comprises: a substrate; a contact layer; a semiconductor layer contg. one or more photovoltaic junctions; a second contact layer; and an insulation layer contg. conductive nucleation sites between the first contact layer and the semiconductor layer, such that micro- and macro-scopic defects terminate on the insulator and the sites provide conductive paths between the first contact layer and the semiconductor layer.    ADVANTAGE -   The insulator layer prevents contamination of the semiconductor layers during the growth.
The cell is built on a substrate (12) with an electrically conductive back-contact layer (16), a first semiconductor layer (18), pref. CdS and a second semiconductor layer (20), pref. Cu2-xS with x = 0.0000. In the top of this layer an ion-movement blocking inversion layer (24), pref. 1-5 nm thick, is formed through which holes and electrons can tunnel. The upper part of this layer is converted into Cu (26). The cell is then completed by deposition of a front-electrode (28) and closed with a covering layer (25). The cell may be constructed as a front-wall or as a back-wall cell. Instead of CdS a ZnwCd1-wS layer with w between 0 and 0.3 can be used.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The feature is the presence of the inversion layer which blocks the conversion of the Cu2S-layer by oxygen ion diffusion. As a result the cell featured has a longer life.
Solar cell comprises: a wafer with a pn junction on the rear surface and a lightly doped metallic layer on the front surface, with low contact resistance, the cell having a conversion efficiency of at least 15% over an input range of 1-1000 suns.    Pref. also provided are an SiO2 layer to reduce recombination velocity and a front surface anti-reflective coating.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. as a concentrator Si cell with an input intensity above 500 suns. (claimed). Design avoids grid-related constraints on junction design : the junction may be patterned to form a grating or pocket structure. (claimed).
(JP92046467-B)      Solar cell prodn. comprises forming a 1st p-n junction on a texture-treated face of a semiconductor substrate, forming a reflection-reducing film on the texture-treated face and forming an electrode thereon.    USE -   For d-c power source. (J62092483-A)
The transparent oxide thin film comprises composite oxides contg. Cd, Sn, and P, with Cd/Sn = 0.8-1.8 atomic ratio, and P/Sn = 0.01-1.0 atomic ratio. Film is prepd. by coating aq. soln. of organic solvent metal cpds. having hydrolysable or inflammable groups, on a base board, followed by heat treatment.    USE -   The transparent thin film is used for electrodes materials of displaying devices such as display for liq. crystal, electroluminescence, electrochromic devices, and photoelectric conversion devices such as solar cells, or infra red reflection films. It has good waterproof properties.
Electrode material contains an oxidn. prod. of pitch as the chief ingredient.    Prod. of pitch is prepd. by electrolytic oxidn.. Pref.pitch is e.g. petroleum-, coal tar- or acenaphthylene-pitch, etc.. Material is deposited on the surface of an anode made from Pt or Ni.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Material has good stability on ion-doping and -dedoping, and dopes large amt. of ion. Used for a cathode and/or an anode of a sec. or solar-battery or many types of sensors. Sec. battery contg. material has a light wt., high-energy density and max. value of output density and no environmental pollution.
The transparent conductive film is made by forming lower oxide film of In having doped Al fluoride, on a light transmissible base, oxidising the lower In oxide film to form In-oxide film in which aluminium fluoride was doped.    USE -   Used for transparent conductive film which is used as a material for display devices such as LCD, electroluminescence display, etc., or window electrodes of photoelectric conversion devices such as solar cells.
The transparent conductive film is made by forming lower oxide film of Zn doped with Al fluoride, on a light transmitting base, and oxidising the lower Zn-oxide to form Zn-oxide film doped with Al fluoride.    USE -   The method provides transparent conductive film which is used as a material for displaying devices e.g. liq. crystal display, electroluminescence display, etc., or window electrodes of photoelectric conversion devices eg. solar cells.
The film consists of ZnO oriented in the C-axis direction and doped with Al. The layer is deposited pref. by DC-magnetron sputtering using a target composed of mixed ZnO and pref. 0.5-5 wt.%, see fig. 1, of Al2O3. The best properties are obtd. with a hot substrate, e.g. at 300 C, and at low Ar-pressure e.g. 5 x 10 power (-3) Torr.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The film has good electrical conductivity, transparency and improved thermal stability compared with current films. The magnetron allows a high deposition rate of the film to be achieved causing less damage to the substrate. This makes it possible to use foils as a substrate. The cost of the film is low. The film is used as electrode in electroluminescent or liq. crystal displays in solar cells and other light sensitive electrical elements.
Electrochemical appts. comprises an electrolysis cell which uses an input of first voltage and current to produce a chemical prod. and H2; a fuel cell using the H3 to produce an output at a second voltage and current, and a converter which uses a gated switch to convert the fuel cell output to the voltage and current of the electrolysis cell input.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   An operation of e.g. a molten carbonate fuel cell - chloralkali electrolysis cell. Appts. permits the system to operate without the voltage and current of each cell being matched; the cells can operate independently in their most efficient mode.
A protective cover is bonded to a solar cell by: depositing on a base a metallic grid corresponding to that surrounding and defining the cell active areas; overlaying a protective cover, e.g. glass, in contact with the grid; heating under light pressure to bond the cover to the grid; removing the cover and grid from the base; applying a thin metallic, adherent layer to the grid areas on the solar cell substrate; and bonding the grid to the layer.    ADVANTAGE -   An effective protection layer is formed by a low pressure, low temp. method.
Gas ducting system for a set of electrochemical cells comprises two thermally and electrically conductive manifold members connected via a compressible insulating separator, one of the members being a pipe attached to a gas sub-header. A fuel cell generator includes a number of oxidant gas feed manifolds which pass through a preheat chamber to a fuel inlet generating chamber, the manifolds comprising alternating metallic and insulating portions which provide a gas-tight seal so that no oxidant leaks into the pre-heat chamber before passage into the fuel cell.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   With high temp. solid oxide electrolyte fuel cells. (claimed). Leakage of feed oxidant, pref. air, into the preheat chamber, which lowers the pre-heat capability of the system and diminishes cell performance, is avoided.
Appts. for the sepn. of hydrogen from a gaseous mixt. having a component (I) which is capable, in the presence of a catalytic agent (II), of dissociating to yield hydrogen, and also an appts. for producing electricity from a fuel gas having gaseous component which is capable, in the presence of (II), to yield hydrogen ions comprises; (1) an interpenetrating polymer network membrane that comprises a host polymer (III) and a guest polymer (IV), (III) is a blend of (a) phospohric or sulphuric acids, and (b) a polymer selected from poly(hydroxyethylene), poly(ethyleneimine), poly(acrylic acid), poly(ethylene oxide), poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline), phenol formaldehyde resins, poly(acrylamide poly(N-substd. acrylamide), poly(4-vinylpyridine), poly(methacrylic acid), poly(N-vinylimidazole), poly(vinyl sulphonic acid) and poly(2-vinylpyridine), or copolymer having monomer units of the preceding polymers. (IV) comprises (c) a monofunctional monomer selected from acrylic or methacrylic acids, acrylamide, methacrylamide, 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulphonic acid, N-benzyl-acrylamide, N-ethylmethacrylamide, N-phenylacrylamide and N-phenylmethacrylamide, and (d) a difunctional crosslinking agent selected from methylenebisacrylamide, N,N-diallylacrylamide, m-xylenebisacrylamide and N,N'-trimethylenebisacrylamide, provided that the monomer (c) in (IV) different from any monomeric unit in (III); (2) a membrane housing in which the membrane separates the gas chamber into a pure gas chamber and a mixed gas chamber for the hydrogen sepn. embodiment, and into a fuel gas chamber and an oxidant gas chamber for the fuel cell embodiment, and in which the 1st and 2nd flat surfaces of the membrane are in common with the 1st and 2nd chambers respectively.
Appts. comprises shield plates turnable along the inner surface of a tubular partition wall surrounding a burner put in an upper central area of a combustion chamber formed in a tubular reforming furnace.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For fuel cell power systems.
Electrochemical appts. consists of: a chlorate electrolysis cell which uses input power at a first voltage and current; one or more fuel cells which provide an output at a second voltage and current and which are supplied with H2 prod. from the chlorate cell; and a regulator which uses a gated switch to pass current intermittently between the fuel cell and the electrolysis cell at a voltage which matches the operating voltage of the electrolysis cell.    ADVANTAGE -   Method allows the fuel cell and the chlorate electrolysis cell to operate in tandem at independent currents and voltages; the problem of diminishing output voltage by the fuel cell is overcome.
A first electrochemical fuel cell is operated with a second electrochemical, the first cell producing electrical power and the second cell consuming the power to produce a chemical prod.: by operating the second cell at a first current and voltage; operating the first cell to produce power at a second current and voltage; and converting the latter in a dc converter so that it matches the first voltage of the second cell when supplied to the second cell.    ADVANTAGE -   Method permits the two cells to be operated together at independent currents and voltages; the problem of diminishing output voltage by the fuel cell is overcome.
Electrode metal dissolution in a molten alkali metal carbonate fuel cell is reduced by initially adding to the electrolyte an agent selected from: a sacrificial electrode metal, a metal promoting a common ion effect with an electrode metal, seed metal particles serving as electrode metal pption. sites, and combinations of these. A further, or alternative, step involves maintaining the acid/base conditions of the electrolyte during cell operation at near neutral by maintaining a CO2 pp. of 0.5-1.5 atmos.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. with molten alkali metal carbonate fuel cells operating at 500-750 deg.C and having Ni cathodes. (claimed).
Power generating system comprises: a reactive metal anode, a cathode and an electrolyte comprising an aq. soln. of the reactive metal hydroxide; a source of an acid (salt) having a first anion comprising at least two elements, at least one being a non-metal, which on contact with the electrolyte hydrolyses and reacts with the hydroxide to yield an insoluble cpd.; means for contacting the acid (salt) with the electrolyte, and means for separating the resulting insoluble cpd. and recirculating the electrolyte. Pref. reactive metal is an alkali metal, esp. Li, and the acid (salt) contains F.    Acid (salt) is H2SiF6, NaPF6, Na2TiF6, etc., or it may contain O2, esp. H2PO3F or HPO2F2. Pref. acid (salt) cation is H or NH4. Method for generating power using the cell system is claimed.    ADVANTAGE -   System avoids use of dangerous acids, e.g. HF, as the electrolyte management agent.
(JP2585210-B2)      A carbonate fuel battery has an anode and cathode. A device boosts fuel to the anode and an air compressor is actuated by a gas turbine. A recycling system returns part of the exhaust gas from the anode to the inlet port of the anode. A combustor burns exhaust gas from the cathode and boosts part of the exhaust gas from the anode to the gas turbine. The fuel cell generation plant comprises: (i) a fuel by-pass flow path boosting fuel to a combustor; (ii) a first fuel adjustment device to decrease the quantity of fuel at the time of the booster operation; (iii) a second fuel adjustment device to increase the quantity of fuel boosted to the anode; (iv) an air adjustment device to boost air from the compressor; and (v) a third fuel adjustment device to boost air from the compressor; and (v) a third fuel adjustment device to boot a combustion burner and increase the quantity of the part of the exhaust gas from the anode at the time of temp. rise operation after booster operation.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used as a fuel cell generation plant using a carbonate fuel battery. Costs are reduced.
Appts. for forming amorphous Si-films on a specified substrate by decomposition of silane gas by discharging or heat, has (a) silane synthesising portion for higher silane from mono-silane by after glow discharging, (b) high silane sepg. portion from other silane, film forming portion by decomposition of the sepd. high silane to deposit amorphous Si film on the substrate.    USE -   The appts. is used for forming amorphous Si-film on a specified substrate for making solar cell or photosensitive material for electrophotography.
(JP92018433-B)      Fused carbonate type fuel cell comprises an anticorrosive insulation layer formed on the surface of each of separators through which unit cells are laminated. The insulation layer is made of a mixt. of oxide ceramics with Cr oxide.    Used for high power generation plants. (J62076160-A)
Fuel cell comprises as cathode catalyst a ternary alloy contg. a noble metal (Pt, Ir, Rh or Pd), Co and a transition metal of gp. IV, V, VI or VII, supported on a carbon conductor, this catalyst having a structure which is an ordered solid soln. The alloy comprises by wt. 6-12% Cr, 8-16% Co, balance Pt, pref. 78% Pt, 14% Co, 8% Cr. The catalyst is prepd. by intimately contacting a finely divided noble metal supported on a conductive carbon support with Co and a transition metal as defined above; heating and reducing these materials in a non-oxidising atmos. to form the catalyst and heating the alloy in an inert atmos. at a rate suitable for forming an ordered solid soln. In the embodiment the main heat treatment is at 815-980 deg.C and the catalyst is cooled to 540-650 deg.C and held for 1 hr. prior to cooling. The supplementary heat treatment is at 600-800 deg.C in H2 for 1-3 hrs. and cooled in non-oxidising atmos.    ADVANTAGE -   The catalyst has a catalytic activity for the electrochemical redn. of O2 at least double that of a non-alloyed Pt catalyst supported on the same conductive carbon support.
Composite electrode material for use in solid electrolyte devices comprises a mixt. of a noble metal and a p- or n-type semiconducting metal oxide. Pref. noble metals are Pt, Ag, Au, Pd, Ir and Rh and alloys or mixts. of these; pref. semiconducting oxides are oxides of transition metals of at. nos. 21-30, 39-48 and 72-80; lanthanides 57-71; and actinides 89-96.    Oxide component is a cpd. or solid soln. of one or more binary oxides or simple oxide(s).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In O2 sensors, O2 pumps, fuel cells, steam electrolysis cells and electrochemical reactors. Electrodes have superior properties to those of the metals or oxides alone, e.g. O2 sensors may operate at emps. as low as 300 deg. C.
Solar cells have an active surface protected by a free-standing film, the film having repeating units of formula (I). In (I), R=gp. (II) or (II). The film has a mol. wt. of at least 25000.    The film is prepd. by: (a) reacting equal molar proportions of 2,2-bis-(3-aminophenyl) hexafluoropropane or 2,2-bis(4-aminophenyl) hexafluoropropane (3- or 4-6F diamine) with 4,4'-hexafluoroisopropylidene (bis(phthalic anhydride)) (6FDA) in cresol as solvent to form a polyimide having repeating units (I) which is soluble in the solvent and (b) isolating the polyimide from the solvent, dissolving in a casting solvent and casting the resulting soln. into a free-standing manipulative film.    ADVANTAGE -   Known polyimide compsns. have low mol. wt. and can only be applied by coating processes.
Process for direct electrochemical partial oxidn. of gaseous organic hydrocarbons in a molten salt, oxygen-contg. anion conducting electrolyte fuel cell having an anode catalytic to the partial oxidn. in an anode compartment and a cathode in a cathode compartment, the catalytic anode and the cathode separated by a molten oxyge-contg. electrolyte and in external electrical communication, the process comprising (a) supplying O2-contg. gas to the cathode compartment and contacting the cathode with the molten salt O2-contg. electrolyte under oxidising reaction conditions to produce oxygen-contg. anions; (b) transporting the oxygen-contg. anions through the molten salt O2-contg. electrolyte to the catalytic anode; (c) supplying gas consisting essentially of organic hydrocarbon to the anode compartment contacting the catalytic anode with the dry gaseous organic hydrocarbon and oxygen contg. anions transported by the electrolyte from the cathode under reaction conditions to produce a partial oxidn. prod. of the organic hydrocarbon, reduced oxygen-contg. material and electrons; (d) passing the electrons from the anode to the cathode through an external electrical communication for charge balance; and (e) removing the partial oxidn. prod. from the anode compartment.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process is esp useful for partial oxidn. of organic hydrocarbons such as methane, ethane, propane, butane, ethylene, propylene, butylene, natural gas, etc. and partial oxidn of methane to methanol. The process provides good selectivity to the required partial oxidn. and uses dry gases as fuel gases to the anode, excluding steam from the anode environment, and so inhibiting reforming reactions. An energy efficient electrochemical method of methanol prodn is provided in which electrical energy may be co-generated.
Heat exchangers are provided on the outside periphery of reformer to effect exchange between fuel gas and steam to be introduced into the reformer tubes and high temp. exhaust gas and reformed gas. The heat exchangers are provided with gas flow dividing plates having mary holes to distribute evenly gas flow.    USE -   The temp. of the mixture of fuel gas of hydrocarbon and steam is increased to achieve efficient reforming reaction.
(JP93064869-B)      Cell comprises transparent electrodes formed on a soda lime glass base sheet. The electrode is composed of an SnO2 film contg. F 1-3 at.% and another SnO2 film contg. Sb or P 1-3 at.%.    Used for power sources. (J62073782-A)
(JP93016144-B)      Fuel cell comprises a pair of gas diffused electrodes. At least one end of the electrode has a groove open at the separator side and a porous resin-made seal impregnated with a liq. is charged in the groove.    USE -   Used for portable power sources. (J62073574-A)
Porous matrix for a molten carbonate electrolyte in a fuel cell comprises a flat porous ceramic sheet with smaller pores in the central region and larger pores at the edge regions. Pref. the central pores are filled with molten electrolyte, but the edge region pores are wetted only, most of the porosity remaining void.    Central region is pref. made of Li aluminate, ceria, Li zirconate or stabilised zirconia; the edge region is pref. made of zirconia, Li aluminate or zirconate or alumina.    ADVANTAGE -   Electrolyte migration to the edge of the cell and along seals and surfaces is minimised.
Electrical power system comprises two fuel cells, and a steam-CH4 reformer for forming H2-rich fuel gas. The cathode and anode fuels of the first cell are CH3OH and H2 and the by-prods. are CH4 and water; and the cathode and anode fuels of the second cell are O2 and H2 and the by-prod. is water. The CH4 and water by-prods. are fed to the reformer. The O2 source is pref. air.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For powering electric motor driven vehicles etc. CH3OH is used directly as a fuel, avoiding need for external reduction and reforming to H2.
Elongated gas fuel cell has anode and cathode gas chambers bounded by rigid, gas and liq. permeable anode and cathode laminates. The laminates are coated on their outer, chamber-facing surfaces with catalytic material to form reactive interface zones on those faces; and also with a gas-permeable hydrophobic barrier. Molten salt electrolyte fills the space between the laminates and permeates them to their interface zones. A dielectric frame structure holds and seals the assembly.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. as an H2/O2 cell (claimed). Structure is mechanically strong and durable, is small and can be mass produced at low cost as a single cell or battery of cells.
Process comprises kneading a mixt. of a matrix material with a soluble bulking agent in a F resin dispersion method, forming the kneaded material into a sheet, removing the bulking agent from the sheet and impregnating the sheet with a phosphate soln.    USE -   For making fuel cells. (J56106376-A)
Appts. comprises a combustion chamber contg. a gasifier to gasify a liq. to be reformed. The gasifier has a liq. inlet port and gas outlet port located at a lower level than the inlet port, to form a downwards sloping gasifying passage.    USE -   For making fuel cell power systems.
Electricity prodn in a fuel cell comprises (1) reacting steam with hydrocarbon-contg. feedstock (A) to produce H2-contg. stream at superatmospheric pressure; (2) passing this stream to the anode gas space of the cell; (3) supplying air at superatmospheric pressure to the cathode gas space of the cell and (4) at least the off-gas from the anode space is let down through a turbine which drives the compressor which supplies the compressed air for step (3).    The new features are (1A) (A) is reacted with steam and air from the compressor, the heat required for the (A)-steam reaction being provided by the exothermic (A)-air reaction, and (2A) before letting down, off gases from the anode space are reacted with compressed air to produce a hot waste gas stream which is is used, in an exchanger, to preheat at least one of the reactants (esp. . the compressed air) used in step (1A).    ADVANTAGE -   Unlike the system of GB1537082, this process does not require reactor tubes capable of withstanding very large pressure differentials.
A paste for sealing porous plates is made by (a) mixing SiC powder, polyethylene oxide and PTFE, to form a paste, (b) sintering the mixt., (c) adding conc. H3PO4 and (d) mixing the acid and the mixt. to form a uniform paste.    The SiC powder is of 1000-1500 mesh size. The PTFE is as fibres. The H3PO4 is 105% wt./vol. The paste is formed into a thin layer before sintering, and is sintered at 290 deg.C for at least 30 mins.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The paste may be used to seal the porous gas distribution plates of fuel cells. Occurrence of voids due to shrinkage during sealing and long-term use is avoided.
Mechanically stacked package for two solar cells includes top and bottom heat spreaders, insulators to separate the two photovoltaic cells and means for forming electrical contacts to the exposed surfaces of each cell.    Contacts for the cells and the bottom heat spreader pref. comprise metallisations on a base member and the upper insulating layer; and contacts for the incident surface of the lower cell and the non-incident surface of the upper cell are pref. two metal tabs in contact with each other and respectively with the base and upper insulating layer metallisations.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Package is used esp. with concentrator solar cell configurations where heat removal is desired to avoid degradation. Package dissipates heat and permits the easy wiring of the cells in a voltage matching scheme rather than current matching.
In an H2/O2 fuel cell, the fuel is a mixt. of 40-60 vol.% formaldehyde and 60-40 vol.% propionaldehyde, pref. 50 vol.% of each. Pref. the fuel is present in the cell at the start of the discharge cycle in an amt. 5-10 vol.% based on total vol. of fuel and electrolyte between cathode and anode.    ADVANTAGE -   Amt. of power generated is enhanced, period of cell operation is extended and the no. of cycles before electrolyte requires renewal is increased.
Aniline type polymeric compsn. comprises 100 ptswt. of an aniline type polymer 1-20 pts.by wt. (solid content) of a fluoro-resin aq. dispersion, and 0.5 - 30 pts.wt. of a low b.pt. water-soluble organic solvent. Pref. polymer is esp. homo- or co-polymers of (N-methyl) 2-methyl or 2-methoxy-aniline etc.. Resin is e.g. poly 4- or polychlorotri-fluoroethylene, polyvinylidene-fluoride, etc. Solvent is acetone, (m)ethylalcohol, methylethyl ketone, etc..    USE -   Compsn. gives photo-electric conductive materials, and member of solar cells, prim. and sec. cells e.g. electrodes with high mechanical strength, light wt., and small contributed to the high content of the aniline type polymer (i.e., the flex strength of 140 kg/cm in contrast to 75 not using organic solvent, sample of 4 cm wide by 1 cm long).
The device comprises an arcuate-curved, hollow body including a row of nozzle openings for delivering gas toward a selected, narrow portion of a pipe. Molten metal is sprayed on the pipe while it rotates. The peripheral edge of the coated film is clear because of the masking by the gas curtain.    USE -   Prodn. of electrolytic fuel cell.
Semiconductor comprises a single crystal wafer, P+ and N+ areas selectively formed on the surface of the wafer, and P areas, each formed between the P+ and N+ areas and having an acceptor concn. decreasing away from the N+ areas.    USE -   For solar cells. (J52002389-A)
Conductive polysilanes are produced by dissolving (1) polysilanes of formula (I) in sulphuric acid and heating the acid soln.. In (I) R1, R2=H, alkyl e.g. methyl, ethyl, propyl; aryl e.g. phenyl, toluyl; allyl e.g. vinyl provided that R1 and R2 are not H at the same time.    Pref. (1) includes e.g., polydimethylsilane, polymethylphenylsilane, (2) includes conc. sulphuric acid (pref), diluted acid having a concn. of above 50 vol.%. Below 5g of (1) is dissolved in 10cc of (2).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Conductive polysilane films are used as electrodes for light-incidence part of solar batteries, crystalline liq. panel part and electrochromic materials, as sheet heat generators. The polysilanes are produced in the form of powder, film, fibre, etc. with fine processability. They have a conductivity of 10 power(-5) to 10 S/cm.
Phthalocyanine polymers are obtd. by addn.-condensing monomers of formula Pc(COHN-R)n (I) (where Pc = phthalocyanine residue; R = H or -LOH (L= a lower alkylene gp.); n = an integer of above 1).    The polymers are prepd. by addn.-condensing phthalocyanine cpds. of formula (I) (phthalocyanine content = below 50 wt.%) and condensable cpds., e.g. phenol, urea, melamine in the presence of acid or basic catalysts at 100-150 deg. C for 2-36 hrs. The monomer raw materials are used in the form of 1-50%, (5-25)% aq. soln. The amt. of the catalysts (e.g. oxalic acid, ammonium chloride) used is 0.1-2% of monomer. As addn.-condensates, phenol resin, urea resin, melamine resin, etc. contg. phthalocyanine in main chain are obtd. The resins can be moulded into upto 1 thick.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The polymers are used as resin-processing agents having deodorising ability, optical recording layer, electn photography carrier-forming layer, colour element layer of organic solar batteries.
Phthalocyanine cpd. of formula Pc(-CONH-L-OH)n (I): where Pc=phthalocyanine residue, L is lower alkylene and n is an integer or 1 or higher) is new.    Prepn. of (I) comprises synthesis of an amido-substd. phthalocyanine from trimellitic anhydride or its driv., urea and a metal chloride. This is reached to aldehyde aq. soln. in the presence of a basic catalyst. This is dissolved in a large amt. of water, filtered concd. and recrystallised from methanol, ethanol, etc..    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Phthalocyanine cpd. is capable of polymerisation condensation and addn. condensation. It is useful for resin processing with reduced odour, optical recording layer, electrophotography, solar battery, etc.. The -CONH-L-OH gp. bonds to an arbitrary position on the benzene ring of phthalocyanine, giving condensation capability.
Solar battery is made by: forming a transparent electrode layer on a transparent substrate; adding a non-crystalline semiconductor film; detecting pinholes in the film, irradiating the electrode layer with a laser beam in a reducing atmos. through the pinholes to reduce those portions of the electrode layer and increase their resistance; and adding a metal film electrode.    ADVANTAGE -   Pinhole short-circuits are avoided without harm to the semiconductor film. (First major country equivalent to J62058685-A)
Colourless transparent polyimide mouldings contain at least one of recurrent units of formula (I), (II) and (III) as main component (X1-X4 are H, CH3, C2H5, NO2, F, COOH or Cl), (X5 is O, SO2, CH2, S, CO, or (a)), (X6 is SO2, C(CH3)2 or C(CF3)2).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The mouldings have good transparency and high refractive index (at least 1.7). Useful as liq. crystal orientation film, basic film for solar cell, plastic lens or various coating agents.
In a reformer of a fuel cell comprising a burner to produce high temp. gas by burning fuel gas to supply it to the reformer and reformer tubes contg. catalyst layers to reform feed gas and steam, a heat exchanger is installed to exchange heat between mixed gas of feed and steam and high temp. gas exhausted from reformers.    USE -   Used to reform feed gas effectively with reduced energy consumption.
The solar cell contains a p-n junction, or pref. a field generated by other means, e.g. a Metal Insulator Semiconductor (MIS)-contact on p-Si. The thickness of the semiconductor layer is not more than the diffusion-length of minority-carriers. An ohmic contact has been provided on the back-surface in the form of a grid, covering not more than 20% of the area. The area not covered by the contact is covered by Si-oxide grown naturally or at a temp. below 800 deg.C, 1-10 nm thick, pref. 5 nm. This oxide-layer and the contact-metal, which is a layer 1-10 micron thick of Al or Mg, are covered by a second insulator-layer deposited at a temp. below 600 deg.C. This layer also covers the Al-oxide or Al-nitride with a thickness of 50-300 nm. The cell can be illuminated from both sides.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The presence of the insulator layer allows processing at low temps. by using surface-inversion instead of a diffusion to produce a junction. This generates less degradation of the Si-substrate. The processing is simple and capable of high yield. By depositing a reflector on the backside a single-sided cell may be constructed.
The diffusion blocking layer may be a conductor or an insulator, esp a nitride, transparent conductive oxide, metal silicide, silicide-forming metal or a semiconductor excluding H2.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   With solar cells, photosensors, rectifiers etc. Deterioration of device performance due to cross-junction diffusion is prevented. Diffusion blocking layer is a silicide, T1N or an oxide of Sn, In, Sn In or CdSn. Pref. silicides are Cr, Ni, Nb, Mo, Pd, Ta, W, Ir and Pt; there are also the pref. silicide-forming metals. Layer may be a dual layer of metal and metal silicide. Semiconductor layers are Si, Ge, SiGe or an alloy of Si and/or Ge; or a hydrogenated amorphous material. Devices also include an electrode, with a diffusion blocking layer also provided between semiconductor layer and electrode. An amorphous-Si:H pin solar cell was formed by evapn. onto a glass substrate, with an Al electrode layer. A 20 Angstrom Cr diffusion blocking layer was deposited between the n-layer and the Al layer. After annealing at 200 deg.C for 2 hrs. the cell efficiency of its initial value; with the same cell but with no diffusion blocking layer the efficiency fell to 47%.
Cathode of solar battery and anode of underground electric conductor are both connected to an underground metal body using a switch. The solar battery anode is connected to the underground electrode.    When the solar battery voltage is less than a specific value, the connection to the solar battery cathode is changed to the anode of the underground electric conductor by the switch.    USE -   By combination of the outer power source (solar batter) and the electric conductor system, effective current for the electrolytic protection is applied corresponding to the solar radiation intensity.
N,N'-diphenylbenzidine polymer is produced by electrolytically polymerising N,N'-diphenylbenzidine of formula (I). Pref. solvents for electrolytic polymerisation have high specific dielectric constants and dissolve electrolytes, e.g. acetonitrile, propylene carbonate, alcohol. Electrolytes are e.g. organic solvent-soluble and ion-dissociating organic or inorganic salts, complex salts, etc. e.g. (C2H5)4NBF4, LiClO4. The electrolytes are purified and vacuum-dried before use. The concns. of electrolytes are 0.01-1.0 mole, (0.05-0.3 mole). The concn. of the monomer is 1 mmole/ to 1 mole.    In an example 0.68 g of tetra-n-butylammonium perchlorate, 0.11 g of 2,6- lutidine and 0.03 g of N,N'-diphenylbenzidine were dissolved in 20ml of acetonitrile at room temp. and transfered to an electrolytic cell. ITO glass surface of resistance: 20-30 ohm) was used as working electrode, Pl wire was used as counter electrode and SCE was used as control electrode. One cycle of triangular wave (OV to 2V to O V) was applied to the SCE at an application velocity of 50 mV/s. Homogeneous yellow film was formed on the surface of the working electrode. The film adsorbed strongly to the surface of electrode. The film was electrochemically active and turned light yellow to green to black. It is insol. in organic solvents e.g. DMF.
Amorphous solar cell includes a substrate and an amorphous SiGe film produced by glow discharge from a gas mixt. of Si2H6, GeH4 and carrier, the ratio of GeH4:GeH4+Si2H6 being 0.1-0.4. Carrier is pref. H2 or He.    Pref. optical gap of the SiGe film is 1.5-1.7eV. Cell has a PIN structure.    ADVANTAGE -   Internal stress, exfoliation and deterioration due to light irradiation in the cell are reduced. (First major country equivalent to J62052975-A)
Catalytic layer for a fuel cell electrode is formed by: mixing at least two carbons or mixts. of carbons separately with a binder; mixing the mixts.; and forming into a catalytic layer. Pref. a C of surface below 100 sq. m/g contg. 1-10 wt. % noble metal is mixed with binder; and a C of surface above 150 sq. m/g contg. 0-10 wt. % noble metal is mixed with a bnder, the amt. of noble metal in the lower surface C mixt. being equal to or more than that in the higher surface C mixt.    All or some of the C in the high surface mixt. has been thermally treated. The low surface C is graphite, pref. etched; the high surface C is activated carbon. Amt. of binder is 3-50 pref. 3-30 wt. %, on C wt. Noble metal is Pt; binder is PTFE. Wt. ratio of the two mixts. in the final mixt. is 1:10 to 10:1.    ADVANTAGE -   Electrode has enhanced stability and performance.
Power generation system includes: a cell with a reactive metal anode, a cathode and an aq. electrolyte comprising a soln. of the reactive metal hydroxide; and acid anhydride source insoluble cpds. of the reactive metal; means for contacting the acid anhydride with the electrolyte; means for separating the resulting ppt.; and means for recirculating the sepd. electrolyte back to the cell.    Reactive metal is pref. an alkali metal, esp. Li; and the acid anhydride is pref. a cpd. of P, Si or Ti with O or F, or is a cpd. of elements of at. no. below 70 pref. below 35, esp, a cpd. of B.    ADVANTAGE -   Acid anhydride is less bulky than acid, e.g. H3PO4, used in the prior art.
Membranes are obtd. by casting a soln. of fluorine-contg. polymer having pendant side chains of formula -(O-(CF2-CFX-O)p)q-(CF2)r-Y (I) dissolved in a highly polar organic solvent. X = F or CF3; Y = CH2NR1R2, CH2-N(+)R1R2R3, CH2NR4(CH2)n-NR1R2, CH2NR4-(CH2)n-N(+)R1R2R3, CH2N(+)R4R5 -(CH2)n-N(+)R2R3, SO2-NR4-(CH2)n-NR1R2 or SNO2-(R4CH2)n-N(+)R1R2R3; p = 0-20; q = 0 or 1; r and m = 1-5; R1 to R4 = 1-10C lower alkyl. The equiv. of the pendant side chain (grams of the polymer contg. one pendant side chain) is pref. at least 400. The organic solvent is pref. polar gp.-contg. one with b.pt. of up to 300 deg.C.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The membrane is used for recovering useful metals from plating waste liquor, electrolysis and electrodialysis for treating waste liquor of radioactive substances, fuel cells, etc. By selecting the pendant side chains and the organic solvents, it is possible to obtain high concn. organic soln. of fluorine-contg. polymer and produce anion exchange membranes with various size and thickness which have never been obtd.
(JP93066753-B)      Substrate comprises a Si cpd. film formed on a metal foil or insulative sheet; the film contg. fine crystal grains coexisting in an amorphous matrix and spherical protrusions on the surface.    Used for solar cells. (J60245079-A)
Photovoltaic cell comprises: a (semi)transparent substrate; an n-type SnO2 layer; a p-type polycrystalline CdTe layer contg. P atoms; and a PbTe layer. Pref. a conductive layer is added, the conductive layer and the SnO2 layer forming electrodes.    ADVANTAGE -   Cell overcomes prior art problem of providing a low resistance electrode layer for the CdTe.
Catalytic organic fuel processing appts. comprises: a housing contg. a catalytic chamber through which gases are recirculated; means to inject organic fuel into the recirculating gases; a combustion chamber contg. a combustion catalyst on the inside and an oxidn. catalyst on the outside, the chamber being in indirect heat exchange relationship with the fuel injector and direct and indirect heat exchange relationship with the recirculating gases; means to inject air into the recirculating gases upstream of the combustion chamber; means to inject fuel and air into the combustion chamber; and a bleed for the recirculating gases.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Appts is used as part of a fuel cell power system in which an organic fuel is converted to a fuel gas, esp. methanol converted to H2, for use in powering electric motors for vehicles and generators. (claimed). Appts. is compact and can provide a quick start; its operation can be controlled by micro-processor to meet widely varying power demands.
Metal particles are fed to H2 generator reaction bed b : applying the particles to a holding tank; replacing the air in the tank with inert gas to prevent oxidn. of the particles; replacing the inert gas with water to prevent contamination of the generator with the inert gas; replacing the water with H2; and injecting the particles into the generator.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. in generation of H2 from dil. acid and Fe or Zn particles (claimed). Method prevents O2 or N2 being introduced into the generator (claimed).
Use of BaO (I) as the alkaline earth metal oxide in the mixt. for producing ceramic H(+) ion conducting material, increases its resistance to the action of water vapour at 700-1000 deg. without impairing its ionic conductivity. The mixt. contains (in moles %): (I) 48-51, group (III) metal oxide 2-15 and ZrO2 or HfO2 or CeO2 35-48, and the ceramic is synthesised at 1570 deg.    Tests show that a ceramic not contg. BaO disintegrates after 20 hours at 900 deg. under the H2O pressure of 1 atmos., while the proposed material remains unaffected.    USE -   As solid electrolyte in high temp. water vapour electrolyser membranes, fuel elements H2/O2 and in partial H2 pressure recorders and detectors. Bul.28/30.7.86
Power generation system in a fuel cell having an air preheater for a fuel cell reaction in which the air will be fed to an afterburner of a high temp. solid electrolyte fuel cell, includes a combuster between the preheater and the after-burner for performing an additional combustion after the temp. of the air has been elevated by the preheater.    ADVANTAGE -   A compact structure of the afterburner can be retained and pressure loss can be minimised. (First major country equivalent to J62040171-A)
(JP92042779-B)      Fuel cell comprises unit cells stacked through gas seg. boards, each having fuel gas and oxidiser gas flow passages formed multiply folded grooves cut into the surface of the board; the gas flow passages are arranged in parallel.    USE -   For d-c power sources. (J62040169-A)
Laminated layer type fuel cell comprises sepn. plates (1) each having rectilinear (4) and zigzag (5) portions of fuel and oxidiser channels (3) sandwiched between cells formed of fuel electrodes, electrolyte matrices and oxidiser electrodes.    ADVANTAGE -   Partial pressures of reaction gases are equalised throughout the cell to equalise cell reactions and temp. distribution in the cell. (claimed) (First major country equivalent to J62040168-A)
Fluorescent lamp arrangement for uniformly illuminating a display panel (1) comprises a fluorescent lamp (2) having a glass tube, electrodes at either end, a fluorescent layer over an inner surface of the tube and an Hg/rare gas fill; and a light-shading patterned layer formed along a surface of the glass tube so as to make luminance on a display panel (1) uniform when the lamp (2) and the panel (1) are arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the lamp tube.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. as a backlight for a liq. crystal display device (claimed). System provides high uniformity of luminance. (First major country equivalent to J62040151-A)
A transparent conductive substrate for a photo-electric element, esp. a solar cell, comprises a support (esp. of glass) coated with a transparent conductive layer based on tin oxide and formed by thermal decompsn. and oxidn., in contact with the support at high temp., of a tin cpd. contg. chlorine (but no other halogen) or a chlorine-free tin cpd. mixed with another cpd. contg. chlorine (e.g. ACl), the layer being at least 0.7 microns thick.    Also claimed is an amorphous silicon solar cell with a transparent conductive substrate comprising a glass support coated with an at least 0.7 microns thick tin oxide based layer obtained from a tin cpd. contg. chlorine (but no other halide).    ADVANTAGE -   The substrate improves photo-electric conversion yields to above those having a fluorine-doped tin oxide layer.
Prodn. of lower aliphatic aldehydes from the corresp. prim. alcohols is effected by feeding a vapourised aq. soln. of the alcohol to the anode of a fuel cell operating with an anodic current density of more than 5 mA/cm2 and a voltage of 80-350 mV at 15-80 deg.C. The alcohol feed rate is more than 2 x 10 power(-6) mole/min. per cm2 of anode surface. The first-pass conversion of alcohol to aldehyde is more than 30 mole-%. If any acetal is produced at the anode, the aldehyde:acetal ratio in the effluent withdrawn from the anode is more than 12:1.    Pref. feed is an aq. EtOH soln. contg. at least the azeotropic amt. (but not more than 80 vol.%) of H2O, and is vapourised by passing an inert gas stream through the soln.    ADVANTAGE -   Overall aldehyde yields of more than 90% may be achieved by recycling unconverted alcohol.
In the storage of electrical energy by decomposing a metal halide (I) by supplying energy (charge) and recombing the decomposition prods. with generation of electrical energy (discharge), the novelty is that charging is carried out by exposing (I) in an aq. concn. mineral acid (II) soln. to sunlight or nuclear radiation in the presence of a catalyst (III).    (I) is a Pb or Ag chloride, bromide or iodide; (II) is conc. HCl; and (III) is Hg or an amalgam of Hg with Ag, Bi, Cd, Cu, Sn, Ga, In, Pb, Tl or a noble metal. The photochemical cell has a cathode (pref. of graphite or carbon); (II) as electrolyte; (I) in contact with a metal, esp. Hg or its solid or liquid amalgam; and an anode.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Photochemical cells operating by this technique are also claimed. The process is simple and effective and allows electrical energy to be stored in cells of this type for longer than usual, with min. loss. (First major country equivalent to LU--86208-A)
A p-n junction layer is formed on one side of a Si sintered film with an amorphous layer formed at a grain boundary. Substrate supports the layers.    Used for solar cells. (J55140276-A)
(JP93051189-B)      Photoelectric converter comprises a photoelectric conversion element mounted on a polyimide film contg. a polyimide having repetition units of A-Ar1 and/or A-Ar2 where A = gp. (I), Ar1 - gp. (II) and Ar2 = gp. (III); X1 = O, SO2, CH2 or CO; X2 = SO, C(CH3)2 or C(CF3)2.    USE -   For solar cells.
A thin-plate form carbon moulding is composed of a carbon powder and a thermosetting resin bound integrally to each other. It has a specific resistance of 7 x 10 power (-4) 20 x 10 power (-4) ohm cm, a thermal conductivity of 10 - 100 Kcal/ m / hr / deg.C, a heat expansion coefficient below 3.0 x 10 power (-6) deg.C, a beading strength of 900 - 1800 kg/cm, a gas permeability below 10 power (-4) cm/ cm2/ min., and an electrolytic consumption ratio below 2.0.    Prodn. of the thin-plate form carbon moulding involves mixing 100 pts.wt. of (a) a carbon powder having a mean particle size of 0.5 - 10 microns and 50 - 70 pts.wt., (b) of a thermosetting resin powder having a mean particle size of 0.5 - 10 micron, with (c) 50 - 70 pts.wt. of a liq. thermosetting resin, kneading the mixt. with pressing above 0.1 kg/cm2 in a reduced pressure condition for degassing to the internal of the mixing chamber below 30 mm Hg, moulding the kneading into a predetermined shape, hardening, and firing in the non-oxidative atomposphere for carbonation.    Pref. the carbon powder is graphite, coke, etc., and the resin in phenol, or furan-based material etc.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For separators of phosphoric acid type fuel cells.
Solar cell includes a multi-layer thin film contg. at least one non-doped layer of amorphous SiC or Si3N4 of thickness 10-300 Angstrom; and at least one p-doped amorphous SiC or Ni3N4 layer of given thickness, at least one face of this layer being in contact with the non-doped layer so that the multi-layer film exhibits, in effect, p-type conductivity.    ADVANTAGE -   Cell exhibits high conversion efficiency. (First major country equivalent to J62033479-A)
(JP92055352-B)      Producing photoelectromotive device comprises irradiating an energy beam on a 2nd electrode film formed on a semiconductor photoactive layer formed on an insulative wafer, whereby sepg. grooves are formed to electrically separate the 2nd electrode film.    USE -   For solar cells. (J62033477-A)
A solar battery has a number of photoelectric conversion elements, each comprising a transparent electrode layer, a non-crystalline semiconductor layer and a metal electrode (in that order). In the semiconductor layer is a site for a polycrystalline region and beneath this site lies a conductive element positioned to sandwich the transparent electrode between it and the non-crystalline semiconductor layer. A method of forming the battery is also claimed in which the polycrystalline region is formed by exposing the non-crystalline material to light, esp. from a laser.    ADVANTAGE -   The battery can be mass-produced using a laser to form the polycrystalline region. The construction is such that over- or under-absorption of the laser light does not cause problems such as loss of electrical connection. Thus the laser beam does not require constant adjustment.
Furnace for producing H2 for fuel cells comprises 2 parallel reaction tubes, each charged with a reforming catalyst. A prereaction tube is charged with the catalyst and located nearer the heating gas inlet port of the furnace.
(JP93044836-B)      Element comprises pin junctions, each formed between a p- and n-type semiconductor layers, between which a p-type metal oxide layer and n-type metal oxide layer are formed.    USE -   For making solar cells. (J62029180-A)
A transparent electroconductive thin film is formed on a high polymer film. A high temp. active gas is blown on the surface of high polymer film forming the thin film, when the conductive thin film is formed.    Pref. the high polymer is PET, polyethylene, polypropylene, etc. The material of the transparent electroconductive film is In-Sn alloy, In2Ox, SnOx, TiOx, ZnOx, etc. The active gas is oxygen, nitrogen, etc.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The prod. can be used for touch-switch, electrode of sollar battery, etc. Crystallisation of metal of the transparent conductive film occurs during forming transparent film by the high temp. active gas. The mfg. time is reduced.
Combustion chamber (116) of a reformer (110) using LNG as a raw material container a catalytic combustion appts. (210) and a burner combustion appts. (213) which burn hydrogen-contg. waste gas from the anode of a fuel cell. The chamber is also equipped with a thermometer to detect the temp. of the catalyst and a controller (214) to control the rate of gas supply to the combustion appts.    USE -   Concn. of nitrogen oxides is reduced in combustion waste gas used for heating raw material.
It has anion exchange radical with a general formula (O-(CF2-CFX-O)l)m(CF2)n(CH2)pY as pendant side chain. X=H, F or 1-10C fluorine-contg. alkyl, Y=a radical contg. a tert-ammonium gp. l=0-20 (pref. 0, 1, 2), m=0, 1, n=1-20 (pref. 1-8), p=2-10 (pref. 2-6). The tert-ammonium is chosen from a gp. of formula (I), (II) or (III) where, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5=lower alkyl, aromatic, hydroxyalkyl, or tetramethylene or pentamethylene between R1 and R2, q=1-15). Ion exchange volume is 0.5-2.5 meq/g of dry resin.    ADVANTAGE -   Membrane is durable and is used for electrolysis and electrodialysis to recover useful metallic salts from plating waste solns. high level treatment of sewage, treatment of waste water contg. radioactive material, diffusion-dialysis, fuel-batteries, redox flow batteries, modified electrodes, electrolytic synthesis etc. Membrane is esp. durable in alkaline condition.
(JP93068830-B)      Process comprises kneading a catalyst powder with ptfe water and phosphoric acid, depositing the kneaded mixt. on a electrode base, and baking at 300-380 deg.C.    For portable power sources.
Startup method for a fuel cell power system comprises heating a fuel cell stack to operating temp. with a circulating heat exchange fluid, while pressurising the pressure vessel and process chambers wit h an inert gas, controlling the vapour pressure in the insert gas in proportion to the detected temp. and pressure in the process chamber so that the vol. of the hygroscopic electrolyte is maintained constant.    ADVANTAGE -   Deterioration of the system due to a decrease or increase in the electrolyte vol. is avoided. (First major country equivalent to J62022374-A)
(JP2633522-B2)      Fuel cell uses hydrogen and a gaseous combustible material to produce electricity. The cell has an acidic liquid electrolyte, and anode and cathode. The cathode and anode both comprise multiporous active carbon with a layer of catalyst to accelerate the reaction, with a layer of electrolyte (containing liquid) in contact with the electrodes. The cell is formed into a sealed single unit. The fuel cell comprises a number of the units, with paths for the fuel etc. between the cells and layer elements.
Grooves are formed on a surface by a laser beam modified to have a square or rectangular section beam. The beam is formed by modifying a circular beam by passing through a rectangular aperture and transforming to a uniform density and focusing the beam through a condenser lens having a focal length between about 10 to 15 mm.    The grooves are formed by scanning surface and aligning edges of rectangular beam in parallel with scanning pattern.    Appts. comprises laser beam, rectangular apertured field stop plate, collimeter lens, condenser lens, vacuum pump computer.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The method is useful in the manufacture of thin film type photoelectric conversion components used in solar batteries or similar, and particularly for forming open groove patterns in the thin film covering. The square sided beam forms open grooves having a uniform width at a high speed by laser scribing without damage due to uneven beam density and excessive overlap.
The cell consists of a semiconductor substrate (1) in the top of which a layer has been diffused of the opposite conduction type (2). A layer (3) of SiO2, TiO2, Si3N4, Ta2O5 or SnO2, which is electrically insulating, is deposited to reduce reflection of the incident light. Contacts (4) are made by deposition of a paste contg. metal-powder, pref. Ag, glaze, organic binder and solvent and at least one element from group V of the Periodic System, pref. 0.05-0.3 wt.% of P or a P-contg. cpd. The contact is established by firing after application of the paste.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The contact is improved by the addn. of the group V element or cpd. based on the element to the metal paste. This gives the cell a higher efficiency.
Solid polypyrrole (1) contains at least 10 wt.% of incorporated polyether.    Polyether can also be incorporated in polythiophene conducting polymer, e.g. for use as a radar absorbing material. To prepn. (1) a current of at least 0.1mA/sq.cm is passed between an anode and a cathode across a cell (4) contg. a soln. of a pyrrole, an electrolyte and a polyether in a solvent to form a film on the anode. The polypyrrole is insoluble in the solvent.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The polymer is conductive and can be used e.g. in p-n hetero-junctions, barrier diodes, photoelectrochemical solar cells and as active electrode in batteries. The polyether allows easier processing of the polymer. The compsn. is flexible, air stable and have conductivities of 0.01-1 ohm-cm..
Fuel cell comprises: a porous anode; a transition metal porous cathode; H2 fuel and O2 oxidant supplies; an alkali metal carbonate electrolyte; a gas-impervious tile adjacent the anode; and a second, gas-permeable tile adjacent the cathode. Both tiles have small pores contg. electrolyte; the second tile also has larger pores for receiving O2 and has a larger ionic resistance per unit thickness than the first tile.    ADVANTAGE -   The tile adjacent the anode.
Device includes a passageway for electrolyte return with electrolyte wettable wicking material in opposite ends of the passageway. One end portion is near the upper, negative end of the stack where flooding occurs. The second end portion is placed near the lower, positive end of the stack where electrolyte is depleted. A heater increases electrolyte vapour pressure in the upper wicking material and the vapour is condensed in the lower portion and wicked as molten electrolyte to the positive end face of the stack.    ADVANTAGE -   Device is effective without adding to stack complexity.
A main switching element is inserted between a fuel cell power unit and a dc-ac converter with a secondary battery connected to a charging switch and a discharging switch. A control circuit is provided for the switching elements, the charging switch and discharging switch being connected in series and across the main element.    The battery is charged by turning on the charging switch when the fuel cell power unit is in warming up operation or when the dc-ac converter is broken off from the output circuit of the power unit to stop the operation of the unit, while the battery is discharged through the converter by turning on the discharging switch when the unit reaches the rated operating temperature.    ADVANTAGE -   Minimises electric power loss when fuel cell power unit is heated by cell reactions under load. (First major country equivalent to J62017958)
Methanol reformer for fuel cells comprises a heat pipe between a catalyst combustion part and reforming reaction part so that the required amt. of heat for the reforming reaction is fed through the heat pipe.    USE -   Reformer is used for electric circuits.
(US4758525-A)      Mfr. comprises (1) forming on the surface of a semiconductor of first conductivity type, an oxide film mask having a window at an electrode-forming part. (2) implanting impurity ions of second conductivity type into the substrate surface through the oxide film, (3) selectively forming a layer of aluminium on the opposite surface of the substrate, and (4) heat treating, pref. in a single step, (i) the substrate to activate the implanted ions thus producing an impurity-doped region having a low sheet resistance at the electrode-forming part but having a relatively high sheet resistance at the remaining part, and (ii) the layer of aluminium on the opposite substrate surface to diffuse aluminium into that surface.    ADVANTAGE -   Simplified process gives high efficiency combined with freedom from contamination during heat-treatment.
Glass substrate is covered with a layer of SiO having grains of silica encrusted in its thickness to give it an irregular surface. The grains are 20-500 nm. The layer is formed by blowing onto the heated glass plate substrate from a multiorifice nozzle gaseous molecules contg. Si atoms and an oxidising gas diluted with inert gases. The concns. of gaseous molecules contg. Si, the oxidising gas and the mixt. gas and the rate of flow of each gas are controlled. The molecules of Si contg. gas and oxygen are made to start to react between the exits of the nozzle and the substrate, such on depositing on the substrate the components have not yet completely reacted so that the layer deposited is encrusted with grains of silica produced by the partial reaction, so as to form the irregular surface.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Method is used in forming a matt surface or an antireflecting surface on glass sheet or plate esp. in mfr. of substrates for semiconductor devices, esp. amorphous Si solar cells. The yield of amorphous Si solar cells made using these substrates is greater since the loss of light by reflection from the surface is reduced.
Method, and apparatus, for producing a hydrogen contg. gas from a hydrocarbon feedstock in which the reaction vessel has three zones arranged in sequence. During the making of the hydrogen in the make mode, the hydrocarbon feedstock and steam are preheated within the first zone which is filled with material which was heated during regeneration of the reaction vessel. Gasification, that is cracking and reforming, of the feedstock and steam mixture takes place within the next following second zone of heated material which includes a region of reform catalyst. The gas so produced is then cooled in a lower temperature third zone. The heat used in making the hydrogen is restored by regenerating the reaction vessel, in the regeneration mode. Regeneration is accomplished by preheating a hydrogen purge gas and regeneration combustion products recule using the sensible heat stored during the make mode in material disposed within the vessel. These gases are mixed with an oxygen containing gas so that they combust within the second zone to reheat the material in that zone. Combustion products from the second zone are then cooled by passing them through the first zone so that the first zone material is reheated.    ADVANTAGE -   The method is very compact and highly efficient. All the energy expended is utilised to directly convert feedstock to the desired hydrogen containing gas which is usually hydrogen. Virtually all heat transfer is direct, which eliminates losses typically associated with indirect heating and cooling. Maximising preheating minimises the amount of hydrogen purge gas which must be burnt to provide process heat, which also increases efficiency, giving thermal efficiencies of 95% or higher.
(JP92049224-B)      Fuel cell comprises unit cells stacked through hermetic plates between a pair of gas diffusion electrodes and gas seals attached to the ends of the electrodes. Gas seal composed of a fluororesin film and fluororesin porous mats are disposed at both sides of the film.    For d-c power sources. (J62008456-A)
(JP93064871-B)      Process comprises laminating a photoelectromotive layer on an electrode layer formed on a 1st base sheet, and forming a conductive adhesive layer on the photoelectromotive layer.    Used for power sources. (J61193488-A)
System comprises press tables attached to a floor-mounted carousel and each having one or more plates mounted on a frame to form a surface to receive the sections. There is an adhesive applicator for the sections and a wheel on the frame between the frame and floor, with a press rack pivotably mounted on the frame to move between an up and a down position, away from and adjacent to the surface.    The frame can mount one or more supports each to contact, rest on and adhesively bond to all sections on the surface, the rack applying downward pressure when in the down position. The supports are pref. held by magnets mounted in recesses in the press bars.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For forming large solar panels, provides rapid and efficient assembly.
Cpd. is a reaction prod. prepd. from a reaction of titanate ester contained in a solvent with an acid. The prod. contains a dopant for forming a p-n junction. The dopant is a cpd. soluble in the solvent.    USE -   For forming p-n junctions of solar cells. (J54076629-A)
Photovoltaic device comprises: a curved transparent light-receiving plate (3) adhered to a transparent substrate (1); and photoelectric conversion film elements (2) on the opposite substrate surface. The substrate is formed of rigid material not easily curved and the elements are formed on the flat substrate surface before adhesion to the light-receiving plate. Substrate is pref. glass or a synthetic resin; light receiving plate is pref. tempered glass or a synthetic resin.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   As a solar cell. Device having good electric properties, weather existance and yield is made in a simple low-cost process. (First major country equivalent to J62005671-A)
The polymers (I) are prepd. by (1) dissolving or dispersing an aromatic cpd. or deriv. thereof as monomer and an electrolyte in an organic polar medium, (2) carrying out electrochemical anodic oxidn. in the soln. or dispersion in presence of at least one of Cu, Ag II, Fe III, Mn III, Ru, Re or Rh ions, and (3) sepg. the (I).    Concn. of metal ions in reaction mixt. is 0.001 mol/l up to satn. Electrolyte in reaction mixt. supplies I, Cl, F, SO3, PF6, or partic. BF4, ClO4 or AsF6 ions. Monomer is benzene, biphenyl, diphenylbenzene, dibiphenylyl, naphthalene, anthracene, or deriv. or substd. cpd. of any of these. Concn. of monomer in reaction mixt. is 0.1-10 mol/l.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Films of (I) and semiconducting films prepd. by neutralisation can be doped for still higher conductivity as electrode-active substances in electric cells, electronic indicator appts., e.g. optical switches, solar cells, and various sensors; also for semiconductor appts. (I) have very high electrical conductivity and can be prepd. in desired shape.
Electrocatalysts for cathodic oxygen redn. comprise chemically modified cobalt tetraaza annulene.    The electrocatalysts pref. comprise the following specified cpds. (6,12,Di(ethoxycarbonyl)-5,13-di-methyl 1,4,8,11 tetraazacyclotetradeca -4,6,12,14 tetra-ene-8,11-ato '2-))cobalt(11), 6,12,Diacetyl-5,13-dimethyl 9,10-benzo-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclo tetradeca-4,6,12,14 tetra-ene 8,11-ato (2-))cobalt (11), (6,13-diphenyl-dibenzo (b.i) -tetraaza(14) annuleneato(Z-)cobalt (11). The thermal treatment is pref. carried out iin an inert gas stream.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used in fuel cells to reduce the electrochemical reaction of oxygen.
An amorphous semiconductor device comprises an amorphous, electrically conducting substrate of metallic glass and at least one amorphous semiconductor layer deposited on it. A crystalline semiconductor device comprises a substrate as above and at least one crystalline semiconductor layer on it, the substrate contg. B or P which provides an autodoping source and stabilises the crystalline emiconductor layer.    Also claimed are solar cells comprising one of the structures above together with an added electrode, the metallic glass substrate acting as the other electrode. Also claimed are solar cells with a metallic glass substrate contg. Zn, Si or Cu as autodoping source for the semiconductor layer.    ADVANTAGE -   The metallic glass substrate is less fragile than conventional glass substrates and can be readily produced in very large quantities in flexible ribbon or rigid solid form.
Fuel cell is claimed comprising anode, cathode, separator and electrolyte, the electrolyte consisting of conc. H3PO4 and at least 0.5 wt. % of an amine capable of reacting with the H3PO4 in situ to produce an ammonium phosphate, thereby reducing interfacial tension and increasing the wetting properties of the H3PO4.    The electrolyte itself is also claimed, the amine pref. being lauryl trimethylamine.    ADVANTAGE -   Amine is effective in very low concentration and does not introduce a foreign anion into the cell, thus not adversely affecting the operation of the cell.
A photoelectric device comprises: (a) transparent counter electrode; (b) thin dry solid film polymer electrolyte adjacent to (a) and electrically interacting with it; (c) semiconductor adjacent to film (b); and (d) conducting base electrode electrically interacting with the semiconductor. Esp., the device is a photoelectrochemical cell for converting solar energy to electricity.    ADVANTAGE -   The device provides a theoretical efficiency of 35%, cf. 25% for a standard photovoltaic cell, output voltage may be 0.625V.
Fuel cell comprises cell frames and cell elements arranged alternately. Each frame has a projecting part with a sharp top edge insertible into the anode or cathode of the cell element on assembling of the elements with the frames.    USE -   For electric appts. mfr. (J56054770-A)
Prodn. of PTFE porous membranes comprises compression moulding PTFE resin powder of ave.-particle dia. 1-900 microns obtd. by suspension polymerisation of TFE; heating the obtd. preform at above 327 deg.C followed by skinning the heated preform into film form; heating the obtd. film at above 327 deg.C; slowly cooling the film at a rate of less than 70 deg.C/hr so as to adjust the crystallinity of the film to 60-75%; and stretching the heated film uniaxially or biaxially to 1.3-6.5 times while heating at 100-320 deg.C.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Porous PTFE membranes are useful e.g. as filters for corrosive materials or high temp. substances, as diaphragms for electrolytic baths or fuel cells, etc. The obtd. membranes have pores which are almost circular and of uniform pore dia., have excellent mechanical strength, and on stretching have resistance to breakage or pinholing. Permeability is also high. (First major country equivalent to J61293830-A)
(JP96015094-B2)      The fused-carbonate fuel battery has a boric acid glass seal between the gas flow manifold and the battery unit. The glass seal dissolves at a lower temp. than the operating temp. of the battery. The battery also has a holder which does not dissolve in the boric acid glass and thus the boric acid glass can be conserved.    ADVANTAGE -   Good battery performance can be ensured throughout its service life.
A carbon-graphite component for use in an electro-chemical cell is produced by: (a) forming a precursor sheet contg. an inorganic B-oxygen cpd. (I), a carbonisable, thermosetting resin (II) and cellulose and/or carbonised cellulose fibres (III); (b) heating this sheet in a non-oxidising atmos. to a first temp. range, in which (III) and (II) are carbonised, so that (II) binds (III) together and; (c) heating the sheet in a non-oxidising atmos. to a second, higher temp. range to increase the deg. of graphitisation of (III) and (II).    Pref. (I) is boric acid and is used in an amt. of 2-15, pref. 5-10 (wt.) %. (II) is a phenolic resin, which is cured by heating the sheet in an oxidising atmos. to a temp. below that used in stage (b). It is used in an amt. of 30-45 %. The mixt. used may also contain 2-15 % flame retardant mixt, of boric acid with ammonium sulphate, ammonium phosphate, ammonium sulphonate and/or borax; and/or SiO2 pref. in an amt. of 15-25% w.r.t. boric acid, i.e. 1-2 % SiO2 if 5-10 % boric acid is used.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The component is claimed for use as storage layer electrochemical cells. It is useful cell power stations, esp. those using phosphoric acid fuels cells. The energy yield is higher than that obtd. when no (I) is used. The process also allows the average pore size of the electrolyte storage layer to be varied.
The cells contain cathode-, matrix- and anode cell component pts., placed in a cell-housing, the inner compartment of which is fitted to and accepts the component pts. The novelty consists in using a cell housing which comprises several shaped, superimposed frame pts. of a material contg. a polyphenylene sulphide- and/or polyether sulphone resin and, as filler, 10-40 wt. % Ce oxide, glass, K titanate or Zr oxide, encapsulated in the resin.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The cells can be used for underwater- and space travel. The cell has a long-term lifetime. The frames have a simple shape and weigh less than conventional laminates. The materials resist alkaline surroundings and cause less cell-contamination.
In prodn. of monocrystalline doped ZnO layers by introducing a volatile dopant cpd. during CVD, copper is used as acceptor dopant and is fed as a volatile organic copper complex (pref. of CuCl and acetonitrile) into the deposition zone of the quartz reactor.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process is useful in prodn. of thin monocrystalline films of acceptor-doped ZnO on monocrystalline sapphire or spinel substrates for use, e.g. as piezoelectric transducers, optical waveguides, solar cells and gas sensors. Homogeneous in-situ doping is produced, thus avoiding multistage post-doping operations.
An electrochemical cell is claimed comprising an anode, a cathode and an aprotic electrolyte where either the anode or the cathode (pref. the cathode) comprises a polyaniline where each N of the polymer is associated with at least one, but not more than two, H, pref. with only one H. Pref. the anode comprises an alkali or alkaline earth metal.    The use of this cell as a sec. battery or a fuel cell is also claimed. An electrochemical electrode of a polyaniline where each N of the polymer chain is associated with one, but only one, H is also claimed. A method of reversible energy storage is also claimed by providing an electrode in an aprotic electrolyte and cyclically oxidising and reducing the electrode between the oxidised formula (I) (-(C6H4)-N(+)H=(C6H4)=N(+)H-) (2A(-)) and the reduced formula (II) (-(C6H4)-NH-(C6H4)-NH-); where A = counter ion from the electrolyte.    Pref. the polyaniline is reversibly oxidisable to formula (I) and reversibly reducible to formula (II).    ADVANTAGE -   The cells have capacities and efficiencies close to the theoretical maximum.
Multiple junction photovoltaic cell comprises a front and rear cell, formed of Si ceramic glass alloys of different band gap and with a thin transparent lattice matching layer in between. Electrodes are provided on the front and back surfaces of the cell. One cell has a band gap of 1.35-1.65eV and the other has a band gap of 0.9-1.35eV.    ADVANTAGE -   Thin film Si solar cells can be produced quickly and at low cost. /11
A p-n bond-type photoelectric converter element is obtd. by a method in which an n-type high polymer semiconductor wafer made of cis- or trans-type polyacetate is swelled with an organic solvent, e.g. one or more of pentane, hexane, benzene, toluene, acetone, acetonitrile, and DMF and contacted with a p-type high polymer semiconductor made of polypyrrole cpds., e.g. polypyrrole, poly-N-methylpyrrole, etc., polythienylene cpds., e.g. polythienylene, poly-3-methylthienylene, etc., polyfuran cpds. e.g. polyfuran, etc. polyaniline cpds., e.g. polyaniline, poly-O-iodoaniline, etc. amd polyazulene cpds., e.g. polyazulene, aminoazulene, etc. followed by drying for bonding them.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The p-n hetero bond type photoelectric converter element is excellent in bonding between p-type and n-type semiconductors. It can also be mfd. easily. The converter is used in diodes, transistors, photosensors, solar cells, etc. (Amended from week 8703)
Hydrogenated amorphous silicon-film having a high photosensitivity at a long wavelength range of greater than 700 nm consists essentially of a cpd. of silicon and hydrogen. The amorphous film has a photosensitivity of not less than 0.1 cm2 e.g. -1 at 780nm and pref. a localized density of defects of not more than 3x10power5 cm(-3) eV(-1).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. as the photoconductive material of an electrophotographic photoreceptor as well as a photoreceptor of a semiconductor laser. The film, which combines high photosensitivity in both the long wavelength and visible light region with a low defect density, avoids the use of metal impurities such as Fe, Sn etc. and is provided at a high deposition rate. (First major country equivalent to J01278133-A)
The electric insulating paints comprise polymers contg. OH and blocked isocyanate gps in molecule. Polymers are pref. the copolymers of (A) acryl type oligomers contg. isocyanate gps per molecule and (B) vinyl monomers contg at least partially (b-1) OH gp-contg. acryl type monomers. (A) is prepd. by blocking one of the isocyanate gps. of an isocyanate with a blocking agent and adding acryl monomer to the residual free isocyanate gp of the monoblocked isocyanate obtd. above. As isocyanates, 2,4-tolylene or diphenylmethane-diisocyanate, etc. with mol wt. of 168-250 are pref. used. (B) comprises pref. (b-1) and (b-2) other vinyl monomers in the wt. ratio of (b-1)(b-2) being 3:97-99.9-0.1. The copolymers have OH values of 15-110 mgKOH/g and contain available isocyanate gp. and OH gp in the equiv. ratio of 0.7-1.3.    ADVANTAGE -   The paints show high adhesive property even at high temp.
The method comprises irradiating resin with 1-150 Mrad ionising radiation.    The aromatic polysulphone resin is polyer contg. aromatic ring bonds and sulphone bonds in the structural units. The ionising radiation includes electron beams and alpha-, beta- and gamma-rays and the radiation source radioisotopes, nuclear reactors, electron beam accelerators, etc. The aromatic polysulphone resin can be mixed with lubricants, heat resistant stabilisers, pigments, dyes, crosslinkers, inorganic fillers, polyethylene terephthalate, polyarylate, polyetherimides, polyether ketones, etc.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The method provides a resin with improved heat resistance and dimensional stability esp. under heating in addn. to mechanical strength, electrical properties and fire retardancy without loss of flexibility and transparency, useful for flexible printed circuit boards, high density recording substrates, solar batteries, etc.
Silicon sheet less than 1 m/m thick is placed on a supporting stand, which is heated to 1000-1300 deg. C, and partial re-melting and hardening take place in order. Below 1 m/m thick silicon sheet is continuously produced from molten silicon, and the surface of sheet is coated with smelting assistant. The sheet is then re-melted and hardened continuously on a supporting stand heated to 1000-1300 deg. C.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Using inexpensive raw material, multicrystal silicon wafers useful for solar batteries can be produced with improved yields.
The unit assembled in fuel battery system modifies liq. fuel e.g. alcohol to hydrogen enriched gas and supplies it to fuel battery. The unit uses a vaporiser in furnace container, and modifier to modify vaporised fuel gas to hydrogen enriched gas by contact reaction with catalyst. The vaporiser is installed in thermal particle filled layer at combustion chamber in furnace.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Heat capacity of vaporiser and heat exchanging efficiency with burning gas are improved. Pressure fluctuation of modified gas is reduced. Modified gas with constant pressure can be supplied to fuel battery body.
Producing solar cell involves slurry of solids of Ag, Au, Al and glass powder with organic solvent and organic binder being coated onto Si wafer and baked to form Ohmic electrodes. Baking temp. is 550-650 deg. C.    USE -   Useful for electric device (J55055579-A)
The poly-pyridinium fluoride consists of structural unit of formula (I), (II) or (III) and has a polymerisation degree of less than 30. Fluoropyridine obtd. by treating hydroxypyridine with phosphorus trifluoride or phosphorus pentafluoride is thermally polymerised. Fluoropyridine obtd. by treating aminopyridine with nitite, hydrofluoric acid or borofluoric acid is thermally polymerised. Poly-pyridinium chloride or poly-pyridinium bromide is treated with hydrofluoric acid.    ADVANTAGE -   The poly-pyridinium fluoride is stable in air, has high electric conductivity without need of doping and is soluble in water. It is produced at a relatively low cost and is useful for prim., sec. and solar batteries, photoelectric conductive materials, etc.
The poly-quinolium halide consists of structural unit of formula (I) or (II). where X (-) is halide ion- m and n are less than 30. (I) and (II) includes poly-2-quinolium chloride, poly-3-quinolium chloride, poly-4-quinolium chloride, poly-6-quinolium chloride, poly-8-quinolium chloride, poly-3-quinolium bromide, poly-4-isoquinolium bromide, poly-3-quinolium fluoride, poly-5-quinolium fluoride, poly-8-quinolium fluoride, poly-4-isoquinolium chloride, etc.    The polymer is obtd. by heat polymerisation of respective monomers, and oxidant such as chlorosulphuric acid may be added to speed up polymerisation. The polymer has a mol.wt. of less than about 30 when measured by gel permeation chromatography.    ADVANTAGE -   The poly-quinolium is stable in the air, has high electric conductivity without need of doping and is soluble in water. It is produced at a relatively low cost and is useful for primary, secondary and solar batteries, photoelectric conductive materials, etc.
Amt. of iodine used in treatment is 0.1-20 times amt. of polypyridinium chloride by mol. and reaction is carried out at temp. higher than m.pt. of iodine. Iodine is connected with polypyridinium cation principle chains as along with chloride anion and iodide anion accounts for 3-95 mol% in copolymer according to iodine treatment conditions. Progress of copolymerisation is determined by infrared method and amt. of iodine by absorption method.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Cheaper method without doping for mfg. a new macromolecule with high electrical conductivity. Cpd. is stable in air and soluble in water, useful as photoconductive material and for prim. and sec. and solar batteries, various devices, etc.
Prodn. of a carbon-graphite component for use in an electrochemical cell, esp. as storage layer for the electrolytes and component for preventing electrolyte movement, involves: a) forming a precursor sheet from a mixt. of cellulose fibres (I), purified graphite particles (II) and a carbonisable thermoset-ting resin (III), in which (I) carry (II) and hold them in place; b) heating this sheet to a first temp. range to carbonise (I) and (III), so that the carbonised (III) binds the carbonised (I) and (II) together; and c) heating the sheet to a second, higher temp. range to graphitise the carbonised (I) and (III).    Pref. the precursor sheet is formed from a mixt. contg. 5-35, 20-80 or 35-45 (wt.)% (II) and pref. ca. equal amts. of (I) and (III). (III) is a phenolic resin.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The component is useful in fuel cell power stations. High grade materials can be produced by a simple effective process.
Prodn. of a carbon-graphite component for use in an electrochemical cell, esp. as storage layer for the electrolytes and electrode support, involves: a) forming a precursor sheet with regulated pore structure from a mixt. of cellulose fibres (I) and a carbonisable thermosetting resin (II); b) heating this sheet to a first temp. range to carbonise (I) and (II), so that the carbonised (II) binds the carbonised (I) together; and c) heating the sheet to a second, higher temp. range to graphites the carbonised (I) and (II).    The precursor sheet is formed from a mixt. contg. 5-20 (wt.%) purified carbon particles (III) and pref. ca. equal amts. of (I) and (II), esp. 30-55% (II). (II) is a phenolic resin.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The component is useful in fuel cell power stations. High grade materials can be produced rapidly by a cimple and effective process, which is suitable for mass prodn.
Photovoltaic cell includes a lepidopterene luminescent dye which absorbs radiation at wavelengths to which the cell is unresponsive and emits at a higher wavelength at which it is responsive. Cell is pref. an Si cell.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. with Si solar cells. Cell conversion efficiency is high.
Thin film solar battery is formed by successively depositing layers of a transparent conductive film, semiconductor film and metal film on a transparent dielectric substrate; and successively laser scribing the films to form separate related layers which in turn form unit cells. An opaque layer is formed on a portion of the substrate remote from the cells and is scribed by a laser to serve as a marker so that the substrate can be properly aligned during the scribing steps.    ADVANTAGE -   The marker facilitates good pattern alignment and the occurrence shorts between misaligned electrodes. (First major country equivalent to J61263172-A)
Fuel cell power generator comprises: a fuel cell d.c. generator which receives H2 and O2 from feed lines, the lines being supplied from H2 and O2 gas storage cylinders which in turn are fed from an electrolysis cell operated by d.c. from the fuel cell. The electrolysis cell comprises a tank contg. a pressurised electrolyte and H2 and O2 electrodes.    ADVANTAGE -   Use of H2 and O2 reservoirs overcomes any temporary shortage of fuel resulting from a rapid rise in load, so that the generator, has excellent responsiveness to rapid rise of load. (First major country equivalent to J61263065-A)
Gamma-form Li aluminate powder is obtd. by: mixing Al alkoxide with Li (hydr)oxide or an Li (in)organic acid salt in a non-aq. solvent; reacting under the addn. of 1.5-20 moles water (including any water of crystallisation) per mole of Al alkoxide; removing the solvent; and calcining at 650-1000 deg.C.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Useful esp. in making electrolyte tiles of molten carbonate fuel cells. Method avoids need for Li alkoxide starting materials.
A continuous layer of conducting material e.g. ITO is deposited on an insulating substrate. A semiconducting photovoltaic layer is deposited on the conducting layer e.g. CdS/CdTe. Openings are made in the semiconducting layer and the conducting layer to divide the semiconducting layer into separate electrically isolated islands e.g. by applying photoresist and etching. The openings, together with pin holes in the semiconducting layer, are filled with insulating material e.g. cured photoresist. Other openings are made in the semiconducting layer to expose the first conducting layer. A second conducting material is deposited on the semiconducting layer to bridge across the insulating material and into the second openings so as to make conducting contact with the first conducting layer.    Further openings, one for each island, is made into the second conducting layer such that conducting material deposited in one of the second openings is between one of the third opening and one of the first openings containing insulating material so as to give individual photovoltaic cells connected in series by the conducting material in the second openings.    USE -   Useful in photovoltaic cells in which the substrate forms the front face of the cell.
(JP93035583-B)      Prod. comprises patterning an n-type electrode on an n-type GaAs layer fixed on a metal plate, and dicing the metal plate, GaAs film and n-type electrode into cells.    USE -   For power sources. (J62261186-A)
Water power plant includes a water-wheel and a system for thawing ice formed on the edge of the wheel during winter months. The water-wheel is driven by the flow of water between the blades of the wheel and the joggling action set up by force of water. The height of water volume during drive is determined by the quantity of water in itself and by the speed of rotation of wheel. the speed of rotation of the wheel is matched to the requirements of different quantities of water in order to provide optical mechanical efficiency.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Electricity generation. Prevents wheel edge icing up during winter months.
A solar module for several interconnected solar cells consists of a carrier foil (1), e.g. polyester 0.13 mm thick, with an adhesive foil (2), e.g. ethylene vinyl acetate 0.5-0.8 mm thick at the rear (4) of the solar cells. These foils form a rim around the cells. Several such modules are combined and fastened with the rim to a common carrier plate, made pref. of glass, wood or plastics. Strips (8) interconnect the cells.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For vehicle or aircraft models. This silicon cell module is lightweight, simple, flexible and universally usable.
The solar cell has one side either of magnesian oxide or which is transparent to both visible and infre-red light. The other side is of common salt, which is likewise transparent to both forms of light, so that it can be thick without impeding light from reach the stop layer.    Neither side of the cell must be blocked, but is allowed to take in light at all times. They are N or P-conducting materials, the connecting material being copper, temperature being able to rise to approx. 500 deg.C. Since both sides are penetrable by infre-red light, the resultant heat may be converted to electrical energy. The cell can be used as a window, utilised daylight during the day, and internal light at night. If it is required to use heat from one side, e.g. the inside, instead of converting it to electrical energy, quartz can be used instead of magnesium oxide.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In semi-conductor electronics Solar cell takes in visible and infra-red light from both sides. (Provisional basic advised week 87/45) /0
A string of solar cells connected in series using contacts is provided with back-contacts for both negative and positive poles, by using an insulating material e.g. adhesive tape, foil or glass-fibre mat. On this insulator a metal contact is provided which is electrically connected via a strip with the front contact of the last cell. The metal contacts are pref. Al/Ag or Cu foils which are glued to the insulator or cell.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The method avoids the need for a frame with contacts or other elaborate arrangements for contacting the cells. The solution is simple and reliable. It is used in solar cells for use in ships or aeroplanes.
A solar cell generator consists of a corrugated carrier (6) of aluminium plating, e.g. 0.2 mm thick, covered on both sides by a thin aluminium plate (8.9). Staggered circular holes (5) in (6,8) help to reduce the weight, leaving uniform webs (7) between them, but do not penetrate the plate (9). An insulating tissue (10) prevents contact between carrier and solar cells (2). Adhesive foil (4,11) is fused to embed the solar cells before a plastic foil (1) or extremely thin glass covers the generator.    ADVANTAGE -   This design has a still more reduced wt. per unit power, amounting to 3.5 - 4 kg/sq.m.
The installation comprises a conical tapering tower (18,22) located above an annular water-carrying channel (17). A number of rise pipes (3) is connected to the wall of the tower. The pipes carry energy transfer steam to a liquefying facility, at least one condenser being located at the other end of the tower.    Inside the tower is a downpipe (15) which incorporates a fluid-type turbine and carries the liquid energy transfer medium down to the level of the annular channel.    ADVANTAGE -   Environmentally acceptable installation at relatively low cost and with high efficiency.
The power plant has the hydraulic motors and pumps arranged singly or collectively, visibly or invisibly, in a dry room at the bank of the running water course. A current generator is connected to a hydraulic motor or indirectly across a gravity tank. The hydraulic motors driven by the water flow, the positively connected pumps and electric generator can be carried by a mobile floating body, which is anchored in the flow of the running water course. Several hydraulic motors can operate one pump.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For electrical generation. Makes use of energy in flowing water.
The start method comprises the steps of providing a variable speed motor connected to an electric powerline for driving the pump and detecting a pump parameter correlated to the speed of at leatst one of the pump and the motor. The pump is driven with the motor in accordance with the pump parameter detecting while the hydraulic flow rate is zero with the pump outlet passage closed, and at a speed lower than a steady operation speed of the pump. A pump outlet passage parameter correlated to the opening of the pump outlet passage is detected.    The pump outlet passage of the pump is progressively opened in accordance with the pump outlet passage parameter detecting and progressively increasing the speed of the motor driving the pump until the passage is fully opened and the steady operating condition of the pump is obtained. The speed is maintained increasing with the increased opening of the pump outlet passage sufficient to have the pump delivery head always above a load curve representing the relationship between the delivery head and the flow rate.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For pumped-storage power plant. Avoids unfavourable effect on electric power line.
Hydroelectric station consists of a shaft carrying a turbine linked to a generator with a stator winding, and a ballast rheostat. The generating station is equipped with a current regulator (5) and a synchronous generator (6) on the turbine shaft (1). The generator's stator winding is connected to the ballast rheostat (4), and the exciting winding (7) is connected via the current regulator to the generator's stator winding.    With a change in the station's operating mode the current regulator compares the control signal with the nominal one, and carries the current in the exciting winding accordingly, so that a change in load is compensated for by the ballast rheostat.    ADVANTAGE -   Wider range of control and greater accuracy. Bul.15/23.4.87
A machine driven by natural fines has three sloping channels of rectangular cross-section which are placed in a stream of water or prevailing wind. A shaft (31) extends across all three channels. This shaft is fitted with rollers (32) which engage rollers (34) mounted on the side walls of each channel. These rollers are driven by endless chains (33) to which pressure boards (36) are attached. The lower ends of these boards are guided in a groove (41) in the channel side wall. The groove forms a loop with a semicircular lower end and a straight upper end (46).    The board is pushed downstream by the current flow and is returned above water level or out of the wind by the endless chain which is then driven by the other endless chains.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Eliminates need for high dams or barriers and long pipelines.
The device is fitted into a feed-back loop comprising: a differential amplifier (6) receiving set (CF) and actual values (F) of the magnitude to be regulated, and supplying an error signal to proportional, integral and derivative circuits (7,8,9),the output of which are added to make up a signal (Y) setting the regulating mechanism (3) position. A mimic system received the regulator signal and the actual mechanism position, and the error (E) between these signals drives the regulator.    The signal input to the integrating circuit (8) is the difference between the actual position (X) of the regulating mechanism and the signal setting its position.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Fast acting regulator for use with for example Pelton turbine.
Hydrogenated amorphous Si is formed by introducing Ar and H2 gas into a deposition chamber using sputtering method, contg. 1wt% or less Ar in the Si film.    The hydrogenated amorphous Si film is formed using counter target system sputtering unit with H2:Ar ratio of above 1.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for light receiving elements, with good photoelectric conductivity, and good light response.
The system controls the firing angle of a frequency converter which is connected to the secondary winding of the generator, such that the electric output and the rotation number of the variable speed water-wheel generator. The correct opening of the variable vanes is controlled. The system has a function generator which is responsive to an output command signal (Po) for the generator to determine the rotation number command signal (Na).    A speed adjuster (10,11) produces an output signal in accordance with a signal indicative of the difference between the output signal of the function generator and the actual rotation number. The rotation number is confined within a predetermined operation range.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For water-wheel generator with wound-rotor induction generator. Ensures stable operation within permissible variable speed band.
The plant has its efficiency increased by increasing the water level of the dam, to reduce the period of inactivity of the plant between successive tides. This is effected by transferring additional water to the dam so that the obtained water level is above that obtained with the tide alone. Additional energy is provided by an auxiliary turbine driven by pressurised air.$Pref. the dam barriers are initially opened to allow ingress of the tide, with successive release of anchored floats lying within respective chambers providing compressed air which is fed to a central reservoir. The floats are then filled with water to allow them to sink with closure of the dam barriers and utilisation of both the contained water and the pressurised air for electricity generation.$    ADVANTAGE -   Increases electrical output.
The current source uses water turbines driven by water supplied from an underground reservoir lying at a higher level, with the water collected on the output side of the turbines and then pumped back up to the higher level. The pumps are supplied with energy via wind-powered turbines, or solar panels, or by using off-peak electricity.    Pref. the underground reservoir and the collection basin for the water discharged frome turbines are provided by natural rock formations, with an additional application for cleaning dirty water from a river or canal which is drawn into the water circulation path and injected with bacteria and O2 before filtering.
Assembly of a hydro-turbine rotor with a generator rotor by setting the turbine rotor active wheel on a packing in the lower ring of the turbine guide appts., mounting the turbine shaft, mounting a generator rotor frame on a thrust collar, joining the assembled generator rotor to the turbine shaft and removal of the packing on lifting the hydro-set rotor, is performed by the generator rotor frame (13) being joined to the turbine shaft before being mounted on the collar and then assembly of the generator rotor is started.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In hydro-set prodn. technology in power engineering, time is saved since mutual centring of the hydro-set rotor, generator stator and the lower ring of the guide appts. is no longer a necessary operation. The axis of the generator rotor does not have to be inclined. Bul.8/28.2.87
The organic membrane element comprises an active layer composed of organic membranes contg. donor molecules and acceptor molecules. The active layer is put between a prim. electrode and a sec. electrode. The insulating organic membranes are put between the primary electrode and the active layer, and between the secondary electrode and the active layer.    The active layer; (a) has laminated structure composed of an organic membrane contg. donor mol. and an organic membrane contg. acceptor mol. or (b) consists of a membrane contg. donor mol. and acceptor mol. together, or (c) has an insulating organic membrane put between the donor mol. membrane and the acceptor mol. membrane, or (d) has superlattice structure of multi-laminated couples of the donor and acceptor membranes.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The organic membrane element are used for display, optical, and electronic purposes. Change of extinction coefficient and refractive index by impressed voltage are improved for optical purpose. Change of conductivity and inductivity are improved for electronic purpose.
A compound electromechanical assembly is provided having a singly fed stage mounted for common rotation with a second singly fed stage mounted for common rotation. A second singly fed stage impedance is inserted in inverted connection to form an electrical loop between the secondaries. The impedance includes a variable resistor and capacitor connected in parallel.    Pref, an inverter is connected in parallel to the stages comprised of a pair of stators, with a power generator interconnected between the inverter and the second stator. A switch between the stators, is rendered operative in response to a difference in the stator phases.    ADVANTAGE -   Generator is self-regulated to selected frequency to give optimal power generation.
The generating system comprises a circuit (10) for controlling the firing angle of the frequency converter according to an error signal between an output command signal for the output power required for the generator and a power signal indicative of an actual output power of the generator/motor. The output signal commanding the output power reuqired for the power generator is applied from a central load-dispatching office generally controlling the electric power system and includes an automatic frequency control signal of the power system.    An output correction signal is added to the output coammand signal, the output of the adder then being compared with an output power detection signal.    ADVANTAGE -   Fully exhibits automatic frequency control during pumping operation.
The method measures the machine's load or hydrostatic pressure and uses the result to produce a base signal (x). Also determined is the vibration or a change in the hydraulic pressure at the machine and this is converted into an extra signal (y) with the aid of a converter.    The angular speed is controlled by the base signal when the extra signal lies below a limit. The angular speed is controlled by a signal differing from the base signal when the extra signal exceeds the given limit (yo).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For hydraulic machines such as water turbines and pump turbines with large changes in pressure and load. Avoids anomalous excessive vibration or changes in hydraulic pressure.
In the prodn. of anisotropic polymer materials (I) by polymerising polymerisable materials (II) in the usual way, the novelty is that polymerisation is carried out in the presence of cpd(s). (III) producing a nonionic lyotropic phase. New (I) are also claimed, which are produced as above. Pref. (III) contain polymerisable gps. Pref. polymerisation is carried out in non-aq. phase.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   (I) are claimed for use as optical media in electronics or as organic substrate in fibre and film technology. They are useful as organic glasses with anisotropic properties which can be modified widely, e.g. for light or solar collectors, organic phototropic glasses and optical and magnetic memories. (I) are useful as matrix for substances with nonlinear properties for producing nonlinear optical devices. The process (largely) avoids various disadvantages, e.g. polymerisation of thermotropic liq. crystalline substances which are not readily available and often lose their anisotropic nature on polymerisation; exclusion of many monomers and oligomers in interfacial polymerisation and micellar and vesicular systems using aq. or similar polar solvents; and loss of anisotropic characteristics during removal of solvents.
The power station, e.g. mobile, consists of a supporting frame submerged beneath water level, carrying an horizontal row of reactive hydraulic turbines which are set inside separate housings and connected by bevel gears to output shafts, and a generator.    The turbines are connected to the output shafts by freewheeling couplings (6), and the shafts are made in one piece to form a common pto shaft (7) which is linked to the generator, mounted on the base of the frame. The turbine housings (3) are made from mesh and are equipped with fabric covers (8), and the frame has fabric guide elements for its intake.    ADVANTAGE -   Increased efficiency and reduced weight. Bul.12/30.3.87.
A photoreceptor has a charge transporting layer composed of amorphous silicon hydride and/or halide including at least one of C, N and O, the first charge generating layer composed of amorphous silicon hydride and/or halide, and the second charge generating layer composed of amorphous silicon germanium hydride and/or halide. Both of the first and second charge generating layers are located at one of the upper and lower portions of the charge transporting layer. At least one intermediate layer is formed at least at one interlayer of the charge transporting layer, the first charge generating layer and the second charge generating layer. The difference of the energy gap between the intermediate layer and the layer adjacent to the intermediate layer is not more than 0.1 eV.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The photoreceptor superior in the sensitivity to both of the visible light and the near infrared ray area, the charge holding property such as the charging potential, dark attenuation, etc. and the durability, can be obtd..
A photoreceptor has a charge transporting layer composed of amorphous silicon hydride and/or halide including at least one C, N and O, and a charge generating layer composed of amorphous silicon germanium hydride and/or halide. At least one intermediate layer is formed between the charge transporting layer and the charge generating layer. The intermediate layer has the almost uniform compsn. of the intermediate of the chemical compsn. of the charge transporting layer and that of a-SiGe:H layer. The difference of the energy gap between the Fermi level and the conduction electrons belt between the intermediate layer and the layer adjacent to the intermediate layer is not more than 0.1 eV.    100 - 160 ppm of Va element is doped in the intermediate layer as the impurity. The intermediate layer is composed of, for example, a-SiCGe or a-SiCGeOo when the charge transporting layer is composed of a-SiC or a-SiCO.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The photoreceptor superior in the sensitivity to particularly near infrared ray area, the charge holding property such as the charging potential, the dark attenuation, etc. and the durability, can be obtd..
A photoreceptor is composed of a charge transporting layer composed of amorphous silicon hydride and/or halide including at least one of C, N and O, the first charge generating layer composed of amorphous silicon hydride and/or halide, and the second charge generating layer composed of amorphous silicon germanium hydride and/or halide. Both of the first charge generating layer and the second charge generating layer are located at one of the upper and lower portions of the charge transporting layer, and at least one intermediate layer is formed at least at one interlayer of the charge transporting layer, the first charge generating layer and the second charge generating layer. The difference of the energy gap between Fermi level and the valence electron belt between the intermediate layer and the layer adjacent to the intermediate layer is not more than 0.1 eV.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The photoreceptor has the high sensitivity to both of the visible aea and the near infrared ray area, the high charge holding property such as charging potential, dark attenuation, etc. and the durability.
A photoreceptor has a charge transporting layer composed of amorphous silicon hydride and/or halide including at least one of C, N and O, and a charge generating layer composed of amorphous silicon germanium hydride and/or halide. At least one intermediate layer of almost uniform compsn., is formed between the charge transporting layer and the charge generating layer. The difference of the energy gap between Fermi level and valence electron belt is not more than 0.1 eV.    The intermediate layer has the chemical compsn. of the intermediate layer has the chemical comps. of the intermediate of that of the charge transporting layer and that of a-SiGe:H layer. The IIIa element of 100 - 400 ppm is dped in the intermediate layer as the impurity. The intermediate layer as the impurity. The intermediate layer is composed of a-SiCGe, or a-SiCGeOo when the charge transporting layer is a-SiC or s-SiCO.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The photoreceptor superior in the sensitivity particularly to the near infrared area, the electric charge holding property such as the charging potential, dark attenuation, etc., and the durability, can be obtd..
The hydro-electric power producing assembly has a structured communicating with a natural reservoir. A discharge arrangement is mounted on the structured reservoir for regulating discharge. A flow channel extends down from the structural reservoir. Generator assemblies are disposed successively along the flow channel in driven engagement with the continuous gravity flow of water. Continuous power is generated upon continuous discharge of water from the structured reservoir. Pressurised air is supplied into gravity flow of water. The air supply has a number of air inlets spaced along the flow channel. A supplementary supply includes a pump assembly interrupting the existing water flow and is structured to supply water from the natural reservoir to the structured reservoir. The supplementary supply includes an externally powered conveyor. A power take-off device channels collectively produced power user facility.
Solar cell comprises: semiconductor layer of first type; semiconductor layer of second type forming a junction; AlGaAs semiconductor layer of second type with grooves through to the second layer; conductive material in the grooves; a bus bar (60) across the grooves; a conductive flat strip (50) spaced from the bar; and a conductive bridge (70) between bar and strip.    Junction may be pn or np type.    ADVANTAGE -   Cell contacts have low resistance and good mechanical integrity: since the strip does not contact the grid lines connections can be made to it by high temp. soldering or welding without damage to the semiconductor.
An electron beam-generating semi-conductor cathode has an n-type surface region and a p-type region, electron emission being achieved by positive biasing of the n-type region relative to the p-type region. The novelty is that the p-type and n-type regions are sepd. by an intrinsic semiconductor region having a band gap which is smaller at the interface zone with the p-type region than at the interface zone with the n-type surface region.    Also claimed are a pickup tube, with a drive for an electron beam which scans a charge image, and a display device, with a drive for an electron beam which produces an image in each of which the electron beam is generated by the semiconductor cathode.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The semiconductor cathode is used as a cold cathode for pickup tubes and display devices. It need not be provided with a work function-decreasing material (thus avoiding oxidn. and volatility problems) but, if this material is provided, it has high efficiency.
The motor/generator unit has a rotor with primary and secondary windings (1P,1S). The primary winding (1P) is coupled to the electrical network (5) via a main circuit (100), part of which is coupled to an energising circuit (200) for the secondary winding (1S). The energising circuit (200) contains a thyristor frequency converter (4) with a fixing angle determined by a phase-shifting control (3) in response to the difference between the network frequency and a frequency signal dependent on the rotation of the load (6).    A synchronising device (7) provides a frequency signal corresponding to the network frequency during normal operation and maintains the prior frequency signal upon failure of the mains.
The laminated thin film solar cell has a substrate (1), transparent electrodes (2) and gps. of photoelectric transducer elements with photoelectric transducer layers (31,32,33), consisting of semiconductors, the optical band width of which decreases from the incident light side. These elements are laminated on the substrate and a photoelectric transducer element of one gp. is connected in parallel with a transducer element of another gp. and such elements (A,B,C) connected in parallel are connected to one another in series. In the pref. construction, the gps. of photoelectric transducers are arranged so that one of the gps. is shifted by one element at one end w.r.t. the underlying gp. The transparent electrodes (71,72) are inserted between vertical adjacent photoelectronic transducer films (31,32,33) and one electrode on the substrate side of each element is connected with an electrode on the side opposite the substrate side of the adjacent element, which is on the side of the other end, the photoelectric transducer film of the element on the other end being formed in one of the gps. by extension of the electrode on the substrate side of the element to the other end of the underlying gp.    ADVANTAGE -   Solar cell is free from limitations w.r.t. equalisation of current produced in each photoelectric transducer film and can be made on single substrate.
The generator has two sets of 45 water containers attached at spaced points along a respective closed circulation loop passed around a pair of vertically spaced rollers, the rotation of the corresp. pairs of wheels used to rotate a common generator shaft for driving a pair of generators. One of the generators is driven continuously, the other only driven when the plant is the plant is operating at its full output load.    The containers are filled via water supplied from a dam via overflow pipes controlled via float-regulated valve slides ensuring that the water level is always held above the overflow height.    ADVANTAGE -   Free generation of electricity.
Hydro-power unit, making use of a water flow to generate electricity, consists of a support for the generator, which has a pulley on its shaft, equipped with an endless cable carrying a series of floating elements in the form of parachutes with flexible canopies and lines.    The outer tip of each canopy is connected by a flexible line (10) to the cable (6), and the pulley (4) is located horizontally. The effect of the water flow is to open the parachutes on one side of the endless cable loop and close those on the other, causing them to perform a continuous motion which is transmitted through the pulley to the power generator.    ADVANTAGE -   Greater reliability. Bul.9/7.3.87.
The coupling for shafts, set at an angle to one another, consists of an housing containing a series of transmission elements which are connected to flanges on the shafts.    The housing is made from a series of truncated cylinders (7) which are fixed rigidly together, containing thrust rings (8) which are able to rotate. The transmission elements are in the form of bush and roller chains (9) which are connected to the thrust rings. The rotary movement between the turbine shaft (1) and flange (5) are transmitted through the chains and to the flange (6) on the generator shaft (2).    ADVANTAGE -   Increased reliability and more even rotation. Bul.9/7.3.87.
A metal plate (1) having solar cells (2) is placed on a fixed plate and on surfaces of the metal plate and solar cells a porous expandable sheet material (7), whose upper surface is laminated with cheese cloth (5), is adhered through elastic adhesive (4) and dried. Concrete contg. glass fibres is then sprayed on the metal plate to form a glass fibre-contg. concrete layer (9).    USE -   Design prevents deformation of the surface of the panel due to difference in contraction of composite panel materials.
The vane and working chamber clearance setter and regulator consists of a fixed base supporting a table with a collar on which the rotor is mounted, and a horizontal setting plate with an annular projection to centre the working chamber.    The table (2) is mounted on the base (1) in bearings in which it can rotate, while the horizontal setting plate is made in the shape of two hinged half-rings which fit round the table and can be adjusted in the horizontal plane. The rotor is set up and centred with the aid of the collar (3) on the table, and the sections of the chamber are located on the half-rings and are centred with the annular projection (5). The clearances are set and adjusted by rotating the table and moving the setting plate horizontally.    ADVANTAGE -   Gives reduced labour requirement and greater precision. Bul.5/7.2.87
The system includes a reservoir (14) for containing a volume of liquid such as water (16). Weight is applied to the upper surface of the liquid, forcing it downwaro.    This liquid is discharged from the reservoir thorugh a spout (36) which concentrates the discharged liquid into a stream which is directed against a drive mechanism (38) such as a turbine (40) for imparting rotational forces. The discharged water is received in a catch basin (50) from which it is then moved, as by pumping, back into the reservoir for a further cycle of operation.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Electrical power supply to residence; variable force of water discharge from reservoir can be obtained, thus controlling energy converted into electrical power.
Amorphous photocell modules are made by producing an amorphous unit cell which is cut up into individual cells each with at least one collector finger. Finally these collectors are joined on each cell to exposed narrow areas of the bottom electrode of the adjoining photocell to form a series circuit.    ADVANTAGE -   This method is suitable for automation and mass prodn. and minimises the number of electrical connections. (Previously notified in week 8737)
One or more floating bodies is attached to a pulley device with ropes or wires passing over the pulley to a fixed point or to another floating body. In one arrangement the ropes are attached to a point on land to allow electrical or other energy to be derived. Alternatively, the sea bed may be used, and with a set of plural floating bodies both sea bed and land fixed points may be used.    The device allows for energy to be derived from wave motion or tidal rise and fall. The shafts on the pulleys may drive generator devices.
The reaction of this method is done by plasma glow discharging. Plasma, which is generated by exciting the gas molecules other than the main material gas with the electron from the cathode tube, decomposes the gas of the main material metallic cpd. Alloy film is deposited on the base plate whose surface temp. is controlled.    USE -   Even running base plate of large area may be coated with film at high speed.
A set of aerofoil profiles is attached to pivots in the ends of a cross-shaped rotor arm and constructed and operated so that the profiles are altered during the rotation of the rotor. The alteration may be in dependence on the rotor angle, in dependence on the attitude angle of another of the profiles or by the medium flowing over the profile itself. The profiles comprise at least two connected parts connected parts hinged together in such a way as to allow the alteration of shape, which may be accomplished by a lever-cam set-up, or by an electric motor with position pick-ups.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Wind or water power stations, with drive to a turbine, or aircraft lifting and drive wings system, allowing vertical take-off.
The required water under pressure can be taken from the water line or the driven water flow. Frost protective measures can be taken with water-antifreeze mixture in circulation.    A blast pressure tank can be installed as pressure storage, so that a certain emergency shut-down can be assured.    ADVANTAGE -   Safe regulator. Makes regulating rod redundant and pressure water pump sets superfluous. Use of low pressure makes no demands on personnel or material. Excludes contamination of drive water by leakages.
A strong and corresp. long spring is arranged in the air compartment. The spring can be loaded by a cable line driven by an electric motor. The piston is drawn to the cylinder head. In this position the air space is at its smallest and the water pressure at its lowest. This position is brought about respectively at the upper reversing point. The cylinder is thus guided downwards with the lowest water pressure. At the lower reversing point the spring is unloaded and this presses the piston outwards, so that additional air space is created. The cylinder rises and continuously reduces the water pressure on the piston so that it can slide further outwards.    At the upper reversing point the spring is then unloaded again and can be loaded again. With the enlargement of the air space the buoyancy energy increases, balancing the dead weight of the ascending and descending cylinder.    ADVANTAGE -   It has same losses caused by friction and conversion as compressed air without thermodynamic problems.
(US4788120-A)      Light-receiving member, for use in electrophotography, comprises a substrate for electrophotography and a light receiving layer comprising a photoconductive layer (A) and a surface layer (B). Layer (A) is formed of an amorphous material contg. Si-atoms, as the main constituent atoms, and at least one kind selected from H-atoms and halogen atoms. Layer (B) is formed of an amorphous material contg. Si-atoms, C-atoms and H-atoms, the amt. of H-atoms in layer (B) ranging from 41-70 atomic %.    Pref. layer (A) contians at least one N-atom and O-atom.    ADVANTAGE -   Member has a light-receiving layer formed of a-Si such that eelectrical, optical and photoconductive properties are always stable and do not depend on the working environment.
Photovoltaic cell array comprises: an array of first electrodes (14) on an insulating substrate; an elongated conductor (20) formed in contact with each electrode along its edge; an elongated insulator (22) in contact with each conductor; a photo-active layer (16) formed on the first electrode and conductor; and a second electrode (18) formed on the photo-active layer.    The photo-active layer (16) and second electrode layer (18) are sepd. to define each cell by irradiation with an energy beam (LB1); and the second electrode (18) is connected to the first electrode (14) of an adjacent cell via the conductor by irradiation of the conductor with an energy beam (LB2).    ADVANTAGE -   Device can be stably and reliably formed by beam scribing, without need for precise control of beam energy density. (First major country equivalent to J62166572-A)
An integrated thin-film layer solar cell is made of a substrate carrying a first electrode layer, a photosensitive layer and a second electrode layer deposited over the full face. The structuring of these three layers is only effected subsequently.    The glass substrate (2) receives a first electrode layer (3) of transparent indium-tin oxide and a photosensitive layer (4) of amorphous silicon, followed by a second electrode layer (5) of aluminium, silver, gold or titanium strips. The structuring (6,7,8,9,10) is the next step.    ADVANTAGE -   Results in the most cost efficient procedure.
The turbine features peripheral inward flow and axial outward flow. A flow divider is provided to ensure that the outward flow is uniform along the turbine shaft in both directions. The turbine wheel is made up of radially extending scoops and generally circular discs, to define chambers. The chambers are of continuously decreasing cross-sectional area, measured perpendicular to water flow.    Baffles are provided preventing water from entering certain chambers formed between the scoops and discs of the turbine to ensure that a net rotational impetus is given to the turbine by water flow. The structure supporting the turbines and generators in and above the watercourse includes a causeway for vehicular traffic.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides power without materially affecting natural flow of tides.
In the reaction space of the film forming chamber deposition source gas and the halogen source gas oxidizer are chemically reacted to produce the deposition film. The appts. includes gas releasing means including the source gas releasing port and a halogen source gas oxidizer releasing port, a cylindrical base plate holder, a cylindrical base plate carrying means, and a cylindrical base plate heating means and the gas exhaust. Deposition chambers are connected resulting in a circular lay out.    USE -   The film deposition appts., results in energy savings, deposition domain widening and homogenizing of the film quality are obtd..
In the film forming chamber of the appts., the deposition source gas and the source gas oxidiser are reacted to produce the deposition film. For the opposing both walls of the film forming chamber, the gas releasing means including the deposition source gas releasing port and the source gas oxidiser releasing port are provided. In the plane connecting these two gas releasing means, at least a part of the substrate holding means is dispsoed.    Pref. several chambers having this construction are provided in a series in the appts..    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Energy saving, deposition domain widening and homogenising of the film quality are satisfactorily attained.
A main shaft (8) of the water wheel (W) is supported on concrete base (4), and is located above the surface (1) of the water while supported at its ends on a water wheel concrete support (9) provided while standing upright on the concrete base (4). Water wheel impellers (7) radially mounted on the main shaft (8) are respectively mounted on steel frames (6) radially attached to the main shaft (8). One end of the main shaft (8) is supported on a bearing (12) while connected with an input shaft (13a) of a speed-up gear (1). The speed-up gear (1) has gear stages (13) housed in a casing (15), each of whose shafts (16) is supported on a bearing (14), and has an output shaft (19) connected with a drive shaft (17) of the power generator (2).    Electricity power generated by a number of the power generators (2) is transmitted through an electric wire (24) of one system stretched around poles (23). With the water wheel impellers (7) rotated by a relatively slow stream of water (3), rotational force so produced is transmitted to the main shaft (8). The rotation of the main shaft (8) is increased in its RPM by the speed-up gear (1) and outputted to rotate the drive shaft (17) of the power generator (2).    ADVANTAGE -   Is of reduced size, thus requires less construction time.
The converter consists of a rocking unit on supports, linked via a cable to a consumer unit and made in the form of at least three rows of vertical rods, linked together at the top and bottom and set in alternating lines across the front of the tide flow.    The energy converter is equipped ith a linear drive mechanism (5), and the central row of rods have holes top and bottom for guide shafts. The shafts are fixed to one of the rods at the end of the row, while the others are able to move freely along the shafts when the drive mechanism (5) is operated. All of the rods are connected by pivoted links, and the drive mechanism is joined to the two end rods in one row, enabling the spacing between the rods in the rows to be adjusted according to the intensity of the tidal flow.    ADVANTAGE -   Higher efficiency and greater reliability. Bul.1/7.1.87
An insulating, transparent substrate (1) is coated with an array of isolated, transparent front-electrodes (2) each defining 1 cell. Then the photovoltaic thin film (3), pref. amorphous Si, is deposited, e.g. by evaporation or sputtering. On this layer a network (4) is deposited, pref. by screen printing, which masks against metal deposition but which can be easily removed e.g. by dissolution. This network is aligned such that it is sepd. from an edge of the front electrode (2) by a small distance, e.g. about 5% of the cell-width. A groove (5) is then made in the top layer (3) pref. by sawing, milling, grinding or sand-blasting, until the front electrode is contacted. This groove covers the distance from the mask-edge (4) to the electrode (2) edge, which is nearest. The surface is then metallised (6) and the pattern (4) removed, pref. by dissolving, pulling off or washing off pref. in an Ultra-sonic bath. This separates the backelectrodes (8) for individual cells and connects, via the groove, the front-electrodes with the back electrode of 1 neighbouring cell.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The construction allows a high voltage, e.g. 12 or 24 V, to be built up using a simple process which does not degrade the conversion level of the cell.
The method of forming a pulse signal according to the rotational speed of an hydraulic generating set consists of separating the phase signals of the current or voltage at the output side of a tachogenerator connected to the generating set, forming current or voltage pulses and summating them logically in a particular sequence. The phase signals at the output of the tachogenerator are combined in pairs, and the pulses are formed at the moment when the summated signal reaches a zero value.    ADVANTAGE -   Greater reliability. Bul.48/30.12.86.
The appts. comprises inner and outer cylindrical stainless steel vessels (11,19) having a vacuum space in between and with the inner vessel (I9), for holding cryogenic coolant, supported from the top wall (13) of the outer vessel (11) by a thin, relatively long stainless steel member (24). A heat transfer mounting member (33) of high thermal conductivity such as copper. is attached to the bottom of the inner vessel (19) and extends outwardly and then upwardly between and out of contact with the vessels to the position of a window opening within the outer vessel (11).    A detector device (36) is affixed in good thermal contact with the mounting member at the position of the window (17) os that the detector device (36) is maintained substantially at the same temperature as the bottom of the inner vessel.    ADVANTAGE -   Uses stainless steel with polished surfaces for inner and outer vessels and suspending member precluding need for superinsulation of inner vessel. (Previously notified in week 8731)
The emergency closure unit includes a pressure transducer (5) with its sensitive element (6) connected to the water pipe (1), also a spring-loaded operating unit (7) attached to the programmed closing valve (4).    ADVANTAGE -   Operating reliability of the hydraulic turbine is improved. Bul.44/30.11.86.
The power plant, consists of a pontoon with a mechanism to convert its reciprocating motion into the rotation of a generator shaft, comprising fixed supports above and below the pontoon, a cable and a drum linked to the generator shaft.    The cable passes round fixed (6) and moving (7) pulleys situated above and below the pontoon, with the fixed pulleys connected to the supports (5), while the running section of the cable is wound round the drum (4).    As the pontoon moves up and down the cable is wound off the drum on one side and on to it on the other, rotating the drum and generator with movement in either direction.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For generating electricity from tides and rivers. Design simplicity and greater reliability. Bul.44/30.11.86.
A surface coating for passivation or anti-reflection is provided on the optical device. The coating comprises ZrO2 doped with yttrium, magnesium or calcium. The doped ZrO2 is preferably deposited on the device surface by electron-beam evaporation from a single crystal source of ZrO2 and Y2O3, MgO or CaO.    The device is perf. a distributed feedback laser with mirror facets and the coating covers at least one face with its channeled substrate buried heterostructure capable of withstanding current pulse of 1 amp. The thickness of the coating is an odd multiple of lambda/2n where is the wavelength of the light emitted or received by the device and n is the index of refraction of the coating.    ADVANTAGE -   Coating prevents oxidation of laser surface yet does not adversely affect device performance. (First major country equivalent to J62144388)
The device includes a pair of substrates, at least one of which is transparent and a structure for supporting the pair of substrates in parallel. A photoelectric conversion semiconductor device is formed on one of the opposed inner surfaces of the pair of substrates. A second photoelectric conversion semiconductor device is formed on the other of the opposed inner surfaces of pair of substrates such that there is a gap between the first and second photoelectric conversion semiconductor devices.    An insulating material filling the gap between first and second photoelectric conversion semiconductor devices serves for preventing teh semiconductor devices from contacting air. (First major country equivalent to J62142372)
Fluid is introduced under pressure at an inlet (11) into a flat circular housing (10) in which two coaxial rotors (12,13) are driven in opposite directions. The first rotor (12) comprises two half-rings (12 sub 1, 12 sub 2) defining a toroidal cavity (15) and a diametral recess (15a) with teeth (16,20) regularly distributed around the inside of its rim and the outside of its hub.    Magnets or electromagnets (25) on the periphery transmit energy to co-operative elements (26) on an outer ring (27). The second rotor (13) is a thin annular disc carrying uniformly spaced elements (40), each rotated by the fluid about an axis perpendicular to that (14) of both rotors.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   E.g. for turbogenerator, construction is efficient and reliable and may be combined with others in cellular arrangement for higher power.
The turbine wheel consists of a disc fitted on the curved section forming the turbine wheel blades and the water supply line is positioned axially at the centre of the turbine wheel. The free end of the turbine shaft is so shaped that onone side it deflects the jet of water in a radial direction, for simultaneously impingeing on all the runner blades. On the other side it forms a nozzle needle, which determines the passage cross section of the axial supply tube. The turbine power or amt of water is regulated by an axially movable tubular collar fitted at the water supply line, by which the passage cross section at the nozzle needle is altered. The curvature of the blades is such as to give optimum efficiency.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Low power generation up to 10 KW. Simplified construction to produce turbine with simple means an at low cost.
The river is diverted to leave a navigable channel if required, with a parallel channel closed by a low dam. The dam incorporates the power station control room and associated sluices which regulate the water level behind it. Immediately to the rear, a shoot (or race) with a ski-jump shaped profile houses a large diameter paddle wheel whose axis of rotation is parallel to the dam.    Banks of alternators are situated on this axis and are linked to the wheel's shaft by hydraulic clutches. Power output is adjusted by regulating the water level via the dam sluices. The wheel speed is maintained constant by a peripheral friction brake which is applied by air pressure generated in an auxiliary wheel and pump installation.    ADVANTAGE -   Use of large paddle wheel provides power required without large fall, so facilitating use of river as source. /3
The regulation system adjusts the speed of the set to produce a desired power output. The turbine operational characteristic is copied and is used to produce a desired speed value dependent on the power required.    A maximum power point regulator produces an operation power value which alters the desired speed by successive iterative corrections until the maximum power transfer to the network is achieved. A ratio circuit operates on the characteristic of the turbine to adjust the correction step. The actual water drop height may be used in optimising the efficiency, and the speed of the turbine may be limited.
In a variable speed turbine generator set feeding a fixed frequency network via a frequency controllable converter, with the speed of the set so adjusted as to achieved optimum power with maximum efficiency, a device includes a copy of the turbine operational characteristic and produced from it a desired speed value in dependence in the actual water head.    It also modifies its output accordint to two parameters of the particular turbine, namely the opening of the fixed and the power paddle or blade group, or in the case of a Pelton wheel, the opening of the jet head and the paddle group. A maximum power point regulator incrementally optimises the power transfer with small steps in speed.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides optimal control.
Germanes of high purity with improved stability contain less than 5 wt. ppm of halogen elements.    Halogen elements are F, Cl and Br. Removal of halogens from germanes is pref by adsorption removal with active carbon or bubbling into weak alkaline aq soln.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Germanes are used for controlling energy gap of amorphous Si solar cell, or amorphous Si photosensitive body. By controlling the content of the halogen elements to less than 5 wt. ppm (pref 3 wt.ppm), germanes of high purity and with improved stability are obtd.
Semiconductor device comprises: a semiconductor layer with electrodes on each surface; and a transparent converted region (29a) extending through the layer from an electrode (27a) on one side to an electrode (28a) on the other side. Converted region (29a) is pref. a channel formed by an energy beam, pref. a laser.    Semiconductor is pref. Si:H or Ge:H; one of the electrodes is transparent. Device is formed by directing an energy beam, esp. a laser, between two electrodes on opposite surfaces of the layer to formed a converted conductive channel between the electrodes; the conductivity of the channel is monitored by its transparency, the energy being applied until a threshold of transparency is reached. Energy beam is pref. a near-IR beam. Device and method are claimed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   As a radiation-sensitive device, esp. a photo cell or a solar cell (claimed) in which the converted region is a conductive path between electrodes. Need for stitch bars of the prior art is avoided.
Semiconductor device having interconnections is stabilised by: providing the device with a first electrode which is exposed through an overlying layer of semiconductor; dipping the device in an acid soln.; dipping the device in a metallic ion soln.; and providing a further contact to the first contact.    The device is pref. rinsed after the acid dipping step. Acid is pref. H3PO4 of concn. 30-100%, esp. 30% and dipping time is 10-30 sec. esp. 30 sec.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. in stabilising the intraconnections in solar cells; inter diffusion at contact interfaces is reduced.
The control system comprises a device for sensing the level of water in the reservoir leading to the power plant intake for providing a signal indicative of changing water level. A device is operatively connected to the generator for sensing the generator electrical and thermal operating characteristics and for providing signal information indicative to it. A controller is operatively connected to the water level sensor and generator sensor and is connected in controlling relation to the flow controller for causing adjusting of the flow controller to vary the amount of water flowing to the turbine to adjust the turbine power in response to changing water level in the reservoir and wihin the safe and allowable operating range of the generator.    The controller further comprises a device for raising or lowering the level of field current in the generator in response to signals from the generator sensor.    ADVANTAGE -   Produces maximum energy available from river flow for installed capacity of plant.
The system comprises speed transducer (1) controlled stretcher of pulses (2) pulse counter (3) decoder (4) command unit (5) timer (6) and a tachogenerator (7).    When the unit changes its speed, the tachogenerator (7) voltage is applied to the pulse expander (2), which narrows the pulses passing to the counter (3) therefore te trailing edge of each pulse does not merge with the front edge of following pulse.    The hydroelectric unit's operational reliability is improved by preventing false command signals actuating the controls. Before summation of set values, the duration of each pulse increases to a value. The trailing edge of each pulse does not merge with the front edge of the following pulse.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In controls for hydroelectric nunits. Operational reliability is improved by preventing false command signals. Bul.42/15.11.86
The wave electricity generator has lower structural supports in the form of an equilateral triangle with lower tube receptacles connected to them forming vertex elements of an equilateral triangle. A number of tubular members having upper and lower portions are positioned within these tubes forming trimetric edge elements of a right conical frustum and a separable buoyancy device is affixed to the upper member.    An annulated receptacle plate is affixed to the upper surface of each buoyancy device and a number of truncated tubes are connected to the receptacle plate extending outwards coaxially w.r.t. to tubular members. Using articulated brackets, dual rolling contact supports and a driveshaft, electrical energy is produced from the harmonic motion of the buoyant floats.    ADVANTAGE -   Higher electrical output since reciprocating action of rod is converted to rotary motion.
1000 metres below the earth's surface is a first storage space (1) filled with a liquid (9) which has a high density, e.g. 1200 kg per cubic metre. At a depth of 1500 metres is a second storage space (4) partially filled with a gas, e.g. propane, nitorgen, etc. which is kept under high pressure, e.g. 200 bar by the outlet (11) of a compressor. The storage spaces are connected by a pipe (12) to equalise gas pressures.    During the night, low cost electricity is used to power a pump (6), which draws the liquid up from the lower (4) to the higher (1) storage space. During the day, when electrical demand is at a peak, the liquid is allowed to flow back to the lower space, via the pump (6) which then acts as a turbine powered electrical generator. If required, the pump can be powered using natural gas in place of an electric motor.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Can be used in caverns in rock salt deposits. Being underground, installation does not disturb the environment on surface.
An electrode layer is applied over a large area of a substrate and then excavated in specific regions. A semiconductor layer for the conversion of incident electromagnetic radiation into electric energy is applied by vacuum deposition from the gas phase, over a similar large area. A second electrode layer is deposited over a similar large area and separate contact elements serving for series connection of the individual solar cells are applied. The semiconductor layer and the second electrode layer are applied directly in succession by vacuum deposition, then the second electrode layer is removed in separate regions approximately following the pattern of the excavated regions of the first layer. Those regions of the semiconductor layer which are thus exposed are at least partially excavated. The separate contact elements are applied in the layer gaps afforded by the removed and excavated regions of the second electrode layer and the semiconductor layer to provide electrical contact exclusively between the two layers of respective neighbouring solar cells.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides more reliable series connection. /7
The spear and ring nozzle has an axially adjustable spear. The surfaces of the ring and spear which are subject to wear are removable for replacement. The surfaces may be substantial castings which may be affixed to their carriers by bonding, soldering, pressing, or screws. The surfaces may be hard castings made of stellite. The surfaces may be of forged wear-resistant steel.    ADVANTAGES -   Lower costs, as only the surfaces of the members are made of the relatively expensive wear resistant materials.
TCNQ complex consisting of (a) N-alkyl-4-phenyl pyridinium cation (I) (where R = 1-8C alkyl), (b) 7,7,8,8-tetracyano-quinodimethane anion radical (TCNQ-) and (c) neutral TCNQ(TCNQo), which is of high electro-conductivity, is new.    ADVANTAGE -   New electro-chemical or optical performances are obtd.    In an example, A mixt. of 4.7 g (0.03 mol) of 4-phenyl pyridine and 5.6 g of n-butyl iodide was heated at 90-110 deg.C for 15 mins. Precipitating crystals were recrystallised from acetone-ethanol to give 9.2 g of N-n-butyl- 4-phenyl pyridinium iodide as yellow powdery crystals, m.pt., 163-164 deg.C. (Yield: 90.4%). In 150 ml of acetonitrile was dissolved3.06 g (15 mmol) of TCNQ while warming. To the soln. was added dropwise 3.82 g of N-n-butyl-4-phyl pyridinium iodide dissolved in 100 ml of acetonitrile. The mixt. was refluxed for one hour. The reaction soln. was cooled. Precipitating crystals were collected by filtration, followed by recrystallisation from acetonitrile to give 3.7 g of blackish purple needles. (Yield: 79.4%). Specific resistance is 8 ohm.cm, Endothermic point is 247 deg.C, Exothermic decompsn pt. is 279 deg.C, and (TCNQo) to (TCNQ-) = 0.98.
Photovoltaic cell array is formed on a transparent substrate by forming a transparent conductive oxide film; laser scribing the film into front contact strips (14); forming a semiconductor film and scribing this to form a second set of parallel grooves which define photovoltaic strips (18); forming a conductive film which fills the second grooves to contact the front contact strips (14) and forming a third set of parallel grooves which define back contact strips (22); laser scribing inter-module grooves (26) through the three layers to the substrate to define an array of electrically isolated modules; and etching semiconductor material exposed on the inter-module groove sidewalls.    ADVANTAGE -   Final step of removing alloyed or recrystallised semiconductor, pref. Si, from the inter-module grooves enhances device yield and facilitates device testing before the array is broken up.
The flow-generator includes an iron yoke (1), a U-shaped connection piece (2) for joining the two coils of the system together, and iron particles with a float (3). The iron particles, which are made buoyant by the float, are drawn in and held with the first coil magnetised and then washed away by the water stream when the second coil is magnetised. The field strength increases in the first coil and diminishes in the second, but in both cases a voltage can be tapped at the second winding of the coils.    The coils are excited by d.c and allow their magnetic fields to be alternately strengthened and diminished by the iron particles.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Conversion of ocean currents into electrical energy. Effective yet low cost.
The wheel comprises a casing with input and output water ducts, containing a rotor with working chambers divided by elastic baffles into internal sealed cavities and external cavities. The internal ones are connected in pairs by tubes. The rotor has a brake device (10). The elastic baffles have rigid locking elements covering the apertures in the tubes. The sealed cavities are filled with a liquid of density other than that of water.    ADVANTAGE -   Is easier to determine and regulate the flow rate. Bul.37/7.10.86
Power generator is based on Parent Cert. and is now modified. The density of the float is greater than that of the liquid filling the body, and the central part of the float is also connected to the upper part of the body. The waves rock the floating body (1), partly fill it with water and move the edges of the float. This motion is transmitted via a rope to the power take-off shaft, which drives a generator.    ADVANTAGE -   The motion of the opposite edges of the float is increased and so is the efficiency of the plant, so a more powerful generator can be used. Bul.36/30.9.86
The process comprises altering the parameters of the natural vibrations of the moving parts of the plant. The phase of the vibrations of the waves and the phases of the induced vibrations of the moving parts for each degree of freedom are also measured. The measurements are compared with the corresponding degrees of freedom and the parameters of the natural vibrations are varied so as to maintain a phase difference of pi/2.    ADVANTAGE -   The structure is lighter and cheaper and a wide variety of wave power generation plant designs can be based on this principle. Bul.36/30.9.86
The process comprises varying the frequency of the natural vibrations of the moving parts of the plant. The amplitudes of the vibrations of the moving parts and the plant as a whole are determined for each degree of freedom. They are compared with the resonance amplitudes corrected by the damping coefft. and the difference between these values is kept to zero by varying the natural vibration frequency of the moving parts and of the whole plant.    ADVANTAGE -   This widens the range of regulation. Bul.36/30.9.86
The solar battery for a time piece comprises an insulated substrate, and a set of generating regions arranged in a circular pattern around a first point on the insulated substrate. Each region includes a non-crystalline semiconductor film, and upper and lower electrodes on opposite sides of the film. Each of the electrodes has first through seventh sides, with the first and second sides extending radially from a second point. The fifth side extends from the fourth to the sixth sides.    Connecting means for reducing the power loss of the battery are provided, including overlapping areas at surfaces between adjacent regions, and overlapping perimeter areas at surfaces on the perimeter of adjacent regions, for connecting the upper and lower electrodes of adjacent regions.    ADVANTAGE -   Increased efficiency. (First major country equivalent to J62086876)
The hydroelectric apparatus includes a high level reservoir (13), a conduit (14) leading to a lower point and a turbine (16) for generating electricity in the conduit. A low level reservoir (15) is also included for containing the water downstream of the turbine. A valve (17) is provided to control water flow out of the low level reservoir (15), and another valve (21) is provided to control the flow of water into the high level reservoir.    When used with tidal waters the high level reservoir (13) is separated from the tidal waters (11) by the low level reservoir (15), and a water connection (41) between the tidal waters and the high level reservoir is provided with a sea lock to allow navigation. In an alternative version used with tidal waters, the low level reservoir (15) may be totally defined by a barrier (18) separating it from the tidal waters (11) and the high level reservoir (13).
The pump is clamped (32) to a tubular pile (14) driven into the bed of the stream from which water is drawn up into a suction pipe (33) for discharge from an exit pipe (34). The double-acting pump is powered by the angular movement of its drive shaft (5) which connects a floating rudder assembly (1) to a drive fork (6) secured by two pins (8) to a sleeve (9). The set of the rudder (1) causes the shaft (5) to swing across the breadth of the stream until its movement is reversed by a chain (2) which limits the angular displacement.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For pumped-storage power generation esp. in developing countries. Wide and slow streams can be utilised inexpensively. Several such installations can be connected together or driven alternately.
The plant has at least two parallel turbines (3) lying next to one another within a flow bed, each turbine (3) driving a generator (4). The turbines (3) each have a helical blade extending along the full length of the turbine shaft (5) supported by a carrier frame (1) secured in the fluid flow bed.    Each generator (4) is contained in a water-tight housing with its drive shaft (8) coaxial to the turbine shaft (5) with a direct drive coupling (9) between them.    ADVANTAGE -   Robust device with good reliability.
Patterning of an inorganic film is effected by (i) providing a gaseous environment at a preselected location on the film; (ii) positioning an electric probe a preselected distance from the film at the location; (ii) applying an electric potential to the probe to form a spark from the probe to the film at the location; and (iv) causing relative movement between the probe and the film along the pattern.    Also claimed is mfr. of a photovoltaic device by the above process, in which an inert gaseous environment is used in step (i), voltage pulses are applied in step (iii), and additional pulses are applied to the probe as it is moved.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process is useful for selective removal of thin filsm (as a substitute for chemical or laser patterning), for provision of localised conductive paths through amorphous or microcrystalline semiconductor films (e.g. photovoltaic layers of monolithic solar cells) or for selective compsn. variation or doping. The process is simple, is highly controllable and can produce a number of pattern lines simultaneously.
The induction generator/motor system has an induction machine connected at its secondary side to a cyclo-converter. An induced voltage develops when the cyclo-converter pauses during a transient phenomenon occurring in the system. When the induced voltage exceeds a predetermined voltage range which covers the maximum output voltage derivable from the cyclo-converter, the polarity of thyristor converters of the cyclo-converter is switched so that the induced voltage is applied to a thyristor converter to be rendered conductive next in forward relationship.    The polarity switching device shortens a pause period for polarity switching by the thyristor power converter when the polarity inverting command device generates the polarity inverting command signal at the time that the detection current becomes substantially zero.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Pumped storage electricity generation system. Prevents occurrence of overvoltage, high reliability. (First major country equivalent to J62071496)
The generator has a large diameter and short core with the total excitation remaining constant to maintain an unchanging emf. Flux densities in the generator's upper and lower airgaps are controlled by adjusting the two field winding currents. Feedback is used to control the output of the generator exciter from the vertical displacement of the rotor, generator armature current and output voltage. The rotor has salient magnets sandwiched between two stators, each having an annular laminated wound core of magnetic material and a symmetrical three-phase winding.    Control of the vertical position of the rotating body is done by connecting both coils on each side of the rotor and controlling field currents separately. The upper and lower stator windings of the same phase are connected in series, generating an additive emf which compensates both sides of the motor when either field is excited.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Water wheel generator. No thrust bearing is required so smooth startiGB
A substrate for an electrophotographic photoreceptor comprises an electrically conductive substrate with deposition surface; a continuous, electrically conductive levelling layer overlying surface of the substrate, layer with additive adapted to selectively retard the rate of deposition of layer in those regions of the substrate which show highest current density to present defect-free surface for the subsequent deposition of successive semiconductor alloy layers; a blocking layer overlying the deposition substrate to prevent charge injection from the substrate; a photoconductive layer of silicon-, germanium- or Si-Ge-alloys overlying the blocking layer for discharging charge on the top surface of the photoreceptor; and a top layer for protecting the photoconductor from ambient conditions. An enhancement layer is deposited by glow discharge between the photoconductive layer and the top protective layer, to prevent charge fatigue.    ADVANTAGE -   Levelling layer provides an electrolevelled surface with a decreased number of surface defects which deleteriously affect the glow discharge deposition of the electrophotographic receptor layers. Gives photoreceptor with reduced white spotting and good current blocking capabilities, so high satn. voltages are obtd.
A rotational speed command calculator (15) is responsive to a generator output command (Po) and a signal relative to water head (H), both supplied externally, to generate an optimum rotation speed command (Na). This signal (Na) is compared in a rotation speed controller (16) with a signal of actual speed (N) from the detector (6), to produce a guide valve opening or closing command (Ya) to the guide valve driver (10) operating the guide valve (11) which regulates the amount of water supplied to the turbine (2) thereby controlling the speed of the induction generator (1) coupled to it.    The AC power line system (4) has a secondary excitation controller (3) connected to the secondary side (1b) of the induction generator (1). The primary side of the induction generator is connected directly to the AC power line system.    ADVANTAGE -   Improved stability of AC power line system.
Generator complex comprises a pumping unit at the head water reservoir (1) including a generator (2) and pump (3), upper basin (8) and hydraulic turbine unit (10) at the lower water reservoir (9). The water reservoirs are connected via the upper basin by water pipelines (11) and (12) connected to the . units.    The shafts of the pump and generator of the pump unit are separate. There is also a steam heat motor unit (6) which has an output shaft (7) and can be switched alternately by a reduction gear (13) to the pump shaft or generator shaft.    ADVANTAGE -   Reduces cost of transferring water from head reservoir to lower reservoir and improves efficiency of peak load output of electricity. Bul. 32/30.8.86
(JP93069316-B)      The device comprises a single mol. film oriented between electrodes. The film is made of a cpd. having an electron acceptor part, light-absorptive part and electron donor part in one mol.    USE -   Used for photoelectric converters.
Turbine includes a housing defining inlet and outlet passages in one end face. A diverter tube forming a portion of the conduit has two non-communicating flow passageways at either end, each being aligned with the axis of the conduit. A third flow passageway communicates with the first passageway and extends transverse to the axis of the conduit to a planar external surface on the diverter tube. A fourth flow passageway communicates with the second passageway and extends transverse to the axis of the conduit to the planar external surface. The turbine housing is removably mounted on the planar external surface of the diverter tube with the third and fourth flow passageways alignable with the turbine inlet and outlet fluid passages.    A disc gate is between the end face of the turbine and planar external surface of the diverter tube, and is angularly shiftable about its axis between a position establishing direct fluid communication between the third and fourth flow passageways, isolating the turbine inlet and outlet, and a second position in which the third flow passageway communicates with the turbine inlet fluid passage and the fourth flow passageway communicates with the turbine outlet fluid passage. Mechanical power can be generated at any location along the conduit at which a diverter tube is located in the conduit and fluid can flow between sections of the conduit through the diverter tube during attachment or removal of the turbine relative to the conduit.    ADVANTAGE -   Turbine driven generator may be attached and removed whilst fluid is flowing through the line. Fluids can be bypassed around the turbine when electrical power is not required.
The plant has a water wheel (1) driven by the water flow, its rotation driving the generator (15) via a conversion gearing (8). The generator (15) is coupled to the heat pump (19) which can be operated as a motor.    Pref. a selectively uncoupled belt drive (9) is inserted between the conversion gearing (8) and the generator (15). The second coupling inserted between the generator (15) and the heat pump (19) pref. allows the latter to be uncoupled during the summer months.    ADVANTAGE -   High efficiency.
The energy plant has a double set of vanes positioned beneath the water surface at a variable angle of inclination in dependence on the water flow direction. In each set the identical vanes (5) are supported at a short distance apart and moved around a closed path (2) to bring each in turn into the front position facing the water flow.    An additional vane (19) allows the surface of each main vane (5) to be doubled, both vanes (5,19) hinged to allow them to adopt a stowed position during their return movement.    ADVANTAGE -   Adoption to required plant size.
The micro-hydroelectric power station as per Parent Cert., consists of a conical pressure chamber with a guide apparatus at the bottom, a rotor on a vertical shaft, a generator, an additional shaft and a flywheel. The flywheel is equipped with a central water intake chamber and a series of spiral diffusor channels (16), and is mounted directly at the outlet from the suction pipe, with a fairing (12) in its intake chamber, and it can be made from upper and lower discs with a series of curved elements (19) between them.    The flywheel acts as a high-speed regulator and creates an additional torque on its shaft by virtue of the reactive effect of the water passing through its diffuser channels.    ADVANTAGE -   Higher efficiency. Bul.30/15.8.86.
(JP92055352-B)      Producing photoelectromotive device comprises irradiating an energy beam on a 2nd electrode film formed on a semiconductor photoactive layer formed on an insulative wafer, whereby sepg. grooves are formed to electrically separate the 2nd electrode film.    USE -   For solar cells. (J62033477-A)
Method involves, introducing C-, and halogen contg.- cpds., and active species produced from film-forming oxygen-contg. cpds. chemically reactive with the cpds., respectively into a film forming space and irradiating light energy to cause a chemical reaction forming a deposited film on a substrate.    (Carbon and halogen contg. cpds. include e.g., CF4, (CF2)5, C2F6, CCl4, CHF3, etc..) Oxygen contg. cpds. include H2O, SO2, CO, CO2, H3SiOSiH3 and (CH3)3SiOCH3.    USE -   For forming functional films, partic., oxygen-contg. amorphous or crystalline films used for semiconductor devices, photosensitive devices for electrophotography, line sensors for image input, and camera devices.
A solar battery has a number of photoelectric conversion elements, each comprising a transparent electrode layer, a non-crystalline semiconductor layer and a metal electrode (in that order). In the semiconductor layer is a site for a polycrystalline region and beneath this site lies a conductive element positioned to sandwich the transparent electrode between it and the non-crystalline semiconductor layer. A method of forming the battery is also claimed in which the polycrystalline region is formed by exposing the non-crystalline material to light, esp. from a laser.    ADVANTAGE -   The battery can be mass-produced using a laser to form the polycrystalline region. The construction is such that over- or under-absorption of the laser light does not cause problems such as loss of electrical connection. Thus the laser beam does not require constant adjustment.
A swimming pool reservoir uses tidal energy to generate electricity via turbines and generators. The swimming pool reservoir may be a dock-type structure having floating bodies which can be made to raise weights or increase hydraulic pressure of hydraulic accumulators on the flow tide so as to increase the head available to drive turbines.    Energy is stored as potential energy in the weights, the energy being released as required and restored at the next tide. Weights may be raised to successively higher heights on successive tides if the energy is not required in the mean time. The hydraulic accumulator may be part of a hydraulic system using pressurised oil as the operating fluid, the accumulator being a hydraulic ram.
The solar cell comprises a single crystal layer (30) of p+ gallium-aluminium-arsenide deposited epitaxially over a gallium arsenide single crystal substrate (28). The single crystal layer is effective for inhibiting surface charge recombination. A single crystal layer (32) of p-type gallium arsenide is then deposited epitaxially to lie over the gallium-alumnium-arsenide layer.    Subsequently the single crystal layer of n-type gallium arsenide (34) is deposited over the layers of p-type gallium arsenide. On the upper surface (38) of the n-type gallium-arsenide layer, a connector grid (36) is deposited, followed by a transparent cover (40).    ADVANTAGE -   Laterally connected N-on-P and P-on-N solar cells eliminate need to provide top-to-bottom electrical connections between adjacent cells of array. Overall increase of ten percent efficiency is achieved.
A turbine (1), e.g. a water wheel is mounted on a driven shaft (2) connected to an electricity generator. The turbine is driven in a single direction, anticlockwise, and is mounted on a support (3) which in turn is located in a fixture (4) in the bed (5) of the rive, estuary or other body of tidal water (6). The support is buoyant, hollow and is mounted in the fixture so that it may move upwardly and downwardly in a vertical direction.    The support is provided with floatation chambers filled with air or buoyant material. The buoyancy of the appts. is arranged so that the turbine is provided with a constant supply of water irrespective of the state of the tide. The support may be integral with a dam extending across the body of tidal water.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides constant supply water to turbine.
Semiconductor device comprises: a semiconductor layer; an electrode; and an insulator filling gaps in the semiconductor layer. The gaps are esp. pinholes and the insulator is pref. Specifically the gaps are filled with insulator before the electrode layer is deposited. The insulator is formed by reaction between the semiconductor material and a material filling the gaps, pref.by heating; or the insulator may be a photocurable resin.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Device is photovoltaic or light emitting device. (claimed) Current leakage due to pinholes or other gaps is eliminated.
The turbine has a shaft (100) fitted with a hut disc (101) carrying the turbine blades (103), which rotate in the space defined between the hub disc (101) and, a cover disc (102). Respective hydrostatic seals (1,2,3) are provided around the outer periphery of the hub disc (101) and the inner and outer peripheries of the cover disc (102).    Bores (201,202,203) are provided in the enclosing housing for the discharged flow from each seal (1,2,3). Pref. each seal (1,2,3) uses a sealing element with pockets separated from one another via radial lips.    USE -   For handling high flow rates and pressures.
The generation system has a support frame (11) anchored at a given distance above the seabed (3) carrying a series of paddles (21) spaced along an endless carrier (13). The paddles (21) are pivoted across the width of the carrier (13), to ensure that the latter is rotated in the same direction for both opposing tidal flows.    The carrier (13) passes around a pair of spaced rollers used to drive an electrical generator. Pref. the support frame (11) is designed to float and is anchored by an attached weight (5).    ADVANTAGE -   Robust construction.
A system has a photovoltaic array mounted on a stretched membrane held by a frame moved by a tracking mechanism for optimal exposure to solar radiation. The system is located inside a protective shield of radiation transmitting material, pref. a dome of flexible inflatable material with a low air pressure. The membrane is e.g. a polymeric film 0.005-0.006 inch thick or is of steel or aluminium, and carries photovoltaic cells shaped as wafers or small discs trimmed to rectangular shape, or formed as amorphous silicon sheets.    The mechanism pref. includes a two-axis drive under control of a microcomputer storing a tracking programme. The shield is pref. a polymeric dome 0.002-0.006 inch thick and transparent to solar radiation, and a pressure of 0.02-0.1 lb/in2 is maintained within the dome.    ADVANTAGE -   Lightweight, low-cost, and streamlined to minimise wind resistance while providing protection against the weather.
The chain turbine system comprises a frame mounted at one side of the waterfall and supporting a shaft aligned with the waterfall. The shaft supporting a chain sprocket at either end. A second frame is mounted at the other side of the waterfall and supports a second shaft, the second shaft supporting a chain sprocket at either end. A pair of chains are rotatably suspended in parallel and across the waterfall, each chain engaging a pair of parallel chain sprockets, such that a driving portion of the chain travels through the waterfall, as a return portion of the chain is suspended apart from the waterfall.    A number of paddle-like deflection buckets are pivoted at each side to each of the chains, each bucket including a pair of of pivoting struts interconnecting a free end side of the bucket with the chains. Individual roller wheels are mounted at the free end of each bucket, so as to extend downwardly of the free end of the bucket during the driving portion and to extend above the bucket during the return portion. A transverse track extends across the waterfall bed adjacent the driving portion of the chains, so as to be engaged by the roller wheels. A chain support assembly extends across the waterfall and beneath each chain during the driving portion.    ADVANTAGE -   Large volume of water may be used to produce high power, as opposed to conventional turbine system where high speed of water is required.
The solar cells are pyramidal with different bases, e.g. triangular, rectangular, polygonal, circular, etc. The include semiconductors, silicon, amorphous silicon systems, and magnetic minerals for solar energy conversion into electric energy for small units in Wetl range, as well as for large units in kW and megawatt range.    Pref. different solar cell systems are combined on the surfaces of the pyramids. They provide simultaneous utilisation of direct solar radiation and diffused radiation, provided by suitable installation. Similar installation, may provide utilisation of primary and global radiation by communication effects of solar cell systems.    ADVANTAGE -   Compact design with identical features for small and large units, central cleaning and low-cost infrastructure.
The tubular water wheel comprises a water wheel inner case having movable portions such as a runner. The water wheel inner case is incorporated in a stay ring through stay vanes. An operating rod is reciprocatingly moved by an operator including a servomotor provided outside of the stay vanes. The operator passes through the stay vanes, and an operating mechanism interposed between the operating rod and a rotary shaft of the runner vanes transmits the reciprocating motion of the connecting rod to rotate the rotary shaft of the runner vanes.    The operating rod has a propelling force receiving plate at its end on the operator side. The propelling force receiving plate is provided at a bearing retaining portion reciprocatingly moving within a bearing support portion provided upstream of the water wheel inner case.    ADVANTAGE -   Reduces frictional losses.
Cpd. contg. carbon and halogen, and the activated specimen produced from the N-contg. cpd. for film prodn., are individually introduced into the reaction chamber and chemically reacted by the discharge energy.    USE -   Film is used for functional films, esp. in the semiconductors, photosensitive devices, line sensors, photo electromotive devices, etc.
Ge and halogen cpd. and N-cpd. which react and produce the active material, are introduced to the reaction chamber and reacted with thermal energy. The film is deposited on the substrate.    USE -   Deposition film contg. N is used for functional films, esp. used in semiconductor devices, photosensitive devices, line sensors, photoelectromotive elements, etc.
Material of formula TiOx:Hy:Az:Siw (I), is new. (where A is one or more halogen e.g. G, Cl, etc. x=1 - 1.9; y=0.1-1.5; z=0.1-0; and w=0.1-1.0).    Material is prepd. by chemical vapour depositn. (CVD) using glow discharge. Gases contg. Ti, Si, O, H and halogen(s) are dissociated in the plasma formed by glow discharge, and (I) is deposited on a substrate. Ti, Si, O, H and halogen(s) are pref. obtd. from TiCl4, SiH4 and/or SiF, O2, SiH4 and/or H2, and TiCl4 and/or TiF4, respectively.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Material is applicable to various photoelectric elements e.g. solar batteries, photoreceptor for electrophotography, etc. By doping TiO2 with H (or H and halogen), dark resistance of TiO2 of TiO2 is improved without substantial influence on its mechanical strength. By incorporating halogen thermal stability and photoconductivity of the material are improved.
The method involves the accumulation of compressed gas and water in the upper reservoir of the hydroaccumulation hydroelectric power station, followed by its transformation from potential to electric energy in the generating set unit of the electric power station. The temp. and pressure of the gas in the hermetic upper reservoir (1) are determined in the process of accumulation of compressed gas and water, and after water b.pt. has been reached in the top of the hermetic upper reservoir (1), water is sprayed into it.    ADVANTAGE -   The effectiveness of obtaining peak energy is improved by reducing the energy consumption of gas compression. Bul.20/30.5.86.
Full-size sensor for reading images comprises individual electrodes, common electrodes and photoconductors arranged on insulating substrate. The photoconductor comprises (A) hydrazone deriv(s). of formula (I) and (B) azo cpd(s). of e.g. formulae (1)-(5) (where R1-R4 are each H, 1-3C alkyl, 1-3C alkoxy, dialkylamino or dibenzylamino, R5 is alkyl or benzyl. A is gp. of formula (II) or (III) (where X is opt. substd. aromatic ring such as benzene or naphthalene or heterocyclic ring such as indole, carbazole or benzofuran, Ar1 is opt. substd. aromatic ring, R1 is H, lower alkyl, opt. substd. phenyl and R2 is lower alkyl, phenyl, carboxyl or carboxylate ester gp.)).    ADVANTAGE -   Sensor has high response speed.
The method involves introducing Si and halogen contg. cpds. and actives species that cause chemical reaction with the cpds., produced from film forming cpds. contg.-nitrogen, respectively, into film forming spaces for forming deposition film on the substrate, and applying discharge energy on the cpds. and species to cause chemical reaction.    USE -   The method is used for forming amorphous or polycrystal-line N-contg. deposition films, as a functional films, esp. for semiconductor devices, photosensitive devices for electrophotography, and line sensors for image input.
The photovoltaic device has several photoelectric converting regions formed on an insulating surface of a light transmissive substrate. Each converting region has a transparent film electrode, an amorphous semiconductor portion having a PIN junciont parallel to the film surface and a back film electrode connected to the transparent film electrode of an adjacent region of the insulating surface. On a portion of the electrode, there is formed an insulting adiabatic layer.    The adiabatic layer is formed at a position where an energy beam is to be irradiated in the production process. When the energy beam is irradiated and the back electrode film is divided corresponding to each converting region, thermal damage to the electrode due to the energy beam is prevented by the insulating adiabatic layer.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Solar cell. Lower layer thermal damage avoided. (First major country equivalent to J61280679)
A photovolatic cell comprises a crystal substrate composed of material having a structure belonging to the cubic crystal system. The crystal substrate has an ordered number of convex shaped regions, on one surface and a component photovoltaic cell incorporating crystal material has a structure belonging to the cubic crystal system. The crystal material incorporates a lattice constant larger in magnitude that the lattice constant of the material of which the crystal substrate is composed. A layer of crystal material has a structure belonging to the cubic crystal system disposed between the crystal substrate surface and the component photovoltaic cell.    The crystal material has a lattice constant which is graded in magnitude from an initial compatible value on the side of the layer which is proximate to the crystal substrate surface to a final compatible value larger than the initial compatible value on the side of the layer which is proximate to the component photovoltaic cell.    ADVANTAGE -   Highly efficient with higher overall conversion of radiation to electricity.
The method involves introducing Si, halogen-contg. cpds., and active species causing chemical reaction with the cpds., mutually, and produced from film forming nitrogen-contg. cpds. into film forming space for forming deposition film on a matrix, and chemically reacting on using thermal energy on these to form deposition film on the matrix.    USE -   The method is used for forming functional film, esp. amorphous or crystalline deposition film contg.-oxygen used for semiconductor devices, photosensitive devices for electronic photograph, line sensors for image input, camera devices, etc.
Deposition film formation involves introducing carbon, halogen-contg. cpds., and active species causing chemical reaction mutually, with the cpds., produced film forming oxygen-contained cpds. into film forming spaces for forming deposition film on matrix, allowing it to cause reaction using thermal energy on these, to form film on the matrix.    USE -   Used for forming functional film, esp. amorphous or crystalline deposition film contg.-oxygen used for semiconductor-or photosensitive-devices for electronic photograph, line sensors for image input, camera devices, etc.
Photovoltaic device comprises a series of power generating regions each comprising a lower electrode, amorphous semiconductor and upper electrode, the upper electrode being connected to the lower electrode of an adjacent region. An isolation wall defined by a vertical slot is provided at the end of the connection side of the region and extended to the surface of the lower electrode.    A conductive connection section is formed by filling and firing conductive material into a vertical gap between the isolation wall and upper electrode of one region, and lower electrode of an adjacent region.    ADVANTAGE -   The series connection has very low resistance and direct electrode-electrode contact is avoided. The structure is easy to form, with no hose alignment steps. (First major country equivalent to J61278170-A)
Image reading equimultiple sensor comprises separate electrodes, common electrode and photoconductor installed on insulating base matter. Photoconductor contains at least one di-arylmethane cpds of the general formula (I), where R1 is 1-11C alkyl gp, (un)substd. phenyl gp or heterocyclic gp, R2 and R3 same or different; H, 1-4C alkyl gp, hydroxyalkyl gp, chloroalkyl gp or (un)substd. aralkyl gp, or R2 and R3 may join mutually to form heterocyclic ring contg. nitrogen, and R4 and R5 the same or different; H, 1-4C alkyl gp, alkoxy gp or halogen, and at least one of azo pigments shown by e.g. formula (II) as effective component.    ADVANTAGE -   According to invention, as large scale film can be formed, equimultiple sensor with long size (meter size) can be obtd. Also organic photoelectric conversion element with excellent response speed and SN ratio (light current/dark current) can be obtd. by adding donor, diarylmethane cpd. to azo dye.
The turbine comprises a stator section formed with an axial core providing an annular passageway having an outlet end in close proximity to a rotor of a coaxial adjacent rotor section. The blades of the rotor have a length equal to the internal radius of the passageway. Flaps are arranged in an expandable circle betweenhe stator section and rotor. A float mechanism located in the intake basin follows the water level and controls the extended positions of the flaps reducing the water flow through the penstock in a predetermined relation to the water level.    The passageway has fixed vanes directing the stream of water in a helical swirling motion of predetermined pitch to impinge upon the blades which are disposed to receive the stream at an optimum angle of 90 degrees. The generator is lcoated remote from the turbine with a closed hydraulic system comprising a variable displacement pump located at and driven by the turbine and a hydraulic motor located at and driving the generator. The pump has a flow control driving the motor at a constant RPM at all acceptable load conditions placed on the generator.    USE -   For streams, in rural areas, which have at least 3 cubic feet per second flow and bed slipes is excess of 10% for providing power in 3 to 100 KW range.
Thin film solar battery is formed by successively depositing layers of a transparent conductive film, semiconductor film and metal film on a transparent dielectric substrate; and successively laser scribing the films to form separate related layers which in turn form unit cells. An opaque layer is formed on a portion of the substrate remote from the cells and is scribed by a laser to serve as a marker so that the substrate can be properly aligned during the scribing steps.    ADVANTAGE -   The marker facilitates good pattern alignment and the occurrence shorts between misaligned electrodes. (First major country equivalent to J61263172-A)
Electricity and commercially saleable refrigeration are co-generated by expanding pressurised pipeline gas (I) in a process comprising (a) injecting methanol into (I); (b) passing (I) + methanol through a turbo-expander coupled to an electrical generator, to reduce the pressure of (I) by at least 100 psi, but not enough to drop the temp. of the cold expanded gas (II) below -100 deg.F; (c) sepg. aq. methanol condensate from (II), and introducing the condensate to a distn. column for sepn. into discard water and recycle methanol for injection into (I); (d) recovering refrigeration from (II); (e) adding reboiler heat to the distillation column; and (f) passing (II), after recovery of refrigeration therefrom, in heat exchange with methanol vapour from the top of the distillation column, to condense the methanol vapour; liq. methanol obtd. is used partly for reflux in the column, and partly as recycle; (II) is simultaneously warmed to a temp. above 32 deg.F. The amt. of heat added in step (e) is the amt. required to warm (II) in step (f) to the specified temp. above 32 deg.F.    ADVANTAGE -   A simple integrated system is provided in which dehydration of the pipeline gas is coupled with heating the cold expanded gas to a temp. convenient for distribution.
The device comprises a vertical body with elastic diaphragms forming side chambers (4,5) with it, a central body cavity to which the side chambers are connected, and a working mechanism (sprung sylphon, hydraulic pump, hydraulic accumulators, hydraulic motors and electricity generator) on the body.    The side chambers are sealed. They run all the way up the body, and have barrier grilles. There are apertures in the body. The side chambers are connected to its cavity via these apertures.    ADVANTAGE -   More efficient and reliable. Bul.18/15.5.87.
(US4740711-A)      The apparatus comprises a turbine coupled to the pipeline for rotating under the pressure of the fluid moving in the pipeline. A generator is coupled to the downstream end of the turbine means for generating electric power upon rotation and a heat exchanger communicates the fluid from the turbine to the pipeline for absorbing heat from the generator. Preferably, the heat exchanger includes a bypass pipe connecting the exit of the turbine to the pipeline downstream of the turbine disposed adjacent the generator for receiving heat by conduction from the generator.    It is also preferred that the generator includes sealing members for isolating the generator from the fluid. The heat exchanger may include cylinders passing through the generator for increasing heat transfer from the generator to the fluid.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In steel or chemical works, for example. High efficiency, low noise.
(JP93035583-B)      Prod. comprises patterning an n-type electrode on an n-type GaAs layer fixed on a metal plate, and dicing the metal plate, GaAs film and n-type electrode into cells.    USE -   For power sources. (J62261186-A)
The teeth of a pinion, used in a motor vehicle gearbox, have inclined surfaces (4,5) formed on their end faces. A first stamping operation removes material from one side (10) of the end face. This is followed by a second stamping operation which removes material from the other side of the end face to produce two inclined faces (101,11).    A third stamping operation produces the finished inclined end faces (4,5) which meet at a sharp edge (6) which lies on the centre-line (X-X) of the tooth (2).    USE -   Production of motor vehicle gear boxes.
Mechanical work is provided by using buoyancy in a liq. pref. water (level 1) of submerged bodies of equal weight which are carried between endless chains (11) and vary their effective volume such that, in one (ascending) vertical part of the chain, the volumes are greater and, in the other (descending) part, smaller.    Each body consits of a cylinder open at one end and with gas between the closed other end and a piston movable between two end stops. The arrangement is such that each ascending body arriving at the upper end in its largest effective volume condition is guided (10,22,10) so that the piston compresses the gas thus reducing the effective volume to permit descending movement. At the lower end, this processis reversed.
A solar module for several interconnected solar cells consists of a carrier foil (1), e.g. polyester 0.13 mm thick, with an adhesive foil (2), e.g. ethylene vinyl acetate 0.5-0.8 mm thick at the rear (4) of the solar cells. These foils form a rim around the cells. Several such modules are combined and fastened with the rim to a common carrier plate, made pref. of glass, wood or plastics. Strips (8) interconnect the cells.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For vehicle or aircraft models. This silicon cell module is lightweight, simple, flexible and universally usable.
Electrical power is generated by displacement of a liquid or gaseous fluid from one to another resilient or partly resilient container and vice versa via respective connecting tubes, one contg. a fluid flow-driven rotor driving a generator.    The tubes are provided with respective non-return valves to permit flow from the first to the second and from the second to the first container only and one container is intermittently compressed by an external load.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Compression may be effected by human power, e.g. by walking over (treading on) one container. Inexpensive and produces no pollution.
The total concn. of heavy metals in silica sludge ppted. from a stream of geothermal brine is reduced by (a) washing the sludge with hot water, (b) adding an HCl soln. to reduce the pH below 1; (c) separating solids; and (d) washing the solids with water.    Pref. the sludge is formed by flashing the geothermal brine and adding a silica seed material. The resulting steam is condensed and the condensate is used as wash water in steps (a) and (d).    ADVANTAGE -   The treatment is highly effective in removing Pb, Cu and Zn from the sludge, giving a solid prod. suitable for disposal.
The detector comprises a cylindrical body with four photodetectors in annular slits in the base, four annular slits in the top cover and an internal screen with four annular slits. The photodetectors are connected to a Wheatstone bridge circuit. With an error in the orientation of the helio-installation, the intensity of the light falling on the photodetectors is changed, and the balance of the bridge is disturbed. The out-of-balance signal, which is proportional to the error in orientation, is fed to the control mechanism for correcting the orientation.    Each photodetector (6) comprises two elements in parallel, connected to one arm of the Wheatstone bridge. The photodetectors are mounted uniformly spaced in the annular slits in the base (1). The annular slits (5) in the screen (4) and the annular slits (7) in the top cover (3) are similarly located. The width, delta, of the slits in the base should be at least 0.01 l, where l is the distance between the screen (4) and the top cover (3).    ADVANTAGE -   Improved accuracy of orientation and performance of the helio-installation. Bul.16/30.4.87
The solar cell has one side either of magnesian oxide or which is transparent to both visible and infre-red light. The other side is of common salt, which is likewise transparent to both forms of light, so that it can be thick without impeding light from reach the stop layer.    Neither side of the cell must be blocked, but is allowed to take in light at all times. They are N or P-conducting materials, the connecting material being copper, temperature being able to rise to approx. 500 deg.C. Since both sides are penetrable by infre-red light, the resultant heat may be converted to electrical energy. The cell can be used as a window, utilised daylight during the day, and internal light at night. If it is required to use heat from one side, e.g. the inside, instead of converting it to electrical energy, quartz can be used instead of magnesium oxide.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In semi-conductor electronics Solar cell takes in visible and infra-red light from both sides. (Provisional basic advised week 87/45) /0
A string of solar cells connected in series using contacts is provided with back-contacts for both negative and positive poles, by using an insulating material e.g. adhesive tape, foil or glass-fibre mat. On this insulator a metal contact is provided which is electrically connected via a strip with the front contact of the last cell. The metal contacts are pref. Al/Ag or Cu foils which are glued to the insulator or cell.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The method avoids the need for a frame with contacts or other elaborate arrangements for contacting the cells. The solution is simple and reliable. It is used in solar cells for use in ships or aeroplanes.
A solar cell generator consists of a corrugated carrier (6) of aluminium plating, e.g. 0.2 mm thick, covered on both sides by a thin aluminium plate (8.9). Staggered circular holes (5) in (6,8) help to reduce the weight, leaving uniform webs (7) between them, but do not penetrate the plate (9). An insulating tissue (10) prevents contact between carrier and solar cells (2). Adhesive foil (4,11) is fused to embed the solar cells before a plastic foil (1) or extremely thin glass covers the generator.    ADVANTAGE -   This design has a still more reduced wt. per unit power, amounting to 3.5 - 4 kg/sq.m.
The solar dish module comprises a dish which receives incident solar rays and reflects them to a focus at which is located the combination of a receiver and a heat engine organised and arranged so that the heat energy of the reflected solar rays collected at the receiver powers the engine. The receiver and heat engine are supported from the dish by a framework.    A device is provided for journalling at least the engine on the framework to maintain certain predetermined spatial orientation for the engine in relation to the direction of gravity irrespective of spatial orientation of the dish. The certain predetermined spatial orientation for the engine is maintained by having the journal axis in the same direction as the dish axis.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For electricity generation. Has additional counterweight to achieve desired eccentricity.
The plant consists of a base supporting a hydraulic cylinder which has its rods connected by cables to floats, its working chambers connected to a hydraulic motor, and an electrical generator.    The plant is equipped with a U-shaped tube which is fixed to the base and divided by a partition into two symmetrical sections (15). The sections are connected to the working chambers of the hydraulic cylinder via direct-flow valves and a two-position cock with a switch, and to the output of the hydraulic motor via non-return valves.    The two-position cock switch is connected to the float cables or to the hydraulic cylinder rods via a toothed rack (22). As the floats move up and down with the waves they actuate cylinder, which drives the hydraulic motor and through it a power generator. The water from the output of the motor is put into the U-tube on the side of the float in the wave trough, and an accumulator (23) is used to smooth out pressure pulses.    ADVANTAGE -   Increased power capacity. Bul.15/23.4.87
An assembly (21) is included for pumping liquid from the lower caven (4) towards higher caven (5) and is lcoated at the ground surface (1). It is connected by means of two branches (8,9,26,27) of a first channel to the lower sides of the lower and higher cavens respectively. The gas pressure is chosen such that the liquid is driven upwards from the lower caven towards the surface. No catering towards the ground surface from the higher caven can occur.    The cased boreholes which are subjected to the high gas and/or liquid pressures extend to a depth that is sufficiently deep to avoid cratering of gas and/or liquid to the ground level. Both branch portions of first channel extend through the overlying formations above salt formation.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Turbo-generators, electric power station. Reduced flow resistance in branch portions.
The thermally insulated half of a pressure container holds conc. KNO3 soln. maintained at 80 deg.C by a heater coil. This soln. is sepd. by a semi-permeable membrane from dilute KNO3 soln. maintained at 0 deg.C by a heat pump in the other container half. Reing flow produced by osmotic pressure is applied to an external power-producing turbine and generator before return to the dilute soln. end, where excess salt is pptd. When pressure is no longer operative, deposited salt is sucked out, to be re-injected from a nozzle.    ADVANTAGE -   Solar heat, ground heat, low grade waste heat from power plate etc. can be converted into electrical energy.
Collector comprises a tubular or solid transparent prism located within a pair of parabolic reflectors focussing radiation incident at the max. acceptance angle onto the prism apex. The axes of the parabolic sections lie at the acceptance angle on either side of the normal to the collector, and intersect at the prism apex, with the vertices of the parabolic sections at the base corners of the prism.    The prism may be a tube filled with transparent liq. and incorporating an array of photovoltaic cells of rectangular cross-section within the base of the prism to generate electricity. The reflectors may be made by bending sheet metal to the required section then sliding into a base plate so that it is elastically deformed to the shape of two back-to-back reflectors. The prism has e.g. a base plate of sheet acrylic resin or anodised Al, and a triangular section of hot-bent acrylic resin or glass.    ADVANTAGE -   Avoids convergence of radiation onto the edge of solar cells as the acceptance limit is approached.
The energy conversion apparatus comprises a vertical chamber extending downward nito the ocean with its upper end near the surface of the ocean. An air inductor is suitable for introducing a stream of air bubbles into the sea water falling down the vertical chamber. A generator located at the lower end of the vertical chamber, generates electricity from the flow of sea water and air flowing down the vertical chamber.    A heat exchanger cools the flow of sea water and air to the temperature of ambient sea water at the lower end of the apparatus. A chamber located at the lower end of the apparauts separates the air from the flow of sea water. A number of exhaust ports in the separation chamber allow water to flow out of the separation chamber into the surrounding ocean.    USE -   Electricity generation.
Control unit incorporates a heliostat (1), electric motors (2,3,38) power amplifiers (4,5,39), solar energy concentrator (6), solar unit (7), negators (10,11,44,45), solar radiation sensor (12), sun angle sensor (13), reducer (14), threshold units (15,16), NAND-gates (17), AND-gates (18,19,28,29,35,36,40-42,54), rotation angle to Grey code encoder (20), Grey code to binary code converter (21), summators (22,23), counter (24), pulse generator (25), memory register (26), timer (27), OR-gates (30,31), speed control unit (32), relay unit (33), sectionalised resistor unit (34), pulse shaper (43), analog-digital converter (52), temp. sensor (53), triggers (55,56), and the terminal switches (59,60,8,9). The azimuth drive (96) consists of a motor (3), poier amplifier (5) and the solar radiation sensor (12). The solar angle sensor (13) is mounted on the azimuth frame (84) and is kinematically coupled to the heliostat (1) axes. The sensor ensures sun position tracking from any initial state.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Control system can be used in solar power installations. Its speed of operation is increased by the introduction of solar angle sensor. Bul.7/23.2.87.
The wave motion acts on a floating body (1) and is converted into a rotary motion to drive a dynamo (12). A counter weight (17) stabilises a mast (11) from well below the water level supporting the dynamo at its top, and the motion of the floating body (1), typically dimensioned so that it is four times as long as it is wide, is transmitted via a framework (6) to a part-circular bow (3).    This bow has teeth along its sides, and these cooperate with a dual-cog unidirectional motion converter on the dynamo to provide constant drive. Power generated is fed by an underwater cable (13) to the shore. The device is moored by chains so as to be transverse to the wave motion.
The d.c. motor is powered by energy obtained from the solar panels themselves. The motor moves the panels so that a rotation about a vertical axis falls away. The rotation is controlled such that, after reaching the end position at sunset, the panels are automatically moved back into the starting position for sunrise and remain there overnight until sunrise starts the movement cycle for the new day.    A rotational head, of individual constructional parts, is mounted such that its rotating horizontal axis can be stopped both in the horizontal as well as in any predetermined angle of inclination.
The recuperator, for use e.g. in a generating system to recover stored energy at night time or off-peak hours, consists of a support, a transmission system with high and low-speed shafts (3,4), and a drum (5) mounted on the low-speed shaft and carrying a coiled cable which has its free end attached to a weight. The shafts are connected to the transmission system of an electrical machine Which raises the weight during the energy accumulation mode, and a generator.    The recuperator is equipped with a freewheeling coupling (12), and the electrical machine is connected to the high-speed shaft and is made in the form of an electric motor-generator (9). The freewheeling coupling is located between the generator and transmission to couple the two when the weight is lowered.    Power surpluses at off-peak times are used to raise the weight, which is located in a shaft beneath the drum, by driving the drum through the high and low-speed shafts of the reduction gear. This accumulates gravitational energy which can be released when additional power is required by allowing the weight to fall and drive the generator.    ADVANTAGE -   Increased specific power. Bul.12/30.3.87.
An L-shaped duct (23) includes a vertically extending portion (23b) and a horizontally extending portion (23a) with a floatable main body (21) fixedly attached to the duct. The floatable main body (21) is provided is that it is located rearwardly of the vertically extending portion when the apparatus is set in position floating on the water surface. The horizontally extending portion has an open rear end (23c) which is submerged underwater in a normal operating condition.    Because of the particular arrangement of the main body with respect to the vertically extending portion, the apparatus is subjected to pitching motion vigorously. The water column compresses air in the duct to drive a turbine (25) and is ejected in the form of a jet stream in the rearward direction, which contributes to mitigate the mooring force requirements.    ADVANTAGE -   Obtains increased power output by enhanced movement of water column inside duct.
The glass tile for the cover of a photovoltaic system are of standard shape and dimensions. Instead of glass they can by made of transparent, sturdy plastics. They can be used fully as a replacement of ceramic roof tiles. Beer bottle glass, or other coloured glass can be used for the purpose. The downwards edge of the tile is typically provided with a through aperture for current leads of the voltaic system.    The photovoltaic system layer may be coated with a protective layer several mm thick as a safeguard against damage during transport and assembly. In such roof system the conventional roof foils may be used to provide a required seal against the roof rafters.    USE -   For mounting of solar cells.
Solar cell comprises: semiconductor layer of first type; semiconductor layer of second type forming a junction; AlGaAs semiconductor layer of second type with grooves through to the second layer; conductive material in the grooves; a bus bar (60) across the grooves; a conductive flat strip (50) spaced from the bar; and a conductive bridge (70) between bar and strip.    Junction may be pn or np type.    ADVANTAGE -   Cell contacts have low resistance and good mechanical integrity: since the strip does not contact the grid lines connections can be made to it by high temp. soldering or welding without damage to the semiconductor.
The absorber surfaces and/or solar cells are arranged rigidly on the roof of a building or on supporting elements (14), whilst the mirror surfaces are fixed in a plane running inclined to the absorber plane stretching northwards or southwards, and the mirror surfaces free of shadows extending out sideways over the absorber surfaces.    The mirror surfaces, with their associated supporting elements arranged on one of the planes extending to the north or south, are subdivided into at least two plane mirror surfaces (17a,17b, 17c,17d), the inclination of which (gamma 1-4) increases with larger distance from the absorber (2) w.r.t. the horizontal. A distance (d) is set between at least two of the mirror surfaces (17c,17d), into which a spacer (27) is fitted.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Solar plant for energy conversion. Enables energy from sun in early morning and late evening to be utilised in addition to direct sun's rays, without rearrangement of absorber or solar cells.
The laminated thin film solar cell has a substrate (1), transparent electrodes (2) and gps. of photoelectric transducer elements with photoelectric transducer layers (31,32,33), consisting of semiconductors, the optical band width of which decreases from the incident light side. These elements are laminated on the substrate and a photoelectric transducer element of one gp. is connected in parallel with a transducer element of another gp. and such elements (A,B,C) connected in parallel are connected to one another in series. In the pref. construction, the gps. of photoelectric transducers are arranged so that one of the gps. is shifted by one element at one end w.r.t. the underlying gp. The transparent electrodes (71,72) are inserted between vertical adjacent photoelectronic transducer films (31,32,33) and one electrode on the substrate side of each element is connected with an electrode on the side opposite the substrate side of the adjacent element, which is on the side of the other end, the photoelectric transducer film of the element on the other end being formed in one of the gps. by extension of the electrode on the substrate side of the element to the other end of the underlying gp.    ADVANTAGE -   Solar cell is free from limitations w.r.t. equalisation of current produced in each photoelectric transducer film and can be made on single substrate.
The connector (6) is placed on the contact-strip (4) of the cell. On the light-sensitive side of the cell irradiation takes place briefly, pref. about 2 secs., with light of wavelength for which the sensitivity is high and the reflectivity is low, pref. using infra-red of a short wavelength. The panel is thereby heated to a temp. of pref. 190-240 deg.C.    Several contacts can be made simultaneously, on the front- and the back-side of the cell, while the contacts are pressed against the cells. Pref. connectors are Cu-foil coated with a layer of solder (9), alternatively a layer of solder-paste may be provided to allow selective soldering.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The method can be used to connect several solar cells together. It allows heating to a soldering temp. in a very short time, minimising any damage which the solar cell might sustain.
The module comprises a number of photovoltaic cells (3) providing an electrical current. They are enclosed by an aluminium frame formed from a number of profile elements (4). The hollow interior of one of these profiles is used to house a current regulating device. This incorporates one or more regulating stages for controlling the current fed from the solar cells to an accumulator and/or from the accumulator to the electrical load.    Pref. the accumulator and the regulating device are combined. They are fitted into the hollow profile so as to allow their subsequent removal for maintenance or repair.
The solar module has a rectangular frame of four metal profiles, surrounding a plate with photovoltaic cells. In a position inclined to the horizontal, the two lateral frame profile assume the same inclination, while the foot and head profiles remain horizontal. At the module underside the lateral frame profiles (4) protrude further downwards than the foot and head profiles (5,6).    The module pref. has corner connectors (11), engaging the frame profile insider by pins (12), or other protrusions. The latter may have transverse bores, aligned with frame profile bores, suitable for bolts, rivets etc.. The corner connectors may have grooves or bores, orthogonal to the module upper side, for connector parts insertable from top.    ADVANTAGE -   Increased effectiveness by simple cooling arrangement.
A signal generator is provided for generating a carrier signal which is modulated by an audio frequency tone. The generator is capacitively coupled to one of the terminations of the module string to inject the modulated carrier signal into the string. A receiver is tuned to the carrier frequency and adapted to demodulate the audio tone.    Rf signals are coupled to the receiver by a probe including a shielded plate electrode, which may be disposed adjacent the active surfaces of successive modules in order to detect the presence or absence of the rf signal at that point in the string. Alternatively measurement of the capacitance-to-ground of the string is compared against a reference capacitance value of a fault-free system.    ADVANTAGE -   Does not require disassembly or disconnection of PV module string for detecting faults.
A rotary fastener (142, 143) is provided for the end of the foldable structure on the jib near its end. A releasable connector (9U, 95-99) is secured to the jib and the foldable structure for securing selected, spaced structure regions on the jib spaced points.    The selected regions are released from the jib on its retraction. The fastener has an aligning mechanism for the foldable structure and the jib, after the selected regions have been released from the length of the jib. An extending and retracting mechanism is provided for selective handling of the jib and is coupled to both the support and the jib.    ADVANTAGE -   Suitable mechanism for maintaining angle of e.g. retractable spiral aerial for UHF band.
The mirror is made of two identical sheets (1) of plate glass, symmetrically elastically deformed and fixed into their new shape by gluing the sheets together, with the aid of distance pieces (3) of the appropriate lengths. The space between the mirrors is then filled with foam plastic.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For manufacturing the very-large mirrors used in solar-radiation concentrators. The range of reflective surfaces that can be produced is increased, together with the service life of the mirror. Bul.6/15.2.87.
Increased output of heat and of power, longer service life and reduced usage of cooling water by the geothermal station are due to the cooling pond subject to sun irradiation. Each section of the latter is provided with an evaporating pool featuring inclined and transparent screen above the surface of the water which slopes in a cascade along the path of the geothermal water. The steam generator is connected to the evaporating pool, and to a section of the sun-irradiated pond at its inlet part wear the bottom. Enhanced economy is ensured by lowering the intake of make-up water of the sun-irradiated pond in the case of a single-loop power and heat station with the condenser of the steam turbine connected to evaporating pool.    ADVANTAGE -   Improved utilisation of heat and electric energy, increased service life and reduced cooling water consumption. Bul.10/15.3.87.
A metal plate (1) having solar cells (2) is placed on a fixed plate and on surfaces of the metal plate and solar cells a porous expandable sheet material (7), whose upper surface is laminated with cheese cloth (5), is adhered through elastic adhesive (4) and dried. Concrete contg. glass fibres is then sprayed on the metal plate to form a glass fibre-contg. concrete layer (9).    USE -   Design prevents deformation of the surface of the panel due to difference in contraction of composite panel materials.
A body in the form of a box is provided with a double glazed face panel(3) having integrally joined lenses of a specific size. Optic fibres (2) are surrounded by collars of a selective absorbent material and a base plate of the same.    The fibres of selected dia. and surface finish are coiled in an interlocking spiral configuration, channelling energy to the panel core. The panel is pref. filled with a selective absorbent medium.    ADVANTAGE -   Improved collection efficiency.
Archimedes principle is used to create alternating or rotating movement which may be applied to different usages. The flotation force is utilised by allowing a floating body to reach equilibrium then breaking the equilibrium.    A mechanical or electro-mechanical system using two or more opposing pulleys coupled to a drive mechanism is solidly coupled to one or more elastic volumes which may have their volume varied according to their position in the liquid. The variation of volume may be by, for example, a gas which is injected or released to vary the volume of the volume.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Makes use of force experienced by submerged body to generate electricity by using gas pressure to vary volume of body and hence flotational force.
The displacement of the stack of panels (6), e.g. solar panels, from the support e.g. a satellite, is achieved by breaking the retaining bolt and by the action of the leaf springs (28,29). The leaf springs are attached to the centre tie bolt (12) by a series of pivots (38) mounted on a header plate. This plate incorporates stops (48) to limit the travel of the leaf spring attachment blocks (31) when the assembly is in the stacked position.    After detachment from the support the leaf spring force pushes the panels and their centre bushes off the tie bolt when fully deployed the leaf springs are straight. A sliding shock absorber collar (50) reduces the impact of the initial release forces.    ADVANTAGE -   Leaf springs provide controllable progressive deployment force and their assembly is more compact than coil spring arrangement.
Solar cell assemblage comprises (A) a pre-treated silanised transparent substrate; (B) a layer of semiconductor material comprising solar cell(s); (C) an electrical contact on the surface of (B); (E) an extruded transparent film for encapsulating the assemblage of (A), (B) and (C); (F) a frame to contain the encapsulated solar cell laminate; and (G) sealant to seal the frame to the laminate.    (E) comprises (I) 75-91 pts. wt. blend of (1) 65-75 pts. wt. selectively hydrogenated two block copolymer comprising blocks A and B such that before hydrogenation (i) each A is a polymer block of monovinyl or alpha-alkyl monovinyl arene of number average mol. wt. 5000-75000and is present to a total of 10-40 wt.%, and (ii) each B is a polymer block of number average mol. wt. 10000-150000, formed by polymerising 4-10C conjugated diene and is pesent to a total of 90-60 wt.%; and (2) 25-25 pts. wt. selectively hydrogenated multi block copolymer comprising 10-40 wt.% end blocks A and 90-10 wt.% mid block B as defined above; (II) 8.5-22.5 pts. wt. alpha-methyl-styrene polymer tackifying resin; and (III) 0.5-1.5 pts. wt. mixt. of phenolic antioxidant, UV absorber with benzotriazole functionality and UV absorber with hindered amine functionality.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for a commercial 40 watt solar cell module supported at 4 mounting points moulded into the encapsulant without a centre mounting. The encapsulant can be provided with panels of thickness 0.210'' +- 0.020'' and can contain intra-panel wiring harnesses. It can support a protective outer coating, e.g. a gel coat, to improve weatherability. The encapsulant has max. mould temp. 90 deg. C and button-to-button cycle time less than 10 mins..
A concentrator has a prism with input, reflection and output faces. It is manufactured by depositing a light-sensitive layer (5) on the input face (2), placing a substance (8) with refractive index close to that of the layer between the layer and an auxiliary prism (9), and recording an interference pattern to obtain a three-dimensional hologram in the layer. A ref. laser beam (6) is passed through the auxiliary prism and substance in the direction of solar radiation when in use, and an object laser beam (7) is passed via the auxiliary prism at an angle to the layer so that fringe planes are formed to diffract incident radiation at the angle.    The auxiliary prism and substance are removed and the layer is developed. The angular relationship between the reflection and input faces and the angle are selected to preclude diffraction of a beam reflected from the reflection face.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For solar electric power generation. Allows increased conc. to be obtained and can be used to produce concentrators over fairly wide spectral selectively range.
The generator consists of a rocking working element fixed between upper and lower supports (1) and made in the form of a series of horizontal rods (4) which are linked to one another and to a consumer unit (3) by cables (2). The rods are positioned horizontally one above the other, and they rock under the influence of the wave motion, driving the converter (5). After each wave has passed by, the rods are replaced in their initial positions by a return unit.    ADVANTAGE -   Higher efficiency. Bul.5/7.2.887
Armature (3) and indicator element are in the form of strips and are mounted parallel to each other in the horizontal plane. The armature has flexible ends attached to a support (1) and is mounted on the float (2) with the inductor element attached to the support.    ADVANTAGE -   Specific power output is increased. Bul.4/30.1.87.
The power source includes a frame (1) on which two uprights (2) support a horizontal rail (3). A beam (4) is pivoted on bearings (5) mounted on the rail. At each end of the beam there is a pocket (6) with a screw (7) which may momentarily block movement of a spherical weight (8).    Each half of the beam includes a track (13) comprising several articulated rails which may be moved with hydraulic dampers controlling their movement. A rod (9) is attached vertically below each end of the beam, and is attached at the bottom to a crank and flywheel assembly turning an alternator.    USE -   Power generation for factories and buildings.
Amorphous photocell modules are made by producing an amorphous unit cell which is cut up into individual cells each with at least one collector finger. Finally these collectors are joined on each cell to exposed narrow areas of the bottom electrode of the adjoining photocell to form a series circuit.    ADVANTAGE -   This method is suitable for automation and mass prodn. and minimises the number of electrical connections. (Previously notified in week 8737)
One or more floating bodies is attached to a pulley device with ropes or wires passing over the pulley to a fixed point or to another floating body. In one arrangement the ropes are attached to a point on land to allow electrical or other energy to be derived. Alternatively, the sea bed may be used, and with a set of plural floating bodies both sea bed and land fixed points may be used.    The device allows for energy to be derived from wave motion or tidal rise and fall. The shafts on the pulleys may drive generator devices.
The converter consists of a lever, mounted freely on a pto shaft which has a ratchet wheel fixed to it, two pawls engaging with the ratchet wheel and an electrical generator.    The mechanism is equipped with forward and reverse motion toothed sectors, located opposite one another with the first mounted on the lever and the second fixed to the shaft. The sectors are positioned opposite one another, and in between them there is a gear (11) on an axle (10), meshing with the sectors' teeth, while the pawls are mounted on the two sectors. The movement of the float (1) in the waves is transmitted directly to the pto shaft in one direction and via the ratchet mechanism in the other, giving a constant rotary motion.    ADVANTAGE -   Higher efficiency. Bul.3/23.1.87.
The motion conversion method, e.g. for a wave power generator, consists of using an unbalanced rotor to pick up and retain the rotation.    The rotor's frequency of rotation is coordinated with the frequency of the wave oscillation by varying the eccentricity or the rotor's centre of mass, with the amount of eccentricity increased with the reduction in the oscillation frequency, and reduced as the frequency increases.    The rotor, equipped with unbalanced weight and rollers which interact with annular guides, has a wave parameter detector (7), a computer unit (8), and a mechanism which can move the rollers (4) along the rotor's axis. The guides are in the shape of truncated cones with their larger ends facing one another, and with flat sections on their inner surfaces lying parallel to the rotor's axis.    ADVANTAGE -   Increased efficiency. Bul.3/23.1.87.
The converter consists of a floating housing, connected to a shore support by a cable positioning system, an horizontal shaft, and vaned rotors on either side of the housing with vanes which are partially immersed in the flow. The vanes (6) are mounted on spindles which are connected through bevel gears (8,11) to fixed gears (9) on the central main shaft (3), so that as the rotors rotate in the flow the vanes maintain a vertical position. The positioning mechanism is equipped with a winch, mounted on the housing and connected to the main shaft through a clutch (13).    ADVANTAGE -   Higher efficiency. Bul.3/23.1.87.
A column (31) secured by stakes (310) in the bed (2) of the sea or lake (1) carries a frame (30) for the horizontal pivot (301) of a swing lever (4) terminated by a float (5), whose submerged part contains a hydraulic turbine (7). The wave energy is extracted by a cylinder (6) in which a piston is driven backwards and forwards by the rise and fall of the lever (4).    The turbine (7) abstracts the energy of the current (a) of water continuously for addn. to the surface wave energy. Several such mechanisms may be installed together on parallel columns, or on a moored craft.    ADVANTAGE -   Incorporates readily replaceable parts having high durability, operates automatically without supervision, and withstands pressure from strong water waves, currents and winds without incurring damage.
The method of determining the bearing of a source of optical radiation comprises the steps of: providing an optical sensor including a base member having a number of optical detectors mounted on it in spaced apart relationship with each detector having an optical radiation receiving field and producing an output in response to the reception of optical radiation within the field, and further structure mounted on the base member to restrict the receiving field of each detector to a radially outwardly directed, generally conical volume having an apex at the detector.    A reference function is developed is periodically developed from the outputs of each of the detectors; and an instantaneous function from the outputs of each of the detectors. The instantaneous function is compared to the reference function to determine when a change in optical radiation in the field of at least one detector occurs.    USE -   Solar trackers.
A hollow light tube of conventional design of optically transparent material is of square cross section and preselected length and width. The tube has on the outer surfaces longitudinally extending triangularly shaped grooves defining a number of ridges having triangular cross section along the tube length, each ridge having a 90 deg apex angle and surfaces along its length defining a 45 deg. angle with the inner surfaces of the tube.    Light concentrating optics are operatively connected to one end of the tube for directing light into the tube. A number of solar cells are disposed on the outer surfaces of the tube in a rectangular array of size corresponding to tube size with the photoactive surfaces of the cells facing inwardly of the tube. The tube may be hermetically sealed and either evacuated or filled with inert gas in certain applications.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For aboard orbiting spacecraft. Is protected against radiation damage and particle impact.
Photovoltaic cell array comprises: an array of first electrodes (14) on an insulating substrate; an elongated conductor (20) formed in contact with each electrode along its edge; an elongated insulator (22) in contact with each conductor; a photo-active layer (16) formed on the first electrode and conductor; and a second electrode (18) formed on the photo-active layer.    The photo-active layer (16) and second electrode layer (18) are sepd. to define each cell by irradiation with an energy beam (LB1); and the second electrode (18) is connected to the first electrode (14) of an adjacent cell via the conductor by irradiation of the conductor with an energy beam (LB2).    ADVANTAGE -   Device can be stably and reliably formed by beam scribing, without need for precise control of beam energy density. (First major country equivalent to J62166572-A)
An integrated thin-film layer solar cell is made of a substrate carrying a first electrode layer, a photosensitive layer and a second electrode layer deposited over the full face. The structuring of these three layers is only effected subsequently.    The glass substrate (2) receives a first electrode layer (3) of transparent indium-tin oxide and a photosensitive layer (4) of amorphous silicon, followed by a second electrode layer (5) of aluminium, silver, gold or titanium strips. The structuring (6,7,8,9,10) is the next step.    ADVANTAGE -   Results in the most cost efficient procedure.
Floats are coupled together such that they can pivot about a horizontal axis relative to one another. Hydraulic cylinders on either side of the attachment points compress and extend with the wave motion. Check valves control flow to and from the cylinders.    The floats are pivotally tied to a floating structure such that they can pivot about the structure on the surface of the water as may be required for max. efficiency. Water compressed from the cylinders feeds a turbine which in turn feeds a generator for the generation of electrical power. The floats may be coupled together by means of compound bell cranks, and hydraulic cylinders may be coupled between alternate bell cranks at the lateral arms.
Appts. for soldering a link to an element, with one of these carrying solder, comprises an induction heater, a spaced heat-radiating susceptor, and a conveyor (4) moving a support carrying the element (32), link (36) and solder (42,44) past the susceptor at a rate and spacing such that the solder is melted. There may be a number of spaced susceptors such that the solder is successively melted and solidified in a continuous process.    The heater pref. has a number of induction coils (54) and spaced susceptor blocks (61) each corresponding to a different coil pair, so that the solder is melted and solidified at least twice. The blocks are pref. of Al and the conveyor is a fibreglass mesh belt to pass through regions maintained at above 400 deg.F and below 300 deg.F.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. for spacecraft application partic. for interconnecting solar cells in an array, produces reliable soldered joints with removal of trapped air and other flaws.
The mechanical energy converter comprises a float for up and down movement in response to the waves. A piezoelectric member converts strains to electrical energy and an energy transfer couples the up and down movement of the float to the member for causing alternate straining and de-straining. The output impedance of the energy transfer unit is equal to the input impedance of the member.    The output impedance of the float equals the the output impedance of the energy transfer. The up and down movement of the float causes a corresponding change in the strained dimension of the member.
The generator consists of a base with a hinged blade and a mechanism to convert the blade's oscillation into electrical energy. The generator is equipped with flexible vertical supports (3), fixed by their lower ends to the base, while the converter is in the shape of a streamlined housing (4) which is pivoted to the upper ends of the supports and equipped with inner bearings (5). It also encloses a sealed cylinder (6) with piezo-elements (7), filled with a current-conducting liquid.    The cylinder is able to perform an oscillating movement inside the housing and interact in turn with the two bearings. The cylinder can be equipped with a ring, with the piezo-elements attached to its ends and possessing zero buoyancy.    ADVANTAGE -   Gives higher efficiency. Bul.2/15.1.87.
A main shaft (8) of the water wheel (W) is supported on concrete base (4), and is located above the surface (1) of the water while supported at its ends on a water wheel concrete support (9) provided while standing upright on the concrete base (4). Water wheel impellers (7) radially mounted on the main shaft (8) are respectively mounted on steel frames (6) radially attached to the main shaft (8). One end of the main shaft (8) is supported on a bearing (12) while connected with an input shaft (13a) of a speed-up gear (1). The speed-up gear (1) has gear stages (13) housed in a casing (15), each of whose shafts (16) is supported on a bearing (14), and has an output shaft (19) connected with a drive shaft (17) of the power generator (2).    Electricity power generated by a number of the power generators (2) is transmitted through an electric wire (24) of one system stretched around poles (23). With the water wheel impellers (7) rotated by a relatively slow stream of water (3), rotational force so produced is transmitted to the main shaft (8). The rotation of the main shaft (8) is increased in its RPM by the speed-up gear (1) and outputted to rotate the drive shaft (17) of the power generator (2).    ADVANTAGE -   Is of reduced size, thus requires less construction time.
The float mechanism has floats coupled together such that they can pivot about a horizontal axis relative to one another. Hydraulic cylinders on either side of the attachment points compress and extend with the wave motion. Check valves control flow to and from the cylinders.    The floats are pivotally tied to a floating structure such that they can pivot about the structure on the surface of the water as may be required for maximum efficiency. Water compressed from the cylinders feeds a turbine which in turn feeds an electrical power generator.    ADVANTAGE -   Floats may pivot about vertical axis on floating structure to best align floats for maximising power generation.
The heterodyne system has two high-frequency electrical generators producing output frequencies which differ from each other by the desired load frequency, generally 60 Hz. The two generator outputs at these two different frequencies are then added together (heterodyned) so that the voltages involved alternately reinforce and oppose each other to form a beat frequency voltage output whose envelope varies at the desired load frequency.    A conventional rectifier circuit is then used to convert the electrical energy in this beat frequency output to an electrical output at the envelope frequency - the frequency required by the load. The system has direct application wherever a high generator power/weight ratio is essential, and a low frequency AC output is desired.
The generating unit consists of a float, a vertical shaft with radiating horizontal spokes and vanes forming the rotor, and an anchor connected to the float by lines. The float is semi-circular in shape, with the lines attached to its ends (7). The shaft is located at the centre of the float's radius, and the open side of the float faces into the waves, with the diameter of its cross-section corresp. to the wave height.    A wave impinging on the rotor turns the vanes, which rotate the generator, and is then reflected back from the float to act on the rotor again.    ADVANTAGE -   Higher efficiency. Bul.1/7.1.87
A steel tube (1) is used with an external dia. of 12 mm. Around the tube is wound clockwise a primary bi-metal spring (2), which is fixed to the tube at one end (3) by a screw (4) by a screw (4). At its other end (5), the spring is attached to a second tube (6) rotatably fitted on the steel tube. The second tube is fixed to a secondary bi-metal spring (7) which at its end (8) opposite the second tube is fixed to the steel tube by a screw (9). The springs (2,7) e.g. have the dimensions of 1 x 6 mm in cross-section.    On heating, both springs attempt. to turn counterwise to the sun axially from each of their fixture screws (4,9). An even temp. increase permits that the second tube cannot, rotate on the steel tube. If, on the other hand, the one spring is heated more than the other, the second tube turns counterwise to the sun axially from the screw.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   To maximise radiation effect on receiving appts. where radiation source is e.g. sun, and appts. is battery of solar cells or mirror. (Provisional basic advised week 87/25)
An insulating, transparent substrate (1) is coated with an array of isolated, transparent front-electrodes (2) each defining 1 cell. Then the photovoltaic thin film (3), pref. amorphous Si, is deposited, e.g. by evaporation or sputtering. On this layer a network (4) is deposited, pref. by screen printing, which masks against metal deposition but which can be easily removed e.g. by dissolution. This network is aligned such that it is sepd. from an edge of the front electrode (2) by a small distance, e.g. about 5% of the cell-width. A groove (5) is then made in the top layer (3) pref. by sawing, milling, grinding or sand-blasting, until the front electrode is contacted. This groove covers the distance from the mask-edge (4) to the electrode (2) edge, which is nearest. The surface is then metallised (6) and the pattern (4) removed, pref. by dissolving, pulling off or washing off pref. in an Ultra-sonic bath. This separates the backelectrodes (8) for individual cells and connects, via the groove, the front-electrodes with the back electrode of 1 neighbouring cell.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The construction allows a high voltage, e.g. 12 or 24 V, to be built up using a simple process which does not degrade the conversion level of the cell.
The set consists of a mechanical converter linked to high and low-pressure receivers, linked by a pipe to a pneumatic turbine inside it. The wind converter is mounted on the receivers and is in the form of separate chambers (5,6) with flexible walls, located inside a rotary housing (7) with ports. The housing is equipped with vanes on its outer wall, and each chamber is connected to the receivers via inlet and outlet pipes (10,11) with valves (12,13). The action of the wind on the vanes causes the housing to rotate, deforming the flexible walls of the chambers, so that air is expelled from them into the receiver and is used to drive the turbine.    ADVANTAGE -   Design simplicity. Bul.48/30.12.86.
The power plant consists of a base supporting a frame with a series of parallel casings containing vaned rotors which are linked kinematically to electrical generators. The frame (1) is curved in an arc and is mounted on a number of trolleys (5) which can be moved round a circular guide track (6) so that the rotors can be set facing the wind. The arc of the frame curvature and the circular track have the same radius. The plant can be equipped with an additional inner circular track (7) for trolleys (9) connected to the frame by angled supports (8).    ADVANTAGE -   Increased power output. Bul.48/30.12.86.
The method for extracting energy from the waves uses an aerofoil sectioned wing (10) and causing it to move in a desired direction along a generally linear path. This is achieved by providing an aerofoil sectioned wing having a non-adjustable profile and a substantially fixed chordal plane (17); and partially submerging the wing (IO) so as to be exposed directly to water agitated by wave action.    The wing (IO) has its leading edge forward in the desired direction of travel and its chordal plane (17) disposed sub-stantially parallel to the desired direction. The wing is supported for movement along the desired path; and constrained against displacement perpendicular to the desired path by an external fixed mounting such as the seabed or a body having a large external mass.    ADVANTAGE -   Uses kinetic energy of water particles close to surface of water to produce net thrust.
The chimney stack comprises an outer structural support member capable of providing a stable structure capable of conveying hot gases into the elevated portions of the atmosphere. An inner liner is subject to erosion by the hot gases structurally affixed to the outer structural support member thus insulating the outer structural support member from contact with the hot gases passing through the chimney stack.    Electrical wiring is embedded within the inner liner and arranged as part of an electrical circuit whose conductivity is monitored so as to detect the erosion of the inner liner. Monitoring circuitry incorporating the electrical wiring is capable of detecting changes in the electrical conductivity of the circuitry thereby detecting the degree of erosion of the inner liner.    USE -   Industrial applications.
The device includes a pair of substrates, at least one of which is transparent and a structure for supporting the pair of substrates in parallel. A photoelectric conversion semiconductor device is formed on one of the opposed inner surfaces of the pair of substrates. A second photoelectric conversion semiconductor device is formed on the other of the opposed inner surfaces of pair of substrates such that there is a gap between the first and second photoelectric conversion semiconductor devices.    An insulating material filling the gap between first and second photoelectric conversion semiconductor devices serves for preventing teh semiconductor devices from contacting air. (First major country equivalent to J62142372)
The concentrator contains regular bundle (loom) (1) of conoidal cross-section with the second bundle (4) joined to the outlet endface (3). The endface of the bundle in the area of the larger endface (1) of the bundle (1) is made in the form of ring. Light rays (19) from external light source during single passage through the looms (1,4) are concentrated and are projected along the loop of the loom (2) projected from the internal film (8) to the inlet (16) of peripheral light guides (17) the light rays are exit along with those from the film (5-7) after second passage of the looms.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In fibre optics for conversion solar energy in light flux connectors. Simplifies exploitation by provision of excitation using source of annular cross-section. Bul.46/ 15.12.86
An amorphous Si solar battery comprises a terminal (11) plus spring contact (5) connected to an external output conductor, the surface of the terminal comprising a metal layer (41) with an a-Si film (31) lying between it and an insulated substrate (1). The metal layer (4,41) is electrically connected to a transparent conductive film (2) and the metal layer of the terminal (41) may be electrically connected to a metal layer of the battery (4). The a-Si film acts as an adhesive agent between metal (4,41) and substrate.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Conventional solar batteries using a biased spring contact suffer from the fact that the biasing pressure generates a shear force between the metal contact and the transparent conducting or insulating films which may cause layer separation. The present invention interposes an amorphous silicon layer between the metal and other layers which adheres strongly to both. Bad contacts are therefore avoided. (First major country equivalent to J62128571-A)
(A)A novel composite article comprises a solid electrolyte on the surface of which is deposited an at least 10 microns thick, continuously electronically conductive, porous cermet electrode which has a surface resistance of less than 30 ohms/sq and which comprises beta alumina and refractory metal. The beta alumina is applied by spraying powder through a heat source to melt it and deposit it as a porous coating onto metal is incorporated into the electrode either together with or after depositing the beta alumina. (B) A method for making the article is also claimed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The article is useful for thermoelectric generator device such as sodium heat engines. The electrode is both ion and electron conductive and provides an extended region in which the charge exchange between the ions and electrons can take place, resulting in reduced interfacial impedances, greater power output per unit apparent area and higher electrode efficiency. The electrode can be deposited by flame or plasma spraying processes which are economical and rapid and allow mfr. of articles of thin cross-section and/or unusual shapes.
Semiconductor device comprises: a semiconductor layer with electrodes on each surface; and a transparent converted region (29a) extending through the layer from an electrode (27a) on one side to an electrode (28a) on the other side. Converted region (29a) is pref. a channel formed by an energy beam, pref. a laser.    Semiconductor is pref. Si:H or Ge:H; one of the electrodes is transparent. Device is formed by directing an energy beam, esp. a laser, between two electrodes on opposite surfaces of the layer to formed a converted conductive channel between the electrodes; the conductivity of the channel is monitored by its transparency, the energy being applied until a threshold of transparency is reached. Energy beam is pref. a near-IR beam. Device and method are claimed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   As a radiation-sensitive device, esp. a photo cell or a solar cell (claimed) in which the converted region is a conductive path between electrodes. Need for stitch bars of the prior art is avoided.
Semiconductor device having interconnections is stabilised by: providing the device with a first electrode which is exposed through an overlying layer of semiconductor; dipping the device in an acid soln.; dipping the device in a metallic ion soln.; and providing a further contact to the first contact.    The device is pref. rinsed after the acid dipping step. Acid is pref. H3PO4 of concn. 30-100%, esp. 30% and dipping time is 10-30 sec. esp. 30 sec.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. in stabilising the intraconnections in solar cells; inter diffusion at contact interfaces is reduced.
The detector has a measuring unit (2) with optical axis (1), made as a shade screen (3) with central diaphragm opening (4) and coarse and fine tracking light conductors (5,6), whose inlet ends (7,8) are separated from each other by an opaque cup (9) placed along axis (1), and a differential type photo-transformer (11). The photo-transformer each photo-element is placed in the light conductors outlet ends (13,14) radiation zone. The screen is placed in the cup.    The tracking accuracy is increased since the measuring unit is provided with at least one additional light conductor (15) whose inlet end (16) is placed inside the cup opposite an additional peripheral diaphragm opening (17) in the screen. The photo-transformer is provided with a protective housing (18) and additional photo-element (19) placed in the additional light conductor outlet and radiation zone which is together with the coarse and fine tracking light conductors is moved inside the protective housing.    USE -   The detector is used for sun position tracking. Bul.42/15.11.86
A high inertia flywheel (12) is driven by a rod (1) coupled to it via a gear system including a rack and pinion (6), a freewheel gear (7) and an endless screw (9). The rod, which may be hand or bodyweight operated, is then returned ot its alternate position by a return spring (3). A shaft output allows the stored inertia of the wheel to be used to drive a boat or generate electricity.    USE -   System of fluid drive in association with 12V battery may be used for producing power sufficient for house.
The generator consists of a hollow spherical float containing a magnetoelectrical converter to transform the mechanical energy of the waves into electricity. The float is submerged beneath the surface of the water and contains a rod (2) of a magnetostriction material, fixed between two diametrically opposite segments (3) on the float's inner surface. The rod is positioned so that it lies parallel to the lines of force of the Earth's magnetic field, and has an outer electrical winding which is connected via a rectifier to an accumulator. The motion of the waves deforms the float and causes the length of the rod to vary, so that an e.m.f. is induced in the rod's winding through its magnetostriction effect.    ADVANTAGE -   More reliable operation. Bul.42/15.11.86
The generator consists of a fixed support, a float and a wave energy converter. The converter comprises a horizontal pto shaft connected to a toothed transmission unit, and a drum with a cable passing round it, linked to the shaft via a coil spring and ratchet mechanism.    The generator is equipped with additional wave power converters, each of which comprises a rotary frame and a second drum (12) connected to the transmission unit in the same way as the first one and with a cable passing round.    The two drums (7,12) of each converter are mounted on the horizontal sections of the frame, with the cable passing round them in an S-shape and connected by its two ends (15,16) to the fixed support (1). The converters are mounted symmetrically on the float in two rows, while the coil springs in the different rows have their windings in opposite directions.    ADVANTAGE -   Increased efficiency. Bul.42/15.11.86
The generator consists of a housing containing a reciprocating rod attached to a float, and a spiral thread which interacts with a coupling. The rod is made hollow, and the float has a bell (5) beneath it which is connected to the inside of the rod. The bell is positioned with its open end downwards, and is equipped with a flared mouth (7) and inner projection (8) while te upper end of the hollow rod contains a non-return valve (9).    In a variant for use in polluted water, the open end of the bell has a system of valves and levers connectedby a bar inside the hollow rod to the non-return valve. The coupling is in the form of two overrun coupling nuts with threads in opposite directions with wedging rollers.    ADVANTAGE -   Increased efficiency. Bul.42/15.11.86
Prod. suitable for use in thermoelectric generators comprises a solid electrolyte with an adherent TiN film of thickness below 10 micron, pref. 2-3 micron. Film compsn. is pref. stoichiometric. Electrolyte is pref. beta-Al2O3.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. in Na heat engines. TiN electrode material has a good expansion match with the solid electrolyte, good alkali metal ion conductivity and avoids prior art problems of power loss due to evapn. of refractory metal cpd. liq. phases.
A thermoelectric solar cell consists of parallel and series connected thermocouples subjected to solar radiation directly or through a solar collector in the form of a lens, esp. a Fresnel lens.    Also claimed are (a) use of a collector in combination with the thermoelectric solar cell, an optical lens (esp. a Fresnel lens) being located above the cell; (b) use of the solar cell in combination with an electrolysis cell for hydrogen prodn. or water desalination; (c) use of an optical lens (esp. a Fresnel lens) for grilling meat on a spit using solar energy; and (d) use of an optical lens (esp. a Fresnel lens) for grilling or boiling on a plate or grill or in a pot.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The solar cell is inexpensive and efficiently produces a low voltage for electrolytic hydrogen prodn. or other electrochemical reactions.
The wave electricity generator has lower structural supports in the form of an equilateral triangle with lower tube receptacles connected to them forming vertex elements of an equilateral triangle. A number of tubular members having upper and lower portions are positioned within these tubes forming trimetric edge elements of a right conical frustum and a separable buoyancy device is affixed to the upper member.    An annulated receptacle plate is affixed to the upper surface of each buoyancy device and a number of truncated tubes are connected to the receptacle plate extending outwards coaxially w.r.t. to tubular members. Using articulated brackets, dual rolling contact supports and a driveshaft, electrical energy is produced from the harmonic motion of the buoyant floats.    ADVANTAGE -   Higher electrical output since reciprocating action of rod is converted to rotary motion.
The solar tracking device (10) has a shadow plate (12) mounted above support (14), and a pair of photoresponsive sensors (18) is mounted beneath the shadow plate (12). A second pair of photoresponsive sensors (20) is also mounted beneath the shadow plate (12), with a line passing through the pair being at an angle to a line passing through the first sensor pair (18). A fifth photoresponsive sensor (21) is mounted above the shadow plate (12) in a cylindrical enclosure (23). Each of the sensors (18,20,21) has a microscopic opening (22) which admits light to the sensors.    A 'no-hunt' control circuit receives inputs from each of the first and second pairs of sensors (18,22) to control operation of positioning motors for setting elevation and azimuth angles. Coincidence of inputs from each sensor (18,20) and a clocking signal are used to inhibit inputs from each sensor (18 or 20) to the positioning motors. The fifth sensor (21) is used to control operation of a pump for a heat transfer fluid.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. for small solar heat receiver. Enables detection of sun from wide angle off target, eliminates constant oscillation across desired atitude.
The generator consists of a support which is submerged below the level of the water and has on it an horizontal elastic pipe, a roller in contact with the pipe, and a wave energy converter.    The generator is equipped with floats (5), connected by a cable and pulleys to the roller, which is able to move to and fro on the elastic pipe. The roller can be in the form of a drum which interacts with the cable and has gears on its ends meshing with toothed racks on the support. It can also have end journals which travel along horizontal guides (18). As the floats move up and down they make the roller travel to and fro over the pipe, forcing liquid inside it to pass through the converter (4) and generate power.    ADVANTAGE -   Increased capacity. Bul.41/7.11.86.
Semiconductor defects are cured by: connecting Zener diodes (23)in series with each other, connecting the anode of each diode to one side of the junction of an element (3) of the semiconductor device and applying a reverse bias voltage (24) to the diodes and to the elements so that the diode corresponding to each element has its Zener voltage less than the breakdown voltage of the corresponding element (3).    The device is pref. an array of solar cells, the elements each comprising a semiconductor layer (3) and a transparent oxide electrode (2).    ADVANTAGE -   Electrical shorts and shunts due to pinholes or gaps created in layer (3) during the mfg. process are eliminated by a simple process. (First major country equivalent to J62108580-A)
An electrode layer is applied over a large area of a substrate and then excavated in specific regions. A semiconductor layer for the conversion of incident electromagnetic radiation into electric energy is applied by vacuum deposition from the gas phase, over a similar large area. A second electrode layer is deposited over a similar large area and separate contact elements serving for series connection of the individual solar cells are applied. The semiconductor layer and the second electrode layer are applied directly in succession by vacuum deposition, then the second electrode layer is removed in separate regions approximately following the pattern of the excavated regions of the first layer. Those regions of the semiconductor layer which are thus exposed are at least partially excavated. The separate contact elements are applied in the layer gaps afforded by the removed and excavated regions of the second electrode layer and the semiconductor layer to provide electrical contact exclusively between the two layers of respective neighbouring solar cells.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides more reliable series connection. /7
The solar energy conversion apparatus includes a rotatable converter with a core that is triangular in cross-section and tapers towards its ends. A number of hemispherical photovoltaic cells are supported on the sides of the core. Two metal foil layer layers insulated from each other are connected to different conductivity type portions of the cells, the outer foil layer being reflective. A glass shell covers the core and tapers toward each end. The shell has a dodecagonal cross-section with four facets overlying each side of the core, alternate facets being left uncovered and transparent and the other facets being silvered, thus forming reflective interior surfaces for reflection of sunlight entering the shell. A parabolic reflector directs sunlight on an end of the converter. A stationary housing concentric about the converter has a reflective inner surface in first and second end sections parallel to the tapering of the shell. The housing is divided into three sections each contining a field winding.    Commutators at the ends of the converter electrically connect the foil layers to the field windings so that the converter will rotate when current passes from the cells, through the commutators, to the field windings. Upon rotation of the covnerter, sunlight is variously directed and reflected to the cells in a rapidly changing cycle. Output leads from the commutators provide for discharge of developed electrical energy.    ADVANTAGE -   Maximises frequency of solar energy cell exposure.
The dome shaped solar generator structure comprises a number of predetermined angular amounts, with each angular amount selected to capture the sun's energy at different daily sun periods. The solar cell mounting locations on the surfaces in two directions are offset to minimise horizontal and vertical shadowing between adjacent cell mounting locations. The dome-shaped support structure is rotated at a constant angular velocity to essentially follow the sun's movement. At least some radially upward and adjacent solar cell mounting locations are ramped in at least one of the surfaces at one of the predetermined angular amounts.    ADVANTAGE -   Operates at any reasonable latitude with high efficiency.
Benzofuran derivs. of structure (I) are new, where R1 and R2 (unbonded to each other; same or different) = ; or 1-10C alkyl; R3 = 1 gp. of formula (i) - (iv), R4 = 1-10C alkyl radical or gp. (v); Ri = one or more substits. of 35 listed, e.g. -CH3, CO2CH3 together with their constant substit. sigma values, chosen so that the expression 2' = or is less than Eta q = or is less than 6' sigma (Riq), where q = substits. positions 2', 3', 4', 5', and 6', is positive.    Seven cpds. are specifically claimed including 2-6(3-acetyl- 4-hydroxy-2-pyrone)- 6-(M,N-di-ethylamino)- benzofuran; and 2-(4'-dicyanomethylene- 2'-methyl-gammapyran)- 6-dimethylaminobenzofuran (Ia).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   (I) have substantial luminescent emission capabilities, large Stokes shift capability, high quantum efficiency for luminescence and good stability to visible light. (I) may be employed is e.g. luminescent solar concentrators and dye lasers; and fluorescent printing media, esp. for outdoor signs.
The thermionic converter comprises an envelope having two walls spaced apart from one another. The envelope defines an enclosed chamber and an electron collector structure is attached adjacent to one wall. An electron emitter structure is located adjacent the collector structure and between the collector structure and the other wall. A respective one (22 or 24) of the collector structure and the emitter structure comprises a number of elements, each of the elements along with a respective other of the collector structure and the emitter structure defining inter electrode gaps at least when the emitter structure is above a selected temperature.    The emitter structure is a spaced distance away from one wall and is positioned to receive only thermal radiation. A conductor conducts electrons from the collector structure to external of the chamber. Another conductor conducts electrons from external of the chamber to the emitter structure.
Photovoltaic cell array is formed on a transparent substrate by forming a transparent conductive oxide film; laser scribing the film into front contact strips (14); forming a semiconductor film and scribing this to form a second set of parallel grooves which define photovoltaic strips (18); forming a conductive film which fills the second grooves to contact the front contact strips (14) and forming a third set of parallel grooves which define back contact strips (22); laser scribing inter-module grooves (26) through the three layers to the substrate to define an array of electrically isolated modules; and etching semiconductor material exposed on the inter-module groove sidewalls.    ADVANTAGE -   Final step of removing alloyed or recrystallised semiconductor, pref. Si, from the inter-module grooves enhances device yield and facilitates device testing before the array is broken up.
The deployable space panel structure includes a series of interconnected flat panel members and a second series of interconnected flat members. Pivotal connectors that allow free rotational movement interconnect the edges of certain of the flat panel members of the first and second series of interconnected panel members.    A deployment mechanism is provided that permits the first series of interconnected panel members to be in a separate plane from the second series of interconnected panel members.    ADVANTAGE -   Permits first and second series of interconnected panel members to have greater strength and rigidity than if they were both located in the same plane.
The generator consists of a float and a vertical support which is linked kinematically at the top to an electrical power generator and at the bottom to a platform which is submerged beneath the water surface.    The system is equipped with a second power generator (5) which has its stator fixed to the float (1) and an horizontal shaft (7) which is able to move up and down the support and is connected to the first generator (3) and float. The float is ring-shaped and is made so that it can rotate about the horizontal shaft, while the support is equipped with an additional float (9), located above the platform.    The waves cause the float to rotate about the axis of the shaft, turning the stator of the second generator, and move up and down relative to the support to turn the rotor of the first one, e.g. via a toothed or friction drive.    ADVANTAGE -   Gives higher efficiency. Bul.38/15.10.86.
The plant has a stand which can turn about vertical axis and carries hinged framework with central opening, a reflector with a deformer made as replaceable guide with a slide, fitted on the stand in the plane perpendicular to framework rotation horizontal axis, and a driven link hinged to the slide and placed in framework opening and can interact with reflector mirror surface.    The current is stabilised since the plant has a curved mirror with a central opening attached on the framework. The reflector is made as a gas tight bellows connected to the framework. The bellows base directed to curved mirror is made of a film which has a mirror surface. The drive link is made as a frame which envelopes the bellows and is attached on its other base.    USE -   The plant is used for solar radiation concentration. Bul.37/7.10.86
The flow-generator includes an iron yoke (1), a U-shaped connection piece (2) for joining the two coils of the system together, and iron particles with a float (3). The iron particles, which are made buoyant by the float, are drawn in and held with the first coil magnetised and then washed away by the water stream when the second coil is magnetised. The field strength increases in the first coil and diminishes in the second, but in both cases a voltage can be tapped at the second winding of the coils.    The coils are excited by d.c and allow their magnetic fields to be alternately strengthened and diminished by the iron particles.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Conversion of ocean currents into electrical energy. Effective yet low cost.
The plant comprises a vertical tube, float able to move reciprocally on it and linear electricity generator, the armature winding of which is in the tube cavity and the inductor element in the float.    The float has an elastic inflatable chamber (3). The tube is capable of two- angular displacement. The inductor element may be in the form of permanent magnets perpendicular to the axis of the tube. The flat and inflatable may be composed of separable sections.    ADVANTAGE -   More reliable and efficient. Bul.37/7.10.86
The solar battery for a time piece comprises an insulated substrate, and a set of generating regions arranged in a circular pattern around a first point on the insulated substrate. Each region includes a non-crystalline semiconductor film, and upper and lower electrodes on opposite sides of the film. Each of the electrodes has first through seventh sides, with the first and second sides extending radially from a second point. The fifth side extends from the fourth to the sixth sides.    Connecting means for reducing the power loss of the battery are provided, including overlapping areas at surfaces between adjacent regions, and overlapping perimeter areas at surfaces on the perimeter of adjacent regions, for connecting the upper and lower electrodes of adjacent regions.    ADVANTAGE -   Increased efficiency. (First major country equivalent to J62086876)
A vacuum pump continuously evacuates the air from a vacuum vessel while simultaneously pressurising an air pressure vessel. Liquid in one of two liquid accumulator tanks is displaced and forced out of the bottom by gravity and the compressed air from the air pressure tank. The liquid flows up a riser and falls into a penstock where it then falls freely into and through a turbine for generating power. The fallen liquid is displaced upwardly into the second liquid accumulator tank as a result of the reduced air pressure. When the second accumulator tank is full of liquid, valves reverse the flow of air and liquid between the two tanks and the operation continues.    An air compressor continuously supplies air from an air pressure vessel, thence through liquid level controls thus maintaining air pressures and liquid levels throughout the air trap power generator. The turbine may be used to directly power machinery or to produce electricity.    ADVANTAGE -   Does not require direct lifting of water.
Thermoelectric generator comprises two legs of dissimilar thermoelements (10,11) connected to a load and each supported on a support pedestal (12,13). Each pedestal extends beyond the other end of each leg and the height of the pedestals is selected by optimising the figure of merit of the generator given by the expression (antap)/RK where an and ap are the Seebeck coeffts. of each leg, R is the internal resistance of the sytem and K is the thermal conductance of the generator.    ADVANTAGE -   Power output and efficiency of the generator is maximised.
The solar generator has a number of solar cells (6) which are curved in at least one direction. The cells are embedded in a resilient adhesive foil sandwiched between a carrier (7) and a glass plate (4), which each have a similar curvature.    The carrier (7) may be made of glass or sheet material to allow it to be used as part of an automobile windscreen, spoiler or roof etc. The glass plate (4) is pref. chemically or thermally hardened.    USE -   For vehicle battery recharging system.
Electric heating coils (26,28) are placed in respective hermetically sealed tubes along with fluid conduits (30,32). The conduits from the tubes connect one or the other fluid chambers of a hydraulic motor (38) having a central piston (40) connected to a piston rod (42) extending from one end of the motor.    When one of the photoelectric devices on a platform (16) receives more radiation than the other, a signal conditioner (20) detects a greater signal from one of the devices. The signal is amplified to the exclusion of the other and the corresponding evaporator/ condenser is subjected to heat pressure on the corresponding side of the motor. A command Station (44) is connected to the signal conditioner and may be set to modify the action of a utilisation device.    ADVANTAGE -   Partic. in sun tracking system to continuously aim solar device directly toward sun.
The power plant consists of a de-gasser, evaporator and steam turbine, linked in series with a generator. The plant is equipped with a slurry separator (3), located in front of the evaporator (4), while the de-gasser is in two stages (1,2), with combustible gases removed in the first stage and non-combustible gases removed in the second stage.    The pressure in the de-gasser second stage is kept above the saturation level for the water temp., but sufficient for the removal of non-combustible gases without the water evaporating. The water, cleaned of the gases, then goes to the slurry separator (3) for the removal of salts, before passing to the evaporator to be converted to steam.    ADVANTAGE -   Allows water with high mineral content to be used. Bul.33/7.9.86.
The engine comprises a device for emitting thermal energy. The emitter has a temperature no greater than 3500 degrees centigrade and no less than 100 degrees C. At least one dipole antenna is provided having a length no greater than right microns and no less than one micron. The antenna is located to receive energy from the emitter. The antenna is turned to the emitter by having a length of L=B/2T, where L=length, B=2.898x10 power (-3) meters degrees Kelvin, and T-temperature of the emitter in degrees Kelvin.    An AC/DC rectifier is connected to the antenna. The rectifier has a pair of output terminals for connecting to a load and providing full wave rectification.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For operation at earth location. Antennae may be positioned near heat source without overheating.
Mechanically stacked package for two solar cells includes top and bottom heat spreaders, insulators to separate the two photovoltaic cells and means for forming electrical contacts to the exposed surfaces of each cell.    Contacts for the cells and the bottom heat spreader pref. comprise metallisations on a base member and the upper insulating layer; and contacts for the incident surface of the lower cell and the non-incident surface of the upper cell are pref. two metal tabs in contact with each other and respectively with the base and upper insulating layer metallisations.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Package is used esp. with concentrator solar cell configurations where heat removal is desired to avoid degradation. Package dissipates heat and permits the easy wiring of the cells in a voltage matching scheme rather than current matching.
The plant comprises a support carrying a horizontal pipeline containing a hydraulic turbine connected to an electricity generator, and a row of vertical tubes immersed below water level and connected to the pipeline. Each vertical tube is connected to the pipeline on both sides of the hydraulic turbine, by a direct valve and a nonreturn valve respectively. The difference in hydrostatic pressure causes the water to flow through the direct valve along the pipeline and through the turbine, rotating the generator. The water goes out via the nonreturn valve and the tube.    ADVANTAGE -   Higher efficiency. Bul. 32/30.8.86
The stowable, deployable large area solar module (30) comprises a number of flexible large area solar photovoltaic panels (32,34,36,38). A device (42) hingedly interconnects the panels and is adapted to provide for the panels to be folded in overlying sandwiched relationship while also providing for the sandwiched panels to be helically wound into a stowable cylindrical configuration.    The device for interconnecting the panels comprises a number of hinge knuckles (54,56) associated with at least one edge of each large area panel. Each of the knuckles includes a passage through it adapted to receive a pintle. The knuckles of adjacent panels are disposed in a spaced apart, generally coplanar, interdigitating relationship.
The solar panel with multiple strip shaped mirror sections each with a solar cell on its non reflecting surface, uses four parallel cables passing through clearance holes to support the mirrors between two cross supports. Extra control cables parallel to the supporting cables are used to retract the mirrors into a small space for transport. The mirrors are also supported by the telescopic mast.    The cross members carry rollers for the cords, and also positioning arms for tilting the mirrors to a required angle. The cross members and mast are made of fibre reinforced material and the mirrors are made of aluminium strip between 0.1 and 0.2 mm thick, one side being anodised and the other being silver coated with a protective coating added.    ADVANTAGE -   Mirrors are adjustable independently of position of panel.
The structure comprises a block (10) with the top and bottom face (12) provided by an identical regular polygon (11,14-21,24). Respective fold lines extend diagonally across each side face (1) and along each side edge of the top and bottom faces (1,2) fo the block (10). The fold lines are for deployment from a folded condition to an extended position by elastic deformation of the diagonals and/or the triangular surfaces on each side of each diagonal.    Each side of the block (10) is pref. square with the top (1) overlying the bottom (2) at an angle when in the folded condition.    ADVANTAGE -   Compactness during transport. c/7
The photovoltaic panel comprises photovoltaic strips, each strip having a flexible conducting substrate, an amorphous semiconductor body deposited on the substrate, a transparent conductive coating deposited on the semiconductor body, and a current collection grid on the coating. Strips are joined along overlapping lengthwise margins with a flexible tape of plastics material.    The tape may contain one or more conducting paths contacting the current collecting grid on an overlapped strip and the substrate of an overlapping strip to interconnect the strips in series. Photovoltaic cells in each strip are electrically connected in parallel, so that interconnected panels may be designed with a wide range of voltage and current outputs.
The process comprises measuring the parameters of the waves and the output parameters of the plant, comparing the latter with the max. possible for the corresponding wave parameters and if the difference between the max. possible parameters and output parameters is not equal to zero, altering the regime of operation of the plant. The plant output parameter used is power.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For regulating wave-type power plants. This makes it possible to provide more accurate regulation of the power plant and thus raise efficiency over a wide range of operating regimes. Bul.31/23.8.86.
In the solar energy concentrator each pair of trusses (1,2) slanting towards each other is displaced from the adjacent trusses so the corresponding support elements of the trusses (1,2) are positioned along parallel parabolas, and the outer chords of the slanting trusses (1,2) are described in parabolo-cylinders of different slant. The chords of the horizontal link trusses (3) are broken in the plan and described into the surface of parabolo-cylinders. The cantilever platforms are of different length and their free ends in the zone of support of the adjustment elements of the framework of the mirror form the surface of a rotation paraboloid, the optic axis and main optic plane of wich coincide with the plane of symmetry of the whole structure.    ADVANTAGE -   This construction of the solar energy concentrator raises the degree of concentration of solar rays while raising the stability of the structure. Bul.33/7.9.86
The unit has optically coaxial laser (1), a modulator (2) and telescopic system (3), a control block (5) which can displace on guides (4), and a drive (6) an analyser (7), and a transforming block (8) electrically connected to the analyser inlet and drive outlet. The adjustment accuracy is increased with simultaneous construction simplification since the unit is provided with a cylindrical lense (9) optically connected to the telescopic system for formation of laser plane and replaceable adjustment block (10) with elastic rotating outlet shafts (11) electrically connected to transferring block outlet. The control block is made as photoelectric centralising detectors (12) placed together with analyser on guides by means of double coordinate suspension (13). The photoelectric detectors are electrically connected to transforming block inlet. The transforming block has five similar electric lines (15) connected to each other by a common feeding block (16). Each line has preamplifier (17) whose outlet is connected to synchronised detector (18), whose outlet is connected to power amplifier (19). Adjustment block (10) has electromechanical drives (20). An elastic shaft with spanner (21) is connected to each drive connection drive (10) to heliostat (24) faces (23) adjustment screws (22).    USE -   For composite flat mirror adjustment. Bul.33/7.9.86
The solar concentrator comprises a number of segmented, flat mirror reflectors at ground-level (or low-level) arranged in a generally circular area. One or more erected tower structures are generally located within the area of mirror reflectors, at the top of which is installed a finite-width, approximately linear and horizontal absorber structure, which is built geometrically along the high-level East-West locus of the mirror reflectors beneath, and which is typically extending above the diameter or the area of mirror reflectors. Several tanks and turbine(s) are provided for thermal storage and electricity generation, and for supply of various grades of air, and water (or suitable working fluid) in liquid or vapour forms to the users. Low-grade and high-grade heat from the sun is collected typically by the upper and lower surfaces of the absorber, respectively.
A wheel turns about a horizontal axle and has a set of eight cones of aluminium around its periphery, all oriented in the same direction of rotation. Each cone has a capacity of around 1 litre. The lower part of the wheel is plunged into a bowl of highly dense liquid e.g. mercury in a set orientation, e.g. with the liquid level between cones 3 and 4 and cones 6 and 7.    USE -   Device is said to rotate perpetually and provide energy source suitable for generating electricity.
A vehicle or stationary machine which has to be slowed down has a braking system (LS) which converts the potential energy of a moving body into kinetic energy. The kinetic energy is transmitted (Ov) via a coupling (K) to a dynamo (D). The dynamo output is connected via cables (Ev) to electrodes in a water reservoir (W). In the reservoir, electrolysis breaks the water into hydrogen and oxygen.    The gases are channelled (Hb and Ob) to reservoirs (H and O). The gases are then fed to a motor (M) where the recombination chemical energy is converted to useful mechanical energy. The water vapour is condensed (C) and returned to the electrolysis reservoir.    ADVANTAGE -   Reduction of fuel consumption or limitation of braking losses.
The photovoltaic module comprises a number of individual photovoltaic cell strips, each cell strip having an electrically conductive substrate, a semiconductor body deposited on the substrate, and a transparent electrically conductive layer deposited on the semiconductor body. A unitary grid and interconnector collects current from a strip and interconnecting adjacent ones of the strip. A current collecting grid section and an interconnector include a current collecting bus. The grid section comprises a number of fingers extending from the bus. The interconnector extends from the current collecting bus.    An electrically conductive adhesive is disposed between and electrically connects the grid to the transparent electrically conductive layer. A device electrically connects the interconnector of one of the cell strips to the electrically conductive substrate of an adjacent one of the cell strips. The grid and interconnector is a conductive metal foil.    ADVANTAGE -   Avoids optical obscuration losses.
A support (12) has a flat or curved surface to which a reflective film (14) is maintained in contact by a vacuum so as to conform to the surface. The film may be secured to the support about its peripheral region by a mechanical securing mechanism, an adhesive substance etc. The support may have an arrangement to vent fluid from a space between the film and support surface. This arrangement pref. includes a number of openings in the surface in communication with a conduit and a valve.    The reflector is manufactured by placing the film on the surface, securing the film to the support about its peripheral part and venting fluid from plenum refined between the film and surface.    ADVANTAGE -   Is easy to manufacture and lightweight. (Provisional basic advised week 87/08)
Several solar cells generate an electrical signal when exposed to solar radiation. The cells are mounted inside a number of trough-like shadow boxes which permit exposure of the cells to solar radiation only at predetermined angles.    The boxes are mounted for concomitant rotation about a vertical and a horizontal axis and are driven by a pair of reversible motors. The motors are controlled by the output of the cells and reposition the boxes to shade the cells responsive to the apparent motion of the sun.    ADVANTAGE -   Aligns itself with sun at any time regardless of sun's azimuth and elevation.
A solar energy concentrator includes a thin flexible fresnel lens for focussing incident solar radiation not normal to the lens onto a target area by refraction. The fresnel lens is supported or suspended above the target area by a frame and folded along one line or region parallel to the refractive prisms of the lens which are parallel to the axis of the target area whereby the fresnel lens opens towards the target area.    Thus the fresnel lens is so positioned to allow it to bow and flex under the wind loads, gravity and other environmental factors without causing significant deterioration in the efficiency of the system.
The plant consists of a fixed support (1) and a moving platform (2), and vaned wheels (3) with wave deflectors (4), mounted on horizontal shafts (5) connected to the platform. The fixed support also carries a generator (6) which is linked to the shafts by a toothed converter mechanism (7).    The platform is able to rotate in the horizontal plane, and the wheel shafts (5) are joined together, mounted on the platform by bearings (8) and are connected to the toothed converter mechanism, while the wheel vanes are positioned immediately adjacent to the water surface. The wave deflector on each of the wheels is equipped with a curved guide with its concave side facing towards the water surface.    The vaned wheels are rotated by the waves beneath them, transmitting a rotation through their shafts and the converter mechanism to the generator (6).    ADVANTAGE -   Higher efficiency. Bul. 29/7.8.86
The motor, e.g. for power generation, consists of two vertical supports (1) carrying a rotor (2) in the form of an horizontal shaft (3) and radial vanes (4) comprising a honeycomb system with rotary shutters (5).    The shaft and vane frames are made from an elastic material under initial tension axially, while the vanes are set along the shaft in a spiral line. In addition, the rotor can be moved vertically relative to the supports (1) to prevent overloads. The shutters are set so that they are closed on the side facing into the water flow and open on the opposite side, ensuring a continuous one-way rotation of the rotor and shaft.    ADVANTAGE -   Increased reliability and higher efficiency. Bul.28/30.7.86.
In the storage of electrical energy by decomposing a metal halide (I) by supplying energy (charge) and recombing the decomposition prods. with generation of electrical energy (discharge), the novelty is that charging is carried out by exposing (I) in an aq. concn. mineral acid (II) soln. to sunlight or nuclear radiation in the presence of a catalyst (III).    (I) is a Pb or Ag chloride, bromide or iodide; (II) is conc. HCl; and (III) is Hg or an amalgam of Hg with Ag, Bi, Cd, Cu, Sn, Ga, In, Pb, Tl or a noble metal. The photochemical cell has a cathode (pref. of graphite or carbon); (II) as electrolyte; (I) in contact with a metal, esp. Hg or its solid or liquid amalgam; and an anode.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Photochemical cells operating by this technique are also claimed. The process is simple and effective and allows electrical energy to be stored in cells of this type for longer than usual, with min. loss. (First major country equivalent to LU--86208-A)
(JP92055352-B)      Producing photoelectromotive device comprises irradiating an energy beam on a 2nd electrode film formed on a semiconductor photoactive layer formed on an insulative wafer, whereby sepg. grooves are formed to electrically separate the 2nd electrode film.    USE -   For solar cells. (J62033477-A)
A solar battery has a number of photoelectric conversion elements, each comprising a transparent electrode layer, a non-crystalline semiconductor layer and a metal electrode (in that order). In the semiconductor layer is a site for a polycrystalline region and beneath this site lies a conductive element positioned to sandwich the transparent electrode between it and the non-crystalline semiconductor layer. A method of forming the battery is also claimed in which the polycrystalline region is formed by exposing the non-crystalline material to light, esp. from a laser.    ADVANTAGE -   The battery can be mass-produced using a laser to form the polycrystalline region. The construction is such that over- or under-absorption of the laser light does not cause problems such as loss of electrical connection. Thus the laser beam does not require constant adjustment.
The solar cell comprises a single crystal layer (30) of p+ gallium-aluminium-arsenide deposited epitaxially over a gallium arsenide single crystal substrate (28). The single crystal layer is effective for inhibiting surface charge recombination. A single crystal layer (32) of p-type gallium arsenide is then deposited epitaxially to lie over the gallium-alumnium-arsenide layer.    Subsequently the single crystal layer of n-type gallium arsenide (34) is deposited over the layers of p-type gallium arsenide. On the upper surface (38) of the n-type gallium-arsenide layer, a connector grid (36) is deposited, followed by a transparent cover (40).    ADVANTAGE -   Laterally connected N-on-P and P-on-N solar cells eliminate need to provide top-to-bottom electrical connections between adjacent cells of array. Overall increase of ten percent efficiency is achieved.
The solar cell array includes an analyser prism which splits the incident light into three components of different wavelengths which components are incident each on a respective cell of the approp. wavelength for optimum conversion efficiency. In an alternative arrangement, four solar cells (68,72,78,84) are disposed in a triangular configuration. The incident light (70) impinges on the first cell (68) and that part of the light which passes through it reaches the second cell (72) which is disposed inclined at about forty five degrees of arc to the first.    A silvered rear surface (74) of the second cell reflects light to form a reflected beam (76) which is incident on the third cell (78). This has a reflective rear surface, forming a second reflected beam (82) which passes through the fourth cell (84). A parallelogram support for four cells is also described.    ADVANTAGE -   Conversion efficiency of up to fifty percent is achieved.
The plant consists of a floating flexible pipe (1), connected at its outlet end to the input of a converter and a series of non-return valves (5) which are spaced evenly inside the pipe.    The flexible pipe is filled with portions of a liquid with a density greater than 1, with air spaces formed in between the portions of the liquid, and the inlet end of the pipe is connected to the output side of the converter.    The flexible pipe floats in the water, assuming the shape of the waves, and as it does so, the portions of the liquid move from the wave crests to their troughs at the speed of the waves' motion, and each portion of the liquid creates a pressure producing a combined pressure at the outlet end of the pipe to drive the converter.    ADVANTAGE -   Increased specific power generated and greater reliability. Bul.27/23.7.86.
The plant consists of a float connected via a two-arm lever and pivot to a support and a pump mounted on the sea shore. The pump is reciprocated by the float moving on the waves and is equipped with suction and pressure pipes.    The plant is equipped with an additional pump and lever, and the float is made barrel-shaped with an horizontal axis of symmetry. The second lever, linking the float to the second pump, has its shorter arm (9) made double the length of the shorter arm of the first lever.    When the waves are small the pump driven by the shorter lever is operated while the other is virtually still, whereas when the waves are large both pumps are operated.    ADVANTAGE -   Increased efficiency over wide range of wave heights. Bul.27/23.7.86.
Two 22 metre high towers in their upper planes support individual weights which are automatically and alternately raised and lowered by shaft mechanisms. The mechanisms are provided with line wheel arrangements (8) which by a hydraulic-electric line capstan automatically and at regulated speed raise and lower the weights, which may amount to 50 tonnes or more.    The capstan incorporates a large electric motor of between 250 and 300 kW to drive a hydraulic unit feeding a hydraulic motor to alternately drive and brake the line drum, having at the moment of braking an adjustment so that shafts rotate at a speed of 12.5 rev/min.    Chain wheel gears with roll chain transmission contribute to the raising and lowering of the weights and set the shafts alternately in working rotation. (Provisional basic advised week 8705)
Semiconductor device comprises: a semiconductor layer; an electrode; and an insulator filling gaps in the semiconductor layer. The gaps are esp. pinholes and the insulator is pref. Specifically the gaps are filled with insulator before the electrode layer is deposited. The insulator is formed by reaction between the semiconductor material and a material filling the gaps, pref.by heating; or the insulator may be a photocurable resin.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Device is photovoltaic or light emitting device. (claimed) Current leakage due to pinholes or other gaps is eliminated.
A system has a photovoltaic array mounted on a stretched membrane held by a frame moved by a tracking mechanism for optimal exposure to solar radiation. The system is located inside a protective shield of radiation transmitting material, pref. a dome of flexible inflatable material with a low air pressure. The membrane is e.g. a polymeric film 0.005-0.006 inch thick or is of steel or aluminium, and carries photovoltaic cells shaped as wafers or small discs trimmed to rectangular shape, or formed as amorphous silicon sheets.    The mechanism pref. includes a two-axis drive under control of a microcomputer storing a tracking programme. The shield is pref. a polymeric dome 0.002-0.006 inch thick and transparent to solar radiation, and a pressure of 0.02-0.1 lb/in2 is maintained within the dome.    ADVANTAGE -   Lightweight, low-cost, and streamlined to minimise wind resistance while providing protection against the weather.
Device for converting laser energy into heat comprises: an open tube contg. a coaxial conical collector; a fluid circulating coaxially around the tube housing; and a source of high intensity parallel laser beams directed into the tube to impinge against the conical collector wall.    ADVANTAGE -   Device is small and low cost and provides a heated fluid which can then be used in a wide range of ways.
The plant comprises a floating support, power take-off shaft and mechanism to convert the reciprocal-translational motion of the support into rotation of the power take-off shaft, connected by a cable to a weight on the bed. The conversion mechanism is in the form of a ratchet wheel fixed on the shaft and a sprung vertical rod (6), the lower end of which is connected to the cable and the upper has a lever with pawls round part of the ratchet wheel.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Is used on wave power stations and has high efficiency and reliability. Bul.24/30.6.86.
The main frame of the generator is a polyhedron with sloping sides and a flat top. Each side, and the top, carries an assembly of photovoltaic cells (3) connected to generate the desired working voltage when irradiated by the sun. Within the frame, a charging control unit (6) regulates the supply of current from the photovoltaic cells to an internal battery ((4).    A warning system gives indication of impending battery discharge or of overload, and conductors (7) convey power to the external load. In service, re-orientation of the frame is unnecessary as the sun moves, since all surfaces share its illumination. In cloud, or at night, supply is sustained by the internal battery (4).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Provides inconspicuous source of power for street signs and signals. Unaffected by movement of sun or darkness.
A liq. (9) e.g. brine with a density of 1200 kg/cu.m, is pumped from the bed of a lower cavern (4) to the bed of an upper cavern (1) filled with a second liq. of lower density. The pump/turbine (6) drives the liq. out of the upper cavern (1) and through an above-ground connecting line (12) into the lower cavern (4). The connecting line (12) is filled with the less dense liq., and energy is recovered when this liq. returns to the upper cavern (1) and displaces the denser liq. (9) into the lower cavern (4), driving the pump/turbine (6).    ADVANTAGE -   Eliminates need for a separate space for the pump/turbine unit.,or separate shaft for power line to motor and from generator.
A foldable solar generator has each assembly contg. e.g. four folding surfaces with solar cells. On the horizontal integration table with a rectangular, removable pressure plate (8) is deposited the first solar panel assembly (9) such that two folding surfaces are secured to the pressure plate in the folded state. The third and further folding surfaces lie on the table (7) with the solar cells pointing downwards.    Four folding surfaces of the second solar panel surfaces (10) are deposited on the table with their solar cells pointing towards the table. The mechanical and electric couplings between the last surface of the first assembly and the first surface of the second assembly are then formed. The entire system is then suspended from a guiding traverse (5) of a hoist for vertical lifting. The process steps can be repeated for other panels.
The interconnected cells are arranged on a support body (1). The latter has separated slots (3) between the individual cells (2) and has the same surface as the cells. The cells are pref. arranged in a linear row. Alternatively they may be grouped about a centre, covering a circular or rectangular surface. The support body has on its rear separate connecting contact surfaces (4), coupled through apertures (5) in the support body with associated contact surfaces (6) of the rear side of the cells.    The front lateral contacts (7) of the cells are conductively coupled over the side edge of the module to the contact surfaces at the rear side of the support body. The rear contact surfaces of the support body are coupled to the cell rear contact surfaces by rivets or bolts.    ADVANTAGE -   Low-cost mfr., without danger of connecting lines damage in compact construction.
Float has an horizontal cylinder with zero buoyancy mounted with freedom to rotate about its own axis and having an hydraulic motor drive. The float is positively rotated by hydraulic motor (7) of zero buoyancy horizontal cylinder (6) and is positioned in the zone of action of wave movement. Due to the forces acting in accordance with Magnus' effect cylinder (6) rises and falls, and moves backwards and forwards, acting on rods (4,5) of hydraulic pumps (2,3) to convert wave energy into another convenient form of energy.    ADVANTAGE -   Improved efficiency. Bul.22/15.6.86.
The solar cells are pyramidal with different bases, e.g. triangular, rectangular, polygonal, circular, etc. The include semiconductors, silicon, amorphous silicon systems, and magnetic minerals for solar energy conversion into electric energy for small units in Wetl range, as well as for large units in kW and megawatt range.    Pref. different solar cell systems are combined on the surfaces of the pyramids. They provide simultaneous utilisation of direct solar radiation and diffused radiation, provided by suitable installation. Similar installation, may provide utilisation of primary and global radiation by communication effects of solar cell systems.    ADVANTAGE -   Compact design with identical features for small and large units, central cleaning and low-cost infrastructure.
The thermoelectric conversion system includes a burner assembly and a number of thermoelectric conversion modules for converting thermal energy resulting from the operation of the burner assembly into electrical energy. The burner assembly includes a central combustion chamber and a number of longitudinally extending heat pipes each having an evaporator section and a condenser section with the evaporator sections positioned at spaced locations around the combustion chamber.    The system also includes a flow device for causing the hot gases provided by the combustion chamber to flow past the evaporator sections. The heat pipes and the conversion modules correspond in number, with each of the modules connected in heat transfer relationship with a corresponding heat pipe condenser section.    ADVANTAGE -   High output.
The module of miniaturised photovoltaic cells is formed by using a laser beam to form the cell sites in situ. A laminated sheet is formed by a light-transmissive lens sheet having a matrix of lenses, and a substrate including a conductor layer formed onto the bottom side of the lens sheet. The laminated sheet is then irradiated using laser beams directed normal to and through each lens of the lens sheet, to perforate the substrate including the conductor layer forming cell sites. Cells can be formed in situ by applying an amorphous or multi-crystalline semiconductor material to the cell sites from the bottom of the laminated sheet.    The laminated sheet is then irradiated further with laser beams directed through each of the lenses, to thus convert the amorphous material to a properly doped and fully crystalline photovoltaic junction. The bottom of the laminated sheet is then coated with final lower conductive and sealing layers to protect the laminated sheet from environmental effects.    ADVANTAGE -   Eliminates shadow effect losses.
Crystalline spheres of material (I), esp. Si, are made by (i) forming a layer of paste of (I) on a substrate of m.pt. above the m.pt. of (I), (ii) patterning the layer, (iii) heating it beyond the m.pt. of (I) in an atmos. which can react with (I) to form a coating that does not wet the layer, thus causing (I) to bead as coated spheres at the surface of the patterned layer, (iv) cooling; and (v) recovering the crystalline spheres.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. in prodn. of Si photovoltaic arrays. Method is simpler and produces more uniform sized particles than prior art shotting method.
The power supply comprises a thin, flexible, lightweight, large area solar cell for converting incident light energy into electrical energy and a base member for storing the solar cell, the solar cell being rollably secured to the base member. A thin, rollable, elongated, tape-like, rigidifying spring strip affixed to the solar cell and oriented generally perpendicular to the base member has a curved cross-sectional shape taken in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction when the solar cell is deployed from the base member.    The spring strip is of a generally planar cross-section in the transverse direction when the solar cell is rollably secured, the strip operative to rigidify the deployed solar cell. A terminal is provided for withdrawing electrical energy from the power supply. The base member may be a hollow canister about which the solar cell may be retractably wound and from which the solar cell may be unfurled.    USE -   E.g. as combination retractable window shade and power supply.
A photocell assembly comprises a transparent light transmissive sheet spaced apart from a sheet (11), with the cavity between them contg. one or more photocells (12) encapsulated in a thermoplastic graft copolymer pottant (14). The graft copolymer comprises 50-90wt.% addition polymerisable backbone monomer (I) of Tg less than 0 deg.C, 0-10wt.% addition polymerisable backbone monomer (II) of Tg 50-150 deg.C and 10-50wt.% poly(vinyl aromatic) macromonomer of Mr 3000-50000; Tg at least 30 deg.C and having an addition polymerisable end gp.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The photocells are photoelectric transducer modules used in solar panels, watches and cameras. The graft copolymer is easily processable, give good protection to the photocell and retain optical clarity.
A photovoltaic panel is made by mounting a series of individual photocells between an opaque sheet (2) and a transparent or translucent sheet (1), enclosing their gap between the sheets with a compressible seal (5) and flooding the enclosed space with a prepolymerised resin (I), where both sheets and (I) are made from mutually compatible resins, pref. acrylic.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For mfr. of panels with a high resistance to warping or to cracking or delamination when machined or flexed, compared with panels incorporating dissimilar components, e.g. glass for the transparent sheet.
The solar generator consists of individual solar cells (1,2) with transparent surface contacts (11,21) and flexible connecting links (3) that connect upper and lower surface contacts (13,23) when the cells are connected in series. Upper surfaces are covered by protective glass covers (14,24).    The connecting link is covered by an extension piece (15a) that bridges the gap in which the connecting link is located. This provides protection against the damaging effect of atomic oxygen in high concentration. A silicon rubber is used as adhesive material (16) for the covers.    ADVANTAGE -   Extends the life of solar generator used for space travel and requires only materials that are already used for space craft.
The photovoltaic device has several photoelectric converting regions formed on an insulating surface of a light transmissive substrate. Each converting region has a transparent film electrode, an amorphous semiconductor portion having a PIN junciont parallel to the film surface and a back film electrode connected to the transparent film electrode of an adjacent region of the insulating surface. On a portion of the electrode, there is formed an insulting adiabatic layer.    The adiabatic layer is formed at a position where an energy beam is to be irradiated in the production process. When the energy beam is irradiated and the back electrode film is divided corresponding to each converting region, thermal damage to the electrode due to the energy beam is prevented by the insulating adiabatic layer.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Solar cell. Lower layer thermal damage avoided. (First major country equivalent to J61280679)
The sun tracking arrangement has a scaffold base, part of which is rotatable and bears a solar energy receiver. A power drive arrangement rotates the rotatable part relative to the non-rotatable part under the control of a sun-responsive sensor mounted on the rotatable part. The energy receiver element is pref. a photovoltaic array. The scaffold base may have a horizontal base member having a bottom bearing, a top bearing being disposed vertically above the bottom bearing, the bearings cooperating with a vertical mast to which the receiver element is attached.    The base member pref. comprises a regular polygon, pref. a triangle, having height-adjustable feet at each corner. The top bearing is supported by stays. The bottom bearing is pref. a thrust bearing, the top one being a roller bearing.
A solar heat collector consists of a transparent plastic hose of elliptical shape which is divided by a dark absorption strip in two channels, joined to each other at one end. The hose is made of flexible material which is stable in presence of UV-radiation and of a heat carrier medium (water or air).    ADVANTAGE -   This improves the heat conversion efficiency and the ratio of price to useful effect of solar heat collectors.
A photovolatic cell comprises a crystal substrate composed of material having a structure belonging to the cubic crystal system. The crystal substrate has an ordered number of convex shaped regions, on one surface and a component photovoltaic cell incorporating crystal material has a structure belonging to the cubic crystal system. The crystal material incorporates a lattice constant larger in magnitude that the lattice constant of the material of which the crystal substrate is composed. A layer of crystal material has a structure belonging to the cubic crystal system disposed between the crystal substrate surface and the component photovoltaic cell.    The crystal material has a lattice constant which is graded in magnitude from an initial compatible value on the side of the layer which is proximate to the crystal substrate surface to a final compatible value larger than the initial compatible value on the side of the layer which is proximate to the component photovoltaic cell.    ADVANTAGE -   Highly efficient with higher overall conversion of radiation to electricity.
The thermoelectric power generator utilises a hollow shell member with a cavity and a cartridge member disposed within the cavity, and having a combustion chamber. The cartridge member is mounted so that a space exists between the interior surface of the shell member and the exterior surface of the cartridge member. Thermoelectric elements are mounted to the exterior surface of the shell member such that no air spaces exist between.    A mixture of a combustible fuel and air is introduced into the chamber, the air/fuel ratio being less than the stoichiometric ratio for methane. Heat generated within the combustion chamber upon combustion of the fuel is transferred via the shell member to the thermoelectric elements which generate electrical energy in response.    ADVANTAGE -   No adjustments required when changing from one fuel to another fuel.
The solar energy collector uses a frame to position a conduit for carrying fluid to receive solar energy reflected from a reflector also supported by the frame, for rotatable movement around the conduit. A tracking apparatus is provided to rotate the reflector around the conduit from a protected position, with the reflector facing generally earthward and northward to follow the sun. Whenever clouds or sunset stop the sunshine, the tracking apparatus will rotate the reflector to the protected position.    Rotation of the reflector is controlled by use of a commutative switch directing power according to the position of the reflector, first to a holding circuit adapted to rotate the reflector from the protected position when there is adequate sunlight, and second to a tracking circuit adjusted to rotate the reflector when there is inadequate sunlight.    ADVANTAGE -   Has light glazing with more solar energy making it through to conduit.
The float comprises a buoyant conical member capable of floating on the body of water with its base above the surface of the body of water with its base above the surface of the body of water and its apex submerged in the body of water. A cap is located on the base of the conical member, the cap for essentially sealing the interior of the conical member to ingress of water into the interior of the member.    A connector is located on the conical member, for connecting the device to the conical member. The connector is located on the conical member where the device submerged in the body of water extends from the apex of the conical member.    ADVANTAGE -   Stable, strong, light and responsive to variety of wave conditions.
Photovoltaic device comprises a series of power generating regions each comprising a lower electrode, amorphous semiconductor and upper electrode, the upper electrode being connected to the lower electrode of an adjacent region. An isolation wall defined by a vertical slot is provided at the end of the connection side of the region and extended to the surface of the lower electrode.    A conductive connection section is formed by filling and firing conductive material into a vertical gap between the isolation wall and upper electrode of one region, and lower electrode of an adjacent region.    ADVANTAGE -   The series connection has very low resistance and direct electrode-electrode contact is avoided. The structure is easy to form, with no hose alignment steps. (First major country equivalent to J61278170-A)
The appts. comprises a housing adapted for submersion at a selected depth beneath the ocean waves and includes at least one opening through it. A flexible bladder is disposed within the housing. An electrical generator is associated with the housing opening. Ocean water flowing through the opening actuates the electrical generator.    A constant pressure reservoir is adapted for positioning above the ocean waves and a conduit communicates between the flexible bladder and the constant pressure reservoir. A fixed quantity of fluid is disposed within the bladder the constant pressure reservoir and the conduit.
The collector has spherical mirror (1) whose end (2) is directed to the east and slopes towards the horizontal plane at an angle equal to the latitude, a curved reflector (3) with central opening (4) and curved outer mirror surface (5) whose focus coincides with the spherical mirror curve centre, and a stationary radiation receiver (8) placed in the conical reflector focus. The efficiency is increased since the collector is provided with reflection and refraction concentrators (9,10) cofocal with conical reflector, and an annular convex spherical reflector (11) with optically connected mirror cone (12). The refraction concentrator is made as optically connected mirror cone (12). The refraction concentrator is made as optically coaxial flat convex and flat concave lenses. The reflection concentrator has central opening which contains the flat concave lense. The patent also gives the equations for concentrators and reflectors generating surfaces. The spherical mirror is made as semi-sphere of two parts connected along horizontal plane by means of a rim and the lower part is attached on the base and the upper can turn w.r.t. vertical axis which passes through spherical mirror curvature centre.    USE -   The solar power focusing collector can be used in solar power engineering. Bul.18/15.5.86
The collector has tubular absorber placed in the concentrator (1) focal zone and provided with longitudinal rib (2) and made as main heat pipe (4) evaporation part (3), whose condensation part (5) is situated outside the concentrator. The reliability is increased and operation regulation is ensured since the main heat pipe is placed perpendicular to the focal axis. Each rib has an additional heat pipe (6) whose evaporation part (7) is placed along the rib (2) edge (8) parallel focal axis with thermal contact between them.    The additional heat pipe condensation (9) has thermal contact with the main heat pipe which can turn about its axis. The main heat pipe evaporation part has a baked capillary structure. The additional heat pipe evaporation part has grooved capillary structure. Concentrator (1) is provided with transparent covering (13).    USE -   The solar power collector with absorber made as heat pipe is used in power engineering. Bul.18/15.5.86
A control pin extends from an outer surface of the spherical member. A first semi-circular yoke is pivotally mounted to the ring shaped housing and carries a first track. A second yoke is provided in a position radially inwardly of the first yoke. The second yoke is also semi-circular and is mounted for rotation on the housing about an axis perpendicular to the rotational axis of the first yoke. The second yoke carries a second track.    The control pin extends into both the first and the second track so that the spherical member can be brought into any desired location by selectively pivoting the yokes.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Solar collectors, scanning antennas and search lights. Spherical member can be positioned at any orientation within its work space without encountering a singularity point.
The tube comprises a power separation chamber (1) which has a multilaminar wall (2) with nozzle input (3) for compressed gas, diaphragm (4) to take out the cold flow, and a throttle (5) for taking out the hot flow, and a thermoelectric battery with hot and cold thermocouples to generate electricity.    The hot couple is in the form of a porous ring (6) round the throttle at the end of the chamber. The diaphragm has porous structure and serves as the cold couple. The internal layer of the chamber wall is in the form of semiconductors (7) alternating along its length, of the positive and negative types, divided by electrical insulation linings. Bul.18/15.5.86
Generator comprises a vertical neck (1) projecting above the water level, with two vertical racks and two horizontal turning shafts with pinions engaged with the racks; vertical tube below water level with turbine connected to a generator, two floats and a curved flexible pipeline connected to the neck and tube. It has a second neck (2) like the first, fitted on the tube. One shaft of the second neck is connected to that of the first neck on the tube side and the other to the second float. All the shafts are buoyant.    ADVANTAGE -   Increased specific power, more easily transported, less harmful to the environment. Bul.17/ 7.5.86.
Thin film solar battery is formed by successively depositing layers of a transparent conductive film, semiconductor film and metal film on a transparent dielectric substrate; and successively laser scribing the films to form separate related layers which in turn form unit cells. An opaque layer is formed on a portion of the substrate remote from the cells and is scribed by a laser to serve as a marker so that the substrate can be properly aligned during the scribing steps.    ADVANTAGE -   The marker facilitates good pattern alignment and the occurrence shorts between misaligned electrodes. (First major country equivalent to J61263172-A)
The hinge has concentric inner and outer tubes (12,14) with projecting members (8a,8b,10) for attachment to solar panels. Opposed pairs of contra-rotational cam slots (20,32) in the tubes are engaged by roller bearings (35,37,39) at each end of a cross-shaft (16) through a cylindrical cross-roller bearing block (18) axially movable within the tubes.    The cam slots have a profile with straight ends and an oblique central section which controls hinge acceleration, deceleration and velocity. Hinge energy can be absorbed by crushable honeycomb (70). A spring (21) biases the block (18) towards one end of the inner tube (12), and thus the hinge toward the open or closed position.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   E.g. Spacecraft solar panels. Controlled acceleration, deceleration and positive locking.
Laminated fuel cell consists of a stack of cell elements each comprising a rectangular electrolyte plate (1) sandwiched between an O2 electrode (2) and a fuel electrode (3) with a separate plate (4) separating adjacent elements. The plates and electrodes form identical reactangles with the long side at least twice the short side.    An oxidised gas and a fuel gas are supplied the passages (6,7) along one side of their respective electrodes, the passages extending in a direction parallel to the shorter side. Gas supply and discharge manifolds are provided.    ADVANTAGE -   High power output cell provided which can be easily assembled and transported with efficient use of available space. (First major country equivalent to J62264564-A).
A moulding (1) of carbon consisting of 10-30 wt.% of thermosetting resin as binder and aggregate of carbonised methocarbon having a particle dia. smaller than 50 micron is new.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   (1) is used as a separator in a phosphoric acid battery. Since (1) consists of spheric methocarbon, (1) has a high density and a high mechanical strength.
Molten carbonate fuel cell comprises: porous cathode and anode plates sepd. by a sintered porous ceramic plate having fine, continuous pores of dia. 0.05-10 micron with at least 60% having a dia. 0.05-0.5 micron and an average dia. of not more than 0.2 micron, providing a porosity of 50-70%; molten carbonate electrolyte filling the pores of the plate; and a continuous supply of fuel and oxidiser gases to the chambers formed on the other sides of the anode and cathode respectively.    The porous plate is pref. 0.5-3mm thick and made from gamma Li aluminate powder of particle size not above 1 micron.    Plate is made by: forming a water slurry contg. gamma-Li aluminate powder of particle size 1 micron max., and an organic textile material; adding a flocculating agent and forming a wet sheet using a paper-making technique; dehydrating the wet sheet to form a sheet contg. 3-15 wt.% organic textile material, pref. by pressing at 30-200 kg/sq cm. while raising the temp. from 60 to 150 deg. C; and burning at 1100-1300 deg. C, pref. at a heating rate of 100 deg. C per hr., in an oxidising atmos.    ADVANTAGE -   Electrolyte plate has a large area and high strength and is easy to mfr.
Power supply for rotating an aircraft propeller comprises an electric motor supplied with power from an Li/peroxide fuel cell using an aq. electrolyte. The electrolyte molarity is maintained by circulating it through a cooling system in which LiOH.H2O is pptd. and collected. Pref. the cooling system is a tube extending from the cell to a remote point on the aircraft and returning to a plenum where the ppte. is collected.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. with a helicopter. System is quieter, lighter and less polluting than a conventional i.c. engine power system.
Material comprises metal or alloy treated in high pressure and high temp. steam or water.    Pref. the steam temp. is 250-550 deg. C, the pressure is 0.5 - 110 atmos. and the water temp. is 100-360 deg. C is prefd.. The steam pref. contains Oz and Hz. The material is e.g., Fe-base, Zr and Zr-base Ni and Ni-base, Co and Co-base, Hf and Hf-base, etc..    USE -   The material is used for electrodes, perforated plates, corrugate plates, and separators of molten carbonate fuel cells.
Fuel cell is operated by adding CO2 to the fuel and/or O2 electrodes during cell operation. The amt. added is sufficient to maintain the concn. of free OH ions near the O2 electrode at most mildly alkaline, and the concn. of free H ions near the fuel electrode slightly alkaline or at most slightly acidic.    ADVANTAGE -   Cell activity is prolonged, corrosion and side reaction problems are minimised and cell can operate at lower or medium temps.
The electric storage battery output terminals in the form of posts and conforming with the e.g. European dimensional standard, the terminals being equipped with removable, electrically conductive, adaptor sleeves which, when in place on the terminal posts, define with the posts battery output terminals conforming to the e.g. Japanese dimensional standard. Each adaptor sleeve is formed with a longitudinally extending split to allow the sleeve to be expanded to facilitate removal of the sleeve from the respective terminal post.    For safety is it usual for the positive and negative terminal posts to be of different diameters so that the negative connector can not be engaged with the positive terminal post. Currently two basic standards exist, the "Japanese" standard and the "European" standard. The "European" standard uses terminal posts of larger diameter than the "Japanese" standard although their taper angles and overall length (from root to free end) are the same.    ADVANTAGE -   Uses removable adaptor to confirm to different standards.
The connector (11) is formed from a single piece of brass strip, bent over in the shape of a flat-bottomed (13) U and provided with a circular opening (21, 22) in each side which matches a standard vehicle battery terminal. A central slot (41) connects these openings with an outside edge, and flanges (52) are formed at the periphery of openings and slot.    A stirrup (25)fits over the open edges (14) of the unit and accommodates, in a central hole (23), a clamp bolt (3) which passes through a matching hole (24) in the opposing face of the connector and is secured by a nut (4). A tongue (16) in the U-section base receives a spade connection to the vehicle's electrical circuits.    ADVANTAGE -   One-piece sheet metal contruction saves material, is cheap to manufacture, and is more reliable than solid metal type.
A methanol/air fuel cell comprises (A) a cathode, (B) an anode and (C) an anion-exchange membrane permeable to CO2 as electrolyte.    Cathode (A) and/or anode (B) are porous gas diffusion electrodes, contg. the catalyst as a percolation network within the pores, and may contain a layer of an anion-exchange polymer. The catalyst is a cpd. of formula (I) or a polymer contg. these cpds. R1, R2, R3, R4 are H, CH3, OCH3, F or CF3 (pref. H); R5 is ethylene (pref.) or a divalent Ph gp. (C) The membrane consists of a base polymer with Tg above 80 deg.C with ionic gps. at a distance of at least 4C from the main chain.    ADVANTAGE -   The cell is simple and cheap and has long life.
A permanent magnet with an upper and a lower pole shoe leaves a gap through which water flows in a magnetic field at a high velocity. Any conductor moving in a magnetic field induces a current. In the case in hand, this current is used to decompose the water and to produce hydrogen at one electrode and oxygen at the other.    Opt., a low voltage can be applied to both electrodes to assist the electrolytic action.    ADVANTAGE -   This requires no external current supply for the electrolytic decomposition of water.
The diaphragm keeps gas sepd. without impeding ionic and-or liq. flow rates and comprises fabric contg. synthetic hydrophobic fibres, specifically polyphenylene sulphide or polyphenyletheretherketone. Fabric woven from warps and wefts is 0.005-0.15 in. thick and of density 0.1-3.0 lbs. per sq. yd., and provides cross cell voltage differential below 3.5 volts as the cell operates.    Nonwoven fabric of like qualities has density of 0.5-2.0 lbs. per sq. yd. The fibres are staple fibres of 1-7 denier.    USE -   High pressure cell for generating O2 in submarines, fuel cells.
Water cooling system for an electrochemical cell stack comprises: a cell stack (102) contg. interspersed cooling plates; a water coolant inlet manifold (104) on one side of the stack with snivvies (110) to each cooling plate; a water inlet (105) at the top of the manifold; a bleed snivvy (109) at the bottom of the manifold below the lowest of the feed snivvies (110) so that corrosion particles etc. will settle in it for removal; a bleed conduit leading from the bleed snivvy for removal of corrosion particles; and means for returing the cleansed bleed stream to the main cooling stream.    ADVANTAGE -   Constriction of the snivvies by Fe oxide and Cu corrosion prods. in more uniformly distributed on the inlet side so that service life between shutdowns for conduit cleaning is extended.
The processing method comprises the steps of making several holes in neighbouring two bipolar plates adjacent to the defective cell, the holes extending between the bipolar plates further their both ends to their centre area along the process gas channels of the bipolar plates. Corrosion-resisting conductive wire rods are press-fitted into the holes respectively to short circuit the neighbouring two bipolar plates.    The process gas channels of the two bipolar plates are closed with a heat-resisting sealing material at both ends of the process gas channels to stop the supply of the process gases to the defective fuel cell. The holes are made along inlet and/or outlet portions of the process gas channels at intervals of several process gas channels.    ADVANTAGE -   Can short circuit each defective cell without having influence on fuel cells adjacent to defective fuel cells. (First major country equivalent to J62246268)
Molten-electrolyte fuel cell comprises a unitary stack of cells and cell enclosures with the electrodes of each cell being iso-layed except for recess to isolated chambers providing a supply of fuel or oxidant gases on a cross flow pattern or a path for removal of waste gases also in a cross flow pattern.    An inner housing is provided around the collective cell enclosures with sealed boundaries between to form the above isolated chambers. An insulated outer housing has openings for gas inlets and outlets and for electrical connections.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Construction is simple and permits continued operation, even with mechanical creep, although the compressive force placed on the stack during operation is reduced, thus minimising mechanical creep.
Fuel cell including an electrolyte contains: a catalyst for reforming hydrocarbon or alcohol fuel gas into H2/CO fuel gas; and a material to remove electrolyte from the catalyst, pref. a porous material provided on the surface of the catalyst, more pref. a material which reacts with the electrolyte to remove it, esp. a cpd. contg. at least one of Si, Al and Cr.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. in a molten carbonate fuel cell for power generation. The electrolyte-removing material of the reforming catalyst removes electrolyte from the fuel gas so that the catalyst is supplied with clean gas and its life extended. (First major country equivalent to J62237677-A)
The power plant comprises a conpressor (30), a gas turbine combustor (32), the gas turbine (29) and the generator (33). The compressor (30), gas turbine (29) and the generator (33) are coaxially connected to one another. The fuel cell (13) is combined with a fuel gas reformer (12). A conduit supplies a fuel gas (2) to the anode (14) of the cell (13) and is connected to the anode through the fuel gas reformer (12).    A second conduit for leading an anode off-gas (3) to the gas turbine combustor (32) is provided between the anode (14) and combustor. A third conduit for discharging a cathode off-gas (9) to the outside of the plant is provided at the cathode (15) of the fuel cell (13).    ADVANTAGE -   Uses e.g. sodium or potassium carbonate as electrolyte. Existing gas turbine combined plant can be used by adding fuel cell power generation plant as auxiliary unit.
The cathode includes a skeletal structure of a first electronically conductive material slightly soluble in the electrolyte present in the molten carbonate fuel cell covered by fine particles of a second material of possibly lesser electronic conductivity insol. in the electrolyte present in the molten carbonate fuel cell.    The cathode has a porosity of 60% to about 70% at steady-state cell operating conditions consisting of both macro-pores and micro-pores.
Fuel cell power generator comprises: anode; cathode; electrolyte matrix contg. molten carbonate; and a creepage barrier for preventing electrolyte creepage at the anode. The barrier comprises a thin layer of material which is poorly wet by the electrolyte located intermediate an outermost anode end of the cell and the facing outermost end of the electrolyte matrix.    Material is pref. an Au or Au-Pd foil.    Appts. comprises a stack of cells in series configuration with an anode plate at the outermost anode end and ceramic blocks sandwiching the creepage barrier at the anode end. The foil forming the barrier pref. has larger dimensions than the ceramic blocks.    ADVANTAGE -   Preventing electrolyte loss maintains cell performance.
A gas manifold (108) for a fu el cell provided on the side of a fuel cell stack comprises: (1) a casing (110), (2) a common protection layer (112) provided on contact areas between the casing and side of the fuel cell stack and adjacent portions for protecting the casing from corrosion, (3) an insulating layer (111) composed of an inorganic insulating material having stability towards electrolytes and provided over the outer surface of the corrosion protection layer, (4) a thermal stress relief layer (113) between the insulating and corrosion protective layers for relieving thermal stress between arising between casing and insulating layer under high temp. conditions.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. a molten carbonate type of fuel cell. Stable operation over long periods of time resulting from maintenance of insulation properties between single fuel cells and between a single fuel cell and the gas manifold. (First major country equivalent to J62232868-A)
(JP2557626-B2)      Gas sepn. plate for fuel battery is claimed. The outlet side of an air supply slot is formed in a carbon gas sepn. plate. The end of the carbon sepn. plate is by the side of the air pole to the fuel gas seal surface in the carbon gas sepn. plate by the side of a fuel pole.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used esp. in a phosphoric acid fuel battery. Corrosion is reduced.
Carbon material consisting of vitreous carbon obtd. by the carbonisation of resin is dipped in hot phosphoric acid and heated in the air (at less than 400 deg.C.) while the phosphoric acid remains adhering still to the vitreous carbon material.    USE -   Deterioration due to heating of a carbon material used as a plate separator of a fuel cell, etc. is improved without requiring any partic. heating device at lower temp. (100-350 deg. C.) than conventional process (for example, 2000 deg.C. or higher).
Na.Bi.Ti.W oxide with cubic non-stoichiometric pyrochlorite structure is represented by general formula    Na2xBi2yTizWu Ox+3y+2z+3u    (where x=0.037-0.047, y=0.247-0.260, z=0.632-0.653, u=0.055-0.070 and x+y+z+u=1). Na.Bi.Ti.W oxide with cubic non-stoichiometric pyrochlorite structure is prepd by mixing Na2CO3 or cpd decomposing to Na2O by heating, Bi2O3 or cpd decomposing to Bi2O3 by heating TiO2 or cpd decomposing to TiO2 and WO3 or cpd decomposing to WO3 in such amts that Na2CO3 is 3.7-4.7 mole %, Bi2O3 24.7-26.0 mole %, TiO2 63.2-65.3 and WO3 5.5-7.0 mole % and heating the mixt at 900 deg.C in air or by firing the mixt with Na2WO4 as flux. The mixt. is fired at 1300 deg.C with Na2WO4 and cooled at the rate of 2 deg.C/hour to obtain Na.Bi.Ti.W oxide.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The oxide obtd is new and can be used as ionic conductor of fuel cell. As components contained in the oxide are stable the oxide is easily produced in air.
The dual terminal electric storage battery has a container a cover a pair of element posts connected to electrochemical components and a pair of terminal bushings embedded in the cover. Each bushing is electrically connected to one of the element posts and has a main body and a side terminal whose end is mounted through an opening in an angled surface of the cover. The angled surface is at an angle acute to the plane generally contiguous to the top surface of the cover and a top terminal end is mounted through an opening in the top surface of the cover on or in the vicinity of its longitudinal centreline, an element post end, and a connecting arm extending sideways from the body to the side terminal end.    The top terminal end body portion, and element post end define a hole passing axially therethrough which receives one of the element posts. A pair of side terminals are electrically connected to the side terminal ends of the bushings, and a pair of top terminals are electrically connected to the top terminal ends of the bushings.    ADVANTAGE -   Bushing reduces electrolyte and gas leakage, is strong and durable.
The terminals are connected electrically to the positive and negative poles of a battery within the engine compartment of a vehicle. The terminals are located within a recessed chamber formed in the vehicle body with an insulated separator located between the terminals and supporting the terminals. To protect against tampering and environmental conditions a cover door with a locking latch encloses the recessed chamber.    The door chamber, terminals and electrical connections to the battery poles are of sufficient size to permit the use of heavy gauge jumper cables for quick charging of the battery and quick starting of the vehicle.    ADVANTAGE -   By locating terminals in chamber external to engine compartment or other battery compartment of vehicle likelihood of battery explosion caused by inadvertent spark in connecting or disconnecting jumper cables is greatly lessened, if not entirely eliminated.
Reformer comprises reaction tube and reforming catalyst supported along wall faces of reaction tube to reform reactive gas.    ADVANTAGE -   Since reforming catalyst is held by wall surface of reaction tube, heat transfer ability near wall of reaction tube is increased to speedly performing reforming reaction.
An electrolyte for a negative or positive electrode of a radox flow battery contains 1-4 normalities of hydrochlorine acid, at least 0.5 mole of an active material per litre of electrolyte. The active material is chromium chloride for the negative electrode electrolyte and iron chloride or iron sulphate for the positive electrode electrolyte, the electrolyte further comprising 0.1-4 normalities of an acid comprising an anion form one or more hydrohalogenic acids which does not inhibit electrode reactions, in addn. to the hydrochlorine acid.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Storage of surplus electric power generated by nuclear power and large-scale thermal power plants. Cell resistivity is reduced and stability fo an active material is improved resulting in a compact high performance radox flow battery. (First major country equivalent to J62216176-A)
A fuel cell assembly has one or more unit cells each comprising at least two planar electrodes which are ribbed on one side (to allow access of fuel and oxidizing agent) and have a catalyst layer on the other. In mfr. of the cell, the electrodes are arranged on each side of a matrix impregnated with an electrolyte, in contact with the catalyst. A potential from an external source is applied in order to polarize the potential of at least one electrode in one of the positive and negative directions. Pref. both electrodes are polarized; and the polarization potential is reversed at least once (more pref. at least twice).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Typically a number of cells is laminated together to procide an assembly with the required output. The effect of applying potential in the described manner is to adjust the wettability by the electrolyte of the strongly hydrophobic catalyst (employing the principles of electro-osmosis). The statistical scatter of the unit cell characteristics in an assembly of cells is thereby reduced leading to high output performance and long life. (First major country equivalent to J62216172-A)
In a CO-O2 fuel cell, a soln. contg. at least Cu(+) and a halide complexing agent for the Cu(+) is used as the anode electrolyte, CO being reacted in the soln. as Cu carbonyl complex. Pref. O2 is fed to the cathode gas electrode; or the cathode may be a soln. electrode, pref. contg. the same halide cpd. complexing agent as the anode electrolyte. Halide cpd. is pref. HBr and/or Br2.    Cell has a diaphragm separating the two electrodes. The anode electrolyte further includes a PT gp. metal (ion), esp. Pd, Rh or Ru.    ADVANTAGE -   Cell is able to use CO direct as its fuel without need for any shift converters. (First major country equivalent to J62213068-A)
A vertical battery or cell stack is fixed in a frame by means of a supporting plate. The plate can be fixed rotatably at 90 deg. C or over to the frame, and can also be fixed level with it.    USE -   The battery or cell stack is repaired without stopping the system.
In a fuel cell generator (10) comprising several fuel cells, (40), fuel feed conduits are arranged exterior to and between the fuel cells to distribute unreformed fuel feed to the exterior surface of the fuel cells where reforming of the fuel feed is effected.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The generator is a high temp. solid electrolyte fuel cell generator using externally reformed fuels. The endothermic reforming reaction is more uniformly distributed along the entire fuel cell length with minimal reforming temp. gradient along the fuel cell length and without loss of active fuel cell area.
Anti-acid or anti-corrosion composition includes a mixture of zinc carbonate and a suitable carrier such as petroleum jelly is proportions of about 20% and 80% respectively.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For treating battery or cable terminals to kept them clean and suitable for contact with other electrical conductors. The paste neutralises sulphuric acid whilst simultaneously covering the metal surface to seal off against further attack. The jelly is a good lubricant and becomes fluid under the effect of engine heat thereby continually bringing the zinc carbonate into contact with the metal. (Provisional basic previously advised in Week 8735)
The container or casing of storage battery has positive and negative terminals provided on both the top and on one of the side walls. The battery may be secured by a peripheral frame which engages the periphery of the top wall, a central bail which overlies the medial portion of the top wall, or lower opposed clips which engage and clamp onto ledges on opposed side walls or opposed end walls.    The top bottom walls are so constructed as to nest to the adjacent housing in a stack when stored or displayed, and a space between adjacent housings allows visual inspection of a colour coded handle.    A vent cover construction elevates the wells surrounding the vent openings.    ADVANTAGE -   Vent cover. Maximises vertical dimensions of plates beneath it. Compatible with various types of securing mechanisms.
Measuring device for recording the completed work path and/or speed along the completed work path of a machine comprises a digital device e.g. graphite tablet which has a distal board (22) with a probe arm (21) mobile over the board. The board is connected to a display unit (18) where the position coordinates are given in an x-y system and a calculator (17) determines the deviations from an optimal value and produces a signal which is transferred via (19,20) to the machine.    The data from the graphite tablet is delivered directly to the calculator for evaluation for control or monitoring purposes.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. automatic welding.
The assembly has a number of planar fuel cell elements stacked adjacent to the planar surfaces of one another to form an array. A pair of planar end plates are situated on each end of the array, the end plates being disposed to compress the array in a direction perpendicular to the planar surface of the elements. End plate engaging appts. is disposed to allow the end plate of one array to abut the end plate of an adjacent array while pressure is applied to each of the arrays. This is removable while the end plate of one array is disposed to abut the end plate of the adjacent array.    A fastening device passes outside the array and engages the end plate engaging appts. The fastening device, upon engaging the end plate engaging appts., is adjustable for applying a selected tension to the end plate engaging appts. to induce pressure to the array through the end plates.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides cell stack assembly which enables stacking, under fastening pressure of units which have been pre-tested under pressure.
Electricity is obtd. by: flowing H2 through a conversion cell comprising a pair of spaced solid, H2-permeable metal electrodes with an H ion-permeable electrolyte, such that current is induced through an external circuit connecting the electrodes. Pref. the electrolyte selectively passes H- and the H2 is reduced to H- at the first electrode and to H at the second electrode; the H2 flow is induced by a chemical potential gradient formed across the cell, pref. by the reaction of H2 with a metal.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In e.g. space flights. Cell has a simple design and provides high energy output which does not diminish over time.
Doped Y chromite compsn. has the formula    Y1-xCaxCr1-yCoyO3    where x = 0.005-0.5 and y = 0.005-0.5; or    YCr1-yCoyO3    where y = 0.005-0.5.    Pref. x = 0.05-0.2 and y = 0.05-0.3.    High temp., solid electrolyte cell includes a solid electrolyte deposited by hot CVD, and a solid interlayer between first electrode and electrolyte to protect the electrode from metal halide vapours during the CVD process. The interlayer is formed of a conductive, O2-permeable, protective material, pref. the doped Y chromite. The doped Y chromite is pref. deposited by e.g. slurry spraying, dipping etc. and then sintering, or plasma flame spraying, CVD etc.
The battery terminal comprises a blot including a noncircular head portion with a first diameter and a body portion having a diameter less than the first diameter, and having a foot portion and a longitudinal axis. The foot portion is threaded so as to engage the threaded terminal, and the body portion has a number of flanges. The flanges provide a recess and flange for engagement of the cable.    A handle is moulded onto the head portion and onto a part of the body portion so as to preclude movement of the handle along the longitudinal axis.    ADVANTAGE -   Battery terminal can be tightened by hand.
Uncharged all-V redox battering has anolyte and catholyte compartments sepd. by an ion-conductive separator, the analyte contg. V(4+) ions and the catholyte contg. a salt VO(x)g where y = 2 and X = F, Br or Cl, or y = 1 and X = SO4 or O, and the salt concn. is 0.25-5.0 M. A specific salt is VOSO4 at a concn. of 0.25-2.5M Pref. 0.5-2.25M esp. 1.0-2.0 M and more esp. 1.5-2.0 M.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   As a rechargeable redox battery for domestic or industrial use. Battery overcomes prior art redox battery system problems relating to diffusion, stability and solubility. (First major country equivalent to J62186473-A
The fuel cell stack assembly comprises a fuel cell stack, thin current collectors arranged on opposite ends of the stack, and end plates arranged on the current collector by a heat resisting insulator arranged. Each of the current collectors comprises several independent current collecting sections. The sections on each end of be stack are spaced from each other and each is provided with a single terminal extending through the insulator and end plate.    The current collector comprises four triangular section, so arranged that the spaces formed between sides of the adjacent two sections extend radially from the centre of the collector along the diagonal lines of the current collector.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents current collector from deformation due to expansion with heat. (First major country equivalent to J62184777)
Power system comprises: a first fuel cell supplied with fuel gas contg. water vapour and an oxidant gas; a second fuel cell supplied with exhaust gas from the first cell and an oxidant gas; and a humidity regulator for the exhaust gas fed from the first to the second cell so that the water vapour content of the gas is appropriate and C deposition in the second cell is prevented.    Fuel supply to the first cell pref. comprises H2, CO, and C02; other hydrocarbons may also be present.    ADVANTAGE -   System is able to operate with good, stable characteristics for a long period even at a high fuel utilisation ratio; and has high power generating efficiency. (First major country equivalent to J62184771-A)
The battery (2) insulation jacket comprises a receptacle (1) of a thin, relatively flexible plastic material which is moulded in a single piece in which the battery (2) can be enclosed, and a clip base (11,12) fitting into recesses in the side of the receptacle.    The jacket is shaped to form chambers which trap, around the vertical faces of the battery (2), layers of air (L1,L2), and, underneath the battery, another layer of air (L5). The top lip (3) of the receptacle fits tightly against the battery casing to sealed in the layers of trapped air.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Simply constructed, low cost insulating enclosure which is light in weight and is simply fitted to a motor vehicle.
Fuel cell-electrolysis cell system includes: means for comparing the fuel cell output voltage with a reference voltage and producing a signal corresponding to the difference; and using the signal to adjust the pp. of the oxidant supply to the fuel cell so that the output voltage is adjusted close to the reference voltage.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. in chlor-alkali cell systems where H2 prod. is used as fuel for the fuel cell whose voltage output drives the chlor-alkali cell (claimed). The voltage supply to the electrolysis cell is stabilised independent of any fluctuations in the electrolysis cell (claimed).
Reformer comprises a vaporiser (1) to vaporise fuel (methanol and water) and reactors having catalyst layers to reform fuel to gas mainly contg. H2. The vaporiser is divided to chambers independent from each other and each divided chamber is connected to each corresp. reactor.    USE -   To uniformly distribute fuel gas to each reactor.
Fuel cell has a number of unit cells (12) stacked in layers and a number of separator elements (13) formed of a conductive material interposed between the unit cells (12), each unit cell (12) including an anode (15) and cathode (16) each formed of porous substrate with an electrolyte matrix layer (14) between the anode (15) and cathode (16). The anode (15) has an anode catalyst layer (25) formed on the surface adjacent the electrolyte matrix layer (14) and a fuel gas channel (24) formed on the other surface. The cathode (16) has a cathode catalyst layer (26) formed on its surface adjacent the electrolyte matrix layer (14), and an oxidant gas channel (29) formed for supplying the oxidant gas to the cathode (16). An electrolyte solution permeable portion (17-1) is formed on the surface of the anode (15) that is located adjacent the separator element (13) and the separator element has a recess (30) formed on its surface adjacent the anode (15), the recess (30) being adapted to a store an electrolyte soln. and contains the electrolyte soln. permeable portion (17-1).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In a fuel cell to produce a high emf. Electrolyte soln. is easily replenished allowing prolonged operation without the fuel cell voltage falling.
Carbon plate is made by compression heating the mixt. of 20-80 wt.% thermosetting resin, 10-70 wt.% graphite powder having 50 microns or less max. particle size, and 10-50 wt.% pitch fibre which was subjected to non-fusible treatment, to form sheet, curing at 15-200 deg.C and carbonising.    USE -   The C-plate is suitable as separators for phosphoric acid type fuel cells, having partic. high mechanical strength, as well as high impermeability to gas, electrical conductivity, and resistance to phosphoric acid at actuation temp.
Air supply appts. for a fuel cell comprises: a compressor (1) for supplying the air; an exhaust gas turbine (2) which drives the compressor using cell exhaust gas; an auxiliary combuster (3) upstream of and associated with the turbine; and a pipe (5) for cnducting exhaust gas from the cell to the auxiliary combustor. The auxiliary combustor includes a catalyst (31) and catalyst heater; a branch pipe (5a) conducts a variable amt. of the exhaust gas to the catalyst and another pipe (20) conducts a fuel/air mixt. to the catalyst.    ADVANTAGE -   Use of an auxiliary combustor stabilises operation under conditions of severs load fluctuation, avoiding blow-out, very hgih combustion temps. etc..(First major country equivalent to J62170169-A)
A bioelectrochemical process involving electron transfer between a redox system and an electrode is characterised in that the electron transfer is mediated by a tetrathiafulvalene (I) not being an electrically conductive charge-transfer complex with an electron acceptor molecule.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Enzyme electrodes based on (I) exhibit fast electron transfer, low oxygen interference and a rapid response time with reproducible performance between electrodes. (I) is a useful and versatile mediator of electron transfer between biological systems and electrodes. Biological systems may be enzymes, cell fragments, intact cells, tissues or enzyme labelled affinity reactions. (I) is useful in systems where othe mediators are used e.g. (i) linking (I) deriv. such as monocarboxylic acid to an enzyme thus rendering it electrochemically active, (ii) the use of mediators for affinity assays (immunoassay, RNA and DNA probes) either as a soluble mediator or a deriv. which is cleaved and then takes part in or activates an electrochemical reaction and (iii) electrochemical applications such as biological fuel cells and bioelectrosynthesis of chemicals.
Each cell cap has pipe connections forming part of a distilled water circuit which connects to the interior of the battery cell through a valve which seats on the resilient 0-ring. The valve slides vertically, guided by radial fins, and is operated by the lever system connecting to the vertically sliding tube carrying the open bottomed float, through a ball and socket joint consisting of the cranked lever and shaft.    The linkage and pivot geometry are such as to magnify the force exerted on the float by the air and gases in the annular chamber, and produce a very high closing force on the valve. Radial holes associated with a ceramic filter in the plastics cap permit release of accumulated gases but not release of electrolyte.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Automatic filling and topping up from distilled water circuit, with positive isolation from water circuit when correct electrolyte level is reached yet allowing for release of accumulated gases.
An automobile battery contact clamp has a lower half with a pair of parallel ears with aligned apertures and having one end terminating into a toothed jaw. The upper half has a pair of parallel ears with aligned apertures that register with the apertures of the parallel ears of the lower half when the upper and lower parallel ears mate. The upper half additionally has an end terminating in a toothed jaw.    A rivet passes through the lower and upper apertures to pivotally secure the lower to the upper halves such that the jaws cooperate with each other. A torsion spring urges the jaw portions together about the rivet and maintains the jaws closed when the clamp is closed. The torsion spring has convolutions positioned around the rivet and its upper and loer ends that engage the upper and lower halves. A lug terminal is secured to one of the handles to provide a connection joint for a cable.    USE -   Connects jumper lead to countersunk battery bolt within side mounted battery terminal.
The compressor circuit comprises a compressor and a turbine connected to drive the compressor. There is a compressed air source capable of supplying compressed air sufficient for starting the turbine. A first conduit is connected for supplying compressed air from the source to the turbine. An auxiliary burner is connected in the first conduit between the compressed air source and turbine. A bypass conduit is connected in parallel with the auxiliary burner between the compressor and turbine for bypassing the auxiliary burner. The bypass conduit has a connection to the compressed air source.    A control controls the flow of compressed air such that the turbine is first driven only by compressed air from the compressed air source supplied through the bypass circuit and connections during start-up of the compressor. After the compressor has been started, the turbine is driven by compressed air from the compressor supplied through the by-pass conduit.
Porous sintered compact is made by formulating slurry using Li-aluminate fine powder to which binder, plasticiser, dispersing agent for acidifying the slurry, as assistant, and water as a solvent, were added, moulding, removing the solvent to make solid state green compact, sintering following removing the assistant by heating.    USE -   The method is used for making the sintered compact used for electrolyte plate as an element that constitutes fused carbonate type fuel cell. The sintered compact has good reactivity. With the method, working atmos., and safety (no induced explosion) is improved, and waste gas treatment is not required.
Each fuel cell assembly is assumed to be a molten carbonate assembly comprising upper and lower bipolar plates which together sandwich an anode electrode, an electrolyte matrix, and a cathode electrode. The plate structure (50) comprises a thick top plate (60), and a thinner bottom plate (54) which has a horizontally disposed flat central region (54a) with similar flat regions (54b and 54c) at opposite transverse ends (54a' and 54a''). The regions (54b and 54c) together with the central region (54a) form U shaped passages.    The plate (60) is supported on the horizontal portions (54b'' and 54c'') defining the channel (59) situated within which is a resilient corrugated plate (56) extending to the opposite transverse ends (54a',54a''). As a result, a space equal to the thickness of teh plate (54) is formed between the crest regions (56a') of the plate (56) and the plate (60).    ADVANTAGE -   Increased resiliency and compliance to adjacent fuel cells with constant internal resistance.
The fuel system is composed of a fuel reformer (101) which is provided with a reforming part (113) packed with a reforming catalyst through which a raw fuel is passed, and a heating part (112) for burning the fuel and providing heat to the reforming part (113). A molten carbonate type fuel cell (102) comprising an anode (103), a cathode (104) and a carbonate electrolyte interposed between the reforming and heating parts.    A passage of fuel from the reforming part is passed through the anode via a control valve (b102) and a passage of air is passed through the cathode to effect power generation. The outlet of the anode is connected to the heating part of the fuel reformer where the fuel is ignited to raise the temperature of the reformer and the fuel cell system.    ADVANTAGE -   Improved method of starting the system using fuel directly as the heating medium for raising the temperature of the system.
A dissolved substance (I) in a soln. is oxidised or reduced photocatalytically in the presence of a semiconductor photocatalyst (II) in particulate form and a soluble electron donor or acceptor. The soln. is irradiated so that (II) becomes excited. (II) pref. supports a Pt Gp. metal on the surface and (I) is pref. a noble metal, heavy metal, transition metal or octinoid.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. in sepn. and recovery of metal ions; synthesis or decompsn. of polymers; and prodn. of H2 from water. Recovery of Ru from spent nuclear fuel solns. is claimed. Photo-oxidn. and reduction efficiencies are enhanced.
The test instrument has leads for connection to the positive generator (G) terminal (Pi), the battery charging cable (L), the positive battery terminal (Pp), the negative generator terminal (Mi) and the negative battery terminal (Ma). A switch (S1)connects the positive generator terminal lead either to the battery charging lead or the positive battery terminal lead.    An ammeter (A) is connected in the positive generator terminal lead, and a switch (S2) connects or disconnects the negative generator terminal and negative battery terminal leads to or from each other. All the leads have a sufficiently large core cross-section to prevent voltage drops.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Can be used by unskilled personnel and allows fault detection in battery, generator and connections between them.
The full cell (Bb) operates with gas reactants (R1,R2) supplied via lines (A11,A12) and consists of pure hydrogen and pure oxygen. Each line consists of a gating valve (AV1), reducing valve (RV1), turbine (T1) and reducing valve (RV10).    To remove the generated heat and the product water from the battery an electrolyte circuit is provided. Located in the line of the electrolyte container (KoH) is a connection to an electrolyte pump (Ep) that operates on the generated flow to turn the turbines.    ADVANTAGE -   Does not require electrical power to operate electrolyte pump.
Fuel cell comprises a thin, flat, non-porous, dielectric, H2-permeable separator; a thin, flat, non-porous, conductive H2-permeable metallic anode; a flat, porous catalytic cathode; H2 supply to the anode; and an oxidant gas supply to the cathode. The anode converts the H2 to H+ ions and electrons which are then conducted around an external circuit to the cathode to do useful work; the H+ ions pass through the separator to the cathode to form byprods., heat and water.    ADVANTAGE -   Cell is able to utilise a heating, pressurised H2-rich source, esp. reformed CH4 or CH3OH (claimed).
The assembly includes a primary storage battery having a casing providing a receptacle for a secondary, smaller storage battery. Each of the barriers are provided with side mount or top mount positive and negative posts and the primary and second storage battery each are provided with a receptacle and plug mechanism respectively for quickly interconnecting the two batteries to obtain maximum cranking amperage.    The battery casings are adapted for quick clamping and releasing mechanism requiring no tools such that the secondary battery may be easily removed and stored in a warm location in extreme cold condtiions. A carrying handle is adapted to receive slotted flanges when the spring clamps which hold the storage batteries are disengaged from the flanges.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides increased 'cold cranking power'.
(JP93020872-B)      Prodn. comprises forming a plate from a water slurry of Ni alloy powder and wood pulp, heating the plate to burn out the wood pulp, and sintering it in a reductive atmos.    USE -   Used for portable power sources. (J62154576-A)
(JP93020871-B)      Producing fused carbonate fuel cell comprises forming a plate from a water slurry of Ni or NiO powder and wood pulp, press forming a metal mesh to the plate and heating the plate to burn out the wood pulp.    USE -   Used for portable power sources. (J62154575-A)
(JP93048581-B)      Process comprises adding an agglomerant to an aq. slurry of NiO powder and wood pulp to adsorb the powder, sheeting the slurry into a plate, and sintering it in an oxidn. atmos. to form a cathode.    Used for making portable power sources. (J62154574-A)
(JP93020870-B)      Fused carbonate fuel cell prodn. comprises forming a cathode and electrolyte-holding matrix from a water slurry of Ni or NiO powder and from a water slurry of gamma-Li aluminate powder and wood pulp.    USE -   Used for portable power sources. (J62154573-A)
(JP93048580-B)      Process comprises adding an agglomerant to an aq. slurry of Ni powder and wood pulp to adsorb the powder, sheeting the slurry into a plate, and sintering to form an anode.    Used for making portable power sources. (J62154572-A)
The galvanic cell includes a stack of positive and negative polarity, lug-bearing plates alternately interleaved with one another. A device electrically joins aligned plate lugs into sets of like polarity. The lugs each have a root portion close to the plate and a distal portion more remote from the plate and engaging the device. A discrete, insulating collar tightly surrounds the root portion of each lug.    The collars of the aligned lugs abut one another so as to space the aligned lugs apart and to insulate the joining devi ce from the plates of opposite polarity.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Lead acid, Ni-2n batteries. Liquid tight seal around lugs.
The battery mounting device has a battery case with one transversely extending projection at each of two opposed sides. The projections are near the bottom of the battery case, and comprise a support tray supporting the battery case. The support tray is secured to a rigid member. The support tray includes two only upwardly extending operative flanges. The operative flanges are located at the other opposed sides of the battery case and support the other opposed sides. A U-shaped member surrounds the battery case on three sides and engages one of the battery tray flanges at the open side of the U-shaped member.    The battery case projections are engaged by the legs of the U-shaped member. The other of the flanges has a ledge and a device adapted to connect the base of the U-shaped member to the ledge.    ADVANTAGE -   Has minimum number of parts applying hold down pressure and allows easy access to battery terminals and vent caps.
System includes a reforming furnace contg. catalyst (8), a tank for storing raw material to be supplied to the furnace and a piping for connecting the tank to the furnace through a pump and a valve, bypass piping including a valve is arranged to bypass the valve and the pump.    ADVANTAGE -   When negative pressure is caused by decrease of temp. when operation of the furnace is stopped, the raw material is introduced from the tank through the bypass piping to dip the catalyst into the material liquid, so that capability of the catalyst can be maintained. Since nitrogen gas for purging the reforming line is not necessary, the system can be down-sized and easy maintenance of the system is provided.
Method includes stacking lamellar carbonaceous moulded bodies, clamping between heat-resistant heat equalising plates, placing in heating furnace, filling the upper and lower and side sections around them with packing materials followed by sintering.
A housing (1) contains both a battery (3), and a circuit (4) for charging the battery (3), power input (5) accessible to the exterior of the housing for supplying power to the charging circuit (4), and a device (14) for connecting the battery to the battery (100) of an automobile to facilitate starting. The charging circuit may be supplied from a power outlet socket of an automobile via an input socket (6) or from a mains supply via a transformer and rectifier within the housing.    A switch (15) connects the charging circuit to the battery or to an outlet (24) for charging an external battery, circuit provides a constant voltage charging supply for a period set by a timer (8). A test circuit (11) illuminates an LED (13) if the battery (3) needs charging with lamp (17) powered by the battery to provide illumination exterior to the housing. Connectors (14) comprise serated contact members (22), on telescopic portions of pivoted, spring-biased arms (18), alternatively a pair of leads (40) with crocodile clips (41) may be provided.    ADVANTAGE -   Appts. is portable and can be recharged at leisure.
The plant consists of several inter-connected elements for prodn. of oxygen and hydrogen for use in hospitals, metallurgy, welding, hydrogenation, etc. It can be installed close to the point of use, and uses only water and electricity as basic raw materials.
(JP2510982-B2)      An Ni catalyst is placed in the fuel gas flow passage adjacent to a fuel electrode. Hydrogen carbonate gas (Sic) steam are supplied to generate electricity. Exhaust gas is cooled and a steam separator removes moisture for storage in a tank. At the time of starting the fuel cell, the valve connecting the storage tank is closed. Hydrogen carbonate gas (sic) and steam are supplied, and when the temp of the fuel gas in the flow passage reaches 200-500 degrees C, the valve is opened to allow gas from the exhaust gas storage tank to be supplied to the fuel gas flow passage. An H2 absorbing alloy removes H2 from the exhaust gas.    ADVANTAGE -   More rapid temp rise, improving starting performance and improved power delivery. By using the heat from the methanation reaction, the heat required from an external supply is reduced.
Solid electrolyte compsn comprises (A) cross-linked polymer prepd. by cross-linking branched polyethyleneimine with poly-functional epoxy cpd. and (B) inorganic electrolyte. Pref (A) is polymer of formula (I). (x and y are integers so mol. ratios of prim, sec and tert amin gps is 1:2:1). It has mol. wt. of 300-100,000. Epoxy cpd. is pref. diepoxyalkane (e.g. 1,3-diepoxybutane or 1,7-diepoxy-octane), epoxy resin of polyalkylene glycol type (e.g. epoxy resin of bisphenol A or F type, novolak epoxy resin or polyfunctional phenol type, diglycidyl ether cpd prepd by reacting resorcinol and epihalohydrin, aralkyl epoxy resin or epoxy resin of hydantoin type. It is used in an amt. of 1-50 PHR. (B) is pref. LiClO4, LiI, LiBF4, LiAsF6, LiCF3SO3, LiPF6, LiSCN, NaI, NaSCN, NaBr, CsSCN, AgNO3,CuCl2 or Mg(ClO4)2. It is in the compsn. in an amt of 0.1-100 mol% per unit monomer of branched polyethylen-imine. The compsn. is prepd. by blending uniformly the imine and the inorganic electrolyte and cross-linking the polyethylene imine by adding the mixt. with the epoxy cpd and heating the mixt. opt in the presence of solvent (e.g. methanol). When the compsn is formed into a sheet etc the compsn is formed prior to the termination of the cross-linking reaction.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Compsn has high-ion conductivity and moulding workability. Useful as a solid electrolyte for prim or sec battery, fuel cell or electrochromic display element. It contains no liq. component so that it has high storage stability and long life.
Appts. to reform fuel for fuel cells comprises a heating gas feeder attached to one end of a reactor tube charged with a catalyst. A fin is formed on the outer surface of the tube so that the surface area of the fin increases away from the upstream of a heating gas.
In a reformer of fuel for fuel cells, reactors are placed on and connected to a fuel evaporator. All circumferences of the reactors and evaporator are covered with an insulation layer surrounded by an inner- and an outer-wall.    USE -   To increase the thermal efficiency of the reformer.
A fuel reformer for fuel cells comprises a fuel evaporator having fuel supply nozzles and reactors placed on and connected to the fuel evaporator. Ejecting holes placed at branched ends of supply nozzles are arranged separately.    USE -   To increase amt. of evapn. of feed gas per unit vol.
Reactors to convert vapourised methanol and steam to reformed gas are provided in a heating chamber. At the inside of the inner walls of the heating chamber gas-passing layers made of ceramics and connected to gas exhaust holes are provided to prevent heat contained in the heating gas from escaping.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   To increase the thermal efficiency of reactors.
A fuel reformer (30) for fuel cells is equipped with a reformed gas passing layer (15) composed of porous ceramics placed at the exit of reactors (4) to convert vapourised methanol and steam to reformed gas, which mainly contains H2.    USE -   Used to recover heat from reformed gas exhausted from reactors and to eliminate or miniaturise heat exchangers provided at a back process.
A reformer (30) of fuel for fuel cells is equipped with reactors (4), in which catalyst pellets are supported with porous members (13). Evaporated methanol and steam are passed through the catalyst pellets and heated to convert to reformed gas mainly contg. H2.    ADVANTAGE -   To uniformly disperse feed to catalyst layers.
A reformer of fuel for fuel cells comprises a fuel evaporator placed right above burners, reactors filled with catalyst placed on and connected to the evaporator and a collector placed on the upper part of reactors to collect reformed gas.    USE -   To distribute heat required for vapourisation of fuel and endothermic reforming reaction from the same burners. The appts. can be miniaturised.
The fuel cell appts. comprises a number of one or more fuel cells having end faces aligned. Each cell includes a sandwich construction of an anode chamber, an anode electrode, an electrolyte, a cathode electrode and a cathode chamber. Each anode chamber extends between the two end faces of its respective cell and has a gas entry port adjacent one end face and a gas exit port adjacent the other end face.    A catalyst chamber is in heat conducting relationship with one stack and runs in the direction of the anode chambers. The catalyst chamber has a gas entry post adjacent the end faces of the cells and a gas exit port adjacent the other end faces. A catalyst provides for endothermic reformation of the hydrocarbon content of a fuel.    ADVANTAGE -   Avoids non-uniformity of temp. profile.
High pressure H3PO4 fuel cell stack assembly comprises: an air supply to the cathodes; H2-rich fuel gas supply to the anodes; a cathode exhaust conduit for removing O2-lean air and water; a supply of water fog to the conduit to provide a two-phase coolant of air and entrained water droplets; a circulation system for the coolant through the stack, resulting in an air-water vapour exhaust; and a heater for providing heated exhaust to a thermal reformer for prodn. of the H2-rich fuel gas.    ADVANTAGE -   Avoiding use of steam to operate the reformer permits higher stack operating pressures and hence better stack efficiency and power density; also the reformer reaction is autothermal, requiring no auxiliary burner.
The tool comprises two pivotal (25) lever handles (18,19) which are connected by a semi-rigid strap (22), and which each have an orthogonal jaw (15,16) with internal teeth (40) forming a convex gripper surface.    Pref. the lever handles (12,14) are metal plates and the strap (22) is PVC material.    ADVANTAGE -   Efficient tool mainly comprising low cost sheet metal stampings.
Power is generated by: combining power from an electrochemical cell employing an aq. metal hydroxide electrolyte, the metal being the anode active metal, with power derived from oxidn. of C to CO2; deriving useful work from the combined power; by pptn. or carbonate using the CO2.    The C is pref. oxidised in a fu el cell or an ic. engine.    C source is coke, coal or a liq. hydrocarbon. In an ic. engine, a catalytic converter is provided to ensure complete conversion to CO2. In the cell system, the reactive metal is an alkali metal, esp. Li. The carbonate ppte. is removed by filtering or centrifuging.    Power generating method and system are claimed.    ADVANTAGE -   Electrolyte management is achieved in combination with an additional power-producing system.
A method for forming a solid polymer electrolyte structure comprise forming a suspension of catalytically active, electrically conductive particles (I) and a liq. (II); applying the suspension to at least one side of a fluorocarbon membrane sheet while the sheet is in its thermoplastic form; removing all (II) leaving (I) on the membrane sheet and (d) pressing at least a portion of (I) into the membrane sheet. The process may also include the step of contacting the side of the treated membrane having the particles on the surface with an electrically conductive, hydraulically permeable matrix, and opt subjecting the membrane/matrix combination to a press. sufficient to embed at least a portion of the matrix into the membrane.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process provides a solid polymer electrolyte structure which minimises the electrical resistance between a current collector and an embedded or bonded electrode used in electrolytic SPE cells, thus giving more efficient cell operation. The prods. are useful in a wide variety of electrochemical cells such as fuel cells for continuous prodn. of electrical energy, electrolysis cells for the prodn. of chemical prods and batteries for intermittent prodn. of electrical energy.
H2 is produced from an aq. soln. using Zn with (a) the Zn particles having been coated with 0.1-10 atom% of a gp 8 metal, referred to total amt. of Zn and (b) the coated particles having been tabletted, opt. after mixing with untreated Zn powder.    The coating metal is pref. Ni. A mixt. of Zn powder and Raney-Ni powder is pref. tabletted, pref. together with a compacting aid, esp. PTFE. A method for preparing the tablets is to immerse the Zn particles in an acid soln. of the metal salt, washing and drying the coated particles, opt. mixing them with PTFE powder and tabletting the mixt..    ADVANTAGE -   Tablets have uniform H2 producing characteristics over long operating periods and can be produced simply.
The battery consists of a number of stacked cells, each cell producing a voltage of about 1 volt as chemical reactions occur:    H2+CO3(2-)=CO2+H2O+2e    CO+H2O=CO2+H2    in the anode electrode    1/2O2+CO2+2e=CO3(2-)    in the cathode electrode.    The cell contains tiles which contain a catalytic mixture of LiAlO2 and K2CO3-Li2O3. The tiles are sandwiched between an anode electrode and a cathode electrode. The anode and cathode are made of porous nickel alloys. Fuel gas, e.g. H2 or CO is fed to the anode via a channel plate and a perforated plate. Oxidisation gas flows through the cathode via similar plates.
An electrolyte replenishing system for a laminated type fuel cell comprises w.r.t. Fig.2: (a) a cell block (7) having cells; (b) an electrolyte replenishing throat (1) for supplying an electrolyte to (7), and having an outlet connected to (7); (c) an electrolyte exhaust valve (15) for exhausting excess electrolyte, having an inlet connected to the inlet of (1); (d) a head pressure adjusting vessel (13) for regulating the head pressure of the replenishing electrolyte which is brought into (7), having an outlet connected to the inlets of (15) and (1); (e) an electrolyte replenishing valve (12) having an output side connected to the inlet of (13); (f) an overflow line (14) for providing a predetermined head pressure in (13), one end of whic which is connected to (13) and the other end to the output of (15); (g) an exhausted electrolyte tank (16) for storing electrolyte from (15) and (14), and which is connected to the outlet of (15) and the other end of (14); (h) a pump (18) for returning the electrolyte, stored in (16)to the inlet of (12), having an input connected to the outlet of (16), and an output connected to the input of (12); and (i) a venting line (20) for exhausting gas in a reservoir in (7) connected to (7) at the opposite side to (1).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Partic. useful for replenishing electrolyte, e.g. a phosphoric acid, into the fuel cell from outside whilst maintaining a constant head pressure. Exhausting of excess electrolyte prevents damage to the separator plate. (First major country equivalent to J62119871-A)
The battery includes a container (2) defining a number of cells separated by integral intercell partitions (4,8) extending up to the lid and contain no free unabsorbed electrolyte. Each adjacent pair of cells is connted by a respective intercell connector (18) which passes through an aperture (20) in the associated intercell partition. The portion (34) defining the base of the aperture (20) is of reduced thickness and is deformed against the underside of the intercell connector (18) and forms a seal with it.    The sides of the aperture (20) form a seal with the sides of the intercell connector by virtue of similar reduced thickness portions or by virtue of an inverted U-shaped sealing member (22) which engages the intercell partition and the side and tops of the intercell connector. There is thus no gas leakage path around the intercell connectors but apertures (26,28) are provided in the intercell partitions for the purpose of the initial filling of the battery with electrolyte. (First major country equivalent to J62117262)
The fuel cell, which can be in a stack (12) of a module (10), comprises an electrolyte matrix sandwiched between anode and cathode electrodes, a pair of plates being above and below the latter. The plate above the electrodes has a lower surface with a first group of process gas flow channels formed on it. The plate below has an upper surface with a second group of process gas flow channels.    The channels of both groups extends in parallel to one another. The channels on the lower surface above the anode electrode and those on the upper surface below the cathode electrode are skewed in opposite directions such that contact areas of the surfaces of the plates through the electrodes are formed in criss-cross arrangements. (Provisional basic advised week 8718)
Fuel cell appts. comprises: a porous membrane; electrolyte located within pores created by charged particle bombardment and enlarged by chemical etching; a metal film electrode mounted on each face; and a small catalyst ring (26) on the edges of the electrode adjacent the pores for promoting chemical and electrical energy transfomation. The membrane is pref. a thin plastic film.    ADVANTAGE -   Cell is economic in its use of catalyst material.
The connector bolt comprises a threaded stud formed on the inner end of a cylindrical body and having dimensions which permit threaded engagement with a moulded terminal connector on the battery and to pass through a cable terminal. A central portion of the body has a diameter larger than the stud portion and shoulders towards the inner and outer ends which engage the face surfaces of respective battery cable terminals. The central portion is long enough to separate the insulating covers of the cable connectors and incorporates spanner engaging surfaces.    A second stud axially outward of the second shoulder includes an unthreaded and a threaded portion, the latter having the greater diameter of the two. The unthreaded portion has a length less than that of a nut so that the latter can be threadedly moved along the threaded portion to pass over the unthreaded portion and engage the second shoulder.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   E.g. for power connection of stereo, TV, hot plate to starter motor leads. Provides secure fastening without stripping or clamping.
A reformer (1) for fuels used in fuel cells comprises a carburettor (9) filled with metal particles having high heat capacities to vapourise liq. alcohol and reformers (10) arranged in parallel to reform vapourised gas to gas rich in hydrogen by passing through catalyst (17) in the reformer.    USE -   Flow of two phases of liq. and gas in the carburettor is stabilised and to fluctuation of reformed gas pressure is decreased.
Solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) structure comprises(a) a membrane sheet; (b) catalytically active and electrically conductive particles; and (c) an electrically conductive, hydraulically permeable matrix structure. The particles and matrix are in physical and electrical contact with each other and are embeded in or bonded to the membrane sheet.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The SPE structure is useful in electrochemical cells, e.g. fuel cells, electrolysis cells or batteries. The intimate contact of the components minimises resistance to electrical flow so that the cell operates more efficiently than cells of known SPE structures.
A fast action coupling is used to provide a connection with the terminal posts of batteries of the type used on road vehicles. The connector (4) locates on the terminal post (1) and is produced as a pressing that has a formed connector (9) that can be wrapped around the cable (10) The matching section that locates around the post is in two sections with a gap (25) and a cam unit (5) that supports a pivoted actuator (35).    When the actuator is moved through an arm the cam securely pulls the control element (6) against the post to provide a good contact.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides connection without screws. Simple construction.
A thermoelectric solar cell consists of parallel and series connected thermocouples subjected to solar radiation directly or through a solar collector in the form of a lens, esp. a Fresnel lens.    Also claimed are (a) use of a collector in combination with the thermoelectric solar cell, an optical lens (esp. a Fresnel lens) being located above the cell; (b) use of the solar cell in combination with an electrolysis cell for hydrogen prodn. or water desalination; (c) use of an optical lens (esp. a Fresnel lens) for grilling meat on a spit using solar energy; and (d) use of an optical lens (esp. a Fresnel lens) for grilling or boiling on a plate or grill or in a pot.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The solar cell is inexpensive and efficiently produces a low voltage for electrolytic hydrogen prodn. or other electrochemical reactions.
The battery system has a DC generator with an output and the two batteries each having a rated voltage connected in series with each other and adapted to be charged from the generator. A load circuit has the first battery and a load device, powered by electricity at a voltage in a range corresp. to the rated voltage of the first battery. A second load circuit has the two batteries in series with each other and a second load device in parallel with the series connection of the batteries, powered by electricity at a voltage range corresp. to the sum of the rated voltages of the batteries.    Regulation of the voltages across the two load circuits is done using two regulators. A control circuit is responsive to an increase in the voltage across the first load circuit, to a value above the first voltage range, causing the second regulator to decrease the voltage across the second load circuit.
Ferric hydrous oxide that retards the deposition of Fe cpds. on conduit walls is made by boiling in a vented chamber an aq. soln. of Fe cpds. including magnetite, the aq. soln. contg. O2 which suppresses magnetite formation and promotes conversion of the magnetite to ferrous hydrous oxide.    Boiling is carried out pref. at 300 deg. F or less for 24 hrs. pref. under reflux.    Specifically the aq. soln. is the fuel cell coolant or a portion of its feedwater; its pH is pref. adjusted so that the pH of the boiled soln. is above 5.5.    USE -   Used esp. in the cooling system of a fuel cell stack powerplant.
A bridging connector, esp. for shunting defective high-temperature storage battery cells in vehicles, consists of a semiconductor module and two terminals. The p-type layer of the semiconductor module has dimensions which are at least twenty-times smaller than the n-type layer. The module is pref. a silicon diode with a p-type layer small enough to reduce the reverse leakage current at 350 deg.C. to 0.1 - 1 mA.    The semiconductor module is a square wafer with covering layers, made of a metal, pref. aluminium. The n-type layer has the same cross-section as the cover layers and is made, e.g. of silicon, doped with phosphorus. A recess in its upper surface is filled with the p-type layer. The rest of the surface is coated with a passivation layer.    ADVANTAGE -   Self-discharge reduced to min.
Vitreous carbon with improved freedom from pits and holes, and less subject to cracking and fracture during formation and use, is obtd. by (1) moulding a carbonaceous phenolic-aldehyde compsn. of improved mould-flow, at 100-180 (pref. 149-166) deg.C and 500 psi - 8 tons/sq.in. (pref. 800-1500 psi); and (2) heating the moulding gradually to at least 1800 deg.F for at least 24 hrs..    Compsn. comprises a resin prepd. by (a) adding 20-80 pts.wt. of a phenolic-aldehyde Novolak resin (I) (which was made with removal of at least 25 wt.% of removable water during prepn.) in which at least 50 mole.% of the aldehyde is furfuraldehyde, to an aq. soln. or suspension of 20-80 pts.wt. of a phenolic-aldehyde resol resin (II) (total pts.wt. (I)+(II)=100), prior to removal of 90% (pref. 50%) of the removable water from the soln. or suspension; (b) co-reacting with an amine (III) selected from hexamethylene tetramine (HMT) or an amine contg. at least one N-H gp., in amt. equiv. to 1-15 (pref. 2-8) wt.% of HMT based on total phenolic component; and (c) removing water from the reaction mass whilst maintaining in a mouldable condition. The prod. is intimately mixed with 5-76 (pref. 35-65 and esp. 40-60) wt.% w.r.t. final compsn. of finely divided carbonaceous filler (III).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Compsns. have excellent plasticity and are easily mouldable to a variety of shapes which can be carbonised and then graphitised to excellent vitreous carbon prods. having superior electrical properties, which are useful in a variety of applications requiring extreme inertness and nonporosity. The compsns. are esp. useful for the mfr. of large shapes, partic. stress-free thin plates for use in fuel cells. Typical dimensions are 0.04-0.05 in. thick by 50 by 50 ins.
A methanol reformer to produce hydrogen-contg. gas from methanol and steam has a reactor filled with catalyst active at high temps. and heat-resistant near the inlet of feed and catalyst active at low temps. near the outlet.    USE -   Used to increase life of catalyst by keeping temp. distribution near the inlet and that near the outlet low.
The electrode-system consists of flexible electrodes (1) and a separator (2). The electrodes are constructed using carbon fibres at least 1mm long bonded by a carbonised binder. At a temp. over 1000 deg.C. the binder changes into carbon particles which hold several fibres together. This electrode is in contact with the gases used in the fuel-cell. The gas is made to flow through arrays of channels formed into the separator or formed mechanically into the electrodes (11,11') whereby the channels on either side of the separator are at right angles to each other.    The separator (2) is wider than each electrode to allow parts (3,3') to be used to seal the edges of the electrodes, by arranging them on each side of the separator parallel to the channels in the electrodes. The top-surface of the channels are glued to the separator, if formed in the electrodes, or vice versa, via an intermediate layer of flexible graphite foil. This structure is calcined at a temp. over 850 C. under reduced pressure and/or an inert ambient. The edge-sealing strips (3) are attached in the same way or using a fluorocarbon polymer glue or sheet. This structure can then be assembled inside a gas-distribution-frame (fig.5) in which the openings (6,6') are channels for gas-supply open to those electrodes which have grooves abutting the side on which the openings are. The separator and gas-distribution frame are connected together with a flexible graphite foil or a layer of fluorocarbon resin.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The electrodes have a low density, allowing gas-diffusion for a long period, and because of the flexibility do not show tears, cracks or flaking during handling or use. The other material properties are as those of current materials. The material is esp. suitable for use with phosphoric acid contg. fuel-cells.
Electrochemical appts. comprises an electrolysis cell which uses an input of first voltage and current to produce a chemical prod. and H2; a fuel cell using the H3 to produce an output at a second voltage and current, and a converter which uses a gated switch to convert the fuel cell output to the voltage and current of the electrolysis cell input.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   An operation of e.g. a molten carbonate fuel cell - chloralkali electrolysis cell. Appts. permits the system to operate without the voltage and current of each cell being matched; the cells can operate independently in their most efficient mode.
Gas ducting system for a set of electrochemical cells comprises two thermally and electrically conductive manifold members connected via a compressible insulating separator, one of the members being a pipe attached to a gas sub-header. A fuel cell generator includes a number of oxidant gas feed manifolds which pass through a preheat chamber to a fuel inlet generating chamber, the manifolds comprising alternating metallic and insulating portions which provide a gas-tight seal so that no oxidant leaks into the pre-heat chamber before passage into the fuel cell.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   With high temp. solid oxide electrolyte fuel cells. (claimed). Leakage of feed oxidant, pref. air, into the preheat chamber, which lowers the pre-heat capability of the system and diminishes cell performance, is avoided.
Appts. for the sepn. of hydrogen from a gaseous mixt. having a component (I) which is capable, in the presence of a catalytic agent (II), of dissociating to yield hydrogen, and also an appts. for producing electricity from a fuel gas having gaseous component which is capable, in the presence of (II), to yield hydrogen ions comprises; (1) an interpenetrating polymer network membrane that comprises a host polymer (III) and a guest polymer (IV), (III) is a blend of (a) phospohric or sulphuric acids, and (b) a polymer selected from poly(hydroxyethylene), poly(ethyleneimine), poly(acrylic acid), poly(ethylene oxide), poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline), phenol formaldehyde resins, poly(acrylamide poly(N-substd. acrylamide), poly(4-vinylpyridine), poly(methacrylic acid), poly(N-vinylimidazole), poly(vinyl sulphonic acid) and poly(2-vinylpyridine), or copolymer having monomer units of the preceding polymers. (IV) comprises (c) a monofunctional monomer selected from acrylic or methacrylic acids, acrylamide, methacrylamide, 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulphonic acid, N-benzyl-acrylamide, N-ethylmethacrylamide, N-phenylacrylamide and N-phenylmethacrylamide, and (d) a difunctional crosslinking agent selected from methylenebisacrylamide, N,N-diallylacrylamide, m-xylenebisacrylamide and N,N'-trimethylenebisacrylamide, provided that the monomer (c) in (IV) different from any monomeric unit in (III); (2) a membrane housing in which the membrane separates the gas chamber into a pure gas chamber and a mixed gas chamber for the hydrogen sepn. embodiment, and into a fuel gas chamber and an oxidant gas chamber for the fuel cell embodiment, and in which the 1st and 2nd flat surfaces of the membrane are in common with the 1st and 2nd chambers respectively.
The connector includes a body portion having a pair of bifurcated ring portions each defining a circular opening and a locking ring portion, also defining a circular opening with a pair of lugs affixed to the locking ring. The circular openings of each are designed to slip over and surround the battery post.    When the locking ring is turned by means of the lugs, the lugs come into contact with the ring portions of the body causing the three rings to cut into the battery post around its total circumference by cam action and to lock in position by friction.    ADVANTAGE -   Maximises surface area of battery post with which low resistance electrical contact is made.
The regulator (8) is filled inside the heat-insulating casing (7), and includes an electrical temp.-monitoring circuit which incorporates a temp. indicator (13). It also has an electrical voltage monitoring circuit connected to the poles (2,3) of the battery (1) to probe the voltage between them.    A control unit is provided in the regulator which, dependent upon signals from the temp.-monitoring circuit and that for monitoring voltage, is connected to the poles of the battery and the heater element (6).    The regulator is conductively connected directly to the poles of the battery. The temp.-monitoring indicator is placed in a side against one side surface of the battery with the regulator itself locating against the battery by being pressed from the casing.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   To control heating of electrical energy storage battery automatically dependent upon temp. of battery, and actual voltage over battery poles. (Provisional basic advised week 8715)
Appts. comprises shield plates turnable along the inner surface of a tubular partition wall surrounding a burner put in an upper central area of a combustion chamber formed in a tubular reforming furnace.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For fuel cell power systems.
(US5041344-A)      The device has a number of cooling plates interspersed between the fuel cell units and arranged in a vertical stack including a lowermost cooling plate and an uppermost cooling plate. Each of the cooling plates include an inlet and an outlet. A main coolant pipe for supplying coolant is provided and a number of inlet cooling pipes are singly associated with the cooling plates. Each of the inlet cooling pipes is mainly in the supply manifold and connects the inlet of the associated cooling plate to the main coolant pipe. The main coolant pipe supplies coolant to the inlet cooling pipes at a pressure greater than the saturation pressure of the coolant.    A number of throttles are singly connected in the inlet cooling pipes near the main coolant pipe. Each throttle reduces the pressure of the coolant such that the coolant enters and traverses the supply manifold and the cooling plates at a pressure below the saturation point of the coolant. A gas-liquid separator connected to the outlets of each of the number of cooling plates. The separator has a gas vapour exhaust port for exhausting vapourised coolant and a liquid recirculation port for recirculating coolant from the gas-liquid separator to the main coolant pipe.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides uniform cooling and thus uniform increase in performance. (First major country equivalent to J62082661) @(8pp Dwg.No.1/6)@
The exterior of the case is moulded in such a manner as to be instantly demountable in its own right, from the vehicle, and is moulded to follow the contours of the associated panel to which it could be mounted, allowing the whole unit to be mounted in a semi-accessible position.    The interior of the case is moulded with a form of reveals (3) (or splines) vertically, to enable a matching battery to mount only in one position and, when fitted, without any possibility of movement. The battery itself would be an identical match by virtue of splines (4) as a male part of the female case, meaning that only a battery designed to fit the case, would, in fact, do so. A hinged lid (2) including the contacts has a multi-contact connector (8). The lid (2) of the battery case, when closed, completely seals the battery from the ingress of any dirt, oil, water, etc. and, of course, the exit of any battery acid.    ADVANTAGE -   Mounting battery in this manner would obviate any possible movement if host vehicle was involved in impact, where, perhaps, vehicle may end up on its roof.
Electrode metal dissolution in a molten alkali metal carbonate fuel cell is reduced by initially adding to the electrolyte an agent selected from: a sacrificial electrode metal, a metal promoting a common ion effect with an electrode metal, seed metal particles serving as electrode metal pption. sites, and combinations of these. A further, or alternative, step involves maintaining the acid/base conditions of the electrolyte during cell operation at near neutral by maintaining a CO2 pp. of 0.5-1.5 atmos.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. with molten alkali metal carbonate fuel cells operating at 500-750 deg.C and having Ni cathodes. (claimed).
(JP2585210-B2)      A carbonate fuel battery has an anode and cathode. A device boosts fuel to the anode and an air compressor is actuated by a gas turbine. A recycling system returns part of the exhaust gas from the anode to the inlet port of the anode. A combustor burns exhaust gas from the cathode and boosts part of the exhaust gas from the anode to the gas turbine. The fuel cell generation plant comprises: (i) a fuel by-pass flow path boosting fuel to a combustor; (ii) a first fuel adjustment device to decrease the quantity of fuel at the time of the booster operation; (iii) a second fuel adjustment device to increase the quantity of fuel boosted to the anode; (iv) an air adjustment device to boost air from the compressor; and (v) a third fuel adjustment device to boost air from the compressor; and (v) a third fuel adjustment device to boot a combustion burner and increase the quantity of the part of the exhaust gas from the anode at the time of temp. rise operation after booster operation.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used as a fuel cell generation plant using a carbonate fuel battery. Costs are reduced.
(JP92018433-B)      Fused carbonate type fuel cell comprises an anticorrosive insulation layer formed on the surface of each of separators through which unit cells are laminated. The insulation layer is made of a mixt. of oxide ceramics with Cr oxide.    Used for high power generation plants. (J62076160-A)
Process for direct electrochemical partial oxidn. of gaseous organic hydrocarbons in a molten salt, oxygen-contg. anion conducting electrolyte fuel cell having an anode catalytic to the partial oxidn. in an anode compartment and a cathode in a cathode compartment, the catalytic anode and the cathode separated by a molten oxyge-contg. electrolyte and in external electrical communication, the process comprising (a) supplying O2-contg. gas to the cathode compartment and contacting the cathode with the molten salt O2-contg. electrolyte under oxidising reaction conditions to produce oxygen-contg. anions; (b) transporting the oxygen-contg. anions through the molten salt O2-contg. electrolyte to the catalytic anode; (c) supplying gas consisting essentially of organic hydrocarbon to the anode compartment contacting the catalytic anode with the dry gaseous organic hydrocarbon and oxygen contg. anions transported by the electrolyte from the cathode under reaction conditions to produce a partial oxidn. prod. of the organic hydrocarbon, reduced oxygen-contg. material and electrons; (d) passing the electrons from the anode to the cathode through an external electrical communication for charge balance; and (e) removing the partial oxidn. prod. from the anode compartment.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process is esp useful for partial oxidn. of organic hydrocarbons such as methane, ethane, propane, butane, ethylene, propylene, butylene, natural gas, etc. and partial oxidn of methane to methanol. The process provides good selectivity to the required partial oxidn. and uses dry gases as fuel gases to the anode, excluding steam from the anode environment, and so inhibiting reforming reactions. An energy efficient electrochemical method of methanol prodn is provided in which electrical energy may be co-generated.
Heat exchangers are provided on the outside periphery of reformer to effect exchange between fuel gas and steam to be introduced into the reformer tubes and high temp. exhaust gas and reformed gas. The heat exchangers are provided with gas flow dividing plates having mary holes to distribute evenly gas flow.    USE -   The temp. of the mixture of fuel gas of hydrocarbon and steam is increased to achieve efficient reforming reaction.
(JP93004785-B)      Fuel cell comprises a pair of gas diffusion electrodes and a gas flow passage. At least one of the electrodes is covered with a gas barrier film integrated with an end seal formed at the end of the electrode.    USE -   Used for portable power sources. (J62073575-A)
(JP93016144-B)      Fuel cell comprises a pair of gas diffused electrodes. At least one end of the electrode has a groove open at the separator side and a porous resin-made seal impregnated with a liq. is charged in the groove.    USE -   Used for portable power sources. (J62073574-A)
Porous matrix for a molten carbonate electrolyte in a fuel cell comprises a flat porous ceramic sheet with smaller pores in the central region and larger pores at the edge regions. Pref. the central pores are filled with molten electrolyte, but the edge region pores are wetted only, most of the porosity remaining void.    Central region is pref. made of Li aluminate, ceria, Li zirconate or stabilised zirconia; the edge region is pref. made of zirconia, Li aluminate or zirconate or alumina.    ADVANTAGE -   Electrolyte migration to the edge of the cell and along seals and surfaces is minimised.
Electrical power system comprises two fuel cells, and a steam-CH4 reformer for forming H2-rich fuel gas. The cathode and anode fuels of the first cell are CH3OH and H2 and the by-prods. are CH4 and water; and the cathode and anode fuels of the second cell are O2 and H2 and the by-prod. is water. The CH4 and water by-prods. are fed to the reformer. The O2 source is pref. air.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For powering electric motor driven vehicles etc. CH3OH is used directly as a fuel, avoiding need for external reduction and reforming to H2.
Elongated gas fuel cell has anode and cathode gas chambers bounded by rigid, gas and liq. permeable anode and cathode laminates. The laminates are coated on their outer, chamber-facing surfaces with catalytic material to form reactive interface zones on those faces; and also with a gas-permeable hydrophobic barrier. Molten salt electrolyte fills the space between the laminates and permeates them to their interface zones. A dielectric frame structure holds and seals the assembly.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. as an H2/O2 cell (claimed). Structure is mechanically strong and durable, is small and can be mass produced at low cost as a single cell or battery of cells.
Appts. comprises a combustion chamber contg. a gasifier to gasify a liq. to be reformed. The gasifier has a liq. inlet port and gas outlet port located at a lower level than the inlet port, to form a downwards sloping gasifying passage.    USE -   For making fuel cell power systems.
Appts. comprises reformed gas inlet port, section for sepng. powdery catalyst contained in reformed gas through inertia or centrifugal force, upper chamber with clarified reformed gas outlet port, and lower chamber with waste reformed gas outlet port and powdery catalyst collecting stocker.    ADVANTAGE -   Catalyst can be used again.
Electricity prodn in a fuel cell comprises (1) reacting steam with hydrocarbon-contg. feedstock (A) to produce H2-contg. stream at superatmospheric pressure; (2) passing this stream to the anode gas space of the cell; (3) supplying air at superatmospheric pressure to the cathode gas space of the cell and (4) at least the off-gas from the anode space is let down through a turbine which drives the compressor which supplies the compressed air for step (3).    The new features are (1A) (A) is reacted with steam and air from the compressor, the heat required for the (A)-steam reaction being provided by the exothermic (A)-air reaction, and (2A) before letting down, off gases from the anode space are reacted with compressed air to produce a hot waste gas stream which is is used, in an exchanger, to preheat at least one of the reactants (esp. . the compressed air) used in step (1A).    ADVANTAGE -   Unlike the system of GB1537082, this process does not require reactor tubes capable of withstanding very large pressure differentials.
A paste for sealing porous plates is made by (a) mixing SiC powder, polyethylene oxide and PTFE, to form a paste, (b) sintering the mixt., (c) adding conc. H3PO4 and (d) mixing the acid and the mixt. to form a uniform paste.    The SiC powder is of 1000-1500 mesh size. The PTFE is as fibres. The H3PO4 is 105% wt./vol. The paste is formed into a thin layer before sintering, and is sintered at 290 deg.C for at least 30 mins.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The paste may be used to seal the porous gas distribution plates of fuel cells. Occurrence of voids due to shrinkage during sealing and long-term use is avoided.
In an H2/O2 fuel cell, the fuel is a mixt. of 40-60 vol.% formaldehyde and 60-40 vol.% propionaldehyde, pref. 50 vol.% of each. Pref. the fuel is present in the cell at the start of the discharge cycle in an amt. 5-10 vol.% based on total vol. of fuel and electrolyte between cathode and anode.    ADVANTAGE -   Amt. of power generated is enhanced, period of cell operation is extended and the no. of cycles before electrolyte requires renewal is increased.
Appts. comprises, an electrolytic cell with a porous vertical gas electrode having electrolyte on one surface and horizontal gas cells positioned vertically one above the other on the other surface, a weir system having vertical chambers of differing heights arranged in order of decreasing height and each connected to a gas chamber of equivalent vertical height.    The pressure between the gas and electrolyte within the pores of a porous gas electrode is balanced by compartmentaling the gas side and connecting each compartment to a chamber in a weir system, each chamber providing sufficient head pressure to back pressure the gas chamber by an amt. equiv. to the pressure of liq. in the electrolyte cell at the depth of the gas chamber.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Useful in the operation of certain types of electrolyte cells, including fuel cells, by balancing the pressure between the electrolyte and gas within the electrode pores, the state head pressure in each of the weir chambers, back pressuring the specifically connected gas chamber with a pressure equiv. to the pressure exerted by the electrolyte at the gas chambers relative position.
Gas reformer comprises reformer vessel, reforming tubes in reformer vessel, and reforming catalyst layer provided in each reforming tube. Shelves which are each formed by stretching metal net around frame body are provided at vertically specific intervals in each catalyst layer. Metal net-covered frame bodies are positioned in each shelve at specific intervals.    ADVANTAGE -   Flow of gas through catalyst layer can be improved.
Electrochemical cell has a polyaniline (I) as positive electrode active material; Li (alloy) as negative electrode active material, which can take up and release 4 x 10 power(-3) to 170 x 10 power(-3) mole effective Li/g (I) electrochemically on charge and discharge; and a non-aq. electrolyte soln. contg. over 1 mole/l to less than 6 mole/l electrolyte (II) in a non-aq. solvent (III).    Pref. (I) has a water content of 10000 ppm or less and is in the form of a film deposited by electrolytic polymerisation on a stainless steel substrate, which acts as positive electrode collector or container.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The cell has high capacity, low internal resistance or high cycle lifetime, high energy density and high discharge voltage. It can be used for small cells, e.g. button cells or cylindrical cells, or for sec. cells, e.g. for mobile equipment (cars, electric cars, aircraft and watches), battery buffer for IC memories of personal computers etc..
The generator and prodn. system of hydrogen by electrolysis of water are controlled by a variable voltage regulator.
Photo-electrochemical cell for H2 prodn. using sunlight comprises a membrane cell with a photo-cathode and an anode, the photocathode consisting of a substrate coated with a p+ amorphous Si layer connected to a lead, and at least one further amorphous semiconductor Si layer. The anolyte and catholyte contain no added redox couple and the Si semiconductor photocathode has enhanced corrosion resistance in the catholyte.    The p+ amorphous Si layer contains a p dopant pref. B at a concn. of 10 power 23 per cc.    ADVANTAGE -   Solar conversion efficiency is high, while operational stability of the photo-cathode is maintained.
In a reformer of a fuel cell comprising a burner to produce high temp. gas by burning fuel gas to supply it to the reformer and reformer tubes contg. catalyst layers to reform feed gas and steam, a heat exchanger is installed to exchange heat between mixed gas of feed and steam and high temp. gas exhausted from reformers.    USE -   Used to reform feed gas effectively with reduced energy consumption.
A comparator receives a current proportional to an input voltage and a relatively constant reference current produced by a band gap reference circuit. The comparator includes hysteresis whereby the response of the comparator is sharpened at the switching point. The comparator is particularly useful in combination with a switch coupling an input voltage source to a load. When the input voltage exceeds a predetermined level the first current exceeds the reference current.    The comparator responds sharply and produces a signal disabling the switch and maintaining it shut off until the input voltage decreases below the predetermined level. /2
The battery booster cable dispensing device comprises a container with circular openings on each side of it and battery booster cable exits on opposite ends of it. A tubular spool of uniform end to end diameter has a circular divider wall intermediate to its ends and a pair of openings through the spool surface to the hollow tubular portion, one of the pair on each side of the divider wall. A pair of outer spool circular end walls have the same circumference as the circular divider wall fixedly attached to the distal ends of the spool and mounted in the container with each end wall partially through one of the circular side openings for relative rotation with it.    A twin element cable passes through the tubular hollow portion of the spool longitudinally with each end extending through one of its pairs of openings through the spool surface on each side of the divider wall and extending from the container through one of the exits. A portion of the cable is wound on each side of the divider wall by rotating the spool relative to the housing in a first direction. Spring loaded clamps are connected to each end of each element of the twin element cable. Externally extending U shaped clips are connected at their closed end surface to the outer surface of the container adjacent to the exits, one of the U shaped clips positioned on each side of the divider wall for removably attaching the clamps to the container.    ADVANTAGE -   Does not require any crimping, severe doubling back one on other or bending of cable pairs.
The battery voltage (1) is applied, via the potential divider (3), to the first input, and through a stabilising diode (2) and an additional voltage stabilising circuit (4) to the second input of the A/D converter (5). The diode also provides the supply for the converter.    A data bus links the converter to a microprocessor (6) which communicates with the converter via multiplexed data lines (8) and a control line (9). Division of the two signals (E1,E8) by the processor makes measurement independent of battery voltage fluctuation.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For control of ignition firing angle, fuel injection control etc. Constant reference voltage maintains precision of measurement even with fluctuating supply voltage.
A porous plate (18,24,30) for an electrochemical cell (8) has a seal region (28,41,42) in which silicon carbide, carbon or graphite is deposited in teh void structure of th porous plate. The silicon carbide, carbon or graphite has particle size of 1 micron or less. The seal region (28,41,42) is clamped by the sealing surfaces (28) of adjacent structures of the cell (8) to prevent gas leakage during fuel cell operation. The density of the seal region (28,41,42) is greater than that of the plate, e.g. 1.1-1.4 g/cc, of 0.3-1.0 g/cc. The seal region (28,41,42) has a capillary characteristic of at least 5 psi for phosphoric acid.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The seal is used esp. in phosphoric acid fuel cell power plants and can stand higher edge seal cross pressures, esp. transient pressures.
The fuel battery comprises a number of unit fuel cells each having the cylindrical anode. The cylindrical solid electrolyte is in contact with eha node and the cylindrical cathode is in contact with the solid electrolyte. The unit fuel cells are connected to each other with the interposition of connectors, the fuel battery being characterised in that the thickness of the anode is smaller with distance from the portion connected to the cathode of the adjacent fuel cell.    The thickness of the cathode is smaller with distance from the portion connected to the anode of the other adjacent fuel cell. These fuel cells are firmed on cylindrical porous support pipes which are disposed in parallel.    ADVANTAGE -   Decreases loss due to electric resistance in cathode, electrolyte and anode. (First major country equivalent to J62044959)
A cell comprises a stack of alternating positive and negative plates with a conductive lug projecting from each and aligned with the lugs of like polarity plates along a stack side. The lugs are connected electrically in sets and insulating strip is around and between aligned lugs. The strip is of polymer, pressure-moulded in situ about the root sections of the lugs to tightly engage them and secure the lugs in fixed relation. Each lug root pref. has a notch into which the strip is moulded for anchoring. The strip opt. has upstanding flanges along its edges to form a trough contg. a plate strap joining the lugs. At least one end of the strip is pref. anchored to a surrounding compartment wall.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   E.g. for vehicle battery, is stronger and has improved shock and vibration resistance.
Catalytic organic fuel processing appts. comprises: a housing contg. a catalytic chamber through which gases are recirculated; means to inject organic fuel into the recirculating gases; a combustion chamber contg. a combustion catalyst on the inside and an oxidn. catalyst on the outside, the chamber being in indirect heat exchange relationship with the fuel injector and direct and indirect heat exchange relationship with the recirculating gases; means to inject air into the recirculating gases upstream of the combustion chamber; means to inject fuel and air into the combustion chamber; and a bleed for the recirculating gases.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Appts is used as part of a fuel cell power system in which an organic fuel is converted to a fuel gas, esp. methanol converted to H2, for use in powering electric motors for vehicles and generators. (claimed). Appts. is compact and can provide a quick start; its operation can be controlled by micro-processor to meet widely varying power demands.
Metal particles are fed to H2 generator reaction bed b : applying the particles to a holding tank; replacing the air in the tank with inert gas to prevent oxidn. of the particles; replacing the inert gas with water to prevent contamination of the generator with the inert gas; replacing the water with H2; and injecting the particles into the generator.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. in generation of H2 from dil. acid and Fe or Zn particles (claimed). Method prevents O2 or N2 being introduced into the generator (claimed).
Use of BaO (I) as the alkaline earth metal oxide in the mixt. for producing ceramic H(+) ion conducting material, increases its resistance to the action of water vapour at 700-1000 deg. without impairing its ionic conductivity. The mixt. contains (in moles %): (I) 48-51, group (III) metal oxide 2-15 and ZrO2 or HfO2 or CeO2 35-48, and the ceramic is synthesised at 1570 deg.    Tests show that a ceramic not contg. BaO disintegrates after 20 hours at 900 deg. under the H2O pressure of 1 atmos., while the proposed material remains unaffected.    USE -   As solid electrolyte in high temp. water vapour electrolyser membranes, fuel elements H2/O2 and in partial H2 pressure recorders and detectors. Bul.28/30.7.86
Power generation system in a fuel cell having an air preheater for a fuel cell reaction in which the air will be fed to an afterburner of a high temp. solid electrolyte fuel cell, includes a combuster between the preheater and the after-burner for performing an additional combustion after the temp. of the air has been elevated by the preheater.    ADVANTAGE -   A compact structure of the afterburner can be retained and pressure loss can be minimised. (First major country equivalent to J62040171-A)
(JP92042779-B)      Fuel cell comprises unit cells stacked through gas seg. boards, each having fuel gas and oxidiser gas flow passages formed multiply folded grooves cut into the surface of the board; the gas flow passages are arranged in parallel.    USE -   For d-c power sources. (J62040169-A)
Laminated layer type fuel cell comprises sepn. plates (1) each having rectilinear (4) and zigzag (5) portions of fuel and oxidiser channels (3) sandwiched between cells formed of fuel electrodes, electrolyte matrices and oxidiser electrodes.    ADVANTAGE -   Partial pressures of reaction gases are equalised throughout the cell to equalise cell reactions and temp. distribution in the cell. (claimed) (First major country equivalent to J62040168-A)
The carrier comprises a tube (1) having arms (2) mounted pivotally at each extremity. A bottom flange (4) of each arm supports the top flange of battery. The arms (2) each pivot on a pin (6a) which is keyed non-rotatably to complementary slots (6b) in the tube (1) An eye screw or bolt (17) is received over the pin (6a) and its back plate (20) is in use brought into abutment with the facing surface of arm (2) and tightened so that the eye (18) frictionally engages the pin (6a).    The arms (2) are in this way secured against relative displacement to ensure security of carriage of the battery. Alternatively, the bolt (17) is dispensed with and the arms are spring biassed towards the tube (1).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For removal of batteries from and carriage to and from vehicle.
Fuel cell includes an electrolyte contained within a porous matrix of ZrP2O3 material between the electrodes. Pref. the matrix includes a binder, pref. a fluorocarbon; the electrolyte is an acid, pref. H3PO4; and the matrix contains no more than 5 wt.%. ZrO2.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. with H2/O2 fuel cells. Matrix is low cost, inactive and thin, and provides high performance at higher operating temps. e.g. 175-225 deg. C.
The fuel cell power supply comprises a fuel cell current detector for detecting the current generated by the fuel cell. A detector load current detects current flowing through the lod of the cell power supply producing a signal corresponding to the load current. A signal is produced by a setting circuit corresponding to the strength and time variation pattern of the output signal fo the load current detector. A controller receives the output signal of the fuel cell current detector and the signal from the setting circuit, controlling the strength of the fuel cell current with the set signal as a set value. In the fuel cell power supply, the fuel cell current is caused by the described means to become overcurrent, exceeding the rated output current in such a state that the overcurrent exceeding the rated output current of the fuel cell is produced in the load current at logn intervals.    By allowing the overcurrent to have a value corresponding to the time interval at wich the overload current is generated, the duel cell is forced to output the overcurrent. Thus, it becomes possible to utilise a secondary cell having a capacity smaller than that of a conventional fuel cell power supply in which the secondary cell must bear the full overcurrent.    ADVANTAGE -   Secondary all has small capacity bearing full overcurrent. (First major country equivalent to J62035462)
The unit has a container (2) of acid resistant material and has the facility (3) to measure battery parameters, such as voltage, capacity and specific gravity. The vacuum pump (5) coupled to a vessel (6) by tubes enables transfer of battery acid.    The container is produced from plates (6) of hard elastomer or plastics that are welded or bonded together. A main vessel with a large volume capacity (13) is used to provide fresh battery liquid. The instrumentation and pump unit (3) is positioned over a 12V battery. External connections are made to a battery under test.
Combustion chamber (116) of a reformer (110) using LNG as a raw material container a catalytic combustion appts. (210) and a burner combustion appts. (213) which burn hydrogen-contg. waste gas from the anode of a fuel cell. The chamber is also equipped with a thermometer to detect the temp. of the catalyst and a controller (214) to control the rate of gas supply to the combustion appts.    USE -   Concn. of nitrogen oxides is reduced in combustion waste gas used for heating raw material.
The battery connector is formed as an intermediate piece with a clamping piece (3) formed in the base for fitting to the usual battery pole. A pole piece (2) extends upwards to receive a customary battery clamp. Current flow through the pole piece (2) can be measured by evaluating electronics (7).    The pole (2) and clamping (3) pieces are arranged coaxially to each other. Connections (13-16) for an indicating and measuring appts. are provided on a housing (6) rigidly joined to the pole piece (2). The latter can be sealed by a circular core (9) with a radial gap accommodating a Hall element serving as a current sensor. The core can enclose a radially extending flange (8).    ADVANTAGE -   Allows indicating or measuring appts. to be connected, including the case when the accumulator is a vehicle battery without having to disconnect from the on-board power supply network.
Electrochemical cell for generation of H2 and/or O2 has an anode, a cathode and an aq. electrolyte in a metal and/or plastics housing. The anode compsn. is a substance subject only to electrochemical oxidn. in its initial state and the cathode compsn. is a H2-releasing electrode or electrochemically reducible substance; and the cell contains an O2-releasing electrode; and H2 or O2 is formed when current flow, which results in the pores of a gas diffusion electrode functioning at cathode or anode, and passes to the outside through the pores of a hydrophobic diffusion membrane.    Pref. H2 generating cell has a metal, pref. Zn anode, H2 cathode and alkaline electrolyte, the cathode consisting of a layer of metal and/or C powder with PTFE binder on a metal mesh, with a porous PTFE film laminated, e.g. rolled, onto pref. the side opposite the metal mesh.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   H2 or O2 is formed in amts. almost equiv. to the current. The gas is useful for transport of a fluid medium, e.g. for operating a grease gun.
The battery includes a single pair of element posts in electrical communication with electrochemical components. A single pair of terminal bushings are completely embedded in the cover. Each of the bushings is electrically connected to one of the element posts and comprises: a main body portion; a side terminal end which is mounted through an opening in an angled surface of the cover; a top terminal end which is mounted through an opening in the top surface of the cover on or in the vicinity of its longitudinal centreline; an element post end; and a connecting arm extending sideways from the body portion to the side terminal end.    The top terminal end, the body portion, and the element post end define a hole for receiving one of the element posts. A pair of side terminals are in electrical communication with the side terminal ends of the bushings. A pair of top terminals are in electrical communication with the top terminal ends of the bushings.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For vehicle SLI use. Reduces electrolyte and gas leakage.
The electrical generating facility comprises a fossil fired steam power plant including a boiler having a combustion furnace and a high temperature fuel-cell in operative relationship with the combustion furance. A device introduces fossil fuel to the fuel-cell for generating electricity where the fossil fuel becomes partially spent and surplus heat is generated. The partially spent fossil fuel and the surplus heat are directed from the fuel-cell to the combustion furnace for further combustion.    The fuel is gas and coal and the fuel supply comprises a coal gasifier. The fuel is oil and the fuel supply is a reactor. The fuel supply includes an internal reformer which is integrated with a heat exchanger and the fuel-cell in a high temperature zone.    ADVANTAGE -   More efficient and less air pollution.
Startup method for a fuel cell power system comprises heating a fuel cell stack to operating temp. with a circulating heat exchange fluid, while pressurising the pressure vessel and process chambers wit h an inert gas, controlling the vapour pressure in the insert gas in proportion to the detected temp. and pressure in the process chamber so that the vol. of the hygroscopic electrolyte is maintained constant.    ADVANTAGE -   Deterioration of the system due to a decrease or increase in the electrolyte vol. is avoided. (First major country equivalent to J62022374-A)
(JP2633522-B2)      Fuel cell uses hydrogen and a gaseous combustible material to produce electricity. The cell has an acidic liquid electrolyte, and anode and cathode. The cathode and anode both comprise multiporous active carbon with a layer of catalyst to accelerate the reaction, with a layer of electrolyte (containing liquid) in contact with the electrodes. The cell is formed into a sealed single unit. The fuel cell comprises a number of the units, with paths for the fuel etc. between the cells and layer elements.
The connector is a block consisting of two parts (1,2) forming a sloping sided circular opening (4) matching the tapered side of the terminal. The first part (1) is crescent shaped, and the second part has an extension (7) at the end opposite to the end which holds the cable. This extension has a tapped hole (9) through it, to receive the screw with a conical tip.    When the screw is rotated, its conical tip acts as a wedge against the convex side of the crescent shaped part forcing it towards the terminal inside the sloping sided opening, giving a clamping action. Between the convex side of the crescent shaped part and the part with the extension, is a gap (8) forming part of a ring shape.    ADVANTAGE -   Locking and release can be carried out repeatedly without damage.
Separators (9) are positioned between the positive and negative electrodes (1,5). The lower edges of the electrode plates are provided with feet (2,3), with which the plates stand on the supporting ledge at the floor of the cell container. The feet of the positive plates occupy a greater distance to each other and thus always lying nearer to the outside of the plates than the feet of the negative plates.    The distance of the feet of the positive plates amounts to at least 75 per cent of the entire plate width, pref. 90 to 100 percent of the plate width. The max. distance of the feet of the negative plates amounts to about 60 per cent of the plate width.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. for starter battery. One sided movement of positive electrodes of plate set in course of corrosion conditioned grid growth is neutralised.
Fuel cell comprises: a porous anode; a transition metal porous cathode; H2 fuel and O2 oxidant supplies; an alkali metal carbonate electrolyte; a gas-impervious tile adjacent the anode; and a second, gas-permeable tile adjacent the cathode. Both tiles have small pores contg. electrolyte; the second tile also has larger pores for receiving O2 and has a larger ionic resistance per unit thickness than the first tile.    ADVANTAGE -   The tile adjacent the anode.
Device includes a passageway for electrolyte return with electrolyte wettable wicking material in opposite ends of the passageway. One end portion is near the upper, negative end of the stack where flooding occurs. The second end portion is placed near the lower, positive end of the stack where electrolyte is depleted. A heater increases electrolyte vapour pressure in the upper wicking material and the vapour is condensed in the lower portion and wicked as molten electrolyte to the positive end face of the stack.    ADVANTAGE -   Device is effective without adding to stack complexity.
Prepn. for providing long term integrity to electrical connections comprises (in parts wt.): water 4, glycerin 6, synthetic amorphous fused SiO2 12, metallic flake or powder or powdered graphite 10 and CaCl2 or LiCl as hydrophilic agent 1. An alternative prepn. comprises: water 10-18, detergent 32-52, ethylene glycol 10-18, fine sand 1-4, powdered graphite 50-70 and a 4:1 LiCl brine 10-18.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. with vehicle battery terminals. Long term reliability is achieved under adverse conditions.
A main switching element is inserted between a fuel cell power unit and a dc-ac converter with a secondary battery connected to a charging switch and a discharging switch. A control circuit is provided for the switching elements, the charging switch and discharging switch being connected in series and across the main element.    The battery is charged by turning on the charging switch when the fuel cell power unit is in warming up operation or when the dc-ac converter is broken off from the output circuit of the power unit to stop the operation of the unit, while the battery is discharged through the converter by turning on the discharging switch when the unit reaches the rated operating temperature.    ADVANTAGE -   Minimises electric power loss when fuel cell power unit is heated by cell reactions under load. (First major country equivalent to J62017958)
(JP92038104-B)      Cell comprises an electrolytic soln. contg. an electrolyte dissolved in an organic polar solvent and transition metal complex selected among 2,2'-bipyridine, ethylenediamine, ammonia and 1,10-phenanthroline as a pair of redoxes.    Used for power storing batteries. (J62015770-A)
A thin C plate is obtd. by forming a sandwich of a C raw material between sheets of a paper-like material capable of being carbonised without melting, the paper-like sheets being in contact with the pressing surfaces of a heating press, press moulding at elevated temp. to carbonise the raw material; and calcining the resulting carbonised material in a vacuum or inert gas.    Paper-like material consists of (mainly) vegetable fibres and has a thickness of 100 micron max. The thin C plate prod. has a thickness 0.2-5 mm pref. 0.2-1.5 mm.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In mfr. of C fuel cell separators, an electrolysis or accumulator electrode or a heat-exchanger diaphragm. (claimed). Use of the paper-like layers produces a dense, low permeability thin plate in which crevices and cracking are eliminated.
The battery connector has a clamp ring (3) which fits onto the battery terminal, and flanges (6) where the ring is split. The terminal cap (20) is pivoted (7) on an axis through the flanges (6). The pivots comprise clamping elements (10,22) with sloping mating faces arranged such thatwhen the cap is pushed down over the terminal the clamp ring is tightened around the terminal. When the cap is raised the clamp is released.    The clamp ring has an extension (14), typically diametrically opposite the flanges, for connecting a cable. The clamp ring typically has a conical bore.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Typically on batteries for motor vehicles. Quick to fit and release; no spanners needed.
The battery connector comprises a basic connector block (4) which fits over the battery terminal, and a clamping block (20) which slides in guides (10) in the main block (4). The clamping block (20) also carries a terminal (36) for a cable. A lever (40) on each side of the connector is located at one end (42) in the clamping block (20) and at the other end (44) in the terminal cap (50). A slot (12) in the sides of the main block (4) acts as a lever guide.    The pivot axis (3) is on the opposite side of the battery terminal hole (8) to the clamping block. When, with the connector set in place on the terminal, the cap is closed, the lever action pulls the clamping block against the terminal, and the reaction on the main block ensures a tight grip on the terminal. Lifting the cap releases the grip.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Typically on batteries for motor vehicles. Quick and easy to fit; needs no spanners.
Method, and apparatus, for producing a hydrogen contg. gas from a hydrocarbon feedstock in which the reaction vessel has three zones arranged in sequence. During the making of the hydrogen in the make mode, the hydrocarbon feedstock and steam are preheated within the first zone which is filled with material which was heated during regeneration of the reaction vessel. Gasification, that is cracking and reforming, of the feedstock and steam mixture takes place within the next following second zone of heated material which includes a region of reform catalyst. The gas so produced is then cooled in a lower temperature third zone. The heat used in making the hydrogen is restored by regenerating the reaction vessel, in the regeneration mode. Regeneration is accomplished by preheating a hydrogen purge gas and regeneration combustion products recule using the sensible heat stored during the make mode in material disposed within the vessel. These gases are mixed with an oxygen containing gas so that they combust within the second zone to reheat the material in that zone. Combustion products from the second zone are then cooled by passing them through the first zone so that the first zone material is reheated.    ADVANTAGE -   The method is very compact and highly efficient. All the energy expended is utilised to directly convert feedstock to the desired hydrogen containing gas which is usually hydrogen. Virtually all heat transfer is direct, which eliminates losses typically associated with indirect heating and cooling. Maximising preheating minimises the amount of hydrogen purge gas which must be burnt to provide process heat, which also increases efficiency, giving thermal efficiencies of 95% or higher.
A fuel cell mfg. appts.. making composite sheets comprises a movable belt and metering member that is separated from the belt by a distance at least equal to a predetermined final thickness of the composite sheet. The metering member is partic. adapted to vibration in a direction transverse to the belt.    The metering member comprises (a) a curved plate section that is at its closed point to the belt less than 120% of the thickness of the predetermined final thickness; (b) an inclined plate section, contiguous to curved plate section at closest point, which slopes towards the belt from the curved plate section to a second point which is sepd. from the belt by a distance equal to the predetermined final thickness of the composite sheet; (c) a flat plate section contiguous to inclined plate section at second point, that is both parallel to the belt and sepd. from the belt by a distance equal to the predetermined final thickness of the composite sheet; (d) metering member sections that are capable of oscillating in opposite directions transverse to the belt and (e) means for oscillating said metering member sections.    ADVANTAGE -   Appts manufactures composite sheets that are uniform, devise with a smooth surface, due to its vibrating action that tracks down damps, aggregates that otherwise form in fibrous mixts.
(JP92049224-B)      Fuel cell comprises unit cells stacked through hermetic plates between a pair of gas diffusion electrodes and gas seals attached to the ends of the electrodes. Gas seal composed of a fluororesin film and fluororesin porous mats are disposed at both sides of the film.    For d-c power sources. (J62008456-A)
(US4992342-A)      Composite structure for use in a molten carbonate fuel cell comprises anode layer; Ni oxide cathode layer; electrolyte layer; and an alkaline earth metal oxide(s) component for retarding migration and/or dissolution of Ni oxide from the cathode. The component is pref. a layer between cathode and electrolyte, or a separate phase in the cathode or electrolyte layers, or a homogeneous satd. soln. in the electrolyte.    Specifically the alkaline earth metal is Ba or Sr and the oxides are lithiated.    Pref. the cathode contains a lithiated Ni oxide of compsn. LixNi1-xO.    The retarding component may alternatively be a transition metal oxide, pref. Fe, Mn or Co oxide; the component is most pref. a lithiated Fe oxide, esp. a mixt. of LiFeO2 and LiFe5O8/. (First major country equivalent to J62002458-A) (Previously notified in Week 9109) @(7pp Dwg.No.1/5)@
Fuel cell is claimed comprising anode, cathode, separator and electrolyte, the electrolyte consisting of conc. H3PO4 and at least 0.5 wt. % of an amine capable of reacting with the H3PO4 in situ to produce an ammonium phosphate, thereby reducing interfacial tension and increasing the wetting properties of the H3PO4.    The electrolyte itself is also claimed, the amine pref. being lauryl trimethylamine.    ADVANTAGE -   Amine is effective in very low concentration and does not introduce a foreign anion into the cell, thus not adversely affecting the operation of the cell.
The battery comprises an electrically insulated connector including a receptacle portion indicating polarity on the other end portion of each lead of the pair of pigtail leads. A plug portion remote from the battery electrically connects the receptacles with a conductor. The plug portion comprises a plug body from dielectric material having opposing spaced-apart parallel end surfaces and having a top surface normal to the end surfaces and a pair of elongated electrically conductive terminals embedded in parallel spaced relation within the dielectric material body between the end surfaces. A prong projects axially toward the one end surface from one end of each terminal and terminates adjacent but spaced inwardly with respect to the one end surface.    An axial socket is formed in the other end of each terminal for electrical connection with vehicle cable conductors, and the dielectric material body has two polarity indicating cylindrical recesses respectively surrounding the two prongs. There is a laterally projecting prong on each terminal intermediate its ends projecting toward the top surface, the top surface having other polarity indicating recesses respectively surrounding the laterally projecting prongs.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Vehicle. Eliminates any separable connection between vehicle storage post and conductors attached to it.
Alumina hydrate of at least 1 of boehmite, imitation boehmite, diaspore, gibbsite, or biarite, and lithium hydroxide are mixed in the presence of solvent. Then the solvent is removed, and obtd. solid part is burnt at 650-1,000 deg. C (pref. 700-950 deg.C), to produce gamma-type lithium aluminate powder.    Specifically before the burning, the solid parts are grinded or mixed. The solvent is at least one of water or alcohol, i.e., water, hexane, heptane, pentene, hexene, cyclopentane, cyclohexane, benzene, toluene, methanol (pref.) ethanol, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methylisobutyl ketone, diethylether, tetrahydrofuran, etc. The lithium hydroxide is pref. 1 hydrate.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In obtd. lithium aluminate, above 70% of it has gamma-type crystal form and the residue has beta-type crystal form. It has small granule dia. and large surface area e.g. above 15 m2/g, it is suitable as raw materials of electrolyte tile for fused carbonate fuel battery.
Catalytic layers for reforming methanol and catalytic layers for burning fuel gas are alternately arranged. The catalytic layer for burning fuel is filled with combustion catalyst using three dimensional sieve-shaped metal, e.g. spongy metal, as a carrier.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Conversion of methanol can be increased as the decomposition zones can be kept at high temp.
Prodn. comprises pressing mixed powder of electroconductive carbon material and thermosetting resin with heat; the mixed powder being pre-formed at a temp. 10-15 deg.C lower than the softening temp. under a lower pressure than the final pressing.    The carbon material is e.g. carbon, graphite or carbon fibre.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Obtd. thin sheet has homogeneous electroconductivity, gas barrier properties, and reduced warpage. It is adaptable for e.g. plane separator in fuel batteries.
Prodn. of PTFE porous membranes comprises compression moulding PTFE resin powder of ave.-particle dia. 1-900 microns obtd. by suspension polymerisation of TFE; heating the obtd. preform at above 327 deg.C followed by skinning the heated preform into film form; heating the obtd. film at above 327 deg.C; slowly cooling the film at a rate of less than 70 deg.C/hr so as to adjust the crystallinity of the film to 60-75%; and stretching the heated film uniaxially or biaxially to 1.3-6.5 times while heating at 100-320 deg.C.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Porous PTFE membranes are useful e.g. as filters for corrosive materials or high temp. substances, as diaphragms for electrolytic baths or fuel cells, etc. The obtd. membranes have pores which are almost circular and of uniform pore dia., have excellent mechanical strength, and on stretching have resistance to breakage or pinholing. Permeability is also high. (First major country equivalent to J61293830-A)
The terminal has the aperture for receiving the male member of the connector. The aperture is basically cylindrical in shape. It has a radially inward extending wall member formed on one side defining the arcuate shaped slot between the wall member and the closed end of the aperture. The male member comprises a main portion which is basically cylindrical in shape. It has the arcuate shaped member extending radially outward from one side.    The male member may be inserted into the aperture of the terminal and rotated relative to the terminal to wedge the arcuate shaped member into the slot to secure the male member in the aperture of the terminal. The connector may be removed by rotating the male member in an opposite direction and removing the member from the aperture of the terminal.    ADVANTAGE -   Good and quick connection-disconnection without use of tools.
The apparatus includes a mechanism for connection to a top post battery terminal, a mechanism for connection to a side post battery terminal, and a mechanism for receiving one end of a battery cable and providing an electrical connection. The first mechanism comprises a cylindrical or frustoconical clamping ring which is adapted to encircle a top post battery terminal and to provide a socket.    The receiver comprises a laterally extending portion having bolt holes near the ends and a screw threaded recess between the bolt holes for receiving a wire bundle. The two connectors are at opposite ends of the elongated body and the receiver is between them.    ADVANTAGE -   Eases jump starting battery.
A closure plte having a protrusive portion, is mounted on the shell to form a manifold box, with a distribution unit arranged in the sheel to partition an interior space of the shell inot two chambers. The unit comprises a pair of partitioning members and a plate mounted in a spaced relationship to form slit-like gaps between them. The protrusive portion of the closure plate is provided with slit-like blowholes to supply process gas to a fuel cell stack.    The partitioning plate is provided with a distributor and a deflector. The distributor is positioned in front of the opening so as to divide the gas flow from the opening into an upward flow and a downward flow, while the deflector is mounted on the exterior surface of the plate and extends vertically in parallel to a centre line of the protrusive portion to allow the gas to converge to the protrusive portion of the closure plate.    ADVANTAGE -   Manifold enables gas to be uniformly supplied to fuel cell stack regardless of fluctuation in flow rate. (First major country equivalent to J61292863)
(JP96015094-B2)      The fused-carbonate fuel battery has a boric acid glass seal between the gas flow manifold and the battery unit. The glass seal dissolves at a lower temp. than the operating temp. of the battery. The battery also has a holder which does not dissolve in the boric acid glass and thus the boric acid glass can be conserved.    ADVANTAGE -   Good battery performance can be ensured throughout its service life.
Sintered gamm-LiAlO2 prod. is produced by granulating and shaping finely powdered alpha-LiAlO2, and baking at 1,000 -1,100 deg. C.    Pref. 1 - 15 wt. % of MgO or ZrO2 powder is used in combination with alpha-LiAlO2 to further improve strength.    ADVANTAGE -   The gamma-LiAlO2 prod., has good alkali corrosion resistance, and is suitable for use as the material of vessel for the fusion or reaction of carbonates etc.
Sintered gamma-LiAlO2 prod. is produced by granulating and shaping finely powdered beta-LiAlO2, and baking at 1,000 -1,100 deg. C under CO2 gas atmos. Pref. MgO or ZrO2 powder are also used in combination with beta-LiAlO2 to more improve strength.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Prod. exhibits excellent corrosion resistance against alkali material, and is suitable for use as material for vessels for fusion or reaction of carbonate, etc.
Slurry contg. catalyst, carrier, and opt. catalyst aid or their precursors is coaxially extruded together with support member. Slurry attached around support is dried and cut in extruding direction to obtain planar green catalyst, which is fired.    ADVANTAGE -   Uniform or regularly varied thickness of planar catalyst can be obtd.
The cells contain cathode-, matrix- and anode cell component pts., placed in a cell-housing, the inner compartment of which is fitted to and accepts the component pts. The novelty consists in using a cell housing which comprises several shaped, superimposed frame pts. of a material contg. a polyphenylene sulphide- and/or polyether sulphone resin and, as filler, 10-40 wt. % Ce oxide, glass, K titanate or Zr oxide, encapsulated in the resin.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The cells can be used for underwater- and space travel. The cell has a long-term lifetime. The frames have a simple shape and weigh less than conventional laminates. The materials resist alkaline surroundings and cause less cell-contamination.
The oxides have formula Bi2-2xY2xO3 (x = 0.215-0.235). Prodn. of the oxides comprises mixing Bi2O3 or its precursor with Y2O3 or its precursor in such a manner that the content of Y2O3 is 21.5-23.5 mol.%; and heating the resulting mixt. at below 720 deg.C.. The oxides are also claimed as an oxygen ion conducting material.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For oxygen gas sensors, fuel cells, or oxygen pumps, having oxygen ion conductivity of 10 power -2.4 ohm-1.cm-1 at 600 deg.C comparable to the known oxygen ion conductor of yttrium stabilised zirconia, (ZrO2)0.9(Y2O3)0.1.
Reformer comprising identical metal cases charged with reforming catalyst and thermal medium which are alternately laminated through partition plates and integrated with the plates.    USE -   For reforming hydrocarbons.
An electrochemical cell is claimed comprising an anode, a cathode and an aprotic electrolyte where either the anode or the cathode (pref. the cathode) comprises a polyaniline where each N of the polymer is associated with at least one, but not more than two, H, pref. with only one H. Pref. the anode comprises an alkali or alkaline earth metal.    The use of this cell as a sec. battery or a fuel cell is also claimed. An electrochemical electrode of a polyaniline where each N of the polymer chain is associated with one, but only one, H is also claimed. A method of reversible energy storage is also claimed by providing an electrode in an aprotic electrolyte and cyclically oxidising and reducing the electrode between the oxidised formula (I) (-(C6H4)-N(+)H=(C6H4)=N(+)H-) (2A(-)) and the reduced formula (II) (-(C6H4)-NH-(C6H4)-NH-); where A = counter ion from the electrolyte.    Pref. the polyaniline is reversibly oxidisable to formula (I) and reversibly reducible to formula (II).    ADVANTAGE -   The cells have capacities and efficiencies close to the theoretical maximum.
The unit assembled in fuel battery system modifies liq. fuel e.g. alcohol to hydrogen enriched gas and supplies it to fuel battery. The unit uses a vaporiser in furnace container, and modifier to modify vaporised fuel gas to hydrogen enriched gas by contact reaction with catalyst. The vaporiser is installed in thermal particle filled layer at combustion chamber in furnace.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Heat capacity of vaporiser and heat exchanging efficiency with burning gas are improved. Pressure fluctuation of modified gas is reduced. Modified gas with constant pressure can be supplied to fuel battery body.
Fuel cell includes a plate for fuel or oxidant gas flow comprising three sets of ribs (58) defining gas channels (60) and slots (62) on the surface of the plate, providing a modified serpentine gas flow pattern across the plate surface. The channels are linear and parallel while spaced slots allow cross channel flow of the gas in a staggered manner which creates mini-serpentine flow paths transverse to the gas flow along the channels. Adjacent pairs of channels are interconnected.    Specifically, the bipolar plate for a fuel cell has the above gas channel configuration on one surface and a second arrangement of gas flow channels in a serpentine configuration on the other surface.    ADVANTAGE -   Configuration of the gas flow channels provides good flow distribution across the cells in a stack and provides uniform compression loading of the cells.
Battery includes a halogen, esp. Cl2 and/or Br2, as cathode active material, stored in and supplied from a solvent, pref. a halo-organic solvent, esp. hexachlor-butadiene.    Solvent contg. absorbed hal is stored in a tank; hal is entrained for use in an inert gas stream. Ratio of inert gas to hal is 1:9 to 9:1 by vol. The temp. of the solvent is raised or lowered so that the hal is absorbed or yielded as required during charge and discharge. The solvent contains dispersed C powder and a conductive rod to prevent static build-up.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In e.g. prim. or sec. batteries for electric vehicles. Electric power demand during battery operation is minimal.
The clamp has the main ring (16) that locates over the projecting terminal post (12) of the battery. The wires (18) of the connecting cable are inserted into a hole in the ring such that contact is made with the post. The ring is split on one side and has two periphery flat lugs (24).    A pivot pin (30) is located in the holes and provides support for a pivotted locking lever (44). The end of the lever has a projecting surface (28). The clamping ring is located on the post while held vertically. As the lever is moved downwards the projecting surface cuts into the lead post to ensure good contact and retention.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides direct direction between cable and post without screws.
The method has the process gas fed to a current generating set e.g. a high-temp. fuel-cell set and/or a gas turbine coupled to a generator. The process gas is burnt in the set and converted into electrical energy and harmless waste gases.    The process gas on leaving the iron bath reactor has dust removed and is cooled. At least a part of the heat derived from the process gas is used to compress the process gas via a vapour generator.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides strict adherence to emission pollution standards despite presence of sulphur and coal.
The method treats the anode liquid in the anode space with a metal or a metal alloy that is less noble than the metal whose cations are present in the anode liquid. If necessary the cathode liquid in the cathode space is treated with an oxidising agent. The anode liquid is treated outside the space.    The cathode liquid may be treated inside or outside the cathode space. The anode space contains a chromium electrolyte. The metal is aluminium, calcium, chromium, magnesium or zinc and the alloy is a mixture of these metals. The cathode space contains an iron electrolyte. The oxidising agent is oxygen, air and/or hydrogen peroxide.
The monitoring and setting process is carried out in three or four stages. In the first stage a very weak or new uncharged battery is charged for several hours, up to the highest permissable capacity. Then its power capability is tested by connecting to a load, e.g. 10 amps. for 10 sec.    Then the power lost in the test is compensated in a recharge and finally a continuous charge is carried out to compensate for the gradually diminishing capacity. The test unit includes a timing circuit for each and an alarm unit for an acoustic or visual indication of battery failure.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Emergency systems, fire alarms and communication circuits. Gives early warning regarding condition, e.g. for car batteries, obviating serious damage. /3
Fuel cell power generator comprises: a fuel cell d.c. generator which receives H2 and O2 from feed lines, the lines being supplied from H2 and O2 gas storage cylinders which in turn are fed from an electrolysis cell operated by d.c. from the fuel cell. The electrolysis cell comprises a tank contg. a pressurised electrolyte and H2 and O2 electrodes.    ADVANTAGE -   Use of H2 and O2 reservoirs overcomes any temporary shortage of fuel resulting from a rapid rise in load, so that the generator, has excellent responsiveness to rapid rise of load. (First major country equivalent to J61263065-A)
The battery has the container divided into six equally sized cell compartments. Within each cell compartment are a series of alternate positive and negative plates (10 and 12) interleaved with sheets (14) of microfine borosilicate glass fibre separator material. Each plate is of rectangular shape and extends over the full height and width of the container with an upstanding conductive plate lug (16).    e total volume of electrolyte required for the entire battery is injected through an aperture in the lid into one end cell. The electrolyte rapidly rises to the level of a large aperture (28) to flow into the adjacent and subsequent cells while displaced air or gas is redistributed through the smaller and higher holes (26). A non-return vent (30) is fitted in the lid.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Is partic. for lead acid battery. Is maintenance free.
Gamma-form Li aluminate powder is obtd. by: mixing Al alkoxide with Li (hydr)oxide or an Li (in)organic acid salt in a non-aq. solvent; reacting under the addn. of 1.5-20 moles water (including any water of crystallisation) per mole of Al alkoxide; removing the solvent; and calcining at 650-1000 deg.C.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Useful esp. in making electrolyte tiles of molten carbonate fuel cells. Method avoids need for Li alkoxide starting materials.
Ground chaff and rice straw are mixed with an appropriate amt of dried and powdered stems and leaves of plants of Calathea genera, Marantaceae, and then moulded.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Contg. natural waxes in large quantities, the plants serve as a binder, instead of conventional, harmful binders, contg. petroleum, coal pitch, tar or asphalt. The prepn. makes it possible to use discarded chaff and straw in China, India and South East Asia. It gives perfectly natural and pollution-free solid fuel with a low density, high combustibility, little ashes, a high calorific value and high moisture resistance. It is available for industry, agriculture and household use.
A fermenter has a bucket wheel turning on a shaft moving along a silo channel and from one silo channel to another, aeration lines in the base of each channel connected to a compressor, flexible scrapers at the edge of the wheel cleaning the lines, lateral spikes extending radially from the edge of the wheel, scoops at the edge of the wheel, and a lateral conveyor transferring compost raised by the scoops into an adjacent silo channel.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for domestic rubbish.
A crusher and mixer for organic and mineral waste has a cylindrical vessel mounted on a frame, a vertical shaft carrying vertically spaced horizontal blades extending into the vessel, fixed horizontal blades extending through the vessel near the others, an opening with a hopper at the top of the vessel, an opening above a conveyor belt at its base, a ball bearing support for the base of the shaft, and an electric motor driving the shaft via belts and pulleys.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for domestic rubbish, to producing compost.
The composting of lawn cuttings in plastic or rubber bags is impeded by premature putrefaction because of the absence of air. This can be remedied by providing holes on two opposite sides and by laying the bag, after filling, horizontally on a grate.    ADVANTAGE -   Ensures adequate ingress of air and rapid composting without putrefaction.
High pressure methane gas is produced by (a) cooling a gaseous feed comprising methane and nitrogen; (b) introducing to the higher pressure column of a double column cryogenic rectification plant, and producing methane-rich liquid therefrom; (c) passing the liquid to the lower pressure column, and producing methane liquid therein; (d) partially vaporising the liquid by indirect heat exchange with top vapour from column, passing the resultant vapour to column and pumping the remaining liquid to a higher pressure; (e) warming the pumped liquid and further pumping at least part thereof to a still higher pressure; and (f) heating the resultant higher pressure methane liquid by indirect heat exchange with the gaseous feed, to produce high pressure methane gas.    In a variant of the process, steps (d) and (e) are replaced by (d') partially vaporising the liquid and pumping the remaining liquid to a higher pressure; (e') warming the pumped liquid by indirect heat exchange with column bottoms prior to their introduction to column, and further pumping at least part of the warmed methane liquid to a still higher pressure.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process is of use for obtaining purified methane from natural gas, and pressurising it for introduction to a pipeline. Compression requirements are less than with prior processes.
Body (1) has admission and withdrawal pipes (2,3) and a spiral guide (7) attached to the side wall, plus gas bell-jar (4) movable vertically, with pipe (6) in the upper section to remove the gas, fitted with a valve. Vanes (8) are fastened to the inside of the bell-jar, with rollers (5) on the outside acting with the guide. Two stops (13,14) are coaxial to the gas-exit pipe (6). The valve is a circular magnet above which is a ferromagnetic disc movable vertically.    The contaminated liq.enters body (1) with the gas bell-jar (4) in the lower posn., the vanes (8) touching the bottom. During anaerobic fermentation, liberated gas collects under (4) which gradually moves upwards and rotates, due to rollers (5) in guide (7). The vanes turn causing intense mixing of residues both radially and throughout the ht. When the bell-jar reaches the top a valve is operated and the gas released via (6); the bell-jar falls again, the magnet closing the valve to restart the cycle.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Utilisation of organic wastes in agriculture, etc. with more effective operation of the methane tank. Bul.17/7.5.87.
Natural gas can be heated to 927 deg. without formation of free C, is a tubular furance fitted with metallic tubes filled with ZrO2. The gas is passed through the tubes at the rate of 4-8 m/sec. over 1-2 sec.    ADVANTAGE -   Vol. rate of gas flow increased from 460 to 2500 hour, heated gas contains no free C. Bul.17/7.5.87
The process comprises contacting gases with drying agent based on glycol. To improve performance, the drying agent is the waste from the process of hydration of ethylene oxide with methanol, at 80-90 and 10-20 wt.% respectively.    Typically, 90:10 drying agent produced by simple mixing of the components, has gas saturated with water vapour passed through it in a column. At a contact temp of (-10) deg.C and a flow velocity of 0.1m/s., the dew point in the moisture becomes (-49) deg.C. The spent absorbent can be regenerated in a fractionation column and returned to the cycle for repeated use.    ADVANTAGE -   The process increases efficiency at low temperatures. Bul.17.7.5.87
Raw material is converted to compost by fermentation, while stirrer is moved from raw material inlet to compost outlet. Stirrer is moved above discharge conveyor for removing bridge formed on the comveyor.    ADVANTAGE -   A bridge is effectively removed without enlarging the size of discharge conveyor.
Microorganisms belonging to the Rhodococcus genus and having an aggregation effect, are cultured. The cultured matter or cultured and treated matter is contacted with animal husbandry waste water in the presence of cationic matter.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The colour of faeces and urine is removed completely. The treated liq. becomes colourless and transparent.    In an example, Rhodococcus erythropores (KR-S-l) was cultured in a medium 10 g glucose, 2 g KH2PO4, 5 g K2HPO4, 0.2 g MgSO4, 0.5 g urea, 0.5 g yeast extract, in 1 l distilled water, for 4 days. 5 ml cultured matter was mixed with pig faeces and 90 ml urine dirty water and 5 ml of 10% Ca chloride soln.. The dirty water was solid-liq. sepd. and regulated at pH 7. After leaving for 10 min., TOC (whole amount of organic C) and turbidity were measured. TOC of the treated liq. was 2980 ppm as opposed to 8200 ppm using no cultured matter. The turbidity of the treated liq. was 18 times the transparency of the raw dirty water.
In a new temp.-raising process of carbon monoxide converter in facilities for producing city gas, air is introduced into gas to be converted, upstream or in the converter. A low-temp.-oxidn. catalyst is placed at the air-introducing part or in the converter.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The method prevents lowering of conversion rate at initiation of operation, resulting in substantial redn. in risk of poisoning by CO. It is inexpensive (requiring only a running cost of power for an air blower) and very easy, compared to conventional methods of temp. retention. It is applicable to current equipment.    In an example, the method raises the temp. from 320 deg.C (a typical temp. on introduction) to 350 deg.C compared to lowering to 300 deg.C without the temp. raising. The facilities are those for producing city gas from hydrocarbons by steam reforming. Ordinary oxidn. catalysts are available, including Pt, Pd, etc.
A mixture of gases is separated in at least four adsorbers by operating them in different phases of a cycle including isoboric production at high pressure, decompression in direct equilibrium with an adsorber undergoing recompression, exhaust into a storage vessel, counter-current decompression, counter-current sweeping with gas from the reservoir, recompression in counter-current in direct equilibrium with an adsorber undergoing decompression, and final recompression with gas from a production phase.    USE -   For purifying hydrogen contaminated by nitrogen, oxygen, argon, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, or hydrocarbons, or for purifying natural gas, helium, or oxygen (all claimed). /8
An acid gas (A) is separated from a non-acid gas by (a) contacting the mixed gas with a solvent (S) at an absorption pressure; (b) separating the resultant gas phase depleted in (A) from enriched (S) containing dissolved (A); (c) reducing the pressure over the enriched (S), whereby (A) passes from (S) into the gas phase; (d) separating desorbed gas from (S); and (e) recycling (S) to extract more (A) from a new quantity of the gas mixture. (S) consists of one or more diisopropyl ether of an ethylene glycol aligomer, of formula (CH3)2CHO(C2H4O)xHC(CH3)2, where x = 2-8.    In an alternative procedure, steps (a) and (c) are replaced by (a1) and (c1) respectively: (a1) contacting the mixed gas with a solvent (S) at an absorption temperature; (c1) increasing the temp. of the enriched (S), whereby (A) passes from (S) into the gas phase.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The method is of use in separating acid gases, esp. carbon dioxide and/or hydrogen sulphide, from natural gas, synthesis gas, or coke oven gas. (S) has higher solvent capacity for (A) and lower viscosity than prior used physical solvents for the process, and can be used in equipment originally designed for use with chemical absorbents. It is also resistant to deleterious reactions, and has relatively low vapour pressure to prevent undue losses. It can be used at low temp., e.g. below 0 deg.C.
Deposits such as tips contg. harmful or potentially harmful material, e.g. oil, sludge, bags of contaminated median, are prepd. for mechanical removal by being frozen hard. A hollow lance has its pointed end driven into the deposit and is then chilled with cold transferred into the surroundings, by internal circulation of coolant, e.g. liq. N2 held in or fed to an internal cavity. The coolant may be discharged from holes near the lance tip into an annular cavity between outer and inner walls. Lances can be inserted at intervals to freeze an extensive area.    ADVANTAGE -   Irrespective of initial consistency, material can be safely removed in inert conditions, without emissions.
The combustion system has a radiant section and a convection section and to inhibit slagging in the radiant section and fouling deposits in the convection section, Cr2O3 or CuCr2O4 is added to the fuel. Pref. the fuel burnt in the system is coal, wood, peat, refuse, or sewage. Pref. the amt. of Cr cpd. added to the fuel in between trace to 15 wt.%.    ADVANTAGE -   Slagging and fouling tendencies are minimised and more friable combustion residues produced.
The generator comprises a fermenter divided vertically into two circulation zones with individual manual stirring. A vertical cylindrical boiler with a heating line and a spiral to optimise the heat capacity, supplement a system for feeding and removing the material, incorporating a heat recuperator. The biogas maintains the methane generation process, heats the water, and controls the generator operating under thermo- meso- and cryophilic conditions.    ADVANTAGE -   A vertical cylindrical boiler optimises the heat capacity.
The compsn. comprises material for pouring, spray or immersion based prodn. of a very thin layer on engineering sheet. The insulating compsn. is suitable for prodn. of magnetic cores with protection against corrosion.    It comprises alkyd resin and phenolic resins, caprolactam, barytes, alumina, butyl, glycol, aq. soln. of ammonia, surfactants, and water.    USE -   In mfr. of magnetic cores, etc.
Night soil is fermented and digested by using small clarification tank with vacuum absorber, to change it to sludge state and recover it for disposal. The system consists of the clarification tank made of metal or synthetic resin. It incorporates first tank partitioned by bulkheads into night soil tank and first digestion tank, connected to each other by a small clearance at the lower part; and second digestion tank and storage tank connected by pipes. The vacuum absorber is fitted at the upper part of the night soil tank of the first tank as well as the absorbing chamber. Methane gas is utilised for heating in fermentation and sterilisation processes. Night soil in the storage tank is taken out by vacuum car for disposal.    ADVANTAGE -   Night soil is heated and sterilised so it can be utilised as organic fertiliser.
Method comprises breeding sead bacteria contg. anaerobic fatty acid cracking bacteria and methane bacteria in a culture medium and supplementing the sead bacteria to the tank.    USE -   For wastes treating plants.
Treatment comprises treating the sewage mixed with active sludge using an ultrafiltration membrane unit, sepg. the mixt. into a filtrate and dense liq., and returning the liq. to bioreactors.    USE -   For sewage treating plants.
The acidification of green feedstuff using bacterium prepns. from lactic acid producing bacteria comprises using lactobacillus plantarum DSM 3676 and/or lactobacillus plantarum DSM 3677.    Pref. the bacterial prepn. is a mixt. consisting of 10-90 (esp. 30-70) lactobacillus plantarum DSM 3676 and 90-(O) (esp. 30-70) lactobacillus plantarum DSM 3677.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process is used in the silaging of green feedstuff to give improved silage esp. in a faster time to give greater acidification, while essentially avoiding butyric acid fermentation.
A solvent mixture (I) for use in acid gas scrubbing comprises A. methyl diethanolamine, B. methoxytriglycol, and C. water; mixture (I) (i) remains a single liquid phase under operating conditions (ii) liberates at least 60% of the adsorbed acid gases in a pressure swing process in which absorption pressure is over 400 psia and flash pressure less than 20 psia. (iii) has a heat of reaction less than 500 BTU/lb CO2 absorbed, and (iv) possesses an effective working capacity over 5 wt.% between carbon dioxide partial pressure 4 and 100 psia at 40 deg.C.    A solvent mixture (Ia) for acid gas scrubbing comprises A. 17.9-60 wt.% methyl diethanolamine, B. a methoxytriglycol, and C. 10-40 wt.% water.    A process for acid gas scrubbing comprises (a) circulating in a gas scrubbing apparatus a solvent mixture (Ib), (b) contacting (Ib) in an absorber tower with the gas, to absorb acid gases into (Ib), and (c) regenerating the solvent system by pressure swing, to eliminate at least part of the acid gases from (Ib). (Ib) comprises A methyl diethanolamine, B1 as physical solvent, one or more mono alkyl ether of a polyethylene glycol, of formula R-O-(CH2CH2)x-H, where R=1-4C alkyl and x=2-5, and C. water. (Ib) is characterised by features (i)-(iv) above.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The method is of general use for removing acid gases from gas mixtures, esp for removal of CO2 and H2S from natural gas. The solvent system has high capacity, low heat of reaction, high selectivity for CO2 over CH4, and a suitable viscosity for use in a scrubber.
Prepn. of hydrocarbons contg. two or more C atoms is effected by treating methane with catalyst composed of (a) one or more alkali metal(s) and (b) one or more first transition series metal(s) in presence of oxygen.    Pref. (a) components are lithium chloride, lithium carbonate and lithium nitrate. Oxides of titanium, manganese, cobalt, nickel, copper and zinc are used as (b). Molar ratio of (a)/(b) is 0.01-50/99.9-50. (b) is added to aq. (a) soln., the mixt evapd., the residue dried at 100-200 deg.C to support (a) on (b), and finally roasted at 500-900 deg.C to prepare the catalyst.    Pref. molar ratio of CH4/O2 is 0.1-100. Reaction is carried out at 500-1000 deg.C under 0.1-100 kg/sq.cm.    ADVANTAGE -   Ethylene is prepd. from methane selectively.
Method comprises directly supplying hydrogen gas and carbon dioxide gas in a ratio of 4:1 or higher ratio to fixed micro-organism capable of producing methane.    The microorganism include Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum ATCC 29183, M. formicicum, M.omelianskii, M. propionicum, M. sohngenii, M. soboxydans, Methanococcus mazei, M. vanielii, M.barkerii ATCC 29894, Methanomonas methylovora ATCC 21963, etc. The fixing may be conducted after known manner such as binding with carrier, crosslinking inclusion, etc. The fixed one has such form as spherical, tube, granule etc.    ADVANTAGE -   Pure methane can be produced in a large amt. and at high yield.
Wastewater treatment appts. comprises (a) an inlet to receive organic waste water (b) a closed anaerobic treatment chamber connected to the inlet, (c) a gas catcher to collect gas generated in the anaerobic treatment chamber; and (d) a discharge chamber having an overflow part connected to the anaerobic treatment chamber to discharge treated water. Pressure in the anaerobic treatment chamber is kept higher than the atmospheric pressure to correspond to a difference between liq. levels in the discharge chamber and in the anaerobic treatment chamber.    USE -   To recover generated gas, e.g. CH4, without use of a pump.
Continuous composting of biomasses takes place in a heat-insulated closed space. The biomass to which premixes and/or fertilisers and/or other auxiliary materials are added is heat-treated in an oxygen rich atmosphere, while its moisture content is adjusted to a final level as required.    Some of the heat produced during the exothermic aerobic decompo-sition of the biomass is assisting the process when warm exhausted air passes a heat exchanger so that heat can be transferred to the moist air feed. Continuous efficient agitation and comminution of the composting material is due to agitators associated with a screw conveyor. Biomass is fed in and composted material is removed by Augers with material damming action, additionally to ensure airtightness of the apparatus.
Rendering wastes harmless of wastes is achieved by biodegradation. A nutrient is prepared from animal manure or agricultural or industrial by-products of plant origin and is mixed or layered with waste products. The mixt. which heats up naturally to 20-70 deg.C is allowed to mature for 1-4 months. The composted material is used for soil maintenance or improvement with ot without other soil improving additives.    The nutrient contains at least 30 vo. % of animal manure or plant byproducts and water. The composting mixture consists of 1-30 vol.% of waste and 70-99 vol.% nutrient. Animal manure can consist of cattle, pig or poultry solid excrement or manure contg. such. Usable plant byproducts are straw, cornstalks, tree-leaves, sugar-beet or turnip tops and leaves, sawdust, fresh seed wastes or peat.
Liquids contg. organic materials, esp. wastes such as dilute manure and sewage sludge, to be treated are routed to concentric reactor spaces. The raw liquid is introduced from below, under pressure into the first reactor space. Acidic fermentation takes place and hydrogen gas is developed which is fed to the lower part of the second reactor space to produce floatation in the liquid. Liquid is intermittently withdrawn from the first reactor space by overflowing into discharge throats. It is routed into the second reactor space where methanogen decomposition occurs. The methane developed is piped away and the liquid overflows into the third reactor space, where it is sterilised at 50-55 deg.C and discharged from the reactor.
Organic waste is digested in an aerobic digester to evolve biogas which is introduced into a storage space through a pipe which terminates below the surface of a volume of water forming a seal of a gas storage space, so that the water scrubs the gas to remove its soluble impurities. The water is continually removed and replenished to maintain the water vol. substantially constant.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In the prodn. of biogas for use in engines or boilers. Provides a simple inexpensive appts. for cleaning and storing biogas so that it will have less corrosive effect on engines and boilers than uncleaned gas.
Processing method for C-contg. waste materials and/or biomass includes converting them in a fluidised bed with H2 and/or H2-contg. gases and/or H2-releasing cpds.    Inorganic materials (esp. if coarse) are pref. removed initially. The organic materials may then be sepd. into synthetic and vegetable fractions, the latter then being used for H2 prodn. via gasification, fermentation etc., while the synthetic fraction is processed by the invention. The fluidised bed pref. operates at 300-900 (esp. 350-800, more esp. 400-600) deg.C, and 1-320 (esp. 5-280, more esp. 8-240) bar. Other solids, e.g. sand, may be present in the bed. Hydrogenation catalysts, esp. Fe, Mo, W, Ni and Co, may be used, e.g. to dope the bed solids, as well as "throwaway" catalysts.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Suitable solid wastes for treatment include plastics, rubber, tyres, shredder waste (esp. from the car industry), paper, solid vegetable wastes, wood etc. Suitable liq. wastes include waste oil, residual oils from petroleum and coal processing, biological wastes etc. The feed needs little size-redn. Valuable hydrocarbon oils are obtd. in high yield. The prods. are olefin-free and contain hetero elements as hydrides which can then be processed further. Halogen-contg. wastes, e.g. polychlorobiphenyls and PVC, are disposed of without risk.
Prodn. of higher-molecular-wt. hydrocarbons (I) from lower-molecular wt. hydrocarbons (II) is effected by contacting a (II)-contg. gas with a catalyst contg. a Group (IVB) metal carbide, nitride, boride or oxide under conditions such that at least 15 mole% of (II) are converted to (I), including a temp above 1000 deg.C and a GHSV above 6000. Pref. the process is effected in a fixed-bed or fluidised-bed reactor at 1140-1175 deg.C and 9000-18,000 GHSV using a catalyst contg. ZrO2.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process is esp. useful for converting CH4 to C2+ hydrocarbons, giving high convertions (at least 19%) with high selectivities (at least 80%) to prods. rich in ethylene and/or aromatics.
An aq. suspension of solids is treated with a water-soluble terpolymer (I) to flocculate the solids, which are then sepd. from the suspension. The suspension consists of coal refuse slurry, phosphate slime or refuse from a sand or gravel plant. Terpolymer (I) has a reduced specific viscosity of at least 24, and is composed of random repeating units of formulae (A), (B) and (C), in mol ratio 3-50 (A) : 55-95 (B) : 4-15 (C).    In the formulae, R = methyl or hydrogen; M = hydrogen, alkali metal, ammonia or amine; R' = -(CH2)n-, where n = 1 or 2.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   (I) is more effective than the copolymer of acrylamide and acrylamidomethyl -propanesulphonic acid disclosed in US 4342653. (I) is of general use in flocculating suspended solids other than the above, e.g. tar sands, saponites, humate wastes, mineral (e.g. copper) tailings and residues from leach liquors (generated e.g. in copper or uranium leaching). It is effective in presence of multivalent ions, e.g, Ca, Al, Fe and Mg ions.
A ferment for ensilaging animal feedstuff is made by growing lactic bacteria and yeast on a fluid nutrient, after which they are cultured. Better quality silage is produced by growing simultaneously other bacteria with the one stated. These comprise acetic bacteria Acetobacter aceti mazuni TSMPM B-2519. The lactic bacteria used are Lactobacterium plantarum TSMPM B-2353. The yeast employed is Candida tropicalis 9737, or candida tropicalis VSB-575 or Candida tropicalis 350, in the ratio 0.9-1.1:1.8-2.2:1.0-1.2. The nutrient consists of a 20-25 per cent digest from cabbage waste.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In fodder prodn., and microbiology. Improved quality, increased protein and vitamin B12 content.
Purificn. of waste water from prodn. of chemo- and/or thermomechanical pulp comprises: sedimentation of coarser constituents; cooling; detoxification; anaerobic hydrolysis and preacidification with addn. of nutrient salts and readjustment of the redox potential; prodn. of methane in a methane reactor; aerobic purificn. and sepn. of biological sludge which is at least partly recycled to the detoxification step; characterised by sepg. the aerobic sludge prior to the anaerobic hydrolysis step.    ADVANTAGE -   Sepn. of the aerobic sludge before anaerobic hydrolysis permits a redn. in the amt. of nutrients added, and adjustment of the redox potential removes excess H2O2 or Na2SO3 which are toxic to the bacteria in the methane reactor. The material in the methane reactor forms a granular sludge having superior settling properties, permitting a conventional UASB type methane reactor to be used with increase in the COD space load (from the 4 kg/cu.m/day to 15-20 kg/cu.m./day).
Purificn. and recovery of CH4 from landfill gas, by (i) pretreatment to remove trace impurities and (ii) bulk sepn. of CO2 from CH4 by selective adsorption, is improved by: (a) effecting stage (i) in a multi column temp. swing adsorption (TSA) section and stage (ii) in a multi column pressure swing adsorption (PSA) section, the sections being integrated together; (b) using part of the sepd. CO2 from the PSA section for regenerating adsorbent in the TSA section; and (c) allowing the adsorption and regeneration time cycles in the TSA and PSA sections to be independent of each other.    ADVANTAGE -   There is no loss of valuable cleaned CH4 for heating and cooling the TSA adsorbent, during regeneration.
A control valve is incorporated in the top of a biogas reactor and is actuated when the gas accumulated between the digested sludge level has moved a sliding intermediate ceiling up a certain amount. This opens the valve and lets the gas escape into a gas bell. At the same time, the UP and DOWN stroke moves spiral grooves in an inverted cup of the moving ceiling up and down so that balls force a cylinder attached to a spider with stirring elements to rotate and mix the digested sludge.    ADVANTAGE -   This saves energy for the thorough mixing of the digested sludge and simplifies the control for this operation.
A homogeneous mixing action is achieved for the digested sludge in a biogas reactor by letting the gas produced out on a movable intermediate ceiling between the sludge and the gas collection bell. The rising gas pressure lifts this ceiling and opens a central valve to let the gas escape in the bell. The vertical movement also causes a stirring mixer, attached to the ceiling, to agitate the sludge both during the UP and DOWN stroke.    ADVANTAGE -   This improves the mixing action and prevents the formation of a floating layer of scum without any additional energy consumption.
Light droplets (oil) which rise in a heavier liquid (water) or gas (biogas) rising in a liquid manure are collected by an annular float, e.g. with a gas extraction hose in the centre of the cover. The weight of the float can be used as the sole or as an additional means for the gas extraction.    ADVANTAGE -   This method can be applied to any conventional existing liquid manure pit on animal farms and adapts itself to the greatly fluctuating liquid level. 1+2/12
The flue gas emissions from a furnace or smelter sequentially pass through two precipitators, A and B. Each precipitator consists of a reaction chamber and a separation chamber. In precipitator A's reaction chamber, the emissions are mixed with natural gas, which is primarily methane in composition. The precise amounts of natural gas are introduced by means of a computer-controlled metering system. The methane acts to chemically reduce the sulphur dioxide in the emissions to elemental sulphur which is in the form of a mist or fine crystals. The sulphur is sent through a spiral baffle in the separation chamber which produces a centrifugal force and results in the coalescence of the sulphur particles against a steam jacket at 121 deg.C causing the sulphur to melt and fall by gravity to the bottom of the separation chamber. The sulphur is then withdrawn in liquid form as a commercial product.    The flue gas then passes to precipitator B for treatment of the nitric axide in the emissions, where they are mixed with air and water, which are both injected by a computer-controlled metering system. This supplies the necessary water and oxygen to change the nitric oxide to nitric acid, which is lifted through the separation chamber to the top of the precipitator by an air lift pump and is then concentrated to commercial nitric acid at 121 deg.C by a steam jacket as the acid descends a spiral baffle.
Sepg. a stable isotope of C comprises cooling a wall of a sepn. chamber with liquefied natural gas, purifying the methane gas produced in cooling, and returning it to the chamber    USE -   For tracers for isotope inspections.
Appts. includes a container main body having an exhaust port in the bottom and a sealing lid. The container includes a filter layer on the bottom, a fermentation facilitating layer above it and a refuse contg. section having means of keeping the temp. in the refuse contg. section constant.
Air tubes having small holes are laid in heaped compost material to heat the material by electric heating wire arranged in the tubes.    ADVANTAGE -   As the compost material is heated from the inside, fermentation starts soon after piling the material. Since outside air is introduced through the tubes into the heap of material, incubation of aerobic bacteria is promoted to form compost in a short time without using labour to cut back the material.
Prepn. of fertiliser from domestic animal excrements comprises piling raw excrements on an air-permeable plate for the first fermentation, disturbing the excrements several times in a week, carrying out a second fermentation, and ageing and drying the prod..    ADVANTAGE -   Fertiliser is easy tohandle, does not have a bad smell, is not hygroscopic and is produced with high quality and low cost. The fertiliser is in powder form. Pref. the raw excrements are treated with zeolite to remove the bad smell. The air-permeable plate is made of wood, plastics or Fe, and has many small holes. The excrements are piled on the plate mountain-like, and the first fermentation is carried out for 7 days. The operation to disturb the excrements layer is carried out several times, and the second fermentation is for about 2 months. The raw excrements are completely aged by the second fermentation. The completely aged excrements are dried naturally by the fermentation heat which reaches approximately 60 deg.C and powdering is promoted. -/0
Solid acid substance is ZrO2-SiO2 type substance having strong acid point with the acid strength (Ho) of less than -8.2, expressed as formula (xZrO2.ySiO2)zF.mS..(1) (where x and y are molar numbers of ZrO2 and SiO2 respectively, the value x/y shows the atomic ratio of Zr/Si. z and ma are wt.% of F atom against (xZrO2.ySiO2) x/g = 99.9/0.1-10/90 and z is 0.1-10, m is 0.01-5).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Solid acid substance has very high strength and ultra strong acid point is not easily decomposed on cotact with water. When hydrocarbons contg. 5-10 paraffins are reacted in the presence of the solid acid substance, lowr aliphatic hydrocarbons contg. paraffin of 3-4C as main component are obtained in high yield.
The membrane for sepg. gases from one another is produced by mixing membrane-former with solvent and/or swelling agent, spreading out areally and contacting with a precipitant. A polyether-imide or polyvinyl fluoride is used as the membrane-former and a halogenated hydrocarbon as the solvent. The novelty consists in (i) applying an organic liq., having swelling- or solvent properties w.r.t. the membrane-former, on the selective layer of the membrane, by immersion, spraying, spreading or vaporising and (ii) removing it by evapn. after a given period of activity.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The membrane can be used for sepg. He/N2, He/A, H2/CH4, H2/CO, H2/CO2, CO2/CH4, CO2/CO and O2/N2. Selectivity is increased appreciably with only a low redn. in the permeation rates of the faster permeant. Defective positions are eliminated or reduced.    (a) the organic liq. is pref. admixed with polyether-imide or polyvinyl fluoride.    (b) the treated membranes are pref coated additionally with a styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene block copolymer, which can be dissolved in toluene or cyclohexane. (c) The organic liq. can be a ketone, esp. EtMeCO and cyclohexan-one; ester, esp. Me- or Et formate or -acetate; alkylbenzene, esp. xylene or toluene; as well as chlorinated hydrocarbons, esp. CH2Cl2, CHCl3, CHCl2-CH2CL and/or C2HCl3. (d) The membrane is produced as a tubular-, flat- or hollow fibre membrane.
A method of preventing odour-fading of liquid petroleum gas (LPG) odorised with organo-sulphur cpd(s) stored in containers having active interior steel surfaces, comprises (a) treating the surfaces with a deactivating amt. of benzotriazole, tolyl triazole, mercaptobenzothiazole and/or benzothiazly disulphide (I), and (b) loading the containers with LPG odorised with 1-5C organosulphur cpd(s). (II).    (I) is pref. used as a soln, e.g.20-30 wt.%, in a solvent, e.g. isopropanol; the surface is treated for up to 24hr with the solution at 20-50 deg.C, and the containers then drained and purged with inert gas or allowed to dry. (II) is pref. ethyl mercaptan, thiophane or dimethyl sulphide; it may be used together with an organic azeotroping agent, e.g. methyl formate, n.pentane, isopentane, amylene, isoamylene and/or chloropropane.    ADVANTAGE -   The surfaces of new or recently cleaned steel cylinders react with and deplate organosulphur odorising cpds. in LPG, thus causing a potential hazard. Present method reduces or eliminates the odour-fading.
Hydrocarbon stock is fed to a thermal cracking reactor together with methane gas heated externally at at least 850 deg.C. The hydrocarbon stock is thermally cracked in the presence of high temp. methane gas and the reaction prods. are cooled rapidly to provide olefins and aromatic hydrocarbons.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process increases methyl radical concn. in the reaction system to increase the yields of ethylene and ethane without degrading the yields of propylene and 4C olefin. The presence of methane controls the decomposition of propylene and 4C olefins to reduce the yield of methane and to increase the yields of propylene and 4C olefins.
A hydrocarbon stock is fed into a tubular cracking reactor with methane gas so that the methane is in an amt. of 30 wt.% of the feed stock at the outlet of the reactor. The feed stock is thermally cracked by heating the tubular reactor so that the cracked gases have a temp. of at least 850 deg.C at the outlet of the reactor. The cracked gases are cooled rapidly to provide olefins and aromatic hydrocarbons.    Pref. the process enhances the yield of ethylene and retains the yields of propylene and 4Colefins. The process reduces the yield of methane and increases the yield of H2. The methane and H2 control the coking of the feed stock to reduce the dilution ratio.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process increases the methyl radical concn. in the reaction system to increase the yields of ethylene and ethane without degrading the yields of propylene and 4C olefins. The presence of methane controls the decompsn. of propylene and 4C olefins to reduce the yield of methane and to increase the yields of propylene and 4C olefins.
A membrane having a spen. factor for O and N of 6.5 or greater at 24 deg. C comprises a polycarbonate of formula A= gp. (i) R1=-CO-, -SO2-, -O-, a single direct bond, 1-6C divalent hydrocarbon, 1-6C divalent fluorocarbon, or inertly susbtd. 1-6C divalent hydrocarbon, R2=1-20C divalent, opt. halo-substd. hydrocarbon; W=residue of a monofunctional cpd. reactive with chloroformate; x=0,1; y=0,1; n=at least 50, such that the ratio of x:y when x, y=1 is between 99+1 to 1:99 inclusive.    O2 is sepd. from a mixt. of gases contg. O2 and N2 by (a) contacting the gas mixt. with one side of the membrane at 0-80 deg. C, esp. 5-45 deg. C while maintaining a pressure difference across the membrane of 40-200, esp. 95-200 psig (275-1400, esp. 650-830 kPa) with the lower pressure on the other side (b) removing the permeated O2 from the other side.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The random tetrabromo-bisphenol polyestercarbonate semi-permeable, composite or homogeneous membranes are highly selective, and perform at high rates under high temps. and pressure conditions.
Agricultural waste such as liquid manure and straw is treated by charging in the nitrification space of a rotary drum. The air in the latter is circulated through an external heat exchanger and fresh air is added. A scoop moves the waste in the denitrification space of the drum. The air of this is circulated through an external nitrogen separator, filled with an absorbent solution, containing preferably phosphoric acid.    ADVANTAGES -   This produces a low-nitrate fertiliser which can be applied in quantity without spoiling the ground water. It also produces heat, no nuisance due to evil smell and a nitrogen-saturated solution.
Microorganisms and/or enzymes are immobilised on porous carriers by applying a gel layer, contg. the microorganisms and/or enzymes, to the carrier, and hardening.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Microorganisms or enzymes are accessible to reactants, and cannot be leached out from the carrier, which offers a large surface for their reception. The thickness of the gel layer can be varied, avoiding the difficulty of non-access of reactants to the interior of the gel body. The structure is mechanically stable. Ionotropic gelation avoids exposing the microorganisms or enzymes to toxic prods. in the carrier, or to excessive temps. The immobilised microorganisms or enzymes can be used in purifying waste water (where special bacteria and fungi may be needed to break down difficultly decomposable substances, e.g. lignin); in biosynthesis, e.g. of medicines, chemicals or enzymes; in prodn. of alternative energy sources, e.g. CH4 from organic waste or waste water; in prodn. of (m)ethanol from plant prods.; in absorption and enrichment of substances, e.g. metal ions, from dil. solns.; and in reaction of favourable environmental conditions by immobilising special microorganisms.
A catalyst combination (I) comprises: an electrocatalyst(II) and a homogeneous cocatalyst (III). (I) is catalytic means for reducing positively charged ions (IV) at a cathode in an electrocatalytic or mediated process of treating organic waste material (V) in an aq. electrolyte. (IV) are H and/or metal ions.    The above organic waste treatment process involves maintaining an electric potential across an electrochemical cell contg. (V), electrolyte and (I), and (IV) are reduced at the cathode. An aq. electrolytic compsn. contg. (I), and a reaction compsn. contg. this electrolyte compsn and organic material are also claimed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   A method is provided for reducing the energy required for producing H2 or electrowinning of metals by reacting organic material electrochemically using (I) (Claimed). An increase in reaction rates by using (I) also provides energy saving economy. Suitable (V) materials include, coal, woody wastes, sewage sludge, industrial chemical waste food, and grown biomass prods., e.g. bulk grass plants or water plants.
Cellulosic material (I) is gasified in a single gasification and combustion vessel, by the steps (a) introducing (I), contg. up to 50 wt.% moisture, into a single, highly back-mixed fluidised bed of high heat capacity inert solids; (b) maintaining a bed temp. of 1200-1600 deg. F; with a temp. variation through the bed of less than 90 deg. F; pressure up to 500 psig, and devolatilising (I) in a hydrogen rich atmos. in the upper part of the bed, to form methane, heavier hydrocarbons (II), carbon oxides, steam, hydrogen and devolatalised cellulosic material (III); (c) reforming a substantial part of (II) into methane, carbon oxides and steam in the bed and in the headspace of the vessel; (d) mixing (III) through the bed, and gasifying a substantial portion thereof by reaction withhydrogen and steam in the upper part of the bed, producing methane, carbon oxides, hydrogen and cellulosic material residue (IV); (e) combusting (IV) in an oxygen-rich atmos. in a combustion zone in the lower part of the bed to produce heat; and ash the heat is transferred to the inert solids of the bed to maintain bed temp.; (f) introducing oxygen-contg. gas below the combustion zone in amt. substantially less than that required to combust (IV), so that oxygen is consumed in the zone; (g) removing gases, vapour and substantially all the ash in a gas stream from the top of the vessel; and (h) maintaining the introduction of (I) at apoint where combustion consumes principally (IV).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   (I) is biomass, e.g. plant material, or municipal or industrial solid waste or prod. derived therefrom of cellulosic content over 50%. Low Btu and medium Btu fuel gas is obtd.; the latter, rich in methane, may be upgraded to produce synthetic natural gas (SNG) of use for methanol prodn.
A partial oxidn. process for producing synthesis, reducing or fuel gas (I) from a hydrocarbon feed gas (II) comprises (a) providing a stream (III) consisting of (II), opt. mixed with a hydrocarbon- or hydrogen-contg. recycle gas stream, at a temp. ambient - 1400 deg.F; (b) mixing (III) with an aq. dispersion of recycle carbon soot; (c) heating the mixt. to 300 -1400 deg.F to completely vaporise the water and disperse the soot in (III); (d) reacting the mixt. with a stream of preheated oxygen-contg. gas (IV) at ambient - 1800 deg.F in a refractory-lined free-flow partial oxidn. zone to produce a raw effluent gas stream (V) at 1700-2400 deg.F, 1-250 atmos., comprising H2, CO, CO2 at least one of H2O, CH4, N2, Ar, H2S and COS, and entrained free carbon soot; (e) cooling (V) to 100-800 deg.F by indirect heat-exchange with water or other medium, and/or direct contact with water in a gas-quenching or gas-scrubbing zone, and scrubbing the partially cooled (IV) with water in a gas-scrubbing zone, to produce a substantially soot-free stream of (I), and a separate aq. dispersion stream (VI) of carbon soot; (f) providing (VI) as a pumpable dispersion contg. 0.5-4.0 wt.% carbon soot; and (g) recycling substantially all of this dispersion to step (b). In step (d) the atomic ratio of free oxygen total carbon in the feed is in the range 0.75-1.15, Specific Oxygen consumption is 212-235, dwell time is 2.5-10 sec., and free carbon soot is produced at 0.1-3.0 wt.% of the total carbon content of (II) and recycle soot.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The feed is natural gas, e.g. methane. The method is more economical than prior processes which have been operated with relatively high oxygen consumption so that no carbon is produced.
Tank comprises a submersible pump in a fermenting vessel having a top opening closed with a cover. One outlet of the pump is connected to the top end of an inlet formed through the cover and other outlet ned in the vessel.    Used for treating organic wastes. (J58167000-A)
Tank comprises a submersible pump in a fermenting vessel having a top opening closed with a cover. The outlet of the pump is connected to an inner tube put in a water-sealed inlet hole formed through the cover.    Used for treating organic wastes. (J58166999-A)
Appts. comprises a methane fermenting tank, gravel bed partly immersed in a dirty water layer formed in the tank, and gas collecting film formed on the upper part of gravel bed.    Used for treating dirty sludge of wastes. (J55167091-A)
An appts. for removing e.g. resin etc. from compost comprises a belt conveyer for carrying and transferring the material, vibrators kept in contact with the lower surface of the upper side belt of the conveyer, a number of ports spaced with gaps from the surface of the material on the belt and connected through a duct to a blower for generating a vacuum, and a cyclone connected to the blower chamber for sepg. solids from the sucked air.    ADVANTAGE -   Foreign substances contained in the material are sepd., and isolated on a layer of the material and is removed by sucking. The appts. can be used to treat material with a water content up to 55%.
Purificn. of raw material He gas contg. N2 as impurity component, comprises contacting with micro-ground hydrogen absorbing/storing alloy (the hydrogen absorbing/storing alloy is previously activated by absorbing and releasing hydrogen gas, then micro ground to increase the surface area) at above normal temp., so that N2 gas component is adsorbed by the micro-powdered alloy while He gas component is permeated through the voids of the powder. The N2 is sepd. and removed from the raw material He gas, and He gas component is selectively recovered.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The raw material He gas (Ar gas or CH4 gas) is purified to a higher level than those processed in conventional process where physical adsorbing agents, e.g. silica gel or active carbon, are used, i.e. when it is treated at normal temp., the impurity N2 becomes less than a few ppm (under heating treatment less than 1 ppm).
The process involves: dehydration of the gas mixt.; condensn. and fractional distn.; low temp. distn. of the partly condensed mixt. via a column - CO2 is led off from the bottom and methane from the top of the column; compression of the degassed residue and its re-use; sepn. of residual CO2 from the methane gas at the top of the distn. column.
Organic bio-waste is treated by fermentation in enclosed climatic chambers. Additives are used to control the C/N ratio, the pH-value and the moisture.    ADVANTAGE -   The fermentation method prevents the smell nuisance and the pollution of the environment by seepage into the ground water. It produces useful compost.
Process for prodn. of perforated fuel briquettes comprises (i) mixing (a) waste paper and possibly other organic waste prods., pref. in size-reduced or homogenised form, with (b) raw or pretreated fermentable sewage sludges, with water content reduced to 40-75%; and (ii) pressing the mixt., using press tools with a number of spikes to give briquettes pierced by an array of uniform tubular holes over the whole surface and through the material. In the presence of the O2 which penetrates throughout the briquettes, bacterial activity starts up on the particles of sewage etc., causing self-heating to 55-65 deg.C.    Process is claimed for prodn. of petroleum cpds. from dried sewage sludge, e.g. by heating to 300 deg.C in presence of catalysts such as those already present in the sludge.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The bacterial action and self-heating finally provides briquettes which are disinfected, odourless and dry, and can be stored indefinitely. Their calorific value is pref. 4000 Kcal. (Previously notified in week 8743)
Domestic and industrial waste is processed to prods. which can be recycled. In a first stage the hydrogen halides and cpds. contg. organic halogens, are sepd.. In the second stage the solids are incinerated by heating to 100 deg. C. The ash is treated with acid to dissolve the metals.    ADVANTAGE -   This ensures that the resulting prods. can be recycled without toxic or carcinogenic metals.
In recovery of biogas from organic materials, pref. liq. manure from pigs, cattle or poultry, in a 2-stage process, the material is sepd. by natural sedimentation, in a 1st reactor, into a solid fraction rich in dry matter, and a liq. (solids-free) phase largely freed from decomposable carbonaceous material. In a 2nd reactor, or in a separate part of the 1st reactor, the fraction rich in solids is digested, with a residence time longer than in the 1st stage, and is mineralised. The fermentation temp. is 24-36 (33-35) deg. C in the 1st stage, and 24-33 deg. C in the 2nd stage, the pH is 7.0-8.5, and the residence time is 7.5-12 days in the 1st stage, and 20-40 days in the 2nd stage.    ADVANTAGE -   The anaerobic fermentation is accompanied by redn. in the content of environmentally harmful material in the manure. The process can be used industrially, esp. in plant for pig prodn. A high yield of biogas (CH4) is obtd., at a higher rate, and with lower energy input.
A method of recovering nutrients from waste prods. contg. organic material comprises mixing liq. waste or water with solid waste in particulate form to adjust the moisture content and placing the particulate solid waste in a fermentation cell in layers. The cell is maintained under conditions which encourage growth of micro and macro organisms which break down the organic material. The fermented material is removed from the cell by taking vertical cuts through the layers of material. The removed material is mixed and dried to render the material innocuous and free of pathogenic organisms.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Converting the organic content of waste prods., such as garbage, septic tank sludge, food processing sludge and wheat dust, to a form in which it can be used as a fertiliser or as a stock food. A uniformly fermented organic prod. is produced in a relatively short time.
Mould can form spores on the culture medium contg. coal as the only C source.    P.MT-6001 can grow well under aerobic condition and can grow also under anaerobic condition. It can grow at 20-30 deg.C pref. at ca. 25 deg.C at pH 1-8. It can use glucose or carbon, but cannot utilise starch, xylose, etc. as carbon source.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Sepd. novel microbe can multiply using coal exclusively as C source and is P. MT-6001. By using the microbe, coal can be easily liquefied and desulphurised.
A device for cutting back compost in a tank for fermentation of compost comprises a portion of a belt for transferring the compost vertically arranged on moving frame which can be reciprocated in longitudinal direction of the tank. There is another portion of the belt connected to the first portion and is able to deliver transferred compost to outside of the frame.    ADVANTAGE -   Since device for agitating and transferring the compost is rotatable on a rail to change its direction, another rail for rotating the device is not necessary on bottom of the tank, so that efficiency of processing is improved. Since half the space in the tank can be used for processing by half rotation of the device width of the device can be reduced to save cost. Compost transferred to upper portion is transferred backwards the compost is cut back effectively.
Oil of Limnanthes alba, Limnanthes dauglasii is purified by dissolving in nonpolar solvent, passing through adsorbent, removing impurities by column chromatography and removing nonpolar solvent. Obtd. purified oil is scentless, with colour 13HA 50 or less and peroxide value 1.0 or less.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Material has no unnecessary colour. It has excellent oxidn stability.
An anaerobic digester has a venturi device having a venturi nozzle through which sewage sludge is circulated to and from the digester. The venturi has an inlet through which bio-gas is introduced into the circulating sludge.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Anaerobic digester incorporating a venturi device for mixing sewage sludge in the digester. Digestion is even and quick.
A gas sepn. membrane comprises a thin discriminating layer of a polycarbonate formed from a bisphenol R = H, Cl, Br, 1 - 4C alkyl; R1 = -CO-, -S-, -SO2-, -O-, or 1-6C divalent hydrocarbon, 1 - 6C divalent fluorocarbon or inertly substd. 1-6C divalent hydrocaron with the proviso that at least 25 wt.% of the R gps. are exclusively Br, Cl or mixts. of these. The membrane has a sepn. factor for O2 and N2 of at least 6 : 1 at ambient temps. The membrane is pref. annealed by heating to above the beta transition temp. and below the Tg to partly densify the polymer.    (I) is tetrabromobisphenol A and the gas sepn. factor is at least 7.0.    Gases are sepd. by (i) contacting the gas mixt. with one side of the membrane while maintaining a pressure difference across the membrane with the lower pressure on the other side of the membrane. (ii) removing the permeated gas.    The gas mixt. may contain N2 and O2, and the permeated gas is O2, or CO2 and CH4 and the permeated gas is CO2. The gas mixt. may be contacted with the membrane at 0 - 80, esp. 5 - 45 deg.C and a pressure difference of 275-1375, esp. 650 - 825 kPa, (40 - 200, 95 - 120 psia).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Semi-permeable membranes are highly selective under high pressures and temps.
Process for catalytic methanation of a synthesis gas contg. CO, CO2 and H2 in a solid catalyst bed, in which the gas passes successively through an inlet zone, a hot spot zone and an outlet zone with falling temp. and the coolant is converted by the heat liberated into superheated steam, is characterized in that the coolant at least in the outlet zone of the bed vaporises at boiling temp and the vapour formed is superheated in the hot spot zone.    The coolant can be led into the outlet zone, at a temp. below its boiling point and passed through the zone countercurrently to the synthesis gas. The steam formed in this zone can be superheated by leading it into the inlet zone and then passing it through inlet and hot spot zones cocurrently with the synthesis gas. Or the hot spot zone as well as the outlet zone can be used for the vaporisation of the coolant.    ADVANTAGE -   The process is in one step, and enables the catalyst temp even in the hot spot zone, to be restricted to values which do not harm catalyst stability. E.g. in one embodiment, the max. gas temp. is 650 deg.C. The process is carried out simply in the optimum operating range for the catalyst. The complexity of multi-reactor systems with intercooling is avoided.
A stream of gas (I), comprising a normally gaseous hydrocarbon or synthesis gas that is contaminated with acid gases, is purified by contacting (I) countercurrently in an absorption zone with a treating agent (II), and discharging from the zone (a) a stream of at least partially purified (I), and (b) (II) enriched with absorbed acid gas components. (II) consists essentially of an aq. soln. of (i) 40-60wt.% N-methyl diethanolamine (MDEA), and (ii) 5-15wt.% N,N-diethyl hydroxylamine (DEHA).    Contact pref. takes place at 10-70 deg.C, and atmos. pressure of 2000 psig.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Acid gases, e.g. CO2 and H2S, are removed from natural gas or synthesis gas. Mixt. (II) is more effective in absorbing CO2 than prior mixts. used, e.g., MDEA + piperazine.
The prodn. of CH4 by the 2-phase anaerobic digestion of organic C-contg. material (I) is as follows: (a) (I) is added to an acid phase digester at 0.2-10 lb total organics/ft3/day; (b) an active acid-forming microbial population is kept in the digester, while (I) is fermented under mesophilic or thermophilic conditions/pH 4-8 for residence time 1 hr.-5 days, (c) liq./solid effluent is passed from the digester (a) to a CH4 phase I digester, while the gaseous prod. from the digester (a) only is passed to a separate CH4 phase II digester operated in parallel with the phase I digester; and (d) an active CH4-forming microbial population is maintained in each of the CH4 phase I and II digesters, while CH4 gas is withdrawn from each CH4 phase I and II digester.    ADVANTAGE -   The improved 2-phase anaerobic digestion having separated acid- and CH4-forming phases converts biomass to CH4 prod. gas with high efficiency, and enhances the CH4-content of the prod. gas.
It comprises a transport and power machine with a sieving and stacking unit. There also a silo, conveyor, sieving arrangement and at least two transverse convyors. The conveyor feeds peat to the arrangement. There the main peat blocks are separated from crushed peat which is removed by the transverse conveyors form a separate stack.    USE -   Sieving and stacking peat. (Provisional basic previously advised in week 8702)
Fermentation comprises pulsively feeding a water soln. having a high concn. of organic cpds. in an up-flow slurry blanket type methane fermenting tank while pouring a soln. having a low concn. of organic cpds. into the tank.    USE -   For waste waters drained from food making factories.
The process consists of (1) reducing the size of the raw material; (2) treating with an alkaline agent at 25-55 deg.C and pH 7.5-13.5 under 1-10 atmos. for 1 hour; (3) separating the solid; (4) filtering and adjusting to ptt 1-6; (5) aerobic fermentation in a continuous reactor; (6) centrifuging to obtain a first protein matt., and recycling the liquid; (7) drying the protein material to 20% moisture content; (8) aerobic fermentation of the solid from (3) in a discontinuous reactor; (9) filtering the suspension to obtain a second protein material; and (10) drying.
Cellulose is biodegraded by compressing it and introducing it into one end of an anaerobic fermenter with a fermentable material submerging it, compressing the cellulose further, and collecting biogas, degraded cellulose, and fermented material from the fermenter.    A fermenter for carrying out the process is also claimed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For agricultural, animal, and domestic waste. Densification of the cellulose improves its bacteria fixing properties.
The corrosion preventing current (i) flows directly to the surface of the part in the sea water, and keeps the surface corrosion-proof. Part (i) of the corrosion preventing current flows to the surface of the electroconductive covering (3) in the sea water, and then flows to the surface of the construction in the open air through the electrolysing covering (2).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The electroconductive covering (3) works as power distributing electrode and the shield from the open air. all the surface in the open air is uniformly corrosion proofed.
A bulky mass is compressed in a machine to form an elongate, densely packed body. The machine has a space conically tapering towards an outlet with a driven screw arranged coaxially within the space. The screw consists of a rear feed screw section and a front compression screw section. The threads of the two sections have pitches decreasing towards the outlet. The two sections are rotatable at mutually unequal speeds of rotation.    Pref. the relative speeds of rotation are adjustable.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The machine is used for the compression of combustible, bulky refuse, esp. plastic-coated waste paper. The product may be used as a fuel. It is not necessary to pretreat the refuse.
A tank for the production of compost, biomass and humus from organic waste has walls made of a material which is permeable to air, preferably blocks of pumice or raw wood. The bottom includes an electrical heating foil with reflectors and a thermostat control. The walls (1) bound a receptacle (2) for organic waste. The bottom is assembled from several layers. A wire grid (4) with a mesh size of 8-10 mm gives protection from moles and mice. The following heat insulating layer (5) is covered by tarpaulin or foil (6) as protection against moisture (0.2 mm thick) and a heat reflecting foil (7), coated with an aluminium foil. The heating foil (8) carries embedded resistance elements and is protected on top by a foil (11) and by a layer of wooden boards (12). A thermostat (9) controls the temps..    ADVANTAGE -   This reduces the time required for composting and produces humus of uniform and high quality.
Prodn. of biogas from pig slurry, straw-contg. materials, or other lignocellulosic wastes, is effected by anaerobic digestion using a conventional mixed population of bacteria plus an added bacterium which is capable of digesting organic materials not digestible by the other bacteria. Digestion is effected at 29-40 (esp. 33-35) deg.C and pH 7-8.5 for 5-25 (esp. 10-20) days.    The added bacterium is Ruminococcus flavefaciens, which is derived from sheem rumens and is capable of digesting cellulose encased in lignin.    ADVANTAGE -   The added bacterium increases biogas yields and prodn. rates. In an example, digestion of pig slurry in the presence of R. flavefaciens at 33 deg.C and pH 7.8 for 20 days, gave a biogas yield of 0.58 m3/kg dry solids and a biogas prodn. rate of 0.7 m3/m3.day. The corresp. values in the absence of R.flavefaciens were 0.40 m3/kg and 0.55 m3/m3 day.
In a new two-stage process for the prodn. of feedstuffs or feedstuff additives from cattle slurry with simultaneous prodn.-of biogas, (a) after ca 14 days in the stall complex or separate receptacle (during which time pre-acidification of the slurry, which can be monitored by measurement of the steam-volatile carboxylic acids, is substantially excluded) the raw slurry is conveyed by conventional means into a fermenter in which the residence time is chosen to give optimal growth of the bacterial cultures involved in the process, (b) the outflow from the fermenter is separated using a conventional separator into a solid and a liquid component, and (c) after drying using conventional equipment the solid component is used directly as a feedstuff or as an ingredient of a conventional feedstuff. Biogas formed in the fermenter is pref. wholly or partially used to cover the energy requirements of the process.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Economical process yielding a feedstuff and a fuel. The fermentation process is stable, being carried out under defined constant conditions which can be monitored by measurement of the steam-volatile carboxylic acids by conventional analytical methods. Additional raw materials and additives are not required. Relatively long residence times (10-20 days) at 25-40 deg.C ensure hygienisation of the product by killing pathogens such as Salmonellae.
A signal processor comprises a variable speed integrator having an output signal proportional to the concn. of reference gas in a sample chamber of the detector and an adjustable time constant. Circuitry is adapted to adjust the time constant of the integrator responsive to the rate of change of the output signal proportional to the deformation of the diaphragm of the sample chamber. The output signal of the integrator is displayed as the concn. of the reference gas in the sample chamber.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Infrared absorption gas detection in which inherent sensitivity to noise and vibration in conventional measurement devices is overcome.
The methane concn. transducer (3) signal is fed to amplifier (5), which produces a standardised dc signal fed through meter (18) and line (20) to recorder (27). The air velocity transducer (2) pulsating signal is superposed on the methane concns. signal through coupling capacitor (19) and fed through capacitors (34,23) and pulsating frequency-to-current transducer (22) to recorder (25), since transistor (9) acts as a current stabiliser. When air velocity alone is measured, switch (4) is thrown downwards, differentiating circuit (13) produces unipolar pulsations, and the air speed is measured with meter (18).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Remote measurements of methane concns. and air flows in coal mines. Raised precision of measurements is obtd. Bul.1/7.1.87.
Heavy carbon-contg. methane separator comprises distillation tower (1) connected to raw methane feed path (2), condenser (3) and reflexing heater (9) at upper and lower ends of distill. tower (2), respectively, path (4) for recovering methane gas contg. smaller amt. of heavy carbon-contg. methane, and path (10) for recovering methane contg. larger amt. of heavy carbon-contg. methane.    Condenser (3) is integrally formed with evaporator (8) of compressor type heat pump A using methane as coolant. Heat dissipator (6) is a heat exchanger in which methane coolant is cooled with liquefied natural gas. Between evaporator (8) and heat dissipator (6) is interposed compressor (5) which alternatively performs compression and cooling, while liquefied natural gas is correspondingly fed to methane coolant cooling section (5b) and heat dissipator (6).    ADVANTAGE -   Heavy carbon-contg. methane can be inexpensively produced.
Separator comprises distn. tower connected to a raw methane feed path, condenser and refluxing heater at upper and lower ends of the distn. tower 2, path for recovering methane gas contg. smaller amt. of heavy carbon-contg. methane, and path for recovering methane contg. larger amt. of heavy carbon-contg. methane. Condenser is integrally formed with the evaporator of a compressor heat pump using methane as coolant. A heat dissipator is a heat exchanger in which methane coolant is cooled with liquefied natural gas.    ADVANTAGE -   Heavy carbon-contg. methane can be inexpensively produced.
Prodn. of a catalyst suitable for prodn. of CH4 by reaction of C oxide(s) with H2 and/or steam reforming of hydrocarbons comprises plasma spraying a powder onto a substrate in order to coat the substrate with catalytic material for the reaction.    ADVANTAGE -   The coatings are tenacious, so that the catalysts may be worked and shaped without the coatings' spalling. Although their surface area is low (e.g. below 1 sq. m/g) they can have the activity required.
Nuts with thick and hard shells fom the Arecacea palm trees and Brazil nuts are processed by grinding the shells including the kernels to a finely granulated fibrous mass in at least two or three stages which incorporates hammer mills. The material is then treated by a mechanical and/or chemical oil. extn..    ADVANTAGE -   Arecacea nuts available in large quantities in the Brazilian jungle but their use for food as well as Diesel fuel substitute or detergents has been little utilised due to processing difficulties which are overcome by the new process. (First country equivalent to BR8605886-A)
Sewage is treated in an offshore plant by first separating the liquid from the sludge. The sludge is placed in a flexible storage tank where it undergoes anaerobic digestion. Methane produced by this process is recovered and dried, pref. by condensation in cool water. Residual sludge is transferred to a barge where it is dried.    The liquid phase is delivered to a surrounding seaweed farm as a nutrient. The digestion tanks are buoyant balloons and pref. have double walls which receive a pressurizing liquid to displace residual sludge.    USE -   The process treats sewage to produce methane, burnable solids and a nutrient for a seaweed farm where fish fry are grown.
A heterogeneous mixt. of solid bodies is sorted by adding it to liquid in a vessel, stirring the liquid, removing settled heavy bodies from the base of the vessel and removing separately light bodies suspended in the liquid.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Method is for removing degradable organic waste from rubbish. The process is simple and efficient.
Prodn. of CH4 or of a CH4-contg. gas from a starting mixt. contg. CO and H2 in molar ratio close to 1 and S cpds. comprises contacting the mixt. with a S-resistant catalyst based on WS2 with specific surface area 20-100 sq. m/g, at 1-50 (pref. 25-35) bars and 250-650 deg. C.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The reaction is an important step in synthesis of SNG from coal. The catalyst tolerates up to 5 wt. % combined in the feed, so that S removal is unnecessary and the yield can be increased. The selectivity of conversion of Co to CH4 from the catalyst (e.g. 94% at 0.5% H2S) is higher than from previous S-resistant catalysts (e.g. 88%). The activity per unit wt. of catalyst is also improved and the stability similar.
Prodn. of CH4-contg. gases is effected by reacting a heterocyclic or O-substd. aromatic feed with steam at 500 deg.C or less in the presence of a co-pptd. catalyst contg. Ni and Al2O3.    Suitable catalysts are described in GB1525017, GB1550749 and EP10114. The feed has a boiling range of 80-270 deg.C, a mean molecular wt. of 103 and a O:C wt. ratio of 0.01:1.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process is capable of converting distillates derived from coal gasification tars into gases suitable for prodn. of substitute natural gas.
Prodn. of a finely-divided fuel from domestic refuse or similar industrial wastes and/or organic wastes from agriculture and forestry, these feeds all contg. some incombustible material, comprises: (i) coarse crushing; (ii) magnetic sepn. for removal of ferrous components; (iii) intermediate screening, with an undersize of 50 mm max.; (iv) drying the undersize material from (iv) to a residual moisture of 15 wt.% (max.); (v) fine grinding; and (vi) screening, taking the undersize of 10 mm max. as prod.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The fuel produced can be burnt in normal or modified dust burners, and used e.g. in cement mfr. It can be incorporated in the raw material for building materials mfr. before this is baked, so as to make a porous prod. The prod. from the process, unlike that from conventional mfr. of such fuels, contains inert material which practically eliminates the risks of explosion and self ignition. The usual costly process safety measures are therefore unnecessary. The inert material also assists grinding.
Prodn. of a biologically stable fuel from domestic refuse comprises drying the sepd. organic fraction to a max. water content of 15 wt.% by mixing with quicklime in an amt. (wt.%) of at least 1.5 times the amt. by which the initial water content of the fraction exceeds 15 wt.%.    ADVANTAGE -   Sufficient drying for biological stability is achieved without using energy from external sources or from the fuel produced in the process itself. Side effects of the added lime are: (a) it acts as binding agent, so that if the fuel prod. ispressed to briquettes the pressure required is reduced; and (b) it binds pollutants, e.g. S and Cl, in the fuel prod., with surplus binding capacity in which can be exploited by mixing-in S-rich coal.
Organic waste is converted into compost in two stages (I,II), the first operated as an anaerobic/aerobic process and the second aerobic. The waste is brought to a rottable C/N ratio in counterflow with fresh air and the waste gases of each stage are extracted by the suction of a blower. The waste air of the second stage (II) is added to the fresh air for the first stage (I).    ADVANTAGE -   This reduces the energy consumption for the rotting process and raises the quality of the bioprocess.
Organic household and garden refuse, also weeds, are converted to compost and partly sterilised by placing them in layers in a structure between pairs of hollow profiles driven in the ground, at a diagonal distance ''a'' from each other. Other hollow profiles are laid between the layers across, as they build up. The resulting openings permit the access of air. When the top is reached, a layer of earth is applied. After removal of the profiles the heap is enclosed in black polyethylene foil. The material for the profiles is e.g. coloured PVC.    ADVANTAGE -   This reduces the expenditure for efficient prodn. of high-quality compost.
Enhanced gas sepn. process employs a permeable membrane or membrane stages for initial bulk gas sepn., with the permeate gas being passed to a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) system for the sepn. and recovery of a high purity prod. gas. The PSA waste gas is compressed and blended with the feed gas for passage to the membrane, from which non-permeate gas is withdrawn at the elevated pressure. In processing variations, the non-permeate gas and/or the PSA waste stream can be passed to additional membrane stages for enhanced recovery purposes, with a prod. gas being recovered at high purity from the PSA system in each instance.    ADVANTAGE -   The enhanced gas sepn. process uses the convenience of permeable membranes while producing high purity prod. gas at desirable recovery levels.
Process for determining whether any, and if so which, of a number of underground gaseous methane storage sites is in fluid communication with a gas-producing well comprises (i) injecting a different gas tracer mixt into eahc site at some location in an amt. such that the presence of the tracer mixt will be detectable in the amt of methane stored there, where each tracer mixt. (a) does not occur in natural methane supplies, (b) diffuses through any storage in a manner very similar to methane, and (c) is substantially insol in petroleum distillates; (ii) after leaving adequate time for the tracer mixts to diffuse from their injection location to the well, withdrawing a sample of gas prod. from the well; and (iii) testing the sample for the presence of the tracer mixts. Pref. components of the tracer mixts are C2ClF5, SF6 and C2H4.    ADVANTAGE -   C2ClF6 and SF6 meet conditions (a)-(c) and are detectable by electron capture gas chromatography at min concns. of 0.35 ppm and 5 parts per trillion respectively.
Appts. to produce CO2 gas from organic wastes - comprises a CO2 gas tank with a compost conveyer to carry out the produced compost. A zeolite-charged tube adsorbs NH3 in a gas rich in CO2 produced in a lower bed of the organic wastes charged in the tank.    USE -   For making composts.
Pref. the support is La2O3-Na2O-Al2O3, CeO2-K2O-Al2O3, La2O3-Na20-TiO2, K2O-La2O3-CeO2-Al2O3, Rb2O3-La2O3-Nd2O3-ZrO2, or Na2O-K2O-CeO2-SiO2. The amts. of Ru and/or Rh are more than 0.01 (0.1-10) wt.%.    ADVANTAGE -   The catalyst has higher activity and selectivity, e.g. converting 100% MeOH at 400 deg.C into a gas contg. 68 mol.% methane.    In an example gamma-Al2O3 pellets 2-4mm dia. were immersed in a KNO3 and Ce(NO3)4 soln.; fired at 500 deg.C for 3 hrs. to form a support loaded with 10 wt.% K2O and 10 wt.% CeO2. The support was immersed in a RhCl3 soln., fired at 350 deg.C for 3 hrs. to deposit 2 wt.% Rh. Thus prepd. catalyst was activated by reducing it in H2 stream at 400 deg.C for 3 hrs.
Composting timber industry or other high cellulose contacting wastes. After drying and communition to 0.1-1.0 cm size the waste is inoculated with a culture of cellulose decomposing bacteria.A biomass of algae is added, the latter may also contain cellulose decomposing bacteria, its moisture content is adjusted pref. by liquid manure. The compost is ripened pref. under anaerobic conditions for a period of 3 weeks - 6 months, moistened by a nitrate soln. and ripened further pref. anaerobically while occasional samples are taken and/or is turned over. The compost can be mixed with soil components as soil for flowers or arables with nontoxic waste mud etc. or a microfloral culture. This is followed by optional adjustment of pH, addn. of minerals and other sepd. constituents.
Equipment comprises a reactor with inlet and discharge connections, a conveyor mechanism within the reactor and a ventilation system. The reactor is in the form of a horizontal vessel. It is equipped with an inner cylinder provided with ventilation slots and surrounded by a cover. A feed cylinder contains a pusher mechanism and is located in front of the compost making vessel. The inner cylinder and the feed cylinder are interconnected. The first section of the compost making cylinder is provided with a perforated ventilation pipe which is connected to fans. The inner surface of the inner cylinder is equipped with material transfer-mixing elements.
Charcoal is made by heating wood in a furnace fired by tar collected from the previous batch of wood, and recirculating combustible gas evolved by the wood. A furnace for carrying out the process is also claimed.    A combustion chamber is housed in a vessel also holding four containers for wood to be carbonised. The base of the vessel collects wood tar, and has an outlet for it. A fan at the top of the combustion chamber forces combustion gases down through the containers.    ADVANTAGE -   The yield of a discontinuously operating furnace is raised to that of a continuous one.
Organic effluent with a chemical oxygen demand greater than 5 g/l and at least 1 g/l suspended solids is fermented to yield methane by anaerobically fermenting it while passing it downwards through a packed bed, recycling separated liquid and sludge from a settler to the bed at a higher flow rate than that of the effluent, and passing some of the liquid from the settler to a second packed bed where it is anaerobically fermented as an ascending flow.    Apparatus for carrying out the process is also claimed. The packing is pref. polyvinyl chloride rings.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For sugar cane washings. Solids and microorganisms have a long residence time.
Biotechnological processes in fixed-bed ractors with carrier elements for a growth of micro-organisms usually release a gas e.g. CH4 or CO2. The coagulation and the release of the gases produced can be promoted by mechanical action on the carrier elements. The preferred action is a continuous or intermittent vibratin or a rotary/reciprocating motion of the bed.    ADVANTAGE -   This intensifies the gas detachment and improves the bacterial reaction.
In fermentation of waste water contg. organic substances, mixed gas comprising mainly CH4 and CO2 generated in bioreactor with anaerobic bacteria is desulpherised and sepd. to CO2 and CH4 by sepg. membrane. The CH4 generated is recovered and CO2 is dissolved in waste water fed to the reactor.    ADVANTAGE -   Lowering of water pH at inlet port of the reactor is prevented without adjusting water pH by reagents and without circulating the treated water. Bioreactor is effectively operated.    In an example, waste water with COD of 375 mg/l, floating substances of 123 mg/k and pH of 6.8 was fed to fermentation tank of effective vol. 2302 with fixed bed of anaerobic bacteria at flow rate of 460 1/day. CH4 and CO2 were desulpherised and then sepd. by sepg. membrane. The CH4 was recovered and the CO2 was dissolved in waste water and the water was fed to the bioreactor. The pH of the water near inlet part of the water was kept at 6.0 and 46.1l of gas was generated a day.
Waste water from shochu distn. with SS of under 10000 mg/1 is anaerobically treated twice. SS is removed by centrifugal separator, decanter or filter press etc. to reduce SS concn. to under 10000 mg/1. First and/or second anaerobic treatment is carried out by bacteria fixed on insoluble supports. In first and/or second reactor, insoluble supports adsorbing bacteria are held as fluid bed, moving bed or fixed bed etc.. After anaerobic treatment, aerobic treatment is carried out by bacteria fixed on insoluble supports.    ADVANTAGE -   As aerobical treating appts. after anaerobic treatment is small, and treatment is carried out by a small amt. of air, the energy cost is reduced. As bacteria in the reactor is kept high, fermenting rate to CH4 is fast. Excess sludge formed is littel. CH4 gas generated is used as energy. (Printed in week 8926)
To ferment organic substances in waste water to methane in a bioreactor with anaerobic bacteria, Ca(OH)2 is added to the water.    Waste water is fed to acid forming tank, where organic substances are made soluble by bacteria. After removing bacteria in solid-liq. tank, waste water is fed to bioreactor with anaerobic bacteria where organic substances are fermented to CO2 and CH4. When waste water contg. organic substances and SO4 or proteins with S is treated, SO4 is formed by the decomposition of proteins. To prevent redn. of SO4 which occurs more easily than formation of CH4, Ca(OH)2 is added to the water to change SO4 to CaSO4. Ca(OH)2 is added in such amt. that pH of waste water fed to the reactor is under 12. Ca(OH)2 concn. in Ca(OH)2 aq. soln. added is 10%.    ADVANTAGE -   Waste water contg. organic substances and SO4 or contg. proteins with S can be fermented by the method without reducing the yield of CH4.
Prodn. of an industrial cheap fuel of high calorific value, combustible at the usual temps. of 1200-1500 (esp. up to 1400) deg.C, with simultaneous disposal of sewage sludge, comprises: (i) mixing biological, principally municipal sludge, withdrawn after the digester, and/or high-calorific value industrial sludge low in pollutants, possibly with organic carbon sources; (ii) mechanically partially drying the mixt. to 20-40wt.% dry substance; and (iii) grinding in a mill with hard or brown coal of 1-5 mm particle size, with addn. of carbon-derived stabilisers used for coal-water suspensions, to give a coal-sludge-water suspension, handleable and burning like fuel oil and contg. about 25-35wt.% water. In a pref. embodiment, the ash from combustion of the fuel is incorporated into road-making asphalt.    ADVANTAGE -   The process is less complicated and much cheaper than briquetting, used previously to dispose of sewage sludge as a fuel. No pollutants are released on combustion.
Isobutane is recovered in the first stage and but-1-ene in the second, as distillates, the second stage being carried out at 0.2-1.0 MPa higher pressure than the first, with part of the overhead stream from the second stage being led into the evaporator of the first stage and condensed there.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Recovery of but-1-ene, partic. for homopolymerisation or copolymerisation with ethylene, from 4C fraction from cracking process after recovery of buta-1,3-diene and isobutene. Process is more economical in plant investment (c.f. DD 222301) and energy costs (c.f. DE 3149738).    Remainder of head stream from second fractionation is condensed and led, together with condensate from evaporator of the first stage, into a container from which is drawn material for second fractionation. Second column is at 0.3-0.5 MPa higher pressure than the first.
Prodn. of finely divided wood (or other vegetable material) for use as fuel is effected by treating the coarsely ground starting material with aq. alkali, heating, and grinding to produce a fine powder with a narrow particle size range.    The wood is impregnated with or suspended in an aq. NaOH or KOH soln.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The prods. are suitable for use in gas turbines, disel engines or esp. steam boilers. They produce an easily controlled short flame, produce less corrosion and toxic emissions than acid-treated wood, and yield an alkaline ash suitable for use as a fertiliser in acid solns.    Coarsely ground poplar wood (200-300 microns) was impregnated at room temp. with a 2.5% aq. NaOH soln. so thatthe amt. of soln. absorbed was twice the wt. of the dry wood. The wood was then heated at 180 deg. C for 1 hr and then ball-milled for 30 sec. The prod. has an av. particle size of 1-3 microns.
Process comprises contacting a stoichiometric reaction mixt. of CO and H2 under conditions for synthesis of aliphatic hydrocarbons with catalyst particles comprising catalytic Mo supported on particulate C having a pore size distribution curve characterized by a single sharp peak at a pore radius about 10 A, surface area above 100 sq. m/g, pore vol. above 0.2 cc/g, ave. pore radius at least 25 A and compacted bulk density of about 0.3 - 0.8 g/cc, the catalyst having been made by vapour deposition of Mo(CO)6 on the defined carbon particles and heating to decompose and reduce the Mo cpd.    The process is also catalysed by the bimetallic catalyst Mo/Rh and Mo/Pd supported on the defined particulate C.    Aliphatic hydrocarbons are synthesized at 180 - 400 deg.C, total pressure 1-4 atmospheres and GHSV 200 - 2500.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The catalyst has outstanding catalytic activity for CO hydrogenation. The prod. is mainly CH4, with some 2C alkanes and alkenes.
Complete sepn of ethane from methane in natural gas, comprises lowering the temp of the gas stream; (b) supplying the lower temp stream to a high pressure separator to give vapour and fluid streams; (c) lowering the pressure of the vapour stream; (d) supplying the lower pressure vapour to an upper region of a demethaniser column; (e) lowering the pressure of the fluid stream; (f) supplying the lower pressure fluid to the demethaniser at a point below the vapour supply; (g) removing cold vapour residue gas from an upper region of the demethaniser, the vapour residue consisting of methane and other residual light vapours; (h) raising the temp of the vapour residue in at least one heat exchanger; (i) compressing the vapour residue to a higher pressure; (j) drawing off a portion of the higher pressure vapour residue; (k) lowering the temp of the drawn off higher pressure vapour residue; (l) lowering the pressure of the residue to give a liquid stream; (m) supplying the product of step (l) as reflux to the top of the demethaniser by which the additional reflux alters the chemicalequilibrium at the top of the demethaniser to enhance the sepn of the inlet stream constituents in the demethaniser column; and (n) removing a demethanised liq product from a lower region of the column.    ADVANTAGE -   The additional reflux enables the demethaniser to operate as a true distn column so achieving nearly total separation of ethane and heavier constituents from the lighter methane.
Treating garbage comprises separating crushed garbages into solids and dirty water, oxidising the water with aerobic, bacteria sepg. the oxidised water into a supernatant and dirty sludge, and sterilising the supernatant.    USE -   Process is used for treating domestic waste.
New additive contains (A) polymer(s) of aromatic hydrocarbons contg. sulphonic gps. and (B) a biopolymer of formula (I): (where X = H, Na, K, NH4, R1R2R3NH (R1, R2, R3 = 1-20C hydrocarbon gp.); Z1, Z2, Z3 = CH3(CH2)k-CH(Y)-C(=O)-O-, CH3(CH2)l-CH(Y)-C(=O)- or CH3(CH2)mCH(Y)-CH2-O(=O)-O- (k,l, m = 1-20; Y = H or OH) (they may be the same or different.); n = 1000-3000).    The polymers of aromatic hydrocarbons comprises those prepd. from polymerising aromatic sulphonic monomer(s) and, opt. other polymerising hydrocarbon monomers, and their sulphonated polymers.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The additive substantially improves the fluidity and the stability, achieving high concn.: viscosities at 25 deg. C of 610-920 cP; standing stabilities (in terms of the penetration time of a naturally falling glass rod) of 2-3 sec. just after prepdn. and 5-7 sec. a month after prepn.; and concns. as high as 70-77%. /0
Gas mixt. contg. H2, N2, CH4, Ar, NH3 esp. NH3 plant purge gas is treated e.g. in a zeolite adsorption bed to remove NH3. Ammonia depleted gas mixt. is fed to a pressure swing adsorption unit to remove CH4 and most of the N2. The mixt. is then fed to e.g. a membrane sepn. unit for sepn. of H2 and the resulting stream is passed to a cryogenic distn. unit to separate an Ar prod. and a residual N2 stream. NH3 can alternatively be removed in an H2O scrubber and dehydrators.    Pref. adsorbent material in PSA unit is a 5A zeolite and operating pressure is 400-1100 psig. NH3 and CH4 removal may be effected in a single PSA unit.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Operating and capital costs are lower. High pressure purge gas from NH3 plant provides all energy requirements for non cryogenic sepn. Purge gas can also be fed to a turbine to supply cooling for cryogenic sepn. Process employs compact units which are portable.
Prodn. comprises adding low temp. polymerisation initiator (LTPI) of 10hr half life at 50-80 deg./C to an aq. suspension of blowing agent-contg. particles of (I) of particle size distribution within +/- 20% of the mean, in amt. of at least half the amt. required for polymerisation of a styrene-based monomer (II) added to the system; adding blowing agent in amt. sufficient to inhibit expansion of the particles while the system is heated to a temp. for first stage polymerisation; continuously or intermittently adding (II) contg. the balance of the LTPI, if any, and a high temp. polymerisation initiator (HTPI) of 10hr hlaf life at 80-120 deg.C; adding a blowing agent in amt. required for the desired expansion of the resulting beads; effecting first stage polymerisation at 10 deg.C below to 20 deg.C above the 10hr half life temp.; and effecting second stage polymerisation at 100-150 deg.C..    ADVANTAGE -   The process gives expandable beads with a narrow particle size distribution from small particles, obtd. by suspension polymerisation of size which is unsuitable for use as expandable beads.
A method for obtaining methane-enriched biogas from a decomposable substrate such as liquid animal manure comprises anaerobic treatment in a first stage, followed by bacteria inoculation in a second stage and passing of carbon dioxide-contg. biogas from the first stage through the culture medium of the second stage. A combination of bacteria and algae, consisting of chemoautotrophic and/or photoautrophic algae, suspended and/or sessile nitrifying bacteria, is used for forming the culture colonies at a process temp. of 20-40 deg. C.    Additionally, chemoautotrophic and/or photoautrophic bacteria which reduce hydrogen sulphide are also introduced into the culture medium. A nutrient substrate may also be introduced. Excessive biomass from the second stage may be recycled to the first stage. Opt. a denitrification stage is incorporated, either after the second stage of between the first and second stages. The appts. is also claimed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For obtaining methane-enriched biogas from agricultural waste such as liquid manure, industrial waste or communal sewage. Low energy demand and simple and inexpensive plant and process. The methane enrichment gives a biogus of high heat value.
Prodn. of butanes from propane comprises: (i) contacting a propane feed in absence of added H2 and at at least 50 psig with a catalyst comprising a crystalline zeolite with SiO2:Al2O3 = at least 12:1 and Constraint Index 1-12 measured at a temp. of about 290-538 deg. C, the combination of temp., pressure and WHSV being such that up to about 25 wt.% propane is converted to a hydrocarbons mixt. contg. butanes in an amt. of at least 35% of the converted propane; and (ii) recovering the butanes. Pref. zeolites have the structure of ZSM-5 (esp. pref.), -11, -12, -22, -23, -35 and -50. The catalyst pref. also contains a hydrogenation-dehydrogenation component, esp. a Pt gp..    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Propane by-prod. of low economic value can be converted. Final sepn. can provide a fraction contg. up to 80-90 wt.% mixed butanes, from which an isobutane fraction can be obtd. which is useful for converting to alkylate blending stock for gasoline. Long catalyst cycle life is indicated.
A hydrocarbon feed comprising at least one alkene and at least one alkyne is selectively hydrogenated, under conditions to hydrogenate the alkyne but not substantially the alkene, by contact with hydrogen and a catalyst compsn. (I). (I) comprises a catalytic metal (II) and an alkoxide-modified support (III). (III) comprises a core support material (IV) having a surface area at least 5 m2/g, and on the outer surface a metal oxide produced from a precursor metal alkoxide (V).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The alkoxide treatment enhances the activity of catalytic metal (II). The method may be used to hydrogenate an alkyne impurity in an alkene, e.g. acetylene in ethylene, or methyl acetylene in propene.
Compsn. useful as antifoulant comprises Sn, Sb and Al, which are present as elements or organic or inorganic cpds. in a form which is convertible to oxide in air at about 700 deg. C, the Al and Sb both having a concn. of about 20-60 mole %.    The compsn. may be a soln., with concn. pref. at least about 0.05 molar, esp. 0.3-0.6 molar. The solvent may be water, an O-contg. organic liq. or an aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbon.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The formation of coke in hydrocarbon thermal cracking processes, e.g. for ethylene prodn., is reduced. Coke lay down on the metal furance tubes, heat exchangers, and all metal surfaces exposed to hot hydrocarbon, can be reduced by the compsn., either by using it to pretreat the metal surface or by adding it to the feedstock.
A carbon membrane for separating two gases having different size molecules in the range 2.5 to 5.0 A has pores of selected size in the range 2.5 to 5.0A and between the molecular sizes of the gases to be separated. The pore size distribution of the membrane is such that it has no pores which are 10% greater than the smaller gas molecules.    A carbonaceous precursor, e.g. cellulose, a cellulose derivative, a thermosetting polymer or pitch for mesophase is shaped and then pyrolysed at a temp. between 250 and 2500 deg.C.. The membrane is a sheet 1-300 microns thick or is in the form of tubular fibres of diameter 5-1000 microns and wall thickness 1-300 microns. The fibres can be assembled into a shell and tube separation module. The membrane can be a stack of asymmetrical membranes supported by a porous support.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The membrane can separate gases differing in size by 10% or less, e.g. oxygen and nitrogen.
The catalyst is obtd. by dissolving Al(OH)3 in HNO3 in the presence of Ni(NO3)2, or Cu(NO3)2 and/or Zn(NO3)2 at 90-110 deg. C, introduction of active components (e.g. Ni(NO3)2, or Cu(NO3)2 and Zn(NO3)2), impregnating the carrier with the obtd. soln., drying and calcining at 400-450 deg. C. Dissolution of Al(OH)3 in HNO3 is carried out in the presence of Ni(NO3)2, or Cu(NO3)2 and/or Zn(NO3)2 taken separately or jointly, in amt. 1.0-25.0 wt.% w.r.t. acid.    Addn. of the specified nitrates provides more complete dissolution of aluminium hydroxide at 95 deg. C in 40% HNO3. For example, the degree of transfer of Al into soln. is more than 65% after 4 hrs., treatment with acid contg. Cu(NO3)2. Such a value is obtd. after 9 hrs. when no additive is used.    The methanol synthesis catalysts are obtd. by pptn. of the nitrate salts, obtd. after introduction of Cu(NO3)2 and Zn(NO3)2 as active components in the above process, with Na2CO3 soln., washing the obtd. slurry, calcining at 340 deg. C, impregnating with ammonium tungstate and graphite, and tabletting. These catalysts were tested for their activity with regard to methanol synthesis at 260 deg. C, 50 atmos. pressure and vol. rate 10000 reciprocal hours. Productivity was found to be no less than 1.31-1.40 ml. condensate/ml. catalyst hr., which satisfied catalyst requirements.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In prodn. of catalysts for methane reforming, methanol synthesis and other processes in the chemical, petrochemical and gas industries. Dissolution of aluminium hydroxide is improved. Bul.48/30.12.86
Fuel suspension is prepd. by partly dehydrating and atomising sewerage sludge and dispersing the partly dehydrated sludge in combustible oil by adding the atomised sludge together with a surfactant.    Pref. the sludge is dehydrated mechanically by a centrifugal dehydratorto moisture content of 20-25% and the presence of residual water stabilises the dispersion. The combustible oil is pref. heavy oil, waste machine oil or fish oil. The sludge is added with the oil and surfactant (e.g. nonionic or anionic surfactant having HLB of 8-10, most pref. mixt. of 50-70 wt.% sorbitan sesquioleate having HLB of 3.7 and 60-30 wt.% polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate having HLB of 10) and atomising through a wet atomiser or colloid mill using glass beads or the like to a size of 5-10 microns. The suspension comprises pref. 65-20% combustible oil, 30-60% pulverised sludge (on dry basis), 5-15% water and 0.1-5% surfactant.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The fuel suspension has calorific power of 4,000-8,000 kcal/kg by controlling the ratios of sludge having calorific power of 3,000-3,500 kcal/kg on dry basis, water and the combustible oil.
Method to convert methane (I) to ethane (II) involves exciting (I) contg. gas with high frequency discharge on metal catalyst surface.    The catalyst is one or more metal(s) selected from titanium, nickel, zinc, chromium copper, tin, tungsten and lead, or, one or more oxide, halide, sulphate, nitrate of the above metal(s). Catalyst may be supported on the surface of electro-conductive carrier. Pref. 10-50Kv high-frequency (1-1000KHz) is applied to metal catalyst to discharge.    ADVANTAGE -   (I) is converted to (II) by high-frequency discharge on metal catalyst surface in high yield at ordinary temp. under atmospheric pressure.    One example ofappts.is shown in Fig.2. Metal catalyst (22) is in reactor (21). (I) containing gas, pref. natural gas, is fed to reactor through line (25), and high-frequency is applied to catalyst to discharge. Prod. is removed from reactor through line (26). Conversion of (I) is 50-80%, and selectivity coefficient of (II) is 90-99% on catalyst.
The detector element's main constituent is SnO2 and 0.01 to 5 wt.% of SO4.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Combustible gases such as isobutane can be detected at temps. from 200 to 250 deg.C.. Durability and function stability are excellent.    In an example to an aq. soln. contg. SnCl4 and Sn(SO4)2 in 1:1 weight proportion, aqueous ammonium is dripped. The ppte. obtd. is filtered, dried and crushed, calcined at 570 deg.C for three hours, and then crushed again. The prod. contains 0.5 wt.% of SO2-4 basedon SnO2. A paste is prepared from the prod. with admixture of pure water and it is formed to 2.5 cm x 3.5 cm x 1.0 mm and detecting heating electrodes are added. The formed body is calcined at 600 deg.C for one hour to obtain a gas detector element.
Methanol is introduced at the upstream pt. of CO converter in a town gas producer.    Specifically, methanol and steam are reacted to produce CO2 and 3H2 by endothermic reaction of 11.8 kcal/mol and CO and H2O are reacted exothermally to produce CO2 and H2 (reaction heat 9.8 kcal/mol) concurrently with the reaction of methanol with H2O and compensates the endothermic reaction heat of methanol by controlling the reaction rate of CO-converting reaction.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The introduction of methanol provides CO2 and 3H2 in the presence of CO-converting catalyst. The conventional low pressure cyclic process can be converted into continuous partial combustion process by the introduction of methanol without changing the combustion range to reduce the CO content in the output gas to 1-3%.    In an example, cracked gas comprising 39.8% N2, 4.1% CO2, 35.5% H2 and 1.0% CH4, the balance being C4H10 was converted in a CO converter added with methanol at the upstream pt. into -town gas comprising 22.6% N2, 16.7% CO2, 47.7% H2, 0.6% CH4 and 9.0% C4H10.
Methane fermentation of an organic aq. soln. includes measuring the oxidn. redn. potential at an organic aq. soln. inflow end at an anaerobic organism accumulating section in an anaerobic bioreactor, and circulating the liq. downstream of the end to a part upstream of original end.
A method of composting household waste or similar garbage (2) consists of regulating the feed of air through the garbage heap to suit the microbe growth, without moving the nutrient substrate itself; the organic constituents that are more easily biologically broken down are converted into heat and carbon dioxide, after which the process is stopped by drying the waste.    Preferably, before treatment starts the waste is comminuted to increase the contact area with the air and thus benefit to the maximum from the exponential growth in cell division of the microorganisms. Preferably, alternatively, the waste is thoroughly mixed in advance to create considerable cavities within it. After the foregoing phase, the remaining material is sufficiently dried for bacteria growth to be largely stopped and only fungus growth to remain.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For composting of household and similar waste. Maximum use is made of the exponential rate of cell division of the microorganisms without the need to build up a large substrate. /11
A method of composting solid and liquid organic waste, esp. vegetable matter, animal manure, liquid manure, sewage sludge etc. by aerobic fermentation consists of mixing the solid and liquid constituents at intervals, esp. regular intervals, and introduction air or oxygen during this mixing. A local zone of the waste may be subjected to such mixing, followed by other zones in the same cycle. In particular the waste is mixed by raising part of the mixture and depositing it on the surface of the remaining mixture.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For composting by aerobic treatment liquid and solid mixed organic waste such as vegetable matter, animal manure, sewage sludge etc. Hot fermentation is carried out with inexpensive equipment in a rapid process.
Organic refuse is fermented by the action of bacteria in an essentially normally arranged, airtight fermentation vessel whose lower ends forms a concave cone, from which sediments can be drawn off e.g. by pumping. The organic refuse is comminuted to such an extend that it can be pumped with the sludge formed by clearing. A fermentation vessel which contains a means for stopping the settling of material on the surface in its upper part is also claimed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Fermentation of e.g. household waste, and also industrial, agricultural and garden refuse. The already existing equipment for sludge treatment and also for the subsequent treatment of organic refuse can be used.
In culturing microorganisms on petroleum distillates or raffinates, with provision of nutrients and trace elements and of inoculation yeast, the amts. of nutrients and trace elements initially present in the aq. phase exceed the concns. in the later stationary continuous phase only to the extent needed for biomass growth of 3-5g of dry biomass/kg of fermenter contents. During culture, the metering of nutrients and trace elements is started on reaching a biomass concn. of 3-5 g/kg and/or corresp. to the redn. of the concn. of the elements in the aq. phase, and is increased, with initiation of the transfer to the continuous process, at a biomass concn. of 60-80% of that expected for the stationary continuous process, with less than 50% of the flow rate for the stationary process, this being raised to the flow rate used in the stationary continuous process. Feeding of process water and petroleum distillate is in the ratio needed for the stationary continuous phase.    ADVANTAGE -   Lowered quality of the prod., and increased operational expenditure in transfer to the stationary continuous fermentation, are avoided.
Process for recovering 3/4C hydrocarbons from 3/4C-contg. gas streams from petroleum processing, esp. from let-down gases of the top prod. receivers of stabiliser columns after aromatisation plants, includes leading the let-down gas stream completely or partly for 3/4C recovery to a gas sepn. plant, either (a) separately from the liqueified gas, opt. in the overhead vapour line and/or the upper section and/or the lower section, or (b) with the liquefied gas into the inlet section, of the liquefied gas stabiliser column of the gas sepn. plant.    ADVANTAGE -   The process is simpler than the prior art method of 3/4C recovery in a separate gas washing system. The plant requirement and energy consumption are reduced. The prodn. of separate fuel gas components in gas washing system and gas sepn. plant is avoided.
Gas analysers (1,2) of mass-produced type for CO and CH4, respectively, work in heated chambers (9,10) fed from inputs (5,6), lines (3,4), steam-heated inlet valves (7,8), chokes (15,16), diffusion diluters (11,12) with diaphragms (13, 14). Chokes (17,18) admit carrier gas (19), having pressure sensor (27) with power supply (28) in the form of a pneumatic electric converter. Temp. sensors (20-22) maintaining 100-200 deg. C. pass signals to comparators (23-25) working through OR-gate (26) as well as gauge (27), to amplifier (29) and shut-off valves (30,31).    The system is self-regulating for safe temp. in that breakdown in heating, causing cooling of limes, or insufficient press. from spent carrier gas supplies, results in shut-down of theinlets. The precaution avoids deposition of resins in conduits, with attendant shut-down for repair.    Appts. determines gas content e.g. NH3, SO2 CH4, CO, CO2, nitrogen oxides etc. esp. in prodn. of mineral fertilisers. Increased reliability is obtd. by preventing condensn. of resins in conduits at powered temps. Bul.48/30.12.86.
In a prepn., methanol or methanol-water mixt. is catalytically reformed in the presence of a catalyst contg. ruthenium and lanthenum.    Pref. catalyst supports are alpha-, beta and gamma-alumina, silica, titania and zirconia. The lanthanum content in the catalyst is pref. 0.1-40 wt.% and that of ruthenium is 0.1 - 5 wt.%.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   With the prepn., there occurs no carbon deposit on the catalyst and deterioration of the catalyst. The catalyst has sufficient activity at lower temps., high selectivity, and good durability. Small amts. of catalyst efficient-ly produces the gas in smaller appts under a wide variety of reaction conditions with a high yield and a good thermal efficiency.
For sepn. of methane from a gas mixt. of H2, CH4, and N2 and/or CO, the mixt. is passed through a permeation membrane selectively allowing H2 to permeate and an adsorbing cylinder packed with zeolite to remove CO and other impurities, in order to enrichmethane. The hydrogen enriched gas sepd. by the membrane is used as a purge gas to regenerate the zeolite. The zeolite is of clinoptyrolite for removal of N2.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Method gives high-calorie methane-rich gas in a concn. as high as 70-80 vol.%. The efficient use of H2 as purge gas improves the recovery of the methane-rich gas. It is esp. effective for coke oven gas, etc.    In an example, a gas thus obtd. comprised 20-30 vol.% H2, 70-80 vol.% CH4, 3-5 vol.% N2, and no CO and CO2 for original gas of 55 vol.% H2, 30 vol.% CH4, 5 vol.% N2, 6 vol.% CO, 3 vol.% CO2, and 1 vol.% other constituents.
Condensation of methane from a gas mixt. of H2, CH4, CO2, and N2 and/or CO, comprises pressurising the mixt. and introducing it into a permeation membrane separator to separate H2 by selective permeation. The resulting methane-enriched gas is then introduced into a pressure swing adsorber to remove CO2 and N2 and/or CO and to recover concentrated methane-enriched gas. The selectively sepd. H2 gas is introduced to another adsorption separator to remove impurities. Part or all of the resulting hydrogen-enriched gas is used as purge gas to regenerate the adsorbent in the cylinder.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   A very-high-calorie methane-rich gas in a concn. as high as 75-85 vol.% with an N2 content reduced to 3-5 vol. % is obtd.. The efficient use of H2 as the purge gas improves the recovery of the methane-rich gas.
Condensn enrichment of CH4 from a gas mixt. of H2, CH4, and N2 and/or CO by pressure-varying adsorption sepn. uses zeolite as an adsorbent. A set of several adsorbing cylinders packed with the adsorbent, are operated by the following processes:    (i) the first adsorbing process feeds original gas to allow enriched H2 to flow out; (ii) the second adsorbing process feeds original gas to allow enriched CH4 to flow out; (iii) the pressure-reducing process stops the gas feeding, reduces the gas pressure in the cylinder to ordinary pressure to approach H2 and CH4 contents to near those of original gas and allow to flow out; (iv) purging process of countercurrent pressure redn almost to atmos press., cleans the inside of the cylinder with the gases obtd in the first adsorbing process and the pressure-reducing process or by vacuum exhaust; and (v) the cylinder pressurising process by countercurrent introducing the gas of press. reducing process and hydrogen-rich gas, from the first adsorbing process.    The zeolite is e.g. of clinoptyrolite.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The method gives CH4 enriched gas in a concn. as high as 45-65 vol.% with a high recovery.
In a new prepn. of methane-rich gas, hydrocarbons or methanol is mixed with superheated steam to provide heat required to react and fed to adiabatic steam reforming reaction zone.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The method simplifies the prodn. of methane-rich gas. It is esp. used for medium-to-small-scale prodn. of gas used in town gas, etc.    In an example the hydrocarbons are from LPG, naphtha, etc. The method can merely comprise replacing an ordinary boiler by a generator of superheated steam. Conventional catalysts for low-temp. steam reforming and, opt. for hydro desulphurisation are used. The relationship between LPG-steam temps. indicated that, e.g., the temp. of the steam required to keep the inlet temp. of the reactor at 400 deg.C is about 512 deg.C for 300 deg.C desulphurised LPG. A gas thus obtd. comprised 65.3 voly% of CH4, 14.8 vol% of H2, 0.9 vol% of CO, and 19.0 vol% of CO2.
To improve the capacity of biogas prodn. in a fermentation system, it is inoculated with a mixed population of bacteria, which in the presence of pyruvate-formate-lyase and formate-hydrogen-lyase enzymes and opt. with carbohydrate additives, produce hydrogen. Inoculation takes place at startup, initial progression or during the steady state of the process.    It is expedient to use a phylum of the Escherichia cloaceae species, pref. E.cloaceae-DSM 30054.
The detector consists of a feed source connected to the mains and consisting of a transformer and diode rectifier; a printed circuit; an acoustic or light alarm system; and a sensor consisting of a tin dioxide pellet which is activated by current impulses with minimal current consumption.    USE -   It is of use for detecting flammablve, toxic, corrosive or other gases, e.g. propane, butane, CO2, ethanol, hydrogen, etc.
A multistage process for reaction of organic and/or inorganic substances by catalysts is carried out in a cylindrical upright reactor vessel subdivided by concentric internal walls into separate stages with vertical flow through the stages and communicating passages alternately at bottom and at top. Liq. enters at the bottom, to a first, central stage and after traversing the successive stages leaves at the top. A gas vent is pref. provided. Pref. catalysts are microorganisms or enzymes.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Process is used for sewage treatment, prodn. of biogas, enzymes, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and chemical products and processing of foods, for prodn. of liquid sugar, syrup, the saccharification of starch or milk, clarification of fruit and vegetable juices.
A multistage process for reaction of substances by catalysts, esp. biocatalysts, utilises a single reaction vessel with a series of conical trays. The raw materials enter at the bottom via an oblique inlet, thus generating a rotary motion in the reactor contents and bringing the raw materials into intimate contact with the catalysts; the liquid flows from one stage to the next stage above through overflow ducts.    The reaction prod. leaves at the top of the vessel. The gases formed in the process may be collected beneath inverted (apex upwards) conical trays as shown, via a central discharge pipe equipped with a float valve at each level. The catalysts used may be immobilized microorganisms and/or immobilized enzymes. In a variant, catalysts, esp. immobilized enzymes are conducted downwards through the vessel in counter-flow to the ascending substrate which passes from one stage to the next as above; in this latter variant, the conical trays may have the apex downwards.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For industrial reaction of substances by means of catalysts, esp. biocatalysts, more specifically immobilized microorganisms and enzymes. Typical applications include the treatment of difficult liquids and sewage. High output with a relatively small apparatus. Process is used for biological sewage treatment, using hydrolysis, acidogenesis, acetogenesis and methane prodn., the purified water leaving at the top of the reactor. Denitrification and nitrification of sewage including removal of metal cpds. Prodn. of enzymes. The prodn. of pharmaceutical, cosmetic and chemical products. Prodn. of liquid sugar, saccharification of starch, decomposition of dissolved fats, clarification of fruit and vegetable juices.
A method for the direct aerobic treatment of liq. organic waste, such as liq. manure or household or industrial liq. waste, including recovery of waste heat, is as follows. The liq. is fed into a closed tank (2), of appropriate size for the demand, treatment period and air capacity required, and is traversed while in this tank by fine air bubbles, blown in from the base (4), esp. through foam mats (6) into the liq. (18), and then extracted from the space (35) above the liq. and recycled through it again.    Sufficient process air is recycled in this way for the oxygen content not only to bind by microbiological decomposition the dissolved ammonia and thus form protein, but also for the gaseous ammonia thus formed itself to be dissolved. Excess quantities of heat generated are removed by the air flow and transferred in heat exchangers or through walls (13,14,15 etc.) of the various channels acting as heat exchangers. The tanks (2) are thermally insulated. Either foam mats (6) or aerating perforated pipes, perforated foils or the like are used for bubbling the air through the sewage.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For treatment of esp. liq. animal manure, but also household and industrial liq. waste. In partic. for modern factory farming, where large quantities of liq. manure need to be treated before being used as fertiliser, it is important for the ammonia content to be broken down and converted into protein. The method described enables this to be done economically for small farms and communities.
A process for sepn. of a landfill gas stream (I) having a high concn.of CH4 and CO2, and contg. undesirable trace gas impurities, into an enriched CH4 prod. stream (II) and a CO2 prod. stream (III), comprises (a) introducing dried, compressed (I) into a cryogenic distn. column; (b) withdrawing overhead (II) essentially free of impurities; (c) withdrawing bottom (III) contg. essentially all the undesirable impurities; (d) introducing overhead (II) into gas permeation membrane appts., (e) withdrawing from appts. a sales- or fuel grade gas CH4 prd.; (f) withdrawing from membrane a CO2 encircled gas permeate stream; (g) compressing this stream; and (h) recycling compressed permeate stream.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The method separates landfill biogas into a high purity liq. CO2 prod. stream and a compressed fuel-gas CH4 prod. stream, while rejecting a wide variety of impurities.
A solar powered water heater includes a solar panel which heats air. This is drawn through a heat exchanger to transfer the heat to water pipes which recirculate the hot water to a tank. The movement of the hot air through the heat exchanger is produced by a tower heated by solar energy to generate an upcurrent which produces the necessary pressure differential across the heat exchanger. In an embodiment, a tubular stack is mounted on top of the tower to increase the draught.    USE -   The heater is used to provide hot water for home heating, cooking or to heat a swimming pool. Alternatively, it may be used in microbial cultures, esp. for the prodn. of methane.
Appts comprises a liq. collecting control connected to a liq. gas separator chamber. The control has an overflow passage to over-flow a prim. sepd liq. and gas discharge passage has a prim. sepd. gas discharge port at a higher level than the overflow liq. level.    USE -   Used for sepg CH4 gas from spring waters.
In treating sewage containing organic carbon cpds. and reduced nitrogen by active sludge, all or a part of the returned sludge is kept under anaerobic conditions in a tank for at least 20 hrs. before circulating to aerobic treatment.    ADVANTAGE -   Activity of sludge is selectively suppressed in the tank so that generation of toxic NOx is suppressed.
Electrical sensor comprises a semiconductor material (I) in communication with a solid electrolyte (II). Pref. (I) is an oxide esp. Sn or Zn oxide, or a Gd-contg. Ba stannate perovskite; and (II) is stabilised ZrO2, pref. ZrO2-10 mole % Y2O3.    Specifically sensor is porous and comprises a compressed, two part pellet onto which electrodes are sputtered or painted. The pellet is formed from powders. The device includes a voltage measuring means. Process for forming the sensor and gas sensing method are claimed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to sense gases such as H2, CO, CH4 or C2H4 in air, by measuring the voltage generated across (I) and (II) (claimed). Need for an external power source is avoided.
Semiconductor gas sensor contains a film, 1-50 molecules thick, of cpd. (I). A and B = C or N; R1,R'1,R6 and R'6 = H,Me or form part of a 6-membered fused ring; one of R2 and R3 = hydrophilic atom or gp., the other a hydrophobic atom or gp.; each pair of X's and Y's complete phenyl; naphthalene; anthracene; 2,3- or 3,4-pyridine, or phenyl gps. which, together with adjacent N and R1,R'1,R6 and R'6, form part of a condensed double or triple 6-membered ring system; or they are H; each R4,R'4,R5 and R'5 = H, Cl, Br, I, NO2, COOH, 1-4C alkyl, CN or ester gp.; M = Mn, Fe, Co, Cu or Zn, or 2 H atoms. R2 and R3 = COOH (or amide or ester); alcohol; alkyl, aralkyl or alkaryl gps.; R1,R'1,R6 and R'6 = H; M = Nc.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The sensors are esp. used to detect N oxides, but by suitable choice of M can be made responsive to many other gases, e.g. Co, CH4 or H2. Because the film thickness is much lower than in known sensors, response is much quicker. Some (I), not specified, are new: they are prepd. by literature methods, e.g. Makromol, Chem., 176(1975)2775. Films of (I) are pref. deposited by Langmuir-Blodgett techniques, forming a molecularly-ordered layer, and the pref. substrates are Si or GaAs. The sensors show a significant change in conductivity when in contact with N oxides, and the increased current is amplified, displayed, etc. conventionally, and opt. used to trigger an alarm. The sensor is pref. used in conjunction with an identical device protected against exposure to gas so as to compensate for any temperature-induced drift.
A chemical monitor has a sample chamber for a gas to be monitored. The chamber contains a solid-state radiation source for generating radiation corresponding to an absorption wavelength of a component of the gas and a detector for detecting the radiation. The amt. of radiation detected by the detector is representative of the amt. of the component of the gas present.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Chemical monitor in which electromagnetic radiation is passed through a gas to monitor the gas, for example in a mine to detect the presence of methane or other dangerous gases. The monitor can be used without hazard with an explosive gas. There is no distortion of the radiation from the solid state source before it encounters the gas to provide max. efficiency.
A process for degasifying sewage sludge or other carbon-containing waste material utilises a gasifier which is supplied with a solid fuel and oxygen-containing gas. Gasification takes place in a fluidised bed above a slag bath which is formed in the bottom of the gasifier.The bed is constituted by the dried sewage sludge or waste materials, the solid fuel, the oxygen-contg. gas and the gasification gas.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Power generation or prodn. of a gas to serve as a reducing gas for iron ore. Sponge iron can simultaneously be melted in the gasifier and reduced to pig iron. Sewage sludge with a residual moisture of 10% can be admixed in a proportion of 15% with the fuel, without impairing the reducing and melting process.
New materials (I) obtained by heat treatment of lignocellulosic material (II) have a residual hemicellulose content below 2 wt.%, a benzpyrene content below 2 mcg/kg, and a lower heating value which is ca 20% higher than that of anhydrous (II). (II) in dry finely divided form, esp. wood shavings or sawdust, is contacted with a non-oxidising gas, esp. steam, CO2 and/or recycle gas, at 220-280 deg.C for up to 30 min., and then cooled to a temp. below 200 d-gdeg.C (esp. 120 deg.C) in a non-oxidising atmos..    USE -   (I) are useful as adsorbents and fuels.
Producing feeds comprises adding residues of a raw material for beer or waste molasses, to wood pieces, and inoculating lactic acid baterial e.g. Lactobacillus delbrueskii IFO-3202 to ferment the wood pieces.    Used as feed for cows (J55099161-A)
Prepn. of compost from raw refuse comprises fermentating a mixt. of raw refuse and artificial light small stones to which sucrose-protein decomposing bacteria, cellulose decomposing bacteria and lignin decomposing fungi are adhered.    Sucrose-protein decomposing bacteria are Bacillus, Clostridium, etc. Cellulose decomposing bacteria are Thermoactinomyces, etc. Lignin-decomposing fungi are Coprinus, Agaricus, etc. Artificial light small stones are obtd. by calcining perlite, zeolite, etc. at 800-1300 deg.C and are granular substance having many cavities. Ths tones have large surface area and are adhered with bacteria and fungi, the stones have a large fermentation area, smoothly decompose organic materials and allow complete fermentation in a short period. The large surface area helps to absorb malodours.    ADVANTAGE -   Fermentation velocity is high, and compost prodn. efficiency increased. It is easy to controll the water content and temp. during fermentation. Malodour generation is reduced. The compost obtd. contains a large amt. of N, P and gypsum components, and makes the acid soil alkaline. The compost gives air-permeability and water retentivity to the soil.
Sewage sludge is reacted under alkaline conditions at 250-350 deg.C at over satd. steam pressure and the cooled. Sewage sludge before digestion is pref. used. To make the sludge alkaline, NaOH, KOH, Na2CO3, KHCO3, NHCOONa, CaO, Ca(OH)2 and Mg(OH)2 etc. are used. 0.001-0.5 wt.parts, e.g. 0.01-0.2 wt. parts of alkali are added per wt. part of sewage sludge. Reaction time is 5-180 minutes. Water contents in sludge treated is 60-85, e.g. 70-80 wt.%. Pressing can be performed by using N2, CO2 or Ar gas if necessary.    Specifically sewage sludge is heated to 300-350 deg. C at rate of 5-20 deg/C/min. and kept at that temp. for 0-30 mins.. The reaction prod. rapidly cooled to under 100 deg.C.. The prod. is sepd. in to aq. and slurry phases. The slurry phase is then sepd. in to solid and oily phases.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Oily matter used as liq. fuel is obtd. from sewage sludge (calorifice value is 8000 Kcal/Kg). Yield of oily matter is 50% to dried organic substances. Oily matter is easily recovered.
In combustible liquefied gas which is volatile under atmos. pressure is dissolved luminance agent comprising aromatic organo-metallic cpd. and luminance stabiliser(s) comprising xylene, 2-ethylhexanoate or 2-ethylhexyl amine.    Pref. the luminance agent is d,1-menthyl borate or Cu-, K-, Li-, Cs-, Ca-, Rb-, Co-, Sr-, Ba-, or Ni- cyclohexane butyrate. It is used in amt. 0.5-5 wt.%. The luminance stabiliser is used in amt. of 0.1-9.0 wt.%. Solvent used is pref. 1-3C alcohol in amt. 0-15 wt.%. Combustible liquefied gas is pref. butane or propane in amt. 70.0-85.0 wt.%.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The liquefied fuel gas gives a coloured flame of high luminance. It detects plugging of nozzle in a gas lighter and assures safe use of the lighter.    In an example, Ba cyclohexane butyrate (0.5g) and ethyl oxamate (0.5g) were dissolved in methanol (11g) and the turbid soln. was added slowly to a 3:5:1 mixt. of xylene, 2-ethyl hexanoate and 20 ethyl amine (18g) with stirring on a water bath at 50 deg.C. The mixt. was added to liquefied butane (70g). When the fuel was charged into a gas lighter, it ignited with a red flame of high luminance.
Copyolymer comprises (a) ethylene and (b) unsated. Si cpds. selected from gamma-methacryloxy-propyl trimethoxysilane or gamma-acryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane. The copolymer has (I) Si cpd. content of 0.2 - 5 wt.%, (2) Mw/Mn of less than 10, (3) melt flow rate of 0.1 - 10 g/10 min., (4) density of less than 0.932 g/cm3, (5) Cl content of below 0.2 wt.ppm, (6) methacrylic acid content of below 0.2 wt.ppm and (7) acrylic acid content of below 0.2 ppm.    The monomers are copolymerised at 150 - 280 deg.C, 1,000 -4,000 kg/cm2 in presence of radical polymerisation initiators and chain transfer agents. The initiator includes e.g. lauroyl peroxide, benzoyl peroxide or t-butylhydro-peroxide. The transfer includes e.g. methane, butene, acetone or acetoaldehyde. The copolymer is cured in presence of catalysts e.g. dibutyltin dilaurate, lead naphthenate or tetrabutyl titanate.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The copolymer is curable in presence of water. The copolymer has improved storage stability, processability and curing properties. The copolymer is used for moulding materials or coating materials. Films, foams, vessels or pipes are obtd. using the copolymer.
In a new process for the prodn. of organic fertilisers from animal wastes by microbiological transformation of the biologically useful substances, the animal prod. (pref. blood), optionally after mixing with sorptive fillers, is supplemented with mineral salts (pref. mineral fertilisers) to an extent such that degradation of the prod. by protein-degrading putrefactive bacteria is prevented or at least strongly inhibited, then the mixt. is inoculated with a mixed culture of oxygen-tolerant and salt-resistant Actinomycete (pref. Streptomycete) strains and the microbial transformation of the protein and carbohydrate cpds. contained in the mixts. is carried out.    ADVANTAGE -   Simple process giving a pleasant smelling prod. contg. nitrogen cpds. in a form which is readily absorbed by plants. The high salt content inhibits putrefactive bacteria without inhibiting the Actinomycete mixed culture. The prod. contains both humus cpds. and fertiliser salts.
Process comprises: (i) treating the waste with facultative bacteria in a treatment vessel to digest the organic components; (ii) sepg. sludge or residue from the supernatant or liquor in the vessel; and (iii) recovering the sludge for use as a fertiliser or food source. Plant for the purificn. process is also claimed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Useful in treatment of fats, oils, greases etc. from kitchens, food processing plants, wool scouring plants, rendering plants, tanneries, etc. The process is capable of removing over 99.5% of the BOD, gives a useful solid by-prod., and the supernatant may be used for irrigation purposes, etc.
Methane is converted to higher hydrocarbons by contacting a gas contg. methane and molecular oxygen with a molten salt mixt. contg. at least one reducible metal oxide, under conditions to convert the methane while maintaining the metal oxide in active form.    Pref. the oxide is of Mn, Sn, In, Ge, Sb, Pb, Bi, Ce, Pr, Tb, Fe, Ru or mixt. esp. Mn. The salt is a halide, phosphate, borate, nitrate, carbonate, sulphate, tungsten oxide, silicate or molybdenum oxide of and alkali or alkaline earth metal, or a mixture; it is esp. lithium borate, lithium phosphate, sodium borate or a eutectic mixt. of lithium carbonate, sodium carbonate and potassium carbonate.    USE -   Natural gas may be converted to more readily transportable hydrocarbon material.
Agent contains, as major component artificial light granule adhered with sucrose, protease, cellulase and lignin-decomposing enzyme. The agent further contains 2.2-2.8 pts. wt. of dried excrements of hen and 3.3-4.2 pts. wt. of rice bran per 100 pts. wt. of artificial light granule.    Artificial light granule is obtd. by calcining perlite, vermiculite etc. at 800-1300 deg.C and contains many minor cavities. Since the artificial light granule has a very large surface area and the surface area is adhered with enzymes, the granule has a very large fermentation area and can decompose smoothly in a short time all kinds of organic materials. Since the artificial light granule prevents vaporisation of water and shows good temp. retentivity, water content and temp. control is easy.    ADVANTAGE -   When preparing compost from raw refuse, the agent is added to promote fermentation. Good quality compost can be obtd. and malodours are hardly generated. The obtd. compost contains large amt. of active components such as N, P and Ca, makes acidified soil alkaline and improves air-permeability and water retentivity of soil.
In an appts. for introducing pretreated material into a fermentation tank to form compost a device for measuring of transferred material is on a conveyor for introducing the material.    ADVANTAGE -   Since wt. of material introduced to the tank is measured by converting the wt. to electrical signal, amt. of introduced material is confirmed correctly.
Compsn. is composed of clinoptilolite type zeolite contg. Ca ion in a mol ratio CaO/A12O3 of 0.4 to 0.75.    Ca ion can be incorporated into clinoptilolite by applying ion exchange method. After completion of the ion exchange, the new clinoptilolite is washed enough, and dried at 100-150 deg.C, then activated by heating.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   This compsn. can separate molecules with a kinetic dia. less than 3.7 angstroms from molecules with that of 3.7 angstroms or greater. Sepn. of mixed gas having mutually approximate value of kinetic dia. is possible. Compsn. is used for removal of a small quantity of nitrogen from methane gas; methane recovery by removing nitrogen from coke oven gas or coal mine draught gas; removal of hydrogen sulphide from methane gas; removal of argon from xenon, etc.
Prodn. involves partial oxidn. of methane by annealing alkali metal and/or samarium-carrying magnesium oxide at above 850 deg.C and using it as a catalyst.    Catalyst is prepd. by mixing magnesium oxide and alkali metal cpd., e.g. lithium carbonate or sodium carbonate and/or samarium cpd., e.g. samarium nitrate with water to form a suspension, heating the evaporating to dryness at 100-200 deg.C, baking, if desired for 1-30 hrs. in air at 500-700 deg.C, and further annealing at above 850 deg.C to obtain desired material. Annealing is performed pref. in the presence of air or helium under reduced pressure. Alkali meal and/or samarium content(s) in the catalyst is pref. 0.1-7.0 wt.% as metal. Molar ratio of methane and oxygen in oxidative coupling of methane is 1-10 (CH4/O2). Pref. reaction temp. is 700-800 deg.C and contact time is 0.1-60 sec.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   C2 cpds. are prepd. from methane with very high selectivities.
Catalyst consists of a support contg. alkaline earth and rare earth metal oxides loaded with Ru or Rh. MgO-CeO2-Al2O3, BaO-La2O3-Nd2O3-ZrO2 or CaO-BaO-CeO2-SiO2 supports are impregnated with a RuCl3 or RhCl3 soln; then dried and calcined. Suitable amts. of the oxides are over 0.1(1-95) wt.% respectively. Ru or Rh is over 0.01 (0.1-10) wt.%.    ADVANTAGE -   The catalyst maintains higher activity over an extended period of time, e.g .97.5% of methanol can be reacted at 4000 hrs. operation at 400 deg.C, 9 kg/cm2.G using a raw mixt. of 90 wt.% methanol and 10 wt.% water; having a higher selectivity for methane, e.g. providing prod. gases contg. 61-66 mole% of methane.    In an example, gamma-Al2O3 pellets 2-4 mm dia. were immersed in a Ce(NO3)4 and Ba(NO3)2 soln., then calcined at 500 deg.C to form a 10 wt.% CeO2, 10 wt.% MgO, contg. support, which was then immersed in a RuCl3 soln. and calcined at 350 deg.C to give a 2wt.% Rh loaded catalyst. It was reduced in a 4% H2 atmos. at 400 deg.C for 3 hrs. before use.
Catalyst consists of a support contg. rare earth metal oxides loaded with Ru or Rh. La2O3-Al2O3, CeO2-SiO2 or Nd2O3-ZrO2 supports are impregnated with a RuCl3 or RhCl3 soln; then dried and calcined. Suitable amt. of rare earth metal oxides is over 0.01 (0.1-95)wt.%. Ru or Rh is over 0.01 (0.1-10) wt.%.    ADVANTAGE -   The catalyst maintains higher activity over an extended period of time, e.g. 97% of methanol can be reacted after 4000 hrs. operation at 400 deg.C, 9 kg/cm2G, using a raw mixt. of 90 wt.% methanol and 10 wt.% water; having a higher selectivity for methane, e.g. providing prod. gases contg. 57-65 mole% of methane.    In an example, gamma-Al2O3 pellets 2-4 mm dia. were immersed in a cerium nitrate soln. and calcined at 500 deg.C to form a 10wt.% CeO2 contg. support, which was then immersed in a RuCl3 soln. and calcined at 350 deg.C to give a 2 wt.% Rh loaded catalyst. It was reduced in a 4% H2 atmos. at 400 deg.C for 3 hrs. before use.
Activating material is obtd. by kneading a mixt. of 60-80 pts. wt. powdered humus, 10-20 pts. wt. powdered clay mineral, 5-10 pts. wt. culture of microorganisms useful for soil and water. The porous blocks impregnated with the culture of microorganisms useful for soil, are coated with kneaded prod.    The powdered humus is pref. derived from e.g. bark compost, powdered clay mineral has ion exchange capacity and is e.g. zeolite. Microorganism culture useful for soil is obtd. by inoculating ray fungus in medium contg. defatted rice bran, malt, grape sugar, ammonium phosphate and alcohol fermentation waste liq. and culturing the ray fungus at 25 deg.C for 3 days. Porous blocks are e.g. pumice stone.    ADVANTAGE -   Activating material is used when cultivating ornamental plants in pots. Microorganisms are effective over long periods. The effect of the powdered humus lasts for long period. Generation of dust is prevented. The activating material increases the germination rate and promotes the plant growth.
The proportion of combustible gases is detected by a meter with indicator (13) operating by both the heat tone and heat conduction methods, giving only a heat tone reading below a set ref. value. The meter uses a single sensor element (1) catalytically active at higher temps. At the start of measurement the sensor is held constant at an initial temp. sufficient for heat conductivity measurements and the resultant signal is compared with a ref. value (R1).    If the signal is below the ref. value the sensor temp. is raised to a second constant temp. which allows heat tone measurements to be made. The measuring signal is compared with a load Limit value corresponding to a high gas concn. than the ref. value and the sensor temp. is reduced to the first and is kept constant as soon as the signal exceeds the load limit. Both theref. value and load limit are pref. 100-140% of the lower explosion limit.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   E.g. for methane in air gives unambiguous measurement with min. power consumption.
Organic cpds. contg. CC-, CO-, CN- or NN- double bonds are reduced by reaction with hydrocarbons in the presence of C at 150-500 deg. C. The hydrocarbons can be high-boiling mineral oils, having b. pts. above the reaction temp., esp. vacuum residue, heating oil S or industrial-grade white oil. Low-boiling hydrocarbons can also be used, e.g. heating oil L, benzine, light benzine or lower hydrocarbons, e.g. 1-4 C alkanes, provided the reaction takes place under increased pressure.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The cpds. converted are cpds. contg. activated double bonds, hydrazones, oximes, imines, Schiff's bases or azo cpds., condensed aromatic or heteroaromatic cpds., heteroaromatic and carbonyl cpds. The examples comprise the conversion of : cinnamaldehyde to 3-phenyl-propionaldehyde, acrylonitrile to propionitrile, benzaldehyde to toluene, ethene to ethane. The process is cheap, easily carried out on a large industrial scale and yields high conversions with high selectivity. The drawbacks of catalytic processes, e.g. the use of heavy- or precious metal catalysts, are avoided.
Waste liq. with high fibre content is fed outwards from the interior of a motor-driven rotating filter drum inside an external casing and formed of coarse wire mesh, with apertures 1-10(2;8)mm which trap fibres, if necessary on a pre-coat of separately applied saw-dust etc., which themselves then form the filter. To control resulting cake thickness build-up, the drum rotates past a vertical scraper edge adjacent a feed-worm for surplus material detached from the cake. Cake thickness is set by varying the distance from the drum of the scraper, which is mounted on an arm (22) pivoted at one end and moved by a threaded bar (23) axially advanced or withdrawn by a rotary knob.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. for making compost from liq. manure. Cake thickness is adaptable to raw material natue.
Industrial grade iso-butane is converted to very high purity prod in a vapour phase pressure swing adsorption system having at least five adsorbtion beds. Following the adsorption steps at elevated temp and pressure, each bed is concurrently depressurised, with released gas passing to the feed end of another bed being repressurised, after which the bed is countercurrently depressurised and subjected to vacuum desorption prior to partial repressurisation by pressure equalisation and final repressurisation with very high purity iso-butane. Prod. purities of 99.5+% are achievable.
Appts. comprises a gas sensor and electric heater to raise the temp. of the sensor as hiqh as possible for detecting CH3 when the sensor detects a gas of a concn. exceeding a set level.    USE -   Used for methane gas detectors.(J58042962-A)
Appts. comprises a pressure vessel having thermal medium flow pipes passing through the vessel, and H2 inlet/out port attached to the vessel through a H2-heat transfer medium gas sepn. membrane.    USE -   For H2 fuels for cars.
Supercritical fluid extrn. of off-flavours from a textured vegetable prod. (I) is effected as follows: (a) (I) (hydrated to H2O-content within ca 30% of its fully hydrated pt.) is contacted with a supercritical fluid (II) in a pressurised container; and (b) (II) and off-flavours are removed.    Step (a). The prefd. (I) is a textured soybean prod. hydrated to H2O-content within 10% of its fully hydrated pt. Prefd. (II) are hydrocarbon gases, esp. N2O C2H6, C2H4, propane, propylene, butane, partic. CO2. In addn., off-flavours may be removed by liq. extn. with (II).    ADVANTAGE -   The method effectively removes off-flavours from textured vegetable prods. (esp. textured soybean prods.) without altering the texture of the vegetable prod..
A heat pump has a heating element, a heat sink with a boiler, a conduit connecting the boiler to a heat engine with a condenser tube connected to it, an evaporator of a closed coolant circuit in contact with the tube, a condenser of the circuit in a waste treatment vessel, and a compressor acting on the coolant to heat the vessel.    USE -   For fermenting waste to power irrigation, pumping, drying, or gas compression.
A support for a bacterial bed has a panel of unrottable cloth with tufts of thread on one of its faces. There are pref. several panels each stretched over upper and lower steel bars resting on crenellated supports. The tufts are pref. of linen or pig's bristles and are glued to cloth with a mesh size no larger than 4mm.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For a digester generating methane. The support has a high surface area.
Appts. has a fermenter and an appts. for stirring and conveying the raw material in the fermenter. Process includes measuring automatically the wt. of the raw material to be charged into the fermenter and feeding an optimum amt. of air to each of the sections in the fermenter.
Generation of methane by fermentation, in which for the fermentation of the organic substance by methane generating bacteria, chaffs are employed as fluidising material in the fermentation tank and as carriers for the bacteria. The process is used for methane fermentation of organic waste waters of high concns. e.g. waste water from agricultural, fishery and livestock industries, etc.    ADVANTAGE -   Fermentation is carried out efficiently and economically using cheap chaff.    In an example chaff of a quantity equal to about 1/2 to the volume of the fermentation reactor was packed in the reactor, and kept at about 37 deg.C for 3 months, during which the methane bacteria were bled with a synthesised substance mainly comprising corn steep liquor. After adding glucose of a quantity equal to 2.7 Kg/m3 0.24 m3 methane gas per Kg of glucose was generated, where the compsn. of the gas was methane: about 55%, and CO2: about 45%.
A feed stream of methane contg. upto 12% by volume of CO2 is cooled from ambient temp. to its dew point and enters a packed rectifying column via a pipeline connected to an inlet nozzle near the base. In the column the ascending vapour becomes progressively richer in CH4 (methane) until it contacts the high level condenser and part flows back as liquid reflux and the remainder leaves the top outlet as a product stream of almost pure CH4, which can be used as a cooling fluid for the incoming feed in a tubular heat exchanger. A liquid fraction of 12% CO2 and 88% CH4 is drawn from the bottom outlet by a pump, evaporated in a heat exchanger and enters the mid-point of the second rectifying column, which has a high-level condenser and a low-level reboiler. Almost pure CO2 leaves the column by the bottom outlet and a mixt. of mainly CH4 with the residual CO2 leaves the top outlet, is expanded through a throttling valve and is recycled through a pipeline to join the feed stream in the incoming pipeline.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   To substantially reduce the CO2 content in a mixture of methane with upto 12% of CO2, without a significant loss of methane product. Prior art rectification processes were limited to CO2 contents of less than 1% or more than 20%, with successive columns reducing in operating pressure, whereas this invention has the 1st column at 41 atmos. and the 2nd column at 49 atmos. average pressure.
Composite membranes comprise 30-99 pts. wt. of a polymer matrix (I) and 1-70 pts. wt. of a semctic or cholesteric liq. crystal (II). (I) is selected from opt. substd. polyarylenes, polyesters, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl halides and N-contg. polymers.    The polyarylenes are aromatic polyethers, polysulphones or polycarbonates opt. modified with sulphonyl, sulphamoyl or P-contg. gps. The N-contg. polymers are polyamides, polyimides, polyimines, polyetherimides, polyacrylonitrile, polybenzimidazole, poly(N-vinylcarbazole), polyacrylamide, polyvinylpyrrolidone or polyethyleneimine.    (II) is 4-n-pentylbenzylidene -4'-n-hexylaniline, di-n-heptyl p-azoxy-alpha -methylcinnamate, a cholesteryl ester or halide, or 2-methylbutyl p-(p-methoxybenzylideneamino) cinnamate.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The membranes are useful as semipermeable membranes for sepn. of gases, e.g. for sepg. CO2 and CH4 and N2. The membranes have better permselectivity than similar membranes contg. nematic liq. crystals (cf. JA213403, 213406, 213407 and 210952).
A method for biological sewage treatment consists of feeding the sewage in a first phase to an activating stage, where biological decomposition and purificn. is carried out periodically with aeration and alternates with rest periods; the sludge is then stabilised in this same tank or is supplied to a second intermediate tank, after which final clarification takes place in a further tank. The activation stage may be connected between the first chamber of a mechanical multi-chamber clarification plant and the second chamber of this same plant.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For biological sewage treatment, either for individual households or for communal installations. A great redn. in space requirement is achieved. The system is based upon the principle that aeration of sewage causes the organic and inorganic suspended solids to clump or agglomerate and form a good base for bacteria. These then exert a suction force upon the dissolved and colloidal organic pollutants in the sewage, thus purifying them.
Decontamination of soil contaminated with one or more organic pollutants is effected by treating layers of the soil with a high concn. of pollutant-specific microorganisms in free or immobilised form in the presence of H2O, O2 and mineral salts.    The treatment is effected by (a) applying an aq. suspension of free microorganisms in the form of monocultures, (b) incorporating carrier particles in the soil and spraying with an aq. suspension of microorganisms, or (c) immobilising the microorganisms on a carrier, incorporating them in the soil and spraying with an aq. liq..    ADVANTAGE -   The treatment is inexpensive, quick and effective.
Energy is recovered from waste by screening it to separate fines, producing methane from it in a bacterial digester, screening the digester residue to remove fines, incinerating the residue in a furnace with a heat exchanger, and using energy from one of the digester and furnace to run the other. An installation for carrying out the process is also claimed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For industrial, agricultural, or domestic waste. Fertiliser is produced as a by-product.
The drainage (3) is poured on from above a filter (1) placed in an anaerobic tank (2), and flows down on/along the filter while treated by the anaerobic bacteria, generated methane and CO2-gas are exhausted (4), and the dirty mud is exhausted from the tank's bottom (5). Treated water is further treated in an air exposing tank (6), while passing down along an aerobic contacting material (8), and blown with the air bubbles (9).    The filter (1) is formed into a block by binding to lap/assemble a number of vertical sheets in a plane, at each position turned over half alternately. Sheets are made by press forming of a vinyl chloride plate in zigzag accordion-door manner. Each plane (18) forming such zigzag sheet is slanted against the horizontal plane when assembled. Lateral rectangular cavities are formed on each plane so as to be arranged vertically. Each cavity consists of a vertical wall and a horizontal floor (22), and has a L-shaped vertical section. Two stringlike convex portions (24) are formed along wall and floor in vertical section. The dirty mud contained in the drainage stays temporally in those cavities, when the drainage is flowing down along wall and floor while guided along those convex portions.    USE -   For passing down the drainage liq. while stopping the dirty mud in cavities, thus ensuring full contact with anaerobic-bacteria.
A waste water contg. less than 10000 mg/litre BOD is anaerobically treated in a bioreactor, in which insol. support materials having more than 10 m2/g surface area are charged and bacteria are made to adhere to the support materials to maintain a high bacteria concn..    In an exmple, natural cristobalite is pref. used as the support material. The support materials are sustained in a fluidised, moving, expanding, or fixed bed.    ADVANTAGE -   The rate of methane fermentation is increased; so that the waster water can be efficiently treated.    Cristobalite granules having 0.3-1.0mm dia. and 47 m2/g surface area and 20 wt.% (w.r.t. the granules) digestion sludge were charged in a 700ml glass reactor. The digestion sludge was circulated through the reactor to fix bacteria on the granules. Then a waste water contg. 3000mg/litre BOD was treated. BOD was reduced to 240mg/litre at a high BOD loading of 14g/litre/day.
An oxidic Ni-Al2O3 catalyst precursor (I) (which may be reduced to an active form) is formed by co-pptn. from a mixed soln. of Ni and Al cpds. and calcined to produce (I) contg. 50.65 wt.% Ni. A Si cpd.(II) is incorporated prior to the calcination to the oxidic form. Also claimed are the reduced active form of (I) and (I) prodn. A passivated Ni-A12O3 catalyst (III) is produced by reducing (I) followed by contact with liq. H2O species at elevated temp., drying and passivation. Ni-Al2O3 catalysts are produced by reducing (I) or (III).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   (I) have good mechanical stability and are suitable for use in the methanation of synthesis gas. (III) which have been subjected to hydrothermal treatment, upon reactivation, exhibit improved sinter resistance and retain catalytic activity. All the advantages of organo-Si modified catalysts are retained but in prodn. of the above catalysts, the need for an additional mfg. stage is avoided as are the problems associated with handling volatile organo-Si cpds.
The total mass of gaseous and condensed hydrocarbons in gas mixtures, specially in the exhaust gases of motor vehicle engines, can be determined by passing infrared radiation alternatively through a reference gas and through a gas sample to a detector. The wavelength is chosen such that the infrared absorption of all hydrocarbons is at least approximately the same.    ADVANTAGE -   This gives accurate results even when the percentage fluctuation is great; it can also be extended to differentiate between gaseous and condensed hydrocarbons.
Gas is treated in a cylinder with perforated partitions dividing the cylinder into three chambers. Upper and lower chambers contain ceramic fill; an intermediate chamber contains a granular catalyst bed and integral electrical heating member with ceramic coating thereon. Polluted gas is driven with alternate changes in direction of gas flow in cycles through the bed by fans. Catalyst is esp. one used in gas after burning processes.    Pref. heat emitted by heating member is kept below 2W/sq.cm/hr. Ceramic coating is pref. SiO2 or Al2O3 and is pref. obtd. by immersing the member in aq. potassium or sodium silicate soln. and drying and roasting at 400-500 deg.C. Coating is pref. further proofed with catalyst e.g. chloroplatinic acid. Operating temp. is pref. 200-400 deg.C.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Gas is purified at low power consuMptions e.g. 2.6-3.5 Kcal/cu.m. Process is esp. useful for stripping C2H4 from fruit storage chambers or for deodorising industrial plant halls. Ceramic layer prevents destruction of heater in bed.
Catalyst compsn. comprising a catalytic metal on an alkoxide-treated support is characterised in that the support has been prepd. by depositing a layer of a metal alkoxide on a core support material having a surface area of at least 5 sq.m/g and then converting the metal alkoxide to a metal oxide.    Pref. the core support material has a surface area of 10-500 sq.m/g and is a metal oxide: SiO2 and Al2O3 are esp. pref. The metal of the alkoxide may be the same as that of the metal of the metal of the core support; or it may be from Gps. IIIa, IVa, IVb or Vb, esp. Al, Ta or Ti. The alkoxide moiety of the metal alkoxide is pref. 1-10C. The catalytic metal is pref. from Gp. VIII, esp. Ru, Ni, Pd or Re. Esp. pref. is a compsn. in which the core support is Al2O3, the metal of the alkoxide is Al, and the catalytic metal is Re.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In the catalyst compsns., the metals are more effectively dispersed on the support and have increased activity. The use of the catalyst compsns. in the following processes is claimed: (a) disproportionation of alkenes (acceptable olefin conversion rates are maintained for longer times); (b) vapour-phase prodn. of alpha-substd. acrylate esters by reaction of a 2-haloalkene with CO and an alcohol or ether (pref. productivity of at least 0.10g prod./g catalyst x hr., with selectivity of 80% or more); (c) vapour phase prodn. of methyl methacrylate; (d) selective hydrogenation of alkyne(s) in presence of alkene(s) (selectivity and/or activity are better than with commercial catalysts); and (e) CH4 prodn. by reacting CO and H2 (CH4 prodn. may be selective).
A multiple bundles fluid permeator has three hollow fibre bundles each with a single tube sheet at the upper end for collecting permeate from one end only of the fibres.    As an example, a hydrogen/methane gas mixture enters through a side inlet port, passes through holes in the circumference of the feed end plate, and forms an annular flow along the outside of the fibre bundles. The mixture then flows radially inwards through the bundles and because the fibre membranes are selective to hydrogen, this passes up the inside of the fibres as permeate to the tube sheets and inwards through porous support pads. The low pressure permeate (hydrogen) enters annular chambers around an outer central tube, passes through apertures where the outer tube touches the inner central tube, and rises up the latter to exit at a top outlet port. The methane-enriched residue gas enters the peforated outer central tube and passes downwards to exit from a bottom outlet port.    USES/ADVANTAGE -   For desalinating sea water by reverse osmosis, ultrafiltration of liquids and enriching gas streams. Multiple bundles, up to six in number, permits the use of smaller diameter fibres without excessive pressure drop in the bore, and hence greatly increases the membrane area. There is a minimum number of casing ports to reduce fabrication costs and the low feed velocity increases fibre life.
Moulded fuel element comprises: (a) a compacted elongated body of comminuted cellulose waste and water; and (b) a thin layer of finely divided Al on the surface for reaction with the water to form H2 when the element is burned. The wt. ratio of Al: water is 1.5-3:1. Pref. comminuted waste comprises wood and paper, pref. 50% paper pulp and 25-30% wood fibre based on total element wt. Pref. the element is enclosed in a hard protective shell of matted cellulose fibres, pref. contg. peat.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   s a fuel source having a very high heat to wt. ratio.
The unit has a receiving bunker with a feeder, bio-thermal drum, electromagnetic separator and crusher connected to each other by conveyors. The unit also has separator for mass sepn. according to fractional and material compsn. and placed in biothermal drum.    The waste is supplied from the bunker to the drum where it is dehydrated and selectively crushed. The metal is sepd. and compressed. The dehydrated mass is further sepd. into compost, ballast and textiles.    USE -   For domestic waste treatment to obtain high quality organic fertiliser. Bul.41/7.11.86
An ellipsoid shaped concrete body (1) is made while lifting moulding formers. The holes are opened in the body surface, and then an anchor bolt (6) is planted in each hole. An angle steel beam is fixed/fitted horizontally on bolts. After the polyurethane primer (2) was coated on the body, the thermally isolating material e.g. hard polyurethane is sprayed on it. Then, the waterproof layer (4) is formed on it, by spraying with the butyl rubber. It is then covered by fixing steel plates (5), coated with the fluororesin, melamine resin, etc., using anchor bolts and nuts (9).    USE -   For waterproofing and thermally isolating the spherical or ellipsoid shaped concrete surfaces.
The system comprises a UV-sterilising device, an ion-exchange device to remove ions from the primary pure water, an ultrafiltration device to remove fine particles from the primary pure water, and pipings which have plasma polymerised layers on their inside walls. The devices are connected to each other, and ultra pure water transported from the system to its points of use.    The plasma polymerised layers are made from F- or Si-contg. cpds. including tetrafluoro ethylene or tetramethyl silane, or e.g. ethylene, or styrene. The pipings are of organic polymers e.g. polyethylene, PVC, or polyester.    ADVANTAGE -   Elution of lower mol.wt. organic matters from the pipings is prevented. Ultra pure water with extremely low TOC (total organic carbon) content, e.g., 0.04-0.08 ppm TOC, is produced.
In a process for drying peat, the previously de-watered peat (50-75 wt.% water) is mixed with already-dried peat to improve the pore vol. in such amts. that the water content is 30-40 wt.%. This mixt. is then subjected to a biological fermentative (aerobic) reaction. Mixt. is aerated by surrounding air for sufficient time so biological water conversion and the water evapn. promoted by the heat resulting hereby, has led to sufficient drying (10-20 wt.% water). Pref. nitrogen, esp. as urea or synthetic tertiliser is added to the mixed goods.    ADVANTAGE -   Peat is dried with min. use of external energy.
Biogas is produced from pig slurry, etc. in a vertical biogas reactor. Material input is adapted to the substrate, without stirring, and the substrate is distributed over the whole cross-section of the reactor, by means of known devices, in the first third of its height; a digested solids-rich fraction is withdrawn at the bottom, and a low-solids fraction is taken from the reactor top, the take-off amts. being adjusted to the dwell-times required for ideal digestion. The fermentation temp. is 24-40 deg. C, at pH 7.0-8.5, and the dwell-times for liq. and solid phases are 2.5-10 and 20-40 days, respectively.    Pref., the solids are sepd. from the low-solids fraction and recycled.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process is useful in animal prodn. units. It gives high yields of biogas at high rates, with low energy w.r.t. prior-art processes.
Use of the activated sludge (I) as the active component in the catalyst for oxidising S cpds., improves its properties. The catalyst contains (in wt.%):(I) 35-50 and support (II) the rest, with (II) chosen from the group contg. high pressure polyethylene, polypropylene and polystyrene. The sludge contains a large number of microelements and ferments, in particular oxyreductases.    Tests show that use of (I) instead of Co phthalocyanine increase the % oxidn. of the S cpds. after 30, 60 and 90 min. from 20, 35 and 45% to 63-75, 80-90 and 98-100%, resp.    ADVANTAGE -   Increased activity. Bul. 39/23.10.86
Compost producing appts. has fermentation tanks and a pre-treatment unit to inject material into the fermentation tanks, sequentially. Each fermentation tank comprises a plate for measuring placed at a part, at which a raw material injected deposits and load cells to generate an electric signal corresp. to the wt. of the raw material. The controlling unit is also equipped to input the electric signal, to inject a raw material into the next fermentation tank from the pretreatment unit and to stop the pretreatment unit, when the raw material is injected into all fermentation tanks.    USE -   Appts. controls the amt. of raw material injected accurately.
Appts. has a fermentation tank, a measuring plate placed where an injected raw material is deposited, load cells supporting the plate which generate an electric signal corresp. to the wt. of the raw material, and a controlling device to detect if the wt. of the raw material has reached a set value, and to stop operation of the pretreatment unit, when it reaches this value.    USE -   To control amt. of raw material injected.
Appts. has a fermentation tank and comprises a plate for measuring placed at a part, at which injected raw material deposits, and load cells support the plate and electric signals are generated corresp. to the wt. of the raw material.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   To accurately confirm amt. of raw material injected.
Pyrolysis and combustion of solid fuel is effected by (a) passing the fuel downwards through the multistage upper section of a pyrolysis chamber in countercurrent to hot gas produced by partial oxidn. of char with air in the lower section; (b) removing ash from the bottom of the chamber; (c) withdrawing pyrolysis gas from the top of the chamber; (d) burning the pyrolysis gas with air in a combustion chamber; and (e) applying the hot combustion gases to a heat load.    The upper section of the pyrolysis chamber is divided into several stages by movable grates. The temp. of thepyrolysis gas is controlled at 800-1000 deg.F by controlling the air supply in the lower section. Any excess char in the lower section may be converted to water gas by steam injection. In the case of fuels contg. S and/or Cl, the pyrolysis gas is cleaned by passing it over a chemical adsorbent before passing it to the combustion zone. The temp. of the combustion gases is 1600-1700 deg.F. Ash is quenched in the bottom of the pyrolysis chamber before being discharged.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process may be used to drive turbines or other heat loads using solid waste materials, e.g. industrial or domestic refuse (paper, cardboard, rubber, tyres, etc.), agricultural waste, etc.
Appts. is externally of the tank and removably connectable to a circulation conduit and to an orientable conduit communicating with the tank, and comprises a tubular element with enlarged ends. One end holds a venturi constriction with air intake ports upstream of its smaller diameter end.    The constriction pref. has a smaller diameter end of polygonal cross-section and the ports are circular openings spaced at 90 deg. into the interspace between the element and constriction. The larger diameter end of the constriction is pref. formed for rapid connection and disconnection in a circulation line, and the smaller polygonal end may have fins to increase turbulence and mixing.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   E.g. for use at livestock units, provides optimum rapid oxygenation at low cost.
Sewage in its passage to a collector tank flows through a tubular element (12) having enlarged end portions (13,14) in the first (13) of which is a construction defining a venturi (15). At this point and upstream of its smaller end, there is provided a number of air intake ports (18) with an arrangement for removing any sewage flowing out through the ports and for increasing the turbulence.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for oxygenating sewage in a collector tank in a form sewage installation. Provides optimum blending of oxygen and sewage in an appts. which is provided outside the tank and is therefore easy to inspect and clean in a quick and easy manner, thus providing maintenance at low cost.
Method for controlling the temp. of a burner in a free-flow reaction zone of a gas generator for partial oxidn. of gaseous, liq. or slurried fuel with O2-contg. gas, opt. in presence of a temp. moderator, to give a raw gas stream contg. H2, CO, CO2, H2O, H2S, COS, CH4, Ar and N2, the burner having a cooler with liq. water inlet and outlet lines, comprises: (1) continuously removing from the cooler water heated by indirect heat exchange from the raw gas stream, and feeding to the cooler a stream of water coolant from (6), wherein no liq. H2O from the raw gas condenses on the external surface of the part of the burner within the reaction zone; (2) introducing heated water from (1) into a receiving pressure vessel(I) with a pressure higher than in the reaction zone; (3) passing water from (I) into a cooling water feed pressure vessel (II); (4) maintaining the pressure in (II) below that in (I); (5) removing satd. steam from (II) at a temp. corresponding to the vessel pressure, above the dew point of the hot raw gas; (6) removing water from (II), increasing its pressure to above that in the reaction zone and introducing it to the cooler inlet line, at a temp. of 5-50 deg.F above the dew point of the hot raw gas in the reaction zone and either (7) mixing a stream of make-up water at a lower temp. with the heated liq. water from the burner being fed to (I), either prior to or within (I), and passing the stream of coolant water from (I) to (II), the water temp. being the same in (I) and (II), and removing a separate stream of liq. water from (II); or (8) passing the stream of water from (I) to (II) via an expansion means, so that part of the water is converted to steam at lower temp., before, introducing the steam/water mixt. at its lower temp. into (II) and introducing into (II) a steam of make-up water at the same temp. as that in (II).    ADVANTAGE -   Corrosion of the metal burner is minimised by keeping its surface temp. above the dewpoint. The cooling wate
In a bridge circuit including a detecting element (G) which is sensitive to methane gas and to other combustible gas, temp. compensating element (C-1) and load (V) in output side of the circuit, Pt catalyst (6a) is carried on carrier (5) which is adhered to Pt wire (4).    ADVANTAGE -   Methane is burnt only by the element (G) to change resistance of the Pt wire (1) in the element. While, combustible gas other than methane is burnt on both the elements (G) and (C-1) so that change of resistance in the former is cancelled by that in the latter to cause no change in output voltage of the circuit.
A MeOH-contg. feed (I) is converted to an olefin-contg. hydrocarbon prod. (II) having a min. C3H6:C2H4 wt. ratio of 35.1:6.4, by contacting (I), in a reaction zone under MeOH conversion conditions, with a ZSM-12 zeolite catalyst (III) modified with a minor amt. of Mg oxide and/or Mn oxide. The conversion of (I) to (II) as above using a ZSM-12 zeolite catalyst is also claimed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In comparison to unmodified ZSM-12 or ZSM-12 modified with other metals, high selectivity to C3H6 prodn. or enhanced (I) conversion is achieved. The process is suitable for any (I) contg. 60 wt.% MeOH min..
Methane is converted to higher hydrocarbons by contacting a gas (I) containing methane with at least one reducible metal oxide (II) in substantial absence of catalytically effective amts. of Ni, Rh, Pd, Ag, Os, Ir, Pt, Au and their cpds.. The method is improved by (a) continuously contacting (I) with a moving bed of particles (III) comprising (II) and a promoter (IV) selected from alkali metals, alkaline earth metals and cpds. thereof, under synthesising conditions in a first contact zone to form C(2+) hydrocarbons, coproduct water, and particles (V) comprising reduced metal oxide; (b) contacting (V) with an oxygen-contg. gas in a second reaction zone to produce particles contg. (II); and (c) returning these particles to the first zone.    (II) comprises oxides of Mn, opt. with other components e.g. Sn, In, Ge, Pb, Sb or Bi oxides. (IV) is Li, Na, K, Mg or Ca. Support materials may be present e.g. silica, magnesia, alumina, titania or zirconia. In the first zone residence time of particles is pref. 0.2-4 min., and of the gas 0.1-100 sec.; temp. is 500-1000 deg.C. The second zone may also contain a moving bed; temp. is here up to 1200 deg.C pressure up to 30 atmos., particle residence time 3-120 min..    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The method is of use in converting natural gas to more readily transported materials. It is an improvement on that of US4560821; it is now found that the hydrocarbon yield is improved and there is less combustion if the solids are circulated between two physically separate zones.
Methane is converted to higher hydrocarbon by contacting a gaseous reactant containing methane with a phosphate-contg. catalyst (I); (I) is of formula MxPOy, where M=Pb, Bi, Sb, Sn, Ti, In, Mn, Cd and/or Ge; x=0.1-10; y=number of oxygens to satisfy valence requirements.    Temp. is pref. 400-1200 deg.C, esp. 700-900 deg.C. Pressure is 1-100 atmos., and contact time is 0.1-2 sec.. The reaction is an oxidation, and oxygen may be present in the feed gas, alternatively a feed free of oxygen may be used, and the catalyst re-oxidised after use by contact with an oxygen-contg. gas at elevated temp.. (I) may be supported on an inert carrier, e.g. magnesia, titania, alumina, silica, alumina-silica, silicon carbide, clay or zirconia. M is pref. Pb(+3), Bi(+3), Sb(+3) or Sn(+2). The catalyst is prepd. by mixing a soln. of an M-contg. component (oxide, hydroxide, inorganic or organic salt) with phosphoric acid, and drying the formed ppte. It is then pref. calcined and further heat treated at over 200 deg.C in presence of oxygen.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Methane is converted esp. to ethane and/or ethylene. Feed may be natural gas. Higher selectivity, conversion and catalyst life is obtd. than in prior methods, and a corrosive or expensive promoter gas is not required.
Nitrogen and methane are sepd. employing double column cryogenic rectification in a nitrogen rejection unit from which methane is recovered at a pressure which exceeds that of methane as it emerges from the nitrogen rejection unit, the process comprising (a) introducing nitrogen and methane feed into high pressure stripping column operating at 200-600 psia; (b) passing feed down the stripping column against upflowing vapour giving bottom liq. having methane concentration greater than that of feed, and top vapour having nitrogen concentration exceeding that of feed; (c) partially vapourising bottom liq. giving nitrogen-richer vapour and methane-richer fluid; (d) employing the nitrogen-richer vapour in the stripping column as upflowing vapour; (e) passing some of the stripping top vapour to a nitrogen rejection unit for sepn. of double column cryogenic rectification into nitrogen-richer and methane-richer fractions; and (f) recovering the methane-richer fluid at a pressure which exceeds that of the methane-richer fraction as it emerges from the double column nitrogen rejection unit (NRU).    ADVANTAGE -   Nitrogen and methane are sepd. more efficiently using a double column NRU so enabling recovery of a large amt. of methane at a higher pressure than that available from the NRU and enabling the NRU to operate with higher quality reflux esp. at low nitrogen concentrations.
Air is blown into the accumulated layer of mud waste. By action of microorganisms, the mud waste is fermented. In the process, the temp. in the accumulated layer is measured. The temp. is kept at 35-50 (40-46) deg.C by regulating the air-blowing amt. to the accumulated layer.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   By keeping the temp. of accumulated layer at 35-50 deg.C, activity of nitrification bacteria can keep high enough. NH4+ is oxidised actively and NH4+ concn. in the accumulated layer is kept low. Bad smell problem in making fertiliser from mud waste is settled simply.
A cylindrical fermenting tank (1) comprises a rotating shaft (10) placed along the axis of the tank and rotating discs (13) fixed to the rotating shaft at given distances and the tank is horizontally placed. On both surfaces of the rotating discs are fixed carriers supporting methane fermenting bacteria.    USE -   The methane fermenting tank is used for producing methane gas from wastes or agricultural and livestock raising wastes.
Waste contg. Hg and/or Hg cpds. are washed by strong acidic or strong alkaline soln. contg. alcohol.    In washing tank, acid is added to sludge contg. inorganic flocculant so that pH is under 4 and alkali is added to sludge contg. organic flocculant so that pH is over 10. Sludge is taken out from the bottom of the tank and pH is adjusted to neutral in adjustment tank. In fermentation tank, sludge is aerobically fermented to produce composite. The acids are HCl, H2SO4, and H3PO4 etc. and the alkalis are KOH, Ca(OH)2, Mg(OH)2, and NH3, etc. The alcohol is used C2H5OH, CH3CHOHCH3 and amyl alcohol can be used.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The method is used to remove Hg and/or Hg cpds. in sludge or raw material of composite etc. Hg and/or Hg cpds. are easily removed. As fermentation reaction for producing composite is promoted by alcohol, fermentation tank can be made smaller. Composite of uniform quality is obtd.
A stable powder contg. microorganisms is prepd. by mixing a wet microorganism biomass with a calcined kaolin, and then drying the mixt. Suitable microorganisms are aerobic or mesophilic that exist in a form that survives storage, are non-pathogenic to man, animals, and plants, and are capable of degrading cellulose, etc. Pref. they are Cellvibrio, Bacillus, Corynebacterium, or Trichoderma varieties, esp. Cellivibrio vulgaris, Trichoderma harzianum, Bacillus cereus, and Cornebacterium aquaticum.    USE -   Soil improvement agents and fertilisers. The prod. accelerates the rate of degradation of organic material (cellulose, hemi-cellulose, lignin, and protein) to improve the humic and fertilising values. It may also be used in hydroponics and to detoxify soils.
Microbial inoculum comprises a miit. of microorganism of different which live in the soil and are non-pathogenic to humans, animals and plants. The microorganisms are mesophilic, obligate or facultative aerobes, used in storage-stable form, and decomposes cellulose, hemicellulose, liqnin and proteins, of animal or plant orgin. Pref. microorganisms are cellvibrio vulgaris; Bacillus cerus; corynebacterium aquaticum ( immobilised on a carrier) and Trichoderma harzianum in the form of spores).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The inoculum, because of its ability to fecompose organic matter in the soil, is useful as a fertiliser, opt. when formulated with an agriculturally acceptable carrier, esp. other organic of (in)organic fertilisers. Used to improve nutrient assimulation in hydroponic cultures (on straw or peat); to accelerate compositing of plant wasts, and to detoxify soils (e.g. those contg. sorghum roots). The inoculum is a stable, powdered formulation which is easy to use.
Waste water influent is separated under anaerobic conditions into an aqueous phase and a sludge phase, each phase is subjected separately to an anaerobic fermentation accompanied by the formation of biogas, with the water phase occurring during fermentation of th sludge phase conveyed to the aqueous phase and the collected aqueous phase.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Treatment of waste water released during processing of vegetable or animal material in processing of sugar, starch, paper, fruit, gelatine, on farms, in thebio industry, and in hotel or residential sewage treatment, to produce biogas, sludge, and purified water. Treatment takes place more quickly than in known installations so reducing the size of the installation to treat a specified quantity of influent.
Combustible material (coal, wood, straw, husks of fruit or seeds, mixed with sewage sludge) is gasified in a vibrating totally enclosed channel, filled with round heat-and wear resistant insert elements. The latter are held at a temp. of 1000 deg. C e.g. by electric heating elements. A central and an end partition of the channel leave a bottom channel for the fuel.    ADVANTAGE -   This is a low-cost process both as regards capital investment and energy consumption, specially in comparison with the KLOEKNER process which uses an iron melt for rapid gasification.
A reactor for processing organic waste from agriculture and forestry, refuse and sewage sludge, is subdivided in several decks. The reactor has a rectangular cross-section and conveyors in each deck arranged above each other to produce a zigzag flow of the ascending material. The access from one deck to another can be through a lock chamber, if e.g. aerobic conditions near the bottom are to be kept separate from anaerobic conditions near the top.    Two reactors (1), sepd. by a gangway (2) under a common roof (13), are subdivided by the bottoms (10) in decks. Endless belt conveyors in each deck effect a zigzag descending flow. The finished compost (30) is stored in the silos (3) which it reaches through belt conveyors (24,25) separated by a bucket elevator (23) in the gangway. Sensors (22) monitor the structure of the material so that heat or lime (20) can be added. Gases (CH4, CO2) are extracted at the points (21).    ADVANTAGE -   This produces a homogeneous compost which meets the strictest requirements and can be stored in a silo adjacent to the reactor.
Method for combining heating of the substrate (liq. manure) esp. in a biogas prodn. plant, where the manure is subjected successively to aerobic and anaerobic treatment, is as follows. The heat produced in the aerobic pretreatment, in combination with the waste heat of an internal combustion engine driven by the biogas, is transferred to the incoming liq. manure. This engine drives a pump supplying liq. manure to an injector, to which air is also supplied after preheating in the engine casing. The exhaust gas from the engine is also pref. supplied directly into the airstream to the injector.    The temp. of the substrate in the biogas reactor is regulated by varying speed of the engine. Pref. the gas engine is a 4-stroke otto engine.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In biogas plants and in the aerobic treatment of sewage in general. Applications in industrial microbiology.
Biogas of varying origin, e.g. sewage, garbage, industrial waste and biomass is purified to high methane contents (around 99%) and minimum moisture content (redn. of dew point to -60 deg.C).    USE -   As pure methane for automotive fuel, chemical synthesis, etc.
System for sepg. nitrogen from a pressurised feed contg. natural gas and nitrogen over a broad range of nitrogen concns. in a single distn. column to form a pressurised nitrogen product stream and a pressurised natural gas product stream. The process condenses an overhead vapour of an upper section of the column by heat exchange with a first closed loop refrigerant to provide reflux to the column, condenses intermediate vapour at two locations along the intermediate section of the column above the feed entry point of the column. In the upper of the two condensers the vapour is condensed by heat exchange with the nitrogen product stream from the overhead of the column, and in the lower of the two condensers the vapour is condensed by heat exchange with both the nitrogen product stream and a second closed loop refrigerant.    ADVANTAGE -   The process provides a favourable energy consumption improvement over known nitrogen rejecting gas separation systems.
Waste water after transferring film on panel surface of motor car etc. is treated biologically by polyvinylalcohol decomposing bacteria. Remaining organic substances are adsorbed on bentonite and aggregated. After biological treatment, sludge is settled and bentonite is added to supernatant and the supernatant is stirred for over 30 mins. to adsorb organic substances which can not be decomposed by the bacteria on bentonite. Concn. of bentonite is 10-300 mg/l. Al2(SO4)3 is added to bentonite suspended water and stirred for over 10 mins. to make bentonite fine particles aggregate. Concn. of Al2(SO4)3 is 50-150 mg/l. Polymer flocculant, e.g. anionic flocculant, is then added to make flocs with diameter of 2-3mm. Flocs formed are rapidly settled in 1-2 hrs. and sepd. from the water.    ADVANTAGE -   COD value in waste water is reduced without extending treatment time. Waste water treated is released to a river without further treatment.
To promote fermentation of industrial waste including animal excrement sawdust and refuse of fish processes for adjusting moisture, ashing, sieving and dehydrating are applied to the waste. Wooden material contg. cellulose and lignin is treated chemically in the adjusting process. After the adjusting process chemical condition of the material is supplemented, and breeding of microbes in the waste is promoted in early stage of fermentation to improve metabolism and activation in pretreatment process. After pretreatment supplementary process is applied to waste contg. easily-decomposable substance e.g. excrement.    ADVANTAGE -   Time to complete fermentation can be significantly shortened by these processes.
In the prepn. of enzyme-contg. biomass by the microbiological treatment of waste prods. from sugar mfr., leached-out sugar-bett chips are fermented with Aspergillus niger.    (a) The leached-out sugar-beet chips, satd. with a liq. nutrient medium contg. a source for C and one for N, are mixed with biomass inoculated with A. niger. (b) The mixt. is incubated, with aeration, in a 1st motion-free growth-step. (c) A pt. of the biomass from (b) is sepd. and returned, as inoculated biomass to the mixing-step (a). (d) The rest of the bio mass from (d) is incubated aerobically, with constant stirring of the biomass. The enzyme-rich biomass from (e) is opt. either: (f) mixed with freshly leached-out sugar-beet chips and water and hydrolysed with stirring, followed by sepg. the hydrolysate from the solid phase and passing to an anaerobic methanising step to form bio-gas, or (g) treated in standard manner to recover the enzyme. The appts. is claimed.    Pref. microorganism is Aspergillus niger Z317 -DSM 3585.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The biomass is used in the prodn. of enzymes and bio-gas. A. niger forms the enzymes pectinase, cellulase and hemi-cellulase and is capable of growing on the substrate and of decomposing it. Sugar-beet waste can be used economically. The energy requirement of a sugar factory can be half-covered by the methanisation of the sugar-beet chips, on making only 50% use of the chips.
The Parent Patent described an appliance for winding up waste paper, old newspapers, etc. over a core to a cylinder for use as additional fuel. The cover of this pedal operated appliance is now hinged so that it can be used to raise a finished cylinder for easy extraction. The pedal drive now uses a chain and a ratchet-type sprocket.    ADVANTAGE -   This facilitates the operation of the appliance.
In prodn. of CH4 by underground gasification of a coal seam at a depth of more than 800m, recovered through prodn. wells with an internal gas pressure of at least 80 bars, and by injection wells through which a gasifying agent is injected as a foam, (a) injection of the gasifying agent is under a pressure above the min. fracturing pressure of the vein, (b) combustion of the volatile matter from the coal is initiated close to the prodn. wells or along the vein galleries connected to these wells, (c) the coal is semi-carbonised, at up to 500-600 deg.C, by displacement of the combustion front of the volatile matter, in countercurrent to the flow of the gasifying agent, in the zone between the prodn. wells and the injection wells, and (d) the semi-coke which exists in the interior of this zone, is gasified by cocurrent filtration with the same type of gasifying agent, at a higher feed rate.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   CH4 is produced in a single operation, avoiding the cost of mining, of sorting and washing, of appts. for prodn. of demineralised water, of heaters and gas generators, and of appts. for conversion of CO and appts. for methanisation. Underground reactors of large vol., resistant to high pressure when at great depths, can be used; rapid deterioration of the roof of these reactors is avoided. The gasifying agent is fed at room temp. and very high prssure. Methanisation is at relatively low temp. (500-550 deg.C). The gas is very rich in CH4 and can be used as substitute, for natural gas, after removal of CO2 by washing.
In forming a gas sensor element contg. SnO2 as main component and a metal oxide semiconductor contg. Pd and Pt as catalysts. SnO2 is mixed with SnCl2 and baked to form activated SnO2. The activated SnO2 is mixed with a PdCl2 soln. and a H2PtCl6 soln. in a Pd/Sn ratio=0.1-8 mole.% and a Pt/Sn ratio=0.5-8 mole.% and dried. The mixt. is mixed with a Sb cpd. in a Sb/Sn ratio=0.5-8 mole.% and then with an organic solvent to form a paste. The paste is coated on an insulator with paired electrodes and dried to form an element. The element is baked in air or an atmos. of a Sb oxidising gas at 600-850 deg.C. The Sb oxidising gas is prepd. by putting a Sb cpd. of 1 x 10 power-9 - 4.5 x 10 power-8 mole/cm3 (in terms of antimony trioxide) in atmos. of 600-850 deg.C for 5-60 min..    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The gas sensor element can exactly detect combustible gases, e.g., H2, C2H4, C2H6, etc., with quick respondency and with high S/N ratio.
Semiconductor gas sensor consists of a metal oxide semiconductor sensor, e.g. TiO2, Nb2O5, CoO, SnO2, ZnO, In2O3, LaNiO3, etc., having a lead wire and a catalyst layer composed of at least one of Nd2O3, Sm2O, Y2O3, ThO2, ZnO, SnO, Fe3O4, V2O5, and SnCl2, or a catalyst layer composed of at least one of Ge, W, Mo, Ni alloy, MoO3, CoO-MoO3, MoS2, WS2, V, etc., covering the metal oxide semiconductor sensor.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Detection of oxygen concn. in the exhaust gas of cars, etc., and also of other gases, e.g. ammonia, aldehydes, formic acid, NOx, methane, propane, butane, hydrogen, alcohols, freon, carbon monxoide, etc.. The catalytic layer is capable of converting substances contg. carbon into solid-phase carbon without causing the redn. of the sensor surface. The sensor can function for long periods of time with high reliability.
A deodorant cap is formed of a gas-permeable deodorant fibre layer contg. at least partly a metal prophyrin, eg. Co or Fe-phthalocyanine, or its substd. deriv. The fibre used includes natural, reproduced, semi-synthetic, and synthetic fibres, including inorganic fibres, such as cellulose fibre, cotton fibre, rayon fibre, protein fibre, polyamide fibres, polyester fibre, PVC fibre, glass fibre, asbestos fibre, ceramic fibre, carbon fibre, metal fibre, etc.    A 1.0 wt.% acidified (H2SO4) soln of Co-phthalocyanine-tetrasulphonic acid is impregnated into a wool fibre nonwoven fabric at 70 deg.C and then dried after dewatering.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Effectively decomposes mercaptan etc., as malodorous components present in propane gas.
Membrane comprises (A) porous support and (B) membrane which mainly consists of polyamines with two or more amino groups and siloxane contg. isocyanates of formula (I). (R1, R2, R3, R4 are each 1-12C alkyl or aryl or fluorinated hydrocarbon; n = 0-100 (pref. 0, 1-20)). Polyamines have pref. siloxane structure of formula (II). (R1, R2 are each H or monovalent hydrocarbon which can have prim. or sec.amino-gp. or R1 and R2 can be bound together to form alkylene which is interrupted by N-atom). A is pref. polysulphone, polyacylonitrile or aromatic polyamide.    USE -   Increase of combustion efficiency of furnace, engine, etc. Used as medical treatment equipment for respiratory disease patients. Industrial use for sepn. hydrogen and CO. Concentration of He from natural gas. Sepn. of SO2 or CO2 from exhaust gas and pervaporation membrane for sepn. of ethanol-water.
In a plant for forming compost from waste, temp. sensor is arranged in vinyl cover covering fermentation tank. Temp detected by the sensor is compared with specified value and heater for heating exposing air is controlled based on compared result.    ADVANTAGE -   Adequate fermentating condition can be maintained even in cold season, and loss of energy can be saved.
Liquid or suspensions of organic refuse from animal or vegetable sources are converted into fertiliser and proteins by the following process: Using fermented animal or vegetable solids, a swath of material is made having a height below 50cm, pH 6-9, and 60-80% humidity. This is seeded with earthworms of the type Eisenia Fetida Andrei or Fetida Fetida made resistant to the organic liquid by previous acclimatisation. The organic liquid refuse, having a biological oxygen demand after 5 days of below 10 000 mg/litre, is poured onto the swath at most daily and at least monthly, for a period of at least 6 months, at least 25 litres being added per square metre of swath.    Every 15 days, as a maximum, and at least every month, 30 - 50 kg of solid fermented refuse is added to the swath. The lower layer of the swath, containing few worms and useful as a fertiliser, is separated from the upper layer that contains many worms. This upper layer may be used to seed other swaths, or the worms are isolated and used as a source of protein.
Prodn. of liq. hydrocarbon fuels comprising 7-17C paraffinic hydrocarbons free of oxygenated cpds. from O2-contg. biomass comprises pyrolysing comminuted biomass at 650-11-0 deg. C to produce an intermediate synthesis contg. (mole %) 10-53% H2, 6-60% CO, 5-39% olefins, 6-33% paraffins and 4-26% CO2. The gas is then passed into a catalytic reactor operating at ca. 260 deg. C and 9.7 bar contg. Co, Ru, Ni or Fe catalyst supported on alumina, silica, Kieselguhr or diatomaceous earth to give a water/alcohol binary and the liq. hydrocarbon fuel which is then sepd..    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Useful in prodn. of diesel fuel, etc. capable of replacing no. 2 diesel, kerosene, JP-4, etc. on both small and large scales, economically and environmentally acceptably. The process can give 0.13-0.21 l fuel/Kg biomass using relatively inexpensive catalysts, using a renewable feedstock.
Improved trans hydrogenation of a blend of hydrocarbons comprising at least one alkene, which acts as a hydrogen acceptor, and at least one alkane, is effected by contact with a catalyst, under a pressure of atmospheric pressure to 4 (pref. to 2) atmospheres (gauge), using 5-30 (pref. 10-25)% (by vol. of the blend) of the hydrogen acceptor and at a catalyst temp. of 400-600 (pref. 440-520) deg. C, which is raised during the process at the rate of 1-15 (pref. 5-10) deg. C per hr.    ADVANTAGE -   The time during which a catalyst gives useful performance before regeneration is needed is greatly extended, with consequent cost savings. This effect is due to the temp. increase.
Processing of liq. manure comprises heating to about 50-80 deg. to expel combustible gases, which are passed through a condenser to remove steam and the either stored for use as a gaseous fuel or passed to a burner directly. The residual liquors are then heated to boiling point, and cooled, the vapours being treated as above.    USE -   The residual liquor is a valuable fertiliser or fertiliser additive.
The control system includes indicators of pressure (1), press. drop (2), top temp. (4), feed temp (5), feed rate (6) into the condensing section (3) and indicators of top (7), control tray (8) and bottom (9) temp. in flash section (10). The indicators signals are converted into pneumatic ones and fed into a summing block (10) which controls a valve (13), delivering coolant into a condenser and feeds signals to a controller (15) with a dead band. The controller (15) is connected to a regulator (16) receiving a signal from an indicator (17) of flow of liq. into a flash zone (10) and controlling input of heat into the latter through a valve (18).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The system, used in methane-ethylene sepn. in petrochemical plants, reduces loss of ethylene into methane-hydrogen fraction.
The fumigation is done by firing roofing bricks or tiles at 900-1100 deg.C using gas or oil, then sealing fire holes and exhaust holes of the flue, but retaining the exhaust holes for gas. When the temp. of the oven is lowered to a temp. capable of fumigation, methane gas is carried through heating tank for heating up the gas, into the oven, to expel combustion gas in the oven and to allow the hot gas to contact substrate surfaces of tiles. C-film is deposited on the surface by thermal decomposition of methane gas, followed by sealing the exhausting holes, natural cooling after completion of fumigation.    USE -   Used for making (fumigated roofing) tiles, or figureheads. Air pollution is reduced, and aesthetic prods. with no cracks, or damage are obtd. using methane gas contg. less carbon.
Raw garbage treating appts. comprises a cylindrical container body with opened upper end, an upper air hole near the upper end, a lower air hole and a compost discharging hole openable; a lid to close the upper end; and wire cages to hold garbage in body. Garbage stored in cages is mixed with fermentation auxiliary agent and aerobically fermented.    USE -   To ferment raw garbage rapidly.
Appts. comprises outer box with inlet and outlet ports and inner box which is placed in outer box while being spaced at specific intervals. Inner box comprises porous upper and lower end plates, microorganism metabolism inducing agent charged into inner box, and gas diffuser placed in inducing agent.    ADVANTAGE -   Bacteria producing metabolic product contg. phenol or phenol-exposed gps. can be effectively cultivated.
Prodn. of organic fertiliser or soil conditioner from moisture-contg. animal biomass by aerobic decomposition and compression comprises: (a) introducing the biomass into a container having inlet and outlet ends; (b) introducing O2-contg. medium to facilitate decomposition; (c) advancing the biomass through the container and discharging upon decomposition; (d) passing the decomposed prod. through rolls to compress the prod. and remove (part of) the moisture; and (e) causing 1 of the rolls to rotate at a predetermined lower speed than that of the other roll to develop friction and heat the rolls to further remove moisture from the biomass, such that the compressed biomass adheres to one roll and the removed moisture adheres to the other roll.    Appts. for effecting the process is also claimed. The roll appts. is separately claimed for compression of moisture-contg. materials.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Process is useful for composting/biodegrading e.g. dairy cattle manure. Rolling appts. is useful for compressing animal biomass, vegetable biomass, wood bark etc. residues from paper making processes, etc. The compressed moisture reduced wood/vegetable prod. is useful as a source of fuel, e.g. for boilers. Process/appts. may also be used to destructure wood/ vegetable biomass for papermaking/pulping to increase surface area and reduce time and chemical consumption during pulping. The increased surface area is also advantageous in prodn. of MeOH or EtOH from wood or vegetable biomass, resp. by shortening reaction time.
Fuels are produced by mechanically mixing cellulosic fibres (e.g. straw or bagasse) with fat- and/or oil-contg. sludge from slaughterhouses, milk condensn. plants, fishing industry, distilleries, dry-cleaners and tankers. The sludge is preheated to 15-40 deg. C and mixed with the fibres in amt. so that prod. has a moisture content of 20-60 (esp. 40)%.    Pref. the ratio of fibres to sludge is 26:74-74:26, esp. 50:50. The sludge typically contains 15% oil and/or fat, or 60% after drying.    ADVANTAGE -   Large amts. of sludge can be used without an expensive briquetting appts.
Organic solids from household or industrial waste material is shredded to a preselected max. particle size, mixed with water to obtain a pumpable slurry. The slurry is heated to 300-500 deg.C and pressurised to 8000-12000 PSIG in a reaction vessel to hydropyrolose the slurry. The prods. are conveyed to a separator where gases are extracted (at 46) and the solids and liqs. sepd. The liq. is treated to remove hydrocarbons and the solids are dried for use as a fuel.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Conversion of organic materials from domestic or industrial rubbish into useful prods. Enables conversion of rubbish into useful prods. rather than disposed of in landfills.
Appts. to fill an acetylene cylinder contg. a porous mass which has absorbed solvent to dissolve the gas comprises means to introduce the gas and solvent and control means to determine the correct quantities, and monitor and check safety conditions. The filling comprises 4 stages, introduction of solvent, acetylene, solvent again, and finally acetylene or a compatible gas to assist in the stabilization of the acetylene. The control means measure initial wt. and pressure, monitor the increasing values during filling, and stop the process if the values exceed predetermined safety values.    ADVANTAGE -   Automatically and safely controls the filling of a typical cylinder in less than one hour at an average rate of 7 kilograms per hour.
Reservoir (1) has two parallel, mixing drums (3) mounted on horizontal shafts. The drums have open ends, longitudinal ribs (4) on outside and rough, spiral strips (5) inside. The cylinders are located symmetrically in the reservoir and are sepd. by a distance exceeding two widths of the ribs (4). A liq. or sludge delivery pipe (9) has a block valve (10), and, on the end, a distributing perforated header (12).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For purificn. of industrial and urban effluent water by anaerobic fermentation. The process is intensified by increased contact of the mixing drums with the fermented liq., with simultaneous redn. of energy consumption.
Nitrogen oxides are removed from waste gases obtd. from the absorption column in nitric acid prodn. by mixing with hot gases at 420 deg. and redn. over a 2 layer catalyst at 650 deg. The gases comprise a mixt. of natural gas and hydrogen, to give a ratio of CH4:O2 of 0.35. The lower layer of catalyst consists of    palladised alumina, while the upper layer, which the gases pass over first, consists of oxides of Ni, Ca, Ba and Ti in the ratio 20-25:0.1-2.0:0.4-0.8:0.2-0.7, with alumina to 100%, or 10-15:0.4-4.0:0.2-1.5:0.1-1.5 with alumina to 100%.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The catalyst permits redn. of the operating temp. from 650-750 to 650 deg., and eliminates the presence of inflammable gases and CO in the cleaned gas. A content of nitrogen oxides in the feed gas of 0.15% can be reduced to 0.001-0.002%, compared to the previous level of 0.003%. Bul.33/7.9.86
For better efficiency, the design includes absorber (1) connected through heat exchanger (5) and throttle (9) to intermediate desorber (3). The latter is connected to regeneration column (2) by three lines each with control valve (10-12), one of which (top) contains cooler (6) and the other (bottom) contains heat exchanger (4). The absorbent from column (2) passes through heat exchangers (4,5), pump (7) and air cooler (8) into the top absorber (1).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The installation for purification of refinery (natural) gas contaminated with carbon dioxide by solutions of monoethanolamine can be used in chemical, metallurgical and power engineering industries. Improved regeneration process due to reduced heat losses in the gas-steam mix.
Selective preparation of an at least 2C hydrocarbon(s) comprises oxidative coupling of methane using molecular oxygen over lead oxide catalyst supported on basic carrier.    Basic cpd(s), are pref. alkaline earth metal oxide(s) or carbonate(s), opt. magnesium oxide or beta-alumina is used as carrier to support lead (II) oxide. Pref. molar ratio of methane/O2 is above 10, pref. above 20. Reaction is carried out at 650-1000 pref. (750-900) deg.C.    ADVANTAGE -   Basic carrier is used in place of acidic carrier or neutral carrier (e.g., silica, silica-alumina or gamma-alumina etc.) to improve reaction rate of methane and selectivity of hydrocarbon(s).
8-25 wt.% of Ni based on a support and 2-65 wt.% of Co based on Ni are supported on catalytic support of 55-89 wt.% of Al2O3, 8-30 wt.% of SiO2 and 3-15 wt.% of alkali metal oxide.    Support is immersed in aq. soln. of Ni(NO3)2.6H2O, Co(NO3)2.6H2O or (NH4)5Mo7O24.4H2O, dried at ordinary or reduced pressure, heated in air to change metal salts to metal oxides and then heated in H2 atmos. to reduce the oxides to active metals.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Catalyst is pref. used on forming CH4 from mixed gas of CO, CO2 and H2 contg. a trace amt. of S-cpds, e.g. coal gas, coke oven gas etc. By improvement of S-resistance of the catalyst, desulphurisation process carried out before or after CH4 formation process is simplified and catalytic activity is kept high for a long time.
In the removal of carbon dioxide and water from a gas (I) by adsorption, the gas is passed through a bed of molecular sieve (zeolite), the bed regenerated by passage of a heated gas until the carbon dioxide and water are desorbed, and the bed is then cooled. Process is improved by effecting the cooling by passing the gas (I) contg. carbon dioxide and water through the bed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   (I) is esp. natural gas which is to be liquefied. In conventional operation, the regenerator gas is fed initially e.g. at ca 300 deg.C, raising the bed temp. in part ot ca. 250 deg.C; unheated regenerator gas is then fed to reduce the bed temp. to ca. 25 deg.C. The process gas is used to cool the bed at the same time as the gas is being purified. Regeneration time is thus decreased, and the economy of the process improved.
In the removal of carbon dioxide and water from a gas by adsorption, the gas is passed through a bed of molecular sieve (zeolite) and regenerated by passing a heated gas through the bed. Process is improved by (a) the presence of a bed of silica gel immediately preceding the molecular sieve, and (b) the temp. of the regenerating gas exiting the beds being in the range 175-200 deg.C.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The gas treated is esp. natural gas which is to be liquefied. In conventional operation, the molecular sieve adsorbs both carbon dioxide and water. In the regeneration, a temp. of at least 250 deg.C is required to desorb both components; it is however the desorption of water that requires this temp.- the carobn dioxide could be desorbed at e.g. 175 deg.C. In the present process the water is adsorbed by the silica gel, from which it is more easily desorbed; the overall temp. and time for regeneration can then be decreased, and the economy of the process is thus improved.
(US4676177-A)      Energy is recovered from low-grade alkaline fuels by initially using a circulating fluidized bed operated at below 900 degrees C to give a gas with entrained alkaline particles. The gas is treated in two successive separators with solids from the first being recycled to the gasifier.    The gas is burnt in a boiler operated at a temp. of at least 900 degrees C with a melt containing any solid alkaline particles being recovered from the combustion zone.    ADVANTAGE -   The process allows low grade alkaline fuels esp. lignite or manure to be burnt with the ash recovered in a convenient form. (4pp)s
Filtering and purifying waste gases or waste air comprises passing the gas through an enclosed filter filled with a homogeneous mixt. of composted soil and peat dust, enriched with all types of soil bacteria.    Nutrients and additives which continuously regenerate filter activity and stimulate bacterial growth are also included. The mixt. can be inoculated with particular types of bacteria (depending on the sort of filter activity required) and mixed with organic fertilisers and trace elements. The filter mixt. is maintained at its optimum temp. and humidity.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The filter neutralises odours; removes toxins and retains valuable components for recovery. The starting materials are readily available and inexpensive; storage of the mixt. is necessary only to regenerate old filter material; no preliminary composting step is needed; the material has a long-lasting crumb structure; good bacterial growth is ensured, and water-holding capacity is high, eliminating the need for frequent wetting.
Catalyst compsn. (I) comprises (A) at least one reducible metal oxide which produces higher hydrocarbons and water when contacted with a hydrocarbon under synthesising conditions; (B) an alkali metal component: (C) oxide of zirconium; and (D) oxide of yttrium. (I) is further characterised by the substantial absence of catalytically effective Ni, Rh, Pd, Ag, Os, Ir, Pt and Au.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   (I) is of use in hydrocarbon conversion reactions, esp. conversions under severe condition in which water is obtd. as byprod.; e.g. conversion of methane to higher hydrocarbons, and oxidative dehydrogenation, esp. of 2-5C alkanes, to the corresp. olefins. (I), although referred to as a catalyst, may act as reactant, i.e. selective oxidant.
CO2 (-contg.) gas, e.g flue gas etc is directly contacted with condensed waste water of pulp and then gas generated by methane fermentation is contacted to make waste water in a state suitable for methane fermentation.    Methane fermentation is pref. effected at 30-40 deg.C at pH 5.2-6.3 by using bacteria. Before fermentation, fermentation inhibiting components are pref removed by CO2 in fermentation gas.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Condensed waste water of pulp consisting of condensate of steam from digesting kettle and that of steam from condesn. appts for recovering used digesting soln in prodn. of kraft pulp is treated. As condensed waste water is made in a state suitable for methane fermentation, treatment cost is reduced and CH4 gas useful fuel is efficiently formed.
Gas generated by methane fermentation is contacted directly with condensed waste water of pulp before fermentation to adjust pH to 4.5-8.1 and to reduce contents of S cpds to under 350 ppm based on S.    Methane fermentation is pref. effected at 30-40 deg.C at pH 5.2-6.3 by using bacteria. Before fermentation, fermentation inhibiting components are pref removed by CO2 in fermentation gas.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Condensed waste water of pulp consisting of condensate of steam from digesting kettle and that of steam from condensn. appts for recovering used digesting soln is treated. As condensed waste water is prev. treated to be in a state suitable for methane fermentation treatment costs are reduced and CH4 gas useful as fuel is efficiently formed.
Process comprises (a) drying paper-mfg sludge to water content 20-30 wt.% (b) mixing with urine and excrement to obtain a mixt. with water content 60-70 wt.% ; and (c) fermenting mixt. under aerobic conditions. The dried sludge is used as water content conditioner. Either natural drying or forced drying can be used. Forced drying using rotary kiln is pref. since granular dried prod can be obtd. Fermentation is pref. conducted aerobically while stirring 1 time per day. Pref. obtd. mature compost has water content at most 35 wt.% and C rate of 10-15.    ADVANTAGE -   Paper-mfg. sludge, urine and excrement can be effectively utilised. As heat source for drying the sludge methane gas generated by methane fermentation of urine, excrement and sludge can be used.
The compost is prepared in a collapsible meshed drum equipped with special air inlet and moisture outlet pipes. Additives - limestone, phosphates, fertilizers, microorganic prepns, etc. - are also used.
An alkaline pH is set up, esp. by adding lime, before passing the waste to an anaerobic fermentation process. The novelty comprises: (i) comminuting the waste, (ii) adding sufficient lime to the waste/water mixt. to set up pH at least 12 (at least 12.5), (iii) storing the mixt. at the given pH for at least 3 hrs, with stirring and rotating,and finally (iv) charging the mixt. to an anaerobic bio-reactor.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process is applied partic. to contents of the paunch, stomach and intestines. The generation of bio-gas is increased, as well as the degree of decompsn. of the organic solids. The high basicity of the pre-heated mixt. kills all germs and pathogenic agents. The fertiliser-value of the sludge is improved. The sepn. of fermentation substrate and liq. is facilitated. The conversion of organically bonded N to NH4-N is increased. Clogging problems are overcome. The buffer-capacity of the sludge substrate is increased, fermentation is stabilised and biological ''tilting'' is avoided.
A charge of loose material, esp. for composting, is permeated by gas arising from multiple slots or holes in a supporting distributor plate (13) formed as a layer of bricks (14) with aligned bores (15) delivering the gas from a main feed pipe (36). An inlet chamber (25) between feed pipe and a collector conduit (16) extending round at least the major area of the plate holds a sprayer (34) to moisten incoming gas (esp. air) with water pumped from a reservoir (31). Each exit from the inlet chamber is at higher level than the inlet for raw gas. The plate (13) as a whole is inclined so that surplus water from the charge can run away freely.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Suitable for gas purificn. and for the composting of organic wastes, with applied air (oxygen) and moisture. Ventilation, moistening and removal of any surplus water all utilise the same channels.
Wastes are composted by placing in a composter with the required controlled breathing through the composter walls provided by varying the wall material and thickness. The composter pref. has walls with a bottom and a cover, with at least the walls consisting of thermal lagging sheets permeable to air, partic. underdrain plastic sheets.    The inner and outer surfaces of the walls are pref. lined with fibre fabric, and a gas-tight and highly thermally conductive material such as aluminium sheet is attached to the cover outer surface. The composter components are pref. supplied as a set for assembly by the user. The walls are e.g. of polystyrene and the components may be secured together with tape to permit easy removal when composting is complete.    ADVANTAGE -   Allows optimum conditions to be maintained.
A bioreactor includes horizontal trays stacked in a vertical tower. The trays have apertures which are offset on adjacent trays to create a radial flow across the surface of each tray. The flow is upwards through the tower and passes through an axial aperture on one tray and through a peripheral aperture on the adjacent tray. Pref. the tower has a circular cross-section and is closed by a removable cover. Pref. the tower is surrounded by a thermostatically controlled jacket. Microorganism cells are deposited by gravity sedimentation on the trays where they are retained by gravity.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   A reaction takes place between the microorganism cells and organic matter in the feed. The reactor may be used to prepare ethanol from waste liquid from a pulp or paper plant. Alternatively it can be used to process the waste from a cheese plant to produce methane.
Fermentation takes place in a liq. nutrient together with a nutrient gas which form a foam. The foam has a gaseous phase dispersed through the liquid phase to create a void volume of 40-80%. The gas bubbles have a size of 0.1-200 micron. Fermentation prods are collected from the foam. Pref. the gas is oxygen, CO2, nitrogen or methane and pref. the method takes place in a pair of towers.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The method may be used to harvest antibiotics, enzymes, proteins, cells and vitamins (claimed). It may also be used for the prodn. of alcohol, the growth of yeast on hydrocarbons, the growth of algae and the prodn. of bipolymers or gums. The use of small bubbles in the foam reduces the power requirements.
Asymmetric gas sepn. membrane comprises a preformed selective permeability membrane having been contacted on 1 or both surfaces with an effective amt. of a Bronsted-Lowry base such that with respect to at least 1 gas of a mixt. the base-treated membrane shows a sepn. factor significantly greater than that of the untreated membrane. Pref. the sepn. factor for the 1 gas is increased by at least 100%, pref. with a reduction in permeability of max. 50%. Multicomponent gas sepn. membrane similarly treated is also claimed, showing improved sepn selectivity and resistance to hydrocarbon degradation.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Useful for sepn. of CO, N2, O2, He, CH4, C2H6, H2 or CO2 from a gas mixt. , esp. H2 from a mixt. contg. 1-5C hydrocarbons or CO2 from CH4. Selectivity can be improved without affecting physical properties. Process may also reduce surface porosity of composite or multicomponent membranes.
The filter now additionally includes an electronic pentode valve (1) including a cathode, anode, control grid, acceleration grid and a screening grid; also included are an additional supply source (3) with two output leadouts of +ve polarity and one of -ve polarity, connected to one input terminal, and also an amplifier with one input connected to one output (+ve) of the additional supply source.    The a.c. component of any feedback is attenuated by the shunting action of the capacitor (6) at the output of the filter, and the feedback circuits serves only as a regulator for the filter over a wide range of load current magnitudes.    USE -   High voltage power supplies. Bul.30/15.8.86
Process comprises feeding the coal to a bed of coal grains fluidised with a gasifying agent, and burning unburnt combustible components of the coal in a burning zone separate from the bed.    Used for making mixed gases rich in CO, H2 and CH4. (J56005859-A)
The gas generated by methane fermentation is directly in contact with waste water to control the water for fermentation. Alkali deg. of water is adjusted by alkali or acid for fermentation before contacting gas. Pref. fermentation conditions are 30-40 deg.C and pH of 5.2-6.3. Water after pretreatment has pH of 4.5-8.1, S content of 350 ppm after fermentation, 85-95% of organic component is changed to the gas.    ADVANTAGE -   Alkaline pulp condensate waste water is neutralised by absorption of CO2 in fermentation gas and fermentation-inhibiting component (e.g. S cpd.) is removed in to gas by methane. Treatment of water is economical. Methane gas contg. fermentation gas is efficiently generated and is used as fuel.
Organic waste, e.g. mowed turf, fallen leaves, are rapidly fermented by following processes: Organic waste is supplied to a selector to remove admixtures and crushed by a crusher. The crushed wastes are sent to the prim. stirring and fermenting appts. place under the crusher, kept at a fermentation temp. for an hour and then supplied to the sec stirring and fermentating appts. to mature at a higher temp.; and the fermented prods. are uniformly crushed after a given time is passed.    USE -   Compost is produced rapidly in a narrow space.
In aerobic fermentative treatments of organics or organic wastes,e.g., shellfish, marine organisms, human and aminal wastes, etc., waste chips of coniferous tree, etc., as a carbon source are ground and subjected to a boiling or fermentative treatment to remove e.g., alcoholic substances, sesquiterpenes, etc., the carbon source is mixed with an alkaline composition with fermentation aids and microorganisms aggregate contg. nitrogen, e.g., urea, ammonium sulphate, etc., and fermented to obtain a quick fermentative treating agent for organics, etc., and the treating agent so obtained is mixed with organic wastes and fermented.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The method can quickly and effectively perform the arobic fermentative treatment of organics or organic wastes, for deodorisation and also for mfr. of compost, while utilising waste wood chips, etc..
A machine for shredding and pulverising ligneous matter in bulk, partic. branches, brushwood, scrub etc. from pruning and thinning out operations. The machine comprises a horizontal, cylindrical, perforated drum which is power-rotated slowly about its longitudinal axis. In the lower part of the drum is suspended a rotor which is turned at high speed about an axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the drum. The rotor has cutting flails to shred the prod. which can be loaded in bulk via a charging door.    Pref. the drum has an external circumferential track ring near each end. The drum is driven by powered trunnion rollers which support the drum. The axis of rotation of the flailing rotor extends between a pair of bearing arms pivoted on an axis parallel to that of the drum. Min. clearance between the interior of the drum and the flails is assured by stops which limit the pivoting movement of the arms. Flexible blades scrape the exterior of the drum of which a lower arc is jacketed with an outer shell.    The machine pulverises ligneous waste which can then be further processed as a fuel or fertiliser.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The machine is transportable by road vehicles. It is extremely robust and reliable and can accept bulk loading.
A panel for use in forming a garden compost bin or planter is an integral rectangular plastics moulding with each edge having a hinged strip for overlapping and connecting with adjacent panels. Each edge is connectable to an abutting adjacent edge and then hinged out of the plane of the panel the edges provide vertical or horizontal reinforcements to stiffen and reduce deflection of the panel under load.    There are pref. opposed reinforcing channels each inwardly of and parallel to each vertical edge, and extending the length of the edge. Each channel is closed at the ends and open to the panel interior. There are pref. outwardly stepped regions adjacent to each horizontal edge strip, and a horizontally curved protruding rectangular region framed by the channels and stepped regions.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides bin with high structural rigidity and which can be expanded to greater capacity by adding more panels to increase the dia. or height.
Crude sludge extracted from a biological sewage treatment is processed to produce sewage gas and a readily disposable or usable solid product. A first anaerobic acidification stage is followed by a second anaerobic methanizing stage. Prior to the acidification stage the sludge is thickened and/or decanted to a dry matter content of 5-12% (9%).    ADVANTAGE -   The different residence times in the two stages permit the cultivation of different biocoenosia. It facilitates the operation at optimum conditions for the environment of the microbes.
A process for working up a crude sludge obtd. from a biological effluent water treatment plant to give sewer gas and a disposable and/or useful prod., uses a biological sludge treatment plant with an anaerobic methanisation stage with sewer gas holder. In the methanisation stage the biomass is subjected to heating, the sewer gas is released and the prod. is recovered by dewatering. The process is characterised in the crude biomass is concentrated and/or decanted to a dry material content of 5-15%, esp. ca. 9%, and a granular, porous microbe carrier material is incorporated into the biomass.    The porous carrier material is e.g. active carbon or brown coal active carbon. Pref. the amt. of sewer gas recovered is optimised by the amt. of porous microbe carrier material incorporated.    ADVANTAGES -   The process allows a larger amt. of crude sludge to be processed per unit of time in the same plant, without increasing the residence time and giving improved yields of methane.
The sepn. and protein enrichment of the residual liquid from distn. of alcoholic liquors comprises inoculating the residual liquid which has been cooled to 30-35 deg.C with a rapidly growing, mycelium forming fungus, pref. Penicillium janthinellium C41.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process is an economical and simple way of utilising the residue from distn. of alcoholic liquors based on cereals. The resulting solid prod. is enriched in proteins and can be used as feedstuff. The transport capacity is reduced to 15-20%. Sepn. is good and the waste liquors have BSB5 (oxygen demand) values of no more than 3000 mg O2/l, are clear without turbidity or opalescence and can be recycled to moisten the cereal or can be immediately let out as waste without the need for further sepn. processes. The resulting filter cake is of coarse structure and can be easily dried and opt. granulated or pelletised after mechanical pre-dehydration.
Methane gas is recovered from a subterranean coal seam subject to sloughing or caving in by (a) drilling a generally horizontal borehole into the seam, (b) forming a flushable borehole cake on and in the walls of the borehole as it is drilled, (c) inserting a perforated liner into the borehole, (d) flushing the cake out of the borehole, and (e) collecting methane gas from the liner.    Step (c) may be omitted. The cake is formed by pumping a slurry of mud solids and water into the borehole during the drilling. This not only forms a temporary mud cake on borehole walls, but also acts as drilling lubricant and carries away drill cuttings. Solid content of the mud is 5-25 wt.%; it esp. comprises Bentonite. Viscosity is 40-60 cP; this may decrease later in the drilling, e.g. to 10 cP after the first 500 ft., and a deflocculant may be added. After insertion of the liner, the cake is removed by flushing with water, which may be carbonated or contain acid and foaming agent.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   A long horizontal borehole is drilled into theseam while preventing sloughing and caving in during the drilling and subsequent collection of methane.
The method is carried out by low temp. separation of raw gas in first stage separator (5) into gas and condensate, the gas cooling and its separation in second stage separator (11) into gas and condensate. The second stage gas is expanded in turbo-expansion machine (13). All gas and liq. streams are separated in demethaniser (10) into dry gas and demethanised product. Ethane fraction is produced from the demethanised product in the ethane column (18). Ethane fraction is cleaned from carbon dioxide with subsequent adsorbent regeneration and cooling.    USE -   For natural gas treatment to obtain carbon dioxide free ethane fraction. Bul.29/7.8.86
Prodn. of gas contg. H2 and CO comprises adsorbing organic matters (pulp liquor, waste liq. produced in food factory, etc.) onto magnesia adsorbent, and decomposing the adsorbed organic matters by calcining at least at 600 deg.C in non-oxidising atmos.    Pref. adsorbents are Mg cpds. capable of forming MgO by calcination such as Mg(OH)2, MgCO3, basic Mg carbonate, etc. at 400-700 deg.C for 30 min. to several hours. Above 98 wt.% of the adsorbent has below 100 (pref. below 300) mesh particle size.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Decomposed gas consisting of H2, CO, CO2 etc. having relatively higher content of H2 is obtd. The gas has similar compsn. to synthesis gas and is useful for methanol synthesis after decarboxylation or for prodn. of H2 after causing shift reaction. Effective utilisation of waste prods. contg. organic matters is provided.
Appts. comprises monitor digesting vessel to which part of digested sludge in digesting vessel is sealed and which is set under temp. same condition as in digesting vessel, means for feeding substrate into monitor digesting vessel, means for measuring gas generating rate in monitor vessel, means for determining average acceleration from receipt of measured value from measuring means to detection of max. value of gas generated speed, and means for determining activity of bacteria in digested sludge based on comparison between average acceleration and preset value.    ADVANTAGE -   Activity of methane producing bacteria can be easily observed.
Denitrification of waste gases (I) from heating systems with high combustion temps involves: (a) subjecting (I) to a homogeneous gas reaction at 700-110 deg.C, pref. 900-1000 deg.C by addn of reducing agents (II), e.g. NH3, CO, H2, CH4 or heating gas in the usual way; and then (b) passing through a heat recovery reactor, in which the regenerator charge material (III) acts as catalyst for selective redn. of NOx, at least in the temp zone between ca 200 and 500, pref 300 and 400 deq.C. The use of zeolites as catalyst is mentioned in a later claim.    Pref. (III) contains SiO2/Al2O3 and also, in the specified temp. zone, an additional NOx catalyst material, pref. Fe2O3 and/or Cr2O3, as additive or coating, or zeolites or TiO2/V2O5. (II) is injected into the reactor above the (III) layers. If NH3 is used as (II), the NH3:NOx ratio=ca. 0.5-4.5 and/or NH3 is added in stages.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The NOx content of (I) from heating systems with high combustion temps is reduced economically and efficiently.
The process concerns prevention of COS formation in sorptive sepn. processes, esp. in treatment of natural and/or technical gases contg. H2S and CO2 in any amts. and ratios, in which the crude gas is treated on NaA zeolitic mol sieve with a deg. of exchange of at least 45% alkaline earth cations in a one-stage column. The novel features are that: (a) a carrier gas of H2, N2 or CH4 is used in the sorption phase; and (b) the crude gas supply is pulsated, so that it is fed into the carrier gas before the H2S front.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process increases the adsorption capacity and protection of the environment and reduces the loss of S and risk of corrosion and there are savings in energy, material and costs.
The process concerns prevention of COS formation in sorptive sepn. processes, esp. in treatment of natural and/or technical gases contg. H2S and CO2 in any amts. and ratios, in which the crude gas is treated on NaA zeolitic mol sieves with a deg. of exchange of at least 45% alkaline earth cations as adsorbent in a column. The novel features are that: (a) a carrier gas of N2, CH4 or H2 is used in the sorption phase, which is introduced into the cycle between the CO2 and H2S front; and (b) the crude gas supply is pulsated, so that it is fed into the carrier gas in the periodic sequence of the H2S front.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process is esp. useful in purificn. of acid gases. It increases the adsorption capacity and protection of the environment and reduces the loss of S and risk of corrosion. There are also savings in the number of stages required, leading to reductions in energy, material and capital costs.
COS formation is prevented in sorptive sepn. processes, esp. in treatment of natural and/or technical gases contg. H2S and CO2 in any amts. and ratios. The crude gas is treated in a multistage column on zeolitic mol sieves of the NaA modification with a deg. of exchange of at least 45% alkaline earth cations as adsorbent. The novel features are that: (a) H2, N2 or CH4 is used as carrier gas in the sorption phase; and (b) the carrier and crude gas are passed through the various stages of the column successively or simultaneously.    ADVANTAGE -   The process separates H2S and CO2. The adsorption capacity and protection of the environment are improved, the S loss and the risk of corrosion are reduced and there are savings in energy, material and costs.
A biomass gasifier is operated by (a) introducing inlet gas at a velocity below 7 ft/sec. to fluidise a bed in a gasifier vessel; (b) forming the bed into a fluidised bed in a first space region by means of the inlet gas, the fluidised bed contg. a circulating hot relatively fine and inert solid bed particle component; (c) inputting carbonaceous material into the first space region with fluidised bed at a rate of 500-4400 lbs/ft2-hr; (d) endothermally pyrolysing the carbonaceous material by means of the circulating hot inert particle component so as to form a product gas; (e) forming contiguous to and above the fluidised bed a lower average density entrained space region contg. an entrained mixt. of inert solid particles, char, and carbonaceous material, and the prod. gas; (f) gradually and continuously removing portions of the entrained mixt. and the prod. gas from the entrained space region of the gasifier to a separator; (g) sepg. the entrained mixt. from the prod. gas; (h) passing the inert solid particles through an exothermic reaction zone to add heat; and (i) returning at least the inert solid particles to the first space region.    ADVANTAGE -   The discovery that it is possible to operate using a low inlet gas velocity and high biomass throughput and maintain a steady-state inventory in the reactor with removal of sand and char by entrainment allows a very substantial improvement over the existing art.
Moisture removal from gas mixt. contg. steam supplied to the gas sepn. equipment as it is moved along the supply side of the gas sepn. membrane, while a dry gas (the amt. of which is less than 10 vol. % of the mixed gas) is supplied to the equipment and moved along the permeation side of the gas sepn. membrane to remove the steam of the mixed gas permeated through the gas sepn. membrane. The exit of the permeated gas and entrance of the dry gas are connected with the permeation side of the gas sepn. membrane, while the entrance of the gas mixt. and the exit of the non-permeated gas are connected with the supply side of the membrane. The gas sepn. membrane is made of an aromatic polyimide having the selective permeation capacity (shown as the ratio of the gas permeation rates for steam and methane i.e. P H2O/P CH4) of more than 200.    USE -   The equipment is useful for removing steam selectively from various gas mixts. such as air, natural gas, ferment gas etc.
Sepn. of steam where a mixt. gas contg steam and methane is contacted with a sepg membrane to remove steam. As membrane, a composite membrane comprising porous support (made of polyolefin resin), and a thin layer coating the surface of the support (made of copolyimide or polyamino acid urethane) is used.    ADVANTAGE -   Steam is selectively and efficiently sepd from a mixt gas contg. steam and methane. E.g. sepn. capacity, the ratio of the permeation speeds for steam and methane is more than about 50 (under a specified condition, about 100-500). Permeation of methane is more than 1x10 power -7 cm3/cm3 sec cm Hg (under a specified condition it reaches about 1x10 power5 cm3/cm3 sec cmHg). The mechanical strength of the sepn. membrane is also big and it is easily handled.
The calorific value of biogas produced and stored at refuse treating installations is constantly monitored and controlled by removing excess carbon-dioxide so as to obtain a gas with a calorific value approaching that of the natural gas transported in nearby gas mains. The biogas with the correct calorific value is intermittently fed into the natural gas main.
Process for recovering energy from an ethane-rich stream flowing to a pyrolysis furnace comprises: (i) reducing the ethane-rich stream's pressure to below the pyrolysis furnace inlet pressure, so forming a chilled ethane-rich stream; (ii) vaporising the chilled ethane-rich stream by heat exchange with a process stream to form a vaporised ethane-rich stream and a chilled process stream; (iii) compressing the vaporised ethane-rich stream; (iv) passing the compressed ethane-rich stream to the pyrolysis furnace; and (v) utilising recovered energy contained in the chilled process stream.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Refrigeration energy recovery from liq. ethane-rich streams fed to an ethylene plant pyrolysis furnace, pref. the stream leaving the bottom of a C2 splitter, is enhanced. The cost of refrigeration energy and refrigeration equipment in an ethylene plant is thereby much reduced.
Methane is obtd. from manure by anaerobic microbiological fermentation of the milled manure mixed with a syntrophic association of microorganisms at 50-52 deg. and pH 7.2-7.8, mixing while fermenting, and taking off gaseous metabolic products to leave a fertiliser. An acetate-demanding microorganism is added after 12-16 hr. of methanogenesis, comprising a mixt. of Methanotrix thermoacetophilla and Methanosarcina mazei SA-1003, in an amt. of 10% of the fermenting mass. The process generates 7.5-9.2 l biogas per l reactor per day.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The addn. of the acetate-demanding bacteria increases the rate of methane formn., giving 1.5 times the amt. of biogas then that obtd. without it, and thus increasing the throughput and reducing the capital requirement in appts. Bul.28/30.7.86
Methane fermentation appts. comprises a fluidised layer to fluidise methane bacteria supported with organic carrier placed at the upper part and fixed bed of acid producing bacteria supported with inorganic carrier placed at the lower part. Both layer and bed are connected. Waste water enters from an inlet placed at the bottom and treated water is discharged by an overflow.    ADVANTAGE -   As an acid fermentation zone and methane fermentation zone are formed in a tank, waste water contg. organics is effectively treated. Part of the treated water and part of the generated gas are recycled for stirring.
Tank is installed in a manner to be dipped in liq. and side wall of the tank is constructed by flexible member, e.g. bellows made of fabric and coated with rubber.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Cost of the tank is low, and the tank can be used for various purposes, e.g. to store liq. including organic substance for generating methane gas or for storing grains or powder.
Grape residues are composted, to make microorganism rich prod. which gives an immediate benefit to plants, by the following process: (a) the residues are neutralised as required, to stop biological processes that require an acid medium, (b) an N-contg. material, such as ammonium sulphate, urea, etc. is added, (c) the mixt. is seeded with a N2-fixing bacteria, and (d) the mixt. is sprayed and mixed to aerate it and to lower the temp.    Pref. neutralising agent is Ca(OH)2, 1 wt.% being added. The amt. of ammonium sulphate added is pref. around 5 wt.%. The added bacterium is usually a Nitrobacter or Nitrosomonas type.    ADVANTAGE -   The process is quick, and suppresses the undesir-able fermentations taking place in an acid medium.
A circulating reactor for the anaerobic purification of effluents with a high load of organic waste has a slimness ratio S of the height of filling H to the dia. D of 2-20, and a central tube vol. of 50-80% of the total vol. The narrower top part of the central tube Db should be 8-40 % of the lower part Da and should ensure a min. flow velocity of 0.5 cm/s.    ADVANTAGE -   This reactor requires no special drive for the high internal flow velocity. The biogas generation itself ensures an adequate and steady fluid circulation.
Sepn. of paraffinic and olefinic 4C hydrocarbons by extractive distn. with morpholine as selective solvent is characterised by the absence of added water from the morpholine.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For sepg: (a) the mixt. of iso- and n-butane, butene-1 and cis/trans butene-2 obtd. from the 4C fraction from steam, catalytic or thermal crackers, after removing butadiene and isobutene; or (b) mixts. of cis/trans butene-2 with iso and n-butane or with n-butane alone (in the latter case e.g.to obtain butenes-2 for dimerisation to octenes). The anhydrous morpholine has sufficient selectivity and is a better solvent for 4C hydrocarbons than the aq. morpholine of the prior art. E.g. with only 5-25 % olefin in the feed, the olefin yield from the extn. may exceed 99 %. The extract and raffinate no longer need to be dried. The downstream column for stripping olefins from the solvent may be operated under conditions allowing the top prod. to be condensed with air or ordinary water (3-3.5 bar absolute and ca. 35 deg.C), without needing a compressor or refrigeration; and with a bottoms temp. of 180 deg.C or less, so avoiding solvent decompsn..
Upgrading process for paraffinic naphtha including major amts. of 5-6C components to give gasoline-range prods. comprises: (1) hydrocracking the naphtha over a catalyst comprising zeolite beta and a hydrogenation/dehydrogenation component at a conversion of not more than 25 vol.% to 5C- prods., so effecting a partial preferential hydrocracking of the paraffins of relatively longer chain length with concurrent isomerisation of n-paraffins, giving an effluent comprising isobutane and higher-boilers; (ii) fractionating the hydrocracker effluent, to give (a) isobutane, (b) a stream of boiling range about 5C-200 deg. F, comprising 5-7C isoparaffins, and (c) a stream of boiling range 200 deg. F+; and (iii) reforming the 200 deg. F+ stream to form a gasoline-range prod. of improved octane rating.    ADVANTAGE -   The yield of isobutane for alkylation is increased, e.g. by a factor 3, compared with that from simple reforming. Stream (b) has octane rating higher, e.g. by 3.2 RON, than that of the corresponding straight-run naphtha fraction, and can be used as gasoline blending component without the need for Pb-contg. octane improvers. Stream (c) has high naphthenes content, permitting improved operation when it is fed to the reformer, and the prodn. thereby of a higher octane prod..
Fluid sepn. membrane is made of a substd. polyarylene oxide (I); X is given by one of the following -CN; -SCN; -OR1; -OCR1; NR1R2; -SR1; -N(CH3)2; -N(CH2CH3)2; -N(CH2CH=CH2)2; -OCH2CF2CF2CF3; SCH2CH3; -OH; gp. 1-10 where m = 0-0.99 (0.01-0.99) n = 0-0.99 (0.01-0.99) o = 0.01-1.0 p = 1 q = 0 or 1; when O, X = H R1, R2 = H, alkyl pref. CH3 or C(CH3)3, (substd.) phenyl or substd. 1-6C alkyl where substits. are phenyl, nitro, phenoxy, sulphur, carboxylic acid or OH. m, n and o are decimal portions of the polymeric unit and their sum is 1.0.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The sepn. membrane has excellent selectivity and superior processability which more than compensates for any permeability reductions. The improved processability permits the spinning of hollow fibre sepn. membranes. Pref. (I) is specifically a benzyl substd. poly(2,6-dimethyl 1,4-phenylene oxide).
Appts. to ferment cattle droppings comprises a shield plate mounted on the top part of vertical shaft fixed to the surface of a rotary fermenting floor, and air intake cover rotatably mounted on the shaft and located beneath the shield plate.    USE -   For treating cattle droppings.
Charging pellets of catalyst in reactor tube - comprises rising air in the tube from its lower end at a rate of 1/2 - 2 x a min. fluidising rate of the catalyst, while pellets are dropped into the tube from its top end.    USE -   For reacting natural gases with catalysts.
Conventional twin fermentation chamber composting systems with a main fermentation chamber and a post fermentation chamber are modified by the addn. of at least four chambers as compost containers arranged such that they act simultaneously as heat protection and as heat source during the aerobic composting process for both the fermentation chambers. The compost containers must have a vol. sufficient to take the floating overlayer material from ca. 8 weeks' fermentation. For large scale units of several hundred to 1000 GV correspondingly larger compost containers must be provided for large amts. of straw, and which must also be able to take up the overlayer of manure produced in the shorter period of 4-6 weeks.    The post compost container is such that each compost container has a gently inclined floor with an outlet at the lowest point (fig. 2) equipped with a slide valve which prevents running out upon overpumping with liq. manure. The possibility of removing liq. manure to obtain a solid manure of normal moisture content is provided by collecting pits 1-1.2 m dia. situated at least 0.5 m below the bottom surface of the compost container. A small electric pump can be used to convey the liberated liq. manure from the collection pit into the overflow lead to the post fermentation chamber.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process allows a biogas-composting system to be operated as a natural recycling system giving big cost savings in the purchase of heating oil and synthetic fertilisers. By arranging the compost containers round the main- and post fermentation chambers, heat losses over the whole process are kept to a minimum and the unit is made very compact.
A feedstock comprising alcohols, carbonyls and/or ethers is converted to hydrocarbon prods. by contact with a porous inorganic crystalline compsn. (I). (I) is prepd. from a porous inorganic crystalline compsn. (II) the anhydrous anionic framework of which is of molar compsn. (1-x SiO2:(x) MOn/2 where x = 0.02 or less, n = valence of M, and M is at least one initial lattice metal selected from Groups IIIB, IVB, VB, VIB, VIIB, VIII, IIIA, IVA and VA.    (I) is prepd. by (a) contacting (II) at 100-850 deg.C with a volatile cpd. (III) comprising at least one metal to be in incorporated into the framework of (II), for sufficient time to increase the total amount of lattice metal(s) above the initial amt. in (II); (III) has radius ratio less than 0.6, and size and shape to permit its entry into the pores of (II) at the contacting temp. and (b) converting the product to hydrogen or hydronium form.    (II) may be calcined at 200-600 before step (a). (II) is pref. of low cation exchange capacity (e.g. below 0.7 meq./gram); it is esp. a high silica zeolite, e.g. ZSM-5, -11, -5/11, -48 or dealuminized zeolite ZSM-20, Y or Beta.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The treatment of (II) increases its ion exchange capacity and catalytic activity; the pref. properties of a high silica material are retained, but the catalyst activity is increased to a value previously obtd. only with high alumina materials. The feed is pref. a 1-6C alcohol, e.g. methanol or ethanol, a lower carbonyl, e.g. acetone, or a 1-6C ether, e.g. dimethyl ether, n-propyl ether, dioxane, trioxane or hexose. Prods. include 2-5C alkanes and olefins, aromatics, e.g. durene, and C5+ hydrocarbons of use as gasoline components.
A filter medium is inside a closed vessel and comprises biogenetic silica with a porosity of at least 50% by vol. Pref. up to 2% of a water-swellable polymer or activated carbon is in the medium. Silica is pref. made by the pyrolysis of plants, esp. rice hull devoid of fibre, which forms an amorphous ash.    Pref. feed water is delivered to a vessel contg. medium, and the filtrate is discharged axially. Plants used to form silica should contain at least 15% silica w/w in dry matter. E.g. stalks and hulls of rice, equisetum (horsetails), bamboos, pollen or palm leaves esp. polymra. Pref. the ash is formed by heating to 800-1400 deg. C.    USE -   Used to treat swimming pool water, to remove moisture from trichloroethylene, or to remove methane and ethane gas from an air stream.
An anaerobic digester system has a closed digester tank with a gas outlet above the normal liq. level. The feed is supplied to a heated inlet basin of vol less than that of the digester. The heated feed then flows by gravity from basin to the lower region of the digester where it encounters a baffle which directs the flow upwards. The feed is agitated inside the digester and is then discharged via a conduit to an outlet basin. The top of basin is at the same height as liq. level in the digester and its vol. is greater than that of the inlet basin.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The digester produces methane gas. The appts. has a gravity flow and reists clogging. Pref. the inlet basin and the conduit which connects it to the digester are heated by heat exchange liq passed through a pipe. Inside the digester is an agitatior and a pair of scum shredders. A baffle directs the flow upwards through the reactor and the treated feed is discharged through a conduit which supplied the outlet basin. Pref. the inlet and outlet basins are at ground level (but at different heights) and the digester is partially buried.
Appts. to produce organic compost from raw waste compries a compressor having a compression chamber and hydraulic press to compress a measured amt. of raw wastes fed into the chamber, and a metal wire conveyer to carry the wastes to the chamber via a weigher.    Used for treating garbage. (J58217484-A)
A closed-tank is divided into inlet, fermenting- and auxiliary- chambers by isolating partially with vertical-walls so as to connect the chambers near its slanted-bottom and the filled digestive liq. The tank is installed under the concrete-floor a livestock-house. Excretion is dropped naturally from livestock through the slatted-floor section in part of the floor into a rotary-shutter. It then drops into the inlet-chamber by turning the rotary-shutter, and then flows down along the slanted-bottom while being heated by the heating-chamber installed under the tank and fermented. The methane generated is filled into the fermenting-chamber, and is sent through the collector in order to be utilised at an external appts.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   When the livestock house is sterilised, the shutter is closed, and thereby the waste, sterilising-liq., etc. flows outside through the ditch opened by the shutter.
Appts. for producing liq. manure includes a culturing tank having a closed section and an open section sepd. by a partition wall and a maturing tank having a first maturing section with an inflow port and a second maturing section that are sepd. by a partition wall.
In prepn. of compost by rapidly fermenting a mixt. of urine and excrements, water content adjusting agent and additives under stirring, the method comprises (1) first-, (2) second- and (3) the third-step. As agent non-crashed chaff is used and as additive compost with low water content is used which is restored from the third step. In the first step, excrements-and-urine are mixed with chaff and the restored compost to prepare the starting material for compost. In the second step, material is supplied via screw-conveyor to hopper of a stirring appts. In the third step, material is stirred, taken out of appts., piled on the outdoor piling spot, and the piled material is fermented while stirring several times.    ADVANTAGE -   Since the restored compost with low water content is used as additive, solid-liq. sepn. is omitted even if excrements-and-urine with high water content is used. Amt. of water content adjusting agent used is reduced. Since the starting material from the stirring appts. is at good fermentation conditions, fermentation proceeds rapidly and good quality of compost is obtd.
Night soil and foreign material discriminating appts. usedquicklyproducing fermented compost has a primary discriminating section and a secondary discriminating section having a horizontal screw conveyor. The primary discriminating section includes a perforated hopper and a perforated trough that is inclined and whose upper part is open to an opening of the second discriminating section.
A hollow fibre or film is formed by extrusion of crystalline thermoplastic polymer under the condition of Tm to (Tm + 200) deg. C (Tm: = m.pt. of crystal) m.pt., Df = 20 - 10000 draft ratio, the fibre or the film is drawn by 5 - 200% at (Tg - 20) to (Tg + 50) deg. C (Tg:glass transition temp.), the fibre or film is heated at (Tg + 20) for (Tm - 10) deg. C, the fibre or film is stretched 1.1 - 3.0 at (Tg - 50) to (Tm - 10) deg. C, the fibre or film is set at the temp. of the stretching temp. - Tm, and the obtd. fibre or film, having independent foams or semi-independent foams, is treated with plasma.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The membrane is useful for sepn. of O2-enriched air from the air, recovery of CO and H2 in waste gas, removal of NO2 and SO2 in waste gas, and separation of CO/O2, H2/CO, H2/O2 or CH4/C2H6. The method is useful for prodn. of membranes which have high sepn. properties, a high permeable speed and excellent physical properties.
The prods. contain 5-90 wt.% pretreated or untreated biomass material, e.g. agricultural or forestry wastes and/or byprods. of mechanical or chemical processes using organic raw materials, 60-85 wt.% coal powder and 10-20 wt.% moisture.
The prods. consisting of biomass and coal powder are produced by mixing the ingredients in the desired ratio and/or drying and compressing, or drying the ingredients and/or mixing and compressing at 40-120 MPa pressure and 120-180 deg. C with a moisture content of 10-20 wt.%.
A bioconversion reactor supports the anaerobic fermentation of organic material supplied via one end of a housing. Vertical baffles in the housing are staggered vertically so lower ends of alternate baffles are sealed to the base of the housing. This forces the flow to pass over these baffles and under the adjacent baffles spaced from the housing floor. Gas is removed from the top of the appts..    Pref. feed passes underneath the baffles of one set and over the baffles of the interdigitated set. Effluent is discharged from the right hand side and methane is removed from an outlet at the top. Pref. lower ends of the baffles of one set are inclined in a downstream direction. Pref. housing is circular and the baffles extend radially. Sample ports are along the length of the reactor and also facilitate the unclogging of the reactor.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The reactor is used to ferment an agricultural residue, e.g. corn stover, wheat- or rice-straw. The reactor is of simple design and has a detention time of less than one day.
Prodn. of a catalyst for isomerisation of n-paraffins, esp. n-butane, from shaped catalyst particles contg. 50-90 wt.% ion-exchanged or partly dealuminised mordenite and 50-10% Al2O3, which have been heat-treated at above 620 K, comprises: (i) submitting the particles to an at least 2 stage alternating halogenation and acidification, using hydrogen halide acids and/or their salts and mineral acids and/or their ammonium salts respectively, to give an alkali content of below 0.1 wt.% and halogen concn. of 1-10 wt.% during the halogenation stages; (ii) loading the particles with 0.05-1.0 wt.% Pt as a Pt cpd.; and (iii) heating to above 373 K.    ADVANTAGE -   The catalyst has high activity and selectivity, and makes no special demands w.r.t. the isomerisation process. The reqd. halogen level is low, and little or no activating components are reqd. before or during reaction. When e.g. feeding n-butane at 553 K, the prod. contd. 40.1 wt.% isobutane and 5.5 wt.% cracked prods.
Sepn. process for gases produced by coal gasification comprises pressure swing adsorption (PSA), using activated carbon, a zeolite or a mixt. of the two as adsorbent. The gases are adsorbed as a mixt. at high pressure, and then selectively desorbed by pressure release, initially cocurrent with the feed direction, and later, when the pressure has fallen to about 1 atmos., in the countercurrent direction. The process is esp. useful for recovering H2 (the first desorbate) at high purity (e.g. 99.7%, with less than 0.001 % S); and for removing acid gases (the last desorbates) such as CO2 and H2S. Conc. CO and CH4 fractions can also be obtd.. The acid gas mixt. can be converted to S.    ADVANTAGE -   The use of initial cocurrent desorption gives initial fractions of greater purity than the usual countercurrent method. (Final countercurrent desorption then completes removal of acid gases). By operating with columns which are no more than 50 % satd. (as is pref.), acid gases are recovered in higher purity.
Liq. from digester or sewage sludge largely filling an enclosed tank is sucked by a pump (6) into pipes (5) passing through the tank wall, and delivered to an injector (7) also connected to a pipe (8) receiving gas collecting above the liq. surface. Pipes, pumps and injectors may all be multiple, like the return feeders (9) deliverying the mixt. of gas and liq. back into the tank contents and terminating at various distances into the tank.    In variations, the extractor pump is itself submerged in the tank and moveable up and down a vertical guide on a fitting which also holds the injector and its return feeder. Again, the return pipe may deliver into an open-ended large dia. axial tube acting as a mammoth pump to circulate liq..    The gas suction line may incorporate pumps to raise pressure.    ADVANTAGE -   Intensified gasification accelerates biological processes and prevents surface crust formation.
Refuse is separated into a vegetable wet fraction and a lightweight solid fraction. The former is passed to a biogas plant for the production of methane. The latter is pressed to pellets or granules of 1-50 mm reduced to a dry substance content of at least 75% and pyrolysed in a heated low-temperature carbonisation drum. The gas produced is converted by a red hot bed to fuel gas.    ADVANTAGE -   This converts every tonne of domestic refuse to over 850 cu.m. of gas, leaving only 250 kg of solids to be dumped and 250 litres of liquid to be discharged. A minimum of environmental pollution is combined with a maximum recovery of the primary energy.
Catalyst comprises a catalytic metal and an alkoxide-modified support, the support comprising a core support material having (a) a surface area of about 20-200 sq.m/g, and (b) on its outer surface a metal oxide produced from a precursor metal alkoxide. The catalytic metal is pref. a Gp. VIII metal, The core support material is pref. the oxide of a metal of Gps. IIIb, IVa, IVb or Va, esp.SiO2 or Al2O3. The metal of the alkoxide also is pref. from Gps. IIIb, IVa, IVb or Va; and the alkoxide anion is pref. 1-10 (esp. 2-4)C. Esp. pref. is the combination of Ru as catalytic metal and Al, Ta or Ti as the metal of the alkoxide.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The catalyst is useful e.g. for selective prodn. of CH4 from CO and H2. The support treatment results in increased catalytic activity: e.g. when used in catalysts of Ru (1%)/gamma -Al2O3, it increased the CO conversion form 3 to 90 mole% and the CH4 selectivity from 81 to 99 mole%.
Biogas is produced by anaerobic fermentation of acidified waste from the prodn. of tapioca from cassava roots. The waste is adjusted to pH 1-4 with HCl and maintained at 30-60 deg.C to expel HCN. The HCN-contg. off-gas is scrubbed with a base before being vented into the atmos. The acidified waste is then neutralised with a base, e.g. a soln. of Na2CO3 and (NH4)2CO3, and fed into a conventional bioreactor, e.g. as described in DE3102739.    ADVANTAGE -   Acidification removes cyanide ions as HCN, thus preventing poisoning of the microorganisms.
Process for optimising and accelerating transformation of organic waste materials to humus uses a resonance reagent (A) consisting of a colloidal fluid having ferro-magnetic properties to which is added (at high dilution) essential oils. This reagent is incorporated into the treatment water which passes through a double (alternating and continuous) electromagnetic fields, then treated with an electrode.    This electrode comprises a glass tube having a graphite core wrapped with a solenoid and a battery of ferrites connected to the solenoid and filled with a mixt. of silica and sea salt. It is connected to a high frequency, multi-wavelength block generator, producing an electromagnetic field superimposed on the alternating field via a multi condenser having a flexible armature with a biological dielectric. This generator is also connected to a capture antenna; a capture electrode and energy-field emitters (consisting of open Hertz circuits made of different metals and induced by the largest circuit).    (A) receives energetic plasmas vibrationally corresp. to the material being treated) from a pulse-wave generator inside a magnetic field of over 8000 Gauss.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The method is used to convert straw, manure, abattoir waste, seaweed etc. to fertilisers and soil conditioners. It requires only a small investment, is inexpensive, rapid, safe and of high capacity.
A crystalline aluminosilicate compsn. is prepd. by (a) contacting a crystalline aluminosilicate, esp. ZSM-5 or chabazite, with a soln. of a Pt or Pd salt, to form a Pt or Pd crystalline aluminosilicate, (b) calcining the aluminosilicate from (a) in air at 300-600 deg.C for at least 4 hr., (c) heating the calcined aluminosilicate in presence of H2, from room temp. to 300-400 deg.C at 0.5-2 deg.C.min., (d) keeping the silicate at this temp. for 0.5-4 hr., and (e) cooling the aluminosilicate to room temp. in presence of H2.    (a) The Pt or Pd salt soln. is ion-exchanged or impregnated onto the aluminosilicate. (d) The temp. is maintained for 0.75-1.25 hr. The compsn. contains 0.1-10 wt.% of Pd or Pt. Opt., (f) the aluminosilicate is mixed with a methanol synthesis catalyst, esp. Cr oxide/ZnO or Cu oxide/ZnO, in ratio by wt. of methanol, synthesis catalyst:aluminosilicate of 0.3-5.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Contacting the crystalline aluminosilicate, in catalytic amts. with synthesis gas contg. H2 and CO under conversion conditions, to provide ethane at a C selectivity of at least 40% is claimed. The catalyst has high activity in conversion of synthesis gas to 2-4C (esp. 2-3C) alkanes, with high selectivity for ethane. Activity and selectivity are retained over long periods of time. Any water formed reacts with CO in the water gas shift reaction, providing additional H2, and there is little need to employ a water gas shifted synthesis gas as feed.
Expanded polyolefin foam (I) comprises an ethylene (co)polymer resin (II), a stability control agent (III), and a blowing agent (IV). (III) is a partial ester of long chain fatty acids with polyols, higher alkyl amines, fatty acids or unsatd. carboxylic acid copolymers. (IV) is (i) isobutane; (ii) mixt. of 5-95% isobutane with 95-5% of 1-4C (chloro)fluorocarbons of b.pt. -50 to 50 deg.C, and permeation rate through (II) modified with (III) of less than 1.2 times the permeation rate of air; and (iii) mixt. of at least 70% isobutane and 1-5C hydrocarbons of (chloro)fluorocarbons of physical properties the same as those volatiles of (ii).    Pref. (II) is an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer or LDPE and (III) is pref. a fatty acid amide.    ADVANTAGE -   (I) contg. (III) and expanded under foaming conditions by (IV) has good dimensional stability and does not undergo shrinkage during ageing or curing. The use of (III), also known as a permeability modifier, allows a wider variety of the cheaper volatile hydrocarbon blowing agents to be employed.
A method to uniformly load a granular material into a vessel eg to compost sewage sludge comprises uniformly loading a granular or pulp material into a vessel which has a relatively large cross-sectional area. The material is feed in via a conveyor tube. Over at least part of the surface of the material there is a drivable trolley having two contrarotating screws which act together to form a ridge of material in the space between the two screws. The trolley also moves at right angles to the axis of the screws with the result that the material is uniformly spread out.    CO2 and steam is removed from the arrangement.    USE -   For compost sewage slurry and wood chips (Provisional Basic previously advised in week 8651).
Sewage sludge from and a carbon-bearing material e.g. wood chips from is fed onto a conveyor and thence to a mixer. The mixture is removed by the conveyor to a composting plant. Subsequently the composted material enters the vessel on a conveyor. This is fed into the vessel by the screw towards the outlet. Screw conveys it to a storage or further treatment vessel.    There is also a screw which conveys compost to the other outlet where it falls on the conveyor. At certain times the screw rotates in the opposite direction and conveys compost to the other outlet and thence on the conveyor. The vessel also contains a level controller which controls the conveyor to maintain the desired level in the vessel.    USE -   Composting sewage sludge with e.g. wood chips. (Provisional Basic previously advised in week 8651)
Active catalyst for methanising C oxides and which can be reduced at low temps. and used at 200-450 deg.C, consists of a multi-component strong, heat-stable catalyst, free from toxic substances. The catalyst can be used in plant for the prodn. of NH3 and H2 and is itself produced in a standard catalyst prodn. plant, without major changes.
Prodn. of pillared, interlayered clay comprises: (a) preparing an aq. soln. contg. 0.4-10 wt.% aluminium hydroxychloride; (b) maintaining the soln. temp. at 20-70 deg.C for a time long enough to increase the surface area and pore vol. of the prod. obtd. in step (h); (c) reacting smectite clay with the aq. soln. to give an Al-exchanged clay prod. (I) in an aq. liq.; (d) separating (I) from the liq.; (e) dispersing (I) in distilled water; (f) separating (I) from the water; (g) substantially drying (I); and (h) calcining the (I) from stage (g). A zeolite may be introduced during the prepn. to give a pillared, interlayered clay admixed with zeolite.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The prods., or prods. derived from them, are useful as adsorbents for sepg. gas mixts., e.g. CH4/C2H6, 2C/3C in natural gas, O2/N2, H2N2; and as catalysts, e.g. for hydrocracking and cracking. Their performance in these uses can be better than that of unpillared clay or pillared clay prepd. without step (b). Their surface area (e.g. 330 sq/m/g) and pore vol. (e.g. 0.15 cc/g) are higher than from prepn. without step (b).
The semiconductor sample is decomposed with an inorganic acid or alkali, in a closed container for the decomposition. Resultant soln. is then put in a boat of high-melting metal, and after adding methanol it is vapourised by heating to 100-600 deg. C and introduced into argon plasma produced by microwave heating, and the quantitiveanalysis of boron is effected from the intensity of excitation luminescence.    The boron is the sample is vaporised in the form of trimethyl ester of boric acid. The container used is made of fluorocarbon resin to avoid boron contamination from glass which is the common material. In case of acid decomposition a mixt. of HF and HNO3 is employed, while in the alkali decomposition a mixt. of NaOH and H2O2 is used. In both cases about 10-50 microns of the sample soln. is taken and 10-100 microns of methanol is added. The evapn. is effected at 300 deg. C (10 seconds) and 249.68 nm is used for the measurement.    ADVANTAGE -   Detection limit is 0.0002 ppm.
The mixt. is fed to a distn. column, and water is supplied to obtain distillate in which contents of alcohol(s) and organic acid(s) are lowered. Amt. of water (added to composition) is detd. to the theoretical amt required to synthesise alcohol(s) contained in the mixture, or one-third thesum of the above theoretical amt and is that required to form on azeotrope with alcohol(s) if the alcohol(s) form an azeotrope with water.    Process is applied to a system composed of 2-5C hydrocarbon(s), 1-5C alcohol(s), 1-5C organic acid(s) and water, esp. a system composed of 4C hydrocarbon(s), tert-butanol, acetic acid and water. Distn. column is operated under a pressure of 2-10 kg/sq. cmG(esp. 2.5-4.0 kg/sq.cmG), temp. below 150 deg.C (esp. below 100 deg.C) and reflux ratio of hydrocarbon(s) below 1.0 (esp below 0.5). Water is supplied to upper part of distn. column. Contents of alcohol(s) and organic acid(s) in recovered hydrocarbon(s) are lowered to below 2000 ppm wt and below 10 ppm wt.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Hydrocarbon(s) can be recovered efficiently. Procedure can be applied to recover 4C hydrocarbon(s) from crude tert-butanol composed of 4C hydrocarbon(s), tert-butanol, water and acetic acid, and recovered hydrocarbon(s) is/are used to prepare methyl tert-butyl ether or butene-1etc.
The process comprises pretreating step and methane-fermenting step. In pretreatment, paper prodn. waste water-evapd and condensed liq is adjusted to pH 3 with acid to remove methane fermentation-interrupting substance by pptn and coagulation, followed by neutralisation.    ADVANTAGE -   CO2 and hydrogen sulphide in methane gas can be easily removed.
Prodn. of compsns. which, after reductive activation, are useful as catalysts for conversion of synthetsis gas to C2+ hydrocarbons and which comprise less than 1 wt.% Ru on CeO2, is effected by impregnating CeO2 with a soln. of a thermally decomposable Ru cpd. (other than a carbonyl) in a nonaqueous organic solvent.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The catalysts have high selectivity for prodn. of gasoline-range hydrocarbons. Specifically the CeO2 is pref. impregnated to incipient wetness with a soln. of Ru acetylacetonate in acetone and then heated in a N2 or air stream at 250-600 deg.C.. The compsns. may also contain up to 2 wt.% alkali metal. Activation is effected by heating in a reducing gas (esp. H2/N2) atmos.. The resulting catalyst, opt. in combination with a zeolite (esp. HZSM-5), is used to convert synthesis gas at 190-400 (esp. 250-350) deg.C and 0-100 (esp. 10-50) bar.
Biogas is produced from organic waste, esp. from liq. manure produced by animal farms, without any mechanical stirring mechanism by a type of plug flow across a container, pref. of the shape of a standardised ISO container. The substrate inlet is fitted with the mouthpiece to distribute the liquid in the pre-fermentation space before it passes through the main fermentation with the heat exchangers. Retainers of the active bacteria stabilise the digestion.    ADVANTAGE -   This plant is easy to erect and can be produced at low cost. It achieves a good digestion without any stirring mechanisms.
The pith is sepd. from the bast of sweet sorghum by advancing a mat of aligned sorghum stalks. The axes of the stalks are parallel to that of the conveyor and the downstream ends of the stalks engage a drum which carries rotating dull flails. These form a hail of pith particles but do not cut through the fibres of the stalks. Instead, the fibres form strings which remain attached to the stalks until a stalk node is reached. At this point, the fibres break off as a clump. At a downstream operation, the fibres are sepd. from the pith by screening or elutriation in an air stream.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The pith is used to produce an alcohol fuel. The stalks pass through the appts. only once yet the fibres are easy to remove as they stay in large clumps.
A novel microbiological method is described for removing oil products from waste and stratum water. The oil is destroyed by the fungus species Aspergillus amstelodami G-2460 D; the latter is available from the All Union collection of micro-organisms in the ANSSR Institute of biochem and physiology of micro-organisms. The collection number is VKMG-2460D.    The above fungus is isolated from the mineral rich (260 g/l) stratum water of Permsk region. After 3 weeks, highly coloured areas form on the nutrient agar. Mineralised water is prepared without NaCl and with 5-20 per cent of the latter. The soln. is sterilised and inoculated with a suspension of the fungus. Sterile oil is added (8 ml/50 ml water). The period is noted when 50 per cent of the oil disappears. The time varies between 6 and 16 days, according to the conc. of NaCl in the water. The fungus destroys the oil when an opt. nutrient medium was supplied, e.g. Norenkov's medium (g/l): (NH4)2HPO4 1, NH4Cl 0.2, K2HPO4 0.25, KH2PO4 0.25, MgSO4 0.02, Mohr's salt 0.01, (NH4)2MoO4 0.005, pure water to 1l; pH 7-7.2. Materials other than oil are also destroyed, e.g. starch, cellulose, sugars, high alcohols etc.    ADVANTAGE -   Patented fungus VKMG-2460D, when fed with suitable nutrients, readily destroys oil and some other carbon prods. present in waste and stratum water. Bul.22/15.6.86
Material is prepd. by blending the extract from completely fermented manure including livestock dung. The raw manure is prepd. by mixing livestock dung (e.g., cow dung, pig, dung, etc.), rice straw, sawdust, etc. After addn. of an appropriate amt. of water to the completely fermented manure, the extract is obtd. by filteration. The extract is blended together with a perfume, etc. to give the cosmetic material.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The raw material is low-cost and available in quantities. A variety of constituents in the extract, including amino acid compsn. combinedly act, preventing rough skin, giving wetness to the skin, and skin-conditioning.
A bin for composting organic waste consists of a hexagonal drum with horizontal stubshafts at the ends which are supported in two supporting pedestals. The filler opening is covered by a hinged flap with a lock. The drum can be turned by hand through six levers with handles.    ADVANTAGE -   This is a low cost bin which can be easily dismantled for transport or storage and functions reliably.
Adsorbents for sepn. of gas mixts. by the pressure swing process comprise zeolites of type 5A and 10X whose crystal structure has suffered little or no damage. Damage is avoided by drying and activating the zeolites in a gas stream contg. up to 0.5 vol.% NH3, temps. above 650 deg. K being avoided when NH3 is present. The adsorbents are pref. in pellet form. The 5A zeolites are up to 85% exchanged with Ca and Mg cations, have static adsorptive capacities of 13-15 mg/g for N2, above 33 mg/g for CO and above 12.5 mg/g for CH4, and contain no more than 10-20% disilicic acid and no polysilicic acid. The 10X zeolites have static adsorptive capacities of more than 20 mg/g for N2, more than 30 mg/g for CO and more than 14 mg/g for CH4.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The adsorbents may be used for air fractionation, H2 recovery, gas purificn., etc.. Avoidance of crystal lattice damage during activation of the zeolites increases their adsorptive capacity for N2, CO and CH4.
The conversion of methane to higher hydrocarbons and coproduct water by contact with a gaseous oxidant (I) and a solid reducible metal oxide (II) at 500-1000 deg. C is improved by the presence of halogen or halogen cpd. as promoter (III). Pref. a hydrocarbon feedstock contg. 90-100% methane is used. (I) is an oxygen-contg. gas, e.g. air, or a nitrogen oxide, e.g. N2O. (II) is an oxide of Mn, Sn, In, Ge, Pb, Sb, Bi, Pr, Tb, Ce, Fe or Ru, esp. Mn. (III) is Cl (esp.) or Br or a cpd. contg. the halogen added to ghe gaseous feed as free halogen, aliphatic halide or hydrogen halide, forming 0.1-5 vol.% of the gaseous feed. An alkali(ne or earth) metal, e.g. Na, is present as additional promoter in atomic ratio to (II) of 0.3-10:1. A P cpd. may also be present.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Higher methane conversion at similar hydrocarbon selectivity or increased hydrocarbon selectivity at similar methane conversion. Used in converting gas to more readily transportable material.
Appts. comprises sludge inlet port formed at incubating stirrer, seed sludge outlet port formed at maturing tank, connected to the stirrer and connected to adjusting stirrer connected to the maturing tank.    USE -   For incubating soil bacteria.
Night soil decomposing appts. comprises night soil storage tank, night soil decomposing vessel with upper lid and raising pump vessel. Filter layer is provided in decomposing vessel which is at least partially buried in ground.    ADVANTAGE -   Night soil can be treated in home.
Prepn. comprises kneading a mixt. of cut straw, fallen leaves, grasses and pig and/or cattle manure, piling the mixt. on the ground to ferment it.    The amt. of manure is e.g. about 60 wt.%, straw about 30 wt.%, fallen leaves about 5 wt.% and grasses 5 wt.%. Kneading is conducted in a tank, and air is supplied to the mixt. to activate oxidase and sucrase.    ADVANTAGE -   The fertiliser contains three elements for fertilisation (i.e., N, P, K), promotes the growth of plants, and improves the soil. It can be stored for long periods and generation of fungi, maggots, and flies in the fertiliser do not occur even if stored for long periods. The fertiliser can be used as a litter for domestic animals.
Various organic wastes such as dehydrated sludge, raw waste material, livestock waste, etc. are thrown into fermentation tank together with certain amt. of straw to adjust water content and carbon content ratio, seed bacteria, and a small amt. of enzyme. Thrown raw material is mixed by ribbon screw. According to determined ratio of water content and carbon/nitrogen ratio of 45-55% and 25:1-30:1, raw material is heated to 15-40 deg. C for 10-14 hrs. by heater to promote fermentation. Final fermentation stage is carried out by high temp. bacteria active in 45-60 deg. C optimum temp.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Owing to efficient heating, medium and high temp. bacteria are effectively activated for rapid and satisfactory fermentation of organic waste.
A treatment process and corresp. plant installation for producing an aq.,mainly organic sludge from rubbish, partic. household refuse. Particles of ferrous metals are eliminated by a magnetic drum separator. The remaining waste is broken down by passing through a mill and then mixed with water to produce a suspension with solids content of about 50 to 60 g/l..    For a first period the suspensions is subjected to a fairly brisk agitation. During a much shorter, second period the suspension receives a much slower agitation. The suspension is then passed through a screen which delivers a sludge free of particles above a predetermined dia. The top section of the tank in which the suspension is agitated contains two vertical shaft, variable speed agitators with rotors acting the same horizontal plane. During the first period of agitation the rotors are turned in opposite directions. In the second period the rotors turn in the same direction.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Prepn. of a mainly organic, aq. sludge from household rubbish etc.. The sludge can be mixed into organic waste ready for fermenting to produce methane. Compact, robust reliable plant reduces sludge with high proportion of organic matter from mixed refuse.
Method for the in vitro prodn. of cotton fibres comprises providing a cell suspension of a strain of Gossypium and culturing the suspension in a liq. basal salts medium supplemented with a carbon source under conditions sufficient to promote cotton fibre prodn.    The Gossypium strain is pref. G. hirsutum, G. arboreum, G. barbadense, G. anomalum, G. armourianum, G. klotzchianum or G. raimondii. Pref. the basal salts medium is Murashige and Skoog, Gamborg, Schenk and Hildebrandt, White, Linsmaier and Skoog or Beasley and Ting. The carbon source is pref. glucose at a concn. of 20-40 g/l.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The method provides an alternative source for fibre prodn. which under controlled conditions can result in a prod. which is continuously available, uniform and displays desirable properties.
Helium is extracted from gas mixts. with a helium contact, specially from natural gas, by devices which are known for the isotype sepn. and uranium beneficiation. They include sepn. jet systems and gas ultracentrifuges. The gas mixt. is passed through a cascade of them and the much heavier gas components are sepd. from the light-wt. helium by centrifugal forces.    ADVANTAGE -   This separates specially helium from the four times heavier methane. The last stage would, however, still be a liquefaction plant.
The installation comprises complementary raw material feeding units, major raw material feeding units, belt conveyor, paddle mixer, finish crushing unit, screen, culturing adjustment tank with dust collecting and reducing hood and dust collector. Dust collecting and reducing hood and dust collector are connected by pipe.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Industrial waste can be effectively reduced to soil under stable condition of both quality and volume so that secondary pollution problems are solved. As for major raw material, lump shared surplus sewage, pulp waste sludge (lump shape), or others are used. Appropriate colume and type of complementary raw material and major raw material are combined together according to type of soil production by means of programable controller. Adequate mixing ratio of water, PH and organic substance is determined.
The materials comprise 60-89 wt.% A1203, 8-30 wt.% Si)2, and 3-15 wt.% of alkali metal oxides. They are coated on the outer surfaces of metallic pipings.    ADVANTAGE -   The materials have good adhesion to the pipings, providing a good catalyst support layer having increased catalytic activity.    An example of the materials formed from aluminium hydroxide, water-glass, and silicic acid gel and having the compsn. of 87.2 A1203, 8.4 Si02, 3.5 Na20, 0.5 K20, and 0.4 Li20 (all in wt.%) was coated in 1.0 mm thickness on a 16mm dia. SUS316 pipe and fired at 650 deg.C. Thus obtd. catalyst support layer had good mechanical strength. A Ni catalyst, used to produce methane, was produced by depositing Ni on the catalyst support layer.
The method comprises oxidising of organic cpds. using the enzymic system produced by the thermophilic methane-oxidising microbe belonging to Methylomonas.    The culture of M. thermophila AJ11331 is conducted using methane as the only carbon source and its multiplication is promoted by carbon dioxide gas. The culture is propagated in the liq. culture medium which does not contain other carbon source, at 50 deg.C and at pH 4.5-8, supplying mixed gas contg. methane 5-90%, carbon dioxide gas 5-30% and balance oxygen or air.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The novel bacterial strain can produce the oxidising enzymic system which shows high activity at 50 deg.C, was sepd. from the soil collected in Chiba prefecture and named Methylomonas thermophila AJ11331 (FERM P-4859). It can be used as ready bacterial body but its cell-free extract shows more wide substrate specificity. Practically it can be used for oxidising gaseous alkanes, liquid alkanes, 1-alkenes, 2-alkenes, alicyclic hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbons, prim. alcohols, sec. alcohols, halo-alkenes, etc.
Pyrolysis plant for domestic refuse, industrial wastes and sewage sludge applies a low-temp. carbonisation technique to produce residual coke and an L.T. gas which is transformed in a gas converter to a cracked gas. This converter is a molten iron bath gasifier which is kept heated by electrical, chemical, coke or gas energy input and receives the L.T. gas through nozzles, also agents for the chemical or thermal neutralisation of toxic substances.    ADVANTAGE -   This maximises the calorific value of the cracked gas and minimises the appts. needed for the conversion of wastes into high-grade cracked gas.
Method, and appts, for dewatering biomass material comprises (a) feeding the material batchwise into a baling chamber; and (b) forcing a compaction ram against the batch of material, the ram having a non-planar working face with a profile converging towards the batch. A number of discrete, horizontal stepped portions, and a vertical stepped portion joined to each pair of adjacent horizontal step portions to create a predetermined negative pressure gradient from the centre of the batch towards the walls of the baling chamber. Gradient drives the moisture radially outward from the centre whilst providing enough pressure at the walls to expel moisture from the chamber, to enhance the flow of moisture from the batch to the walls and out of the chamber through a conduit in the direction of the ram movement.    ADVANTAGE -   Amt. of moisture removed from a green biomass is improved over what can be accomplished using a planar ram face.
Part of mixed soln. from sludge forming process is sent to reaction process through incubation process. Rest is sent to ageing process through sepn. process.    In incubation process, metabolite with phenol gp. is increased by soil facultative anaerobic bacteria or soil facultative anaerobic bacteria and aerobic bacteria. In reaction process, waste water and metabolite are mixed to enlarge sludge size. In methane fermentation process, organic substances are changed to organic acids and alcohols and decomposed to form methane gas and CO2 by coexisting soil facultative anaerobic bacteria producing metabolite with phenol gp., aerobic bacteria and soil obligate anaerobic bacteria contg. methane bacteria.    ADVANTAGE -   Waste water is effectively treated without lowering faculties for the bacteria.
Organic fertiliser contg. chitin is obtd. by adding microorganism contg. ray fungus to a mixt. of 5-20 wt.% chitin-contg. material, 7-15 wt.% excrements, 45-65 wt.% of one or more substances selected from soybean dregs, bran oil cake, fish meal and vegetable fibre and 20-30 wt.% mixt. of gypsum and silicate, and fermenting the mixt.    Examples the ray fungus capable of decomposing chitin are Streptomyces griseus, St. aureofaciens, St. rimosus, St. kanamyceticus, St. hasugaensis, Actinomyces, etc. Other microorganisms are Bacillus, Rhizobium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, Arthrobotrys. Fermentation is carried out under aerobic conditions (e.g. under aeration or stirring). Fermenter temp. rises to about 70 deg.C after 24-72 hrs. from addition of the mixt. into the fermenter. Harmful insects, seeds or weeds and eggs of harmful insects are killed at this temp.    ADVANTAGE -   When the fertiliser is applied to soil, ray fungus contained in the fertiliser propagate while decomposing the chitin on the cell wall of pathogenic fungi as nutritive source, and as a result plant diseases caused by said fungi can be controlled. Fermented prod. is removed to an ageing tank and is aged until water content and temp. decrease. Disorders due to repeated cultivation can be prevented by use of the present fertiliser.
Aeration rate of raw material in tank is reduced by decreasing rotation speed of blower for aerating the material or increasing air flow resistance in air duct attached to the tank when temp. of air is low.    USE -   For compost mfr. from organic wastes.
System for anaerobic digestion including prim. digestion tank into which sludge is intermittently introduced and a sec. digestion tank comprises a flow meter for measuring rate of gas generation in the tanks, a pump for returning digested sludge from second tank to first tank, an operating device for computing target value of returned sludge based on deviation of flow rate from predetermined value at a time immediately before introducing sludge to first tank, a controller for controlling flow of the returned sludge in response to output from the device, a densitometer for detecting concn. CT of solid in first tank, another densitometer for detecting concn. Cr of solid in returned digested sludge, and a controller to compare values CT with Cr and to stop return of digested sludge when CT is not less than Cr.    ADVANTAGE -   Amt. of returned sludge is controlled according to judgement of whether amt. of bacteria in the tank is adequate relative to amt. of sludge supplied to first tank.
Pretreatment method includes charging the bags contg. e.g. urban waste into a bag breaking appts. so that the bags may be broken and the waste may be granulated, removing objects that do not form compost such as plastics, removing batteries and metals, and breaking objects that can be made into compost.
Appts. includes sets of paired endless wires put in grooves in wire drums that are spaced so that the wires can be run around the drums. Pressing discs are positioned in the upper paths of the endless wires. A wire spreading drum that is rotatable, has grooves and is positioned in the lower paths of the endless wires.
Human waste stirring and transporting appts. for compost producing appts. includes a section for introducing waste and additives for fermentation, a section for mixing and transporting them, and a curing tank. The section for mixing and transporting includes a transporting pipe, a hollow rotating shaft, means of removing the waste and additives, and blades for stirring and transporting.
Packing elements of plastic material for the growth of sessile microorganisms in activated sludge installations consist of a pack of hollow elements in a frame which have a profiled outer surface but are not restricted inside. A lifting bar facilitates the exchange of the packs.    ADVANTAGE -   This offers an optimum passage to air bubbles without any risk of sludge deposits or blockages.
A powder additive for use in combustion of solids contains (1) di-Ca phosphate, (2) NH4Cl, and (3) perborates, e.g. of Na or K, (4) a Mn cpd., e.g. the sulphate, (5) NaNO3 or KNO3, (6) FeSO4.7H2O, (7) MgSO4 and/or Ca(NO3)2.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The powder is used to counteract the formation of deposits in furnaces, boilers or filters, and to reduce noxious discharges during combustion (claimed), e.g. in combustion of waste or garbage, including waste contg. plastics, combustion of solid fuel, e.g. coal or coke, or of straw, and combustion in crematoria. The additive is introduced continuously as a powder mist in the blazing zone of the furnace, in amt. to give a drying effect, esp. 75-300 g. of additive w.r.t. 1000 kg. of solid fuel (claimed), e.g. 100-150 g/ton of industrial waste + domestic garbage, or 100 g/ton of fired straw (or more of the straw is wet). Furnaces, boilers and filters need less freq. cleaning, and cleaning does not need highly skilled workers. Boiler corrosion is reduced. Discharge of toxic substances e.g. dioxines from crematoria, is lessened.
Hydrogen and methane are sepd. from a gas mixt. (I) contg. hydrocarbons (II) heavier than methane by (a) passing (I) through chilling stages, (b) collecting at least one chilling stage bottoms (III), and passing it to a hydrogen stripper, (c) collecting a stripper overheads (IV) contg. most of the hydrogen entering the stripper, (d) collecting a stripper bottoms (V) contg. most of the methane and an least 99% of the (II) entering the stripper, (e) fractionating (V) to obtain an overheads portion (VI) comprising mostly methane, and a bottoms portion comprising at least 99% of the (II) and not more than 1% of the methane entering the fractionating zone, and (f) sepg. a hydrogen stream from at least one of the chilling stages operated at less than -140 deg.C.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   A gas mixt. e.g. from an ethylene prodn. unit, may be demethanated with a high recovery of a relatively pure hydrogen off-gas stream, without the need to use an external methane refrigeration circuit or to compress the methane-rich stream to high pressures.
The method comprises contacting starting hydrocarbon material with catalyst comprising NaCl.AlCl3 on NaX zeolite support at wt. ratio 1:1 to 1:5, at 200-300 deg. C and at flow rate of starting material supply equal to 0.5-2.25/h.    Tests show that proposed method yields 79.1-86.0% gas, contg. high amts. of 4C hydrocarbons. Yield of 4C hydrocarbons is 65.0-74.9%.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In oil processing industry. Increased yield of 4C hydrocarbons. Bul.20/30.5.86
Fuel compsn. consists of a vegetable body, atactic polypropylene, porous inorganic material and/or hollow inorganic material. The compsn. is kneaded and moulded.    Vegetable body is e.g. saw-dust, coconut shell powder, etc. Porous inorganic material is e.g. zeolite, silica, etc. Hollow inorganic material is e.gq Shirasu balloon, glass microballoon, etc. Proportion of the atactic polypropylene to the vegetable body is 15-40 pts.wt. per 10 pts.wt. vegetable body.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Compsn. easily ignited with match or lighter and having 7700-9500 Kcal/kg calorific value, is provided. The ignited fuel is hardly extinguished even in the rain. The fuel is used for igniting wet wood, or it may be used itself as fuel. When the fuel is inserted into wood charcoal, the wood charcoal can be ignited within several minutes.
In aerobic fermentation treatment of reed raw material, reed is dried to produce water content of 30-60% and then 20-50% of animal dungs or de-watered activated sludge cake is admixed. Based on total BOD of mixt., aeration is forced during aerobic fermentation at rate on air-feed/total BOD base of 1.0-3.5 lt/kg-O2/min.    Dewatered activated sludge cake is collected from sewer treatment plant. Collected sludge is sepd. by adding high-mol. coagulant and then water is further sepd.    Fermentation is effected maintaining a temp. higher than 50 deg.C for longer than 4 days and max. temp. during this period must reach above 65 deg.C for sterilising microbes and parasite worms. These prerequisites are satisfied by invention for reed material which is normally very slow to ferment.    USE -   Organic fertiliser and soil improving material is obtd.
Compost making system uses a drum type fermentation tank. Inside of the tank is divided into several compartments to form inner tanks. Either one of tanks is filled with unfermented compost raw material and neighbouring tank with fermentation completed or under fermentation material. Material is mixed and fermented by rotating tank. Completed compost is taken out from tank and new material is filled again for fermentation.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Water content is discharged through air holes to prevent incomplete fermentation due to sludgy raw material. Material is evenly exposed to air without large air blower installation.
Method is used to treat waste water contg. organic substance comprises (1) cultivating soil bacterial gp. so as to produce metabolic prod. contg. phenol or/and the cpds. contg. phenol gp. and (2) activating the soil bacterial gp. further to increasing the amt. of prod. and inactivate other bacterial groups using the antibiotic effect of the soil bacterial gp.. To obtain and continue phenolic metabolic system, it is essential to culture the bacteria in the presence of the metabolic prod. of phenol or/and a cpd. having phenol gp. for prescribed time and usually the metabolic prod. is added in the culture medium or humus and its precourser can be used.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Dual metabolic systems for waste water treatment use anaerobic bacteria and aerobic bacteria, and in this method phenolic metabolic system is used.
Lighter components are sepd. from a gas mixt. by deep temperature redification in two stages. In the second stage, operating at lower pressure then the first stage, lower b. pt. components are recovered as gaseous head prods. The heavier liq. components collecting in the sump are pumped to higher pressure and heated. Pressure redn. for the sump liq. entering the redification stages is used at least partly to produce useful work, e.g. in a reverse acting pump.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. for fractionating natural gas contg. N2. The CH4 fraction is obtd. at higher and more useful pressure than hitherto possible.
A machine for briquetting fibrous materials such as wool or cotton waste, straw etc. has an extruding press, in which the material fed in is moved by the threads of a screw into a conically tapered tool and, after being pressed through, is gripped by a pressure device consisting of an outer tube; the cylindrical i.d. of this tube is coated with a non-metallic lubricant.    A driven extruder screw is in a barrel with inlet hopper; projections on the screw break up the material which is passed along by the screw threads to the mouth of a tapered tube. Here the material is pressed in. The i.d. of the tube decreases along its length to the outlet end where the compressed material emerges.    ADVANTAGE -   The machine handles fibrous materials without difficulty (in contrast with previous designs).