Layers consisting of absorber, transparent cover and thermal insulator in a solar collector are all formed of plastic sheeting held in a frame assembled from hollow members. The partic. function of each layer depends on filling of intermedi-ate gaps with compressed air, a liq. medium or collapse of the layer. Insulating properties are related to internal air pressure. Pivoting the lowermost insulating sheet out of engagement exposes the absorber, which then acts as a condenser. When heated or cooled by internal fluid, the collector may be incorporated in an air-conditioner.    USE -   Suitable intermediate for desalination plant.
Light to illuminate an image bearing member (P) passes through a window (19) in a substrate (11) carrying a photosensor (108) which receives light reflected from the image bearing member (P). A protective layer (129A) is formed on the phoso photosensor (108), opposite the substrate (11), to maintain a constant distance between the photosensor (108) and the image bearing member (P). The protective layer is a multi layer structure having a first and second layer (129,130) of different function.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In an image reading device for reading an image bearing member such as an orginal document in a facsimile appts, a copying machine, or an image reader. Provides an image reader with improved durability capable of relaxing stress of temperature changes, adhesion for preventing cracks in the protective layer or substrate, and which maintains a hiqh resolving power and a stable reading characteristic.
Prodn. of an electrically conductive resinous article comprises shaping thermoplastic resinous compsn. contg. 5-40 wt.% of metal-coated C fibre, and heat-treating the shaped article at 80 deg. C or higher at least twice.    Specifically the metal coat has a vol. resistivity of 10-8 ohm cm or less e.g. nickel, and is formed by e.g. chemically plating, vacuum metallising, sputtering, ion plating, dipping, to give a thickness of at least 0.1 micro-m thickness. The C fire has a dia. of pref. 10 micro-m or less and length of 0.5-6mm and is of e.g. acrylonitrile, pitch, cellulose, lignin. The thermoplastic resin is e.g. polyamide, olyester, polycarbonate, polyphenylene sulphide. The coated C fibre is added to the thermoplastic resin at e.g. pelletising with single- or double-thread extruder or at moulding with injection machine. The shaped article is heated in each heat-treatment, for pref. 1 min. or more in e.g. air, vacuum or inert gas environment, or in water or oil.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Article, for e.g. contacting material of batteries, switches, has good electrical conductivity and heat resistance.
(JP2649673-B2)      A matrix for fuel batteries is manufactured by mixing 90-99 wt.% beta-crystalline silicon carbide fine particles and 1-10 wt.% PTFE resin powder with a hydrocarbon lubricant, with a boiling point of 100-250 degrees C. The mixture is then kneaded and formed into a sheet, and the sheet is heated to remove the lubricant.    ADVANTAGE -   The matrix can be precisely filled. The matrix can be made thin, and is formed without cracks, increasing strength and reducing the change of battery rupture or leakage due to gas production in the cell. a higher degree of PTFE fibrillation can be achieved, increasing the matrix water resistance, and electrolyte retention. The matrix is easily produced.
A copolymer of formula -((Ar)n-CHR2)x- is new, where Ar = gp. of formula (I-III) R1 = H or 1-20C hydrocarbon gp.; R2 = H, 1-20C hydrocarbon gp., furyl, pyridyl, chlorophenyl, nitrophenyl or methoxyphenyl; n = 1 or more; and x = 2 or more.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The copolymer is soluble in chloroform, N-methylpyrrolidone, nitrobenzene and sulphuric acid but insoluble in alcohols, aliphatic hydrocarbons, propylene carbonate and acetonitrile, used in organic electrolyte batteries. It is a thermoplastic which melts on heating, has superior processability and can be formed into shaped prods. It exhibits high electroactivity by being doped with electron acceptor and permits a redox reaction to be performed in good repeatability, when used as a sec. battery electrode it exhibits stable characteristics even when a large number of charge-discharge cycles are carried out.
A heat-storing layer is formed whereby a heat insulator layer is formed on the surface of a concrete base as an outer wall by spraying a heat insulator, such as expanded polyurethane resin. An undercoat layer is formed on the heat insulator layer by coating an inorganic coating compsn. contg. aggregate, such as volcanic glass or perlite and a waterproof layer is formed on the undercoat layer by laying a waterproof sheet made of PVC, etc., on the undercoat layer.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The heat-storing layer is for heat storage tanks set in the basement of building, etc., for supplying heat or hot water to each section of the building. Has good heat insulation effect and high preventiveness to dew-fall, high corrosion resistance, etc., and can be easily constructed.
The green composed of PLZT powder (composed of PbO, ZrO2, TiO2, and La2O3), a binder such as PVA, a plasticiser such as dibutyl phthalate, a solvent such as toluene, and a dispersant, having a thickness of 30-600 microns, is laminated with an electrode layer formed by screen-printing of an electrode paste, e.g., of Pt, Ag-Pd, etc., and the laminate is integrally baked at 400-600 deg.C. for 1-10 hours and then at 800-1250 deg.C. in a current of O2 or reduced or atmospheric air, followed by polishing it to a thickness of 200-500 microns in the light permeation direction.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The photoelectric element for use in light modulation elements, light shutters and printers, image memory displays, etc., can be easily and effectively driven by low-voltage sstem.
Suspension with specific wt. 1.65-2.20 kg/cub.dm comprising pieces of size up to 300mm of broken used accumulators with water and pasty oxidesulphate fraction (I) is sepd. into (A) heavy material consisting of coarse grained metal fraction and (I), (B) light material consisting of ebonite, PVC, and polypropylene (PP), contaminated by (I).    After washing, (A) and (B) are subjected to second and third sepn. stages to obtain pure fractions of the constituents.    The appts. comprises sepn. and washing arrangements positioned one after the other, having outer drum (1) and perforated inner drum (2) arranged concentrically thereto. A screw metal band is fixed on inner wall of outer drum (1), this drum being closed in upper section by a lid (25) fitted with an opening (26). The appts. also includes perforated large and small cylinders (12,13) stirring paddles, reflectors (22), an inclined screw, and spray heads.    ADVANTAGE -   Water used for washing the fractions is recirculated, so minimising pollution, process is efficient and readily carried out.
Light-guiding pipe comprises many units of ring form. At one terminal periphery a protruding brim, and at the other terminal indented periphery are formed respectively, and the inner surface is a mirror. The units are inserted in a flexible tube, with the protruding peripheries meshing with the indented peripheries one after the other. Specifically the ring units are made of a metal e.g. aluminium, iron or stainless steel, or from a hard synthetic resin e.g. ABS, polyacetal or polyacrylonitrile resin, or from ceramics e.g. alumina, zirconia or silicon nitride, with a mirror surface of a metal, or an alloy e.g. chromium, aluminium, zinc or silver.    ADVANTAGE -   Hollow, light-wt. beam guide is less costly compared to optical-fibre cables, and useful for guiding sunbeams into an underground part of a building, with easy piping works.
Polymeric solid electrolyte is obtd. by mixing polyphosphazene comprising repeating unit of formula (I) with a metal salt. R is aliphatic, alicyclic or aromatic gp. which may have at least one kind of substit. At least 10% of the R is a gp. of formula R1NH2 (II). R1 is aliphatic, alicyclic or aromatic gp. which may have substits. The mixing ratio of the polyphosphazene to the metal salt is such that the ratio of the polymer repeating unit to the metal salt is about 10 power(4) - 0.2. The metal salt is pref. LiSO3CF3, LiSCN, LiClO4, NaSCN, NaBF4, NaBH4, KSCN or KNO3. The polyphosphazene and the metal salt are mixed in amt. so molar ratio of the polymer repeating unit to the metal salt is about 10 power(3) - 1.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used as electrolytes for cells. It flows sufficiently large amt. of current for practical use.
Li ion conductive electrolyte is used for non-aq. electrolytic soln. contg. Li salt and non-aq. solvent, or polymer electrolyte contg. Li salt in a polymer matrix. Li salt is Li3AlF6. Pref. solvent for Li salt is e.g. propylene- or ethylene-carbonate, gamma-butyrolactone, sulphorane, THF, dimethoxyethane, dioxorane, 2-methyltetrahydrofuran, 4-methyl-1,3-dioxorane or SOCl2 etc. Polymer matrix is e.g. polyethylene-oxide, glycolmethacrylate or dipate, polyvinylacetate, polypropyleneoxide or polydimethylsiloxane etc. The conductive electrolyte e.g. comprises mixed solvent comprising 100 vol. pts. of ethylene carbonate and 100 vol. pts. of 2-methyltetrahydrofuran, and 0.015 mol/l of Li3AlF6, and it has electroconductivity of 3.3 x 10 power(-5) Scm-1 at 25 deg. C.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The electrolyte has good chemical stability. Used in Li sec. battery with Li cathode active material or the electrode doped with Li ion.
In a Li ion conductive electrolyte used for non-aq. electrolytic soln. contg. Li salt ano non-aq. solvent, or polymer electrolyte contg. Li salt in a polymer matrix, the improvement is that the Li salt is Li2SiF6.    Pref. non-aq. solvent for Li salt is e.g. propylene carbonate, ethylene carbonate, gamma-butylolactone, sulpholane, THF, dimethoxyethane, dioxolan, 2-methyltetrahydrofuran, 4-methyl-1,3-dioxolane or SOCl2, etc. The polymer, matrix is e.g. polyethylene oxide, polyethylene glycol methacrylate, polyethylene adipate, PVAc, polypropylene oxide or polydimethyl siloxane, etc. The Li ion conductive electrolyte e.g. consists of a mixed solvent consisting of 100 vol.pts. of ethylene carbonate and 100 vol.pts. of 2-methyl tetrahydrofuran, and 0.02 mol/l of Li2SiF6, and it has electroconductivity of 6.8 x 10 power (-6) per cm at 25 deg.C.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The Li ion conductive electrolyte has excellent chemical stability, and is suitable for use in Li sec. battery having Li cathode active material or electrode doped with Li ion.
(JP2511947-B2)       Electrolyte comprises a plastic resin, a solid electrolyte and insulation material. The solid electrolyte comprises particles of compsn. MCu4 I2-x Cl3+x, where x = 0.25-1.0; and M = Rh+, K+ or NH4+.    ADVANTAGE -   Positive and negative electrodes are connected by pressure stopping with plastic resin, Short circuiting is presented.
Photoelectric converter elements for converting optical energy into electrical energy are mounted on polyimide film comprising at least 70 mol.% of repeating unit(s) of formula (I) and/or (II). X1-X4 are each independently -H, -CH3, -C2H5, -NO2, -F, -Cl or -COOH.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Polyimide film is used as base film for photoelectric converter elements e.g. solar cells, etc. The film has high transparency, flexibility and heat resistance and low shrinkage to provide low strain by the temp. change and prevents cracking and breaking. It has high insulation so that many solar cells can be arranged on the same film in parallel and/or series connection.
Photoelectrfc converter elements for converting optical energy into electrical energy are mounted on transparent and colourless base film of polyimide resin comprising repeat unit(s) of formula (I), (II) or (III). In (I)-(III), X1-X4 are each -H, -CH3, -C2H5, -NO2, -G, -COOH or -Cl, X5= -O-, -SO2-, -CH2-, -S- or -O--O- and X6=-SO2, -C(CH3)2- or -C(CF3)2-.    The polyimide film is prepd. by copolymerising 3,3',4,4'-diphenylsulphone tetracarboxylic dianhydride and opt. other tetracarboxylic acid dianhydride and an aromatic diamino cpd. and opt. other diamine cpd. in an organic polar solvent (e.g. N,N-DMF or -acetamide, cresol, halogenated phenol, etc.) at an up to 80 deg.C to provide polyamic acid soln., spreading the soln. in a predetermined thickness and heating gently at 100-300 deg.C to convert the polyamic acid into polyimide film.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The polyimide film is usable as base film for photoelectric converter elements, such as solar cells, etc. The film has high flexibility and heat resistance and low heat shrinkage to provide low strain by temp. change and prevents the cracking and breaking. It has high insulation so that a great number of solar cells can be connected on the same film in parallel and/or in series.
An electrical storage accumulator has its electrolyte liquor absorbed or impregnated in an ethylene copolymer resin, of ave. mol. wt. 5000-500000, comprising 40-90 wt.% ethylene and 10-60 wt.% of at least one comonomer selected from an ethylenically unsatd. units having (A) an amido and amino gp. or (B) an ester and amino gp. The resin is pref. in the form of a moulded film or sheet or powder. The resin is impregnated by the dilute acid electrolyte by heating the mixt. to at least the m.pt. of the resin such that a viscous gel is produced.    (A) is an acrylamide derived from (I) and (B) is derived from (II). R1, R5 = H or CH3, R2, R3 = H, 1-4C alkyl or they form a heterocyclic ring with the N, pref. of formula (Ia) or (Ib); R4 = H or 1-4C alkyl, R6, R7 = defined as R2 and R3; and n,m = integer 2-5.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The accumulator, is esp. lead type, can be of small size e,g, as emergency or portable power source, or of large size e.g. as a stationary battery or for use automobiles. It may also be used to store power from a solar battery. The resin fixes the electrolyte e.g. H2SO4, to prevent leakages by gelatinising the H2SO4 and has satisfactory resistance and excellent receptivity to H2SO4. It gives reliable performance and can be assembled easily and at low cost.
An electrochemical cell subject to reduced gassing comprising an anode comprised of single crystal Zn anode metal particles which contain up to ca. 1.5 wt. % Hg, a cathode, an alkaline electrolyte, and a surface active hetero polar additive (I) having a polar affinity to the anode.    (I) is chosen e.g. from ethylene oxide contg. polymers, a monocarboxylic acid with at least two ethanolamide groupings, tridecyloxypoly(ethyleneoxy) ethanol, or organic phosphate esters of formula (AI) (in which x + y = 3; M = H, ammonia, amino or alkali(ne earth) metal and R = phenyl or alkyl or alkylarly of 6-28C.). Pref. the organic phosphate ester is the free acid of an anionic organic phosphate ester based on a linear prim. alcohol and is an unneutralised partial ester of phosphoric acid; the free acid of an anionic complex organic phosphate ester having an aromatic hydrophobe, and being an unneutralised partial ester of phosphoric acid; or an anionic mono substd. ortho phosphate ester.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Incorporation of (I) into the cell reduces gassing and corrosion in alkaline cells having Zn anodes, and allows a redn. or elimination of Hg in cell anodes.
An epoxy resin compsn. comprises an epoxy resin of formula (I), an acid anhydride curative and a curing accelerator: where A = cpd. of formula (II) where R = alkyl and n = O or 1-4, and m = O or 1-20.    Pref. the epoxy resin can be obtd. by epoxidation of 9,9-bis(hydroxyphenyl)fluorene or its alkyl deriv. with epichlorohydrin and the acid anhydride curative includes phthalic anhydride, methyltetrahydrophthalic anhydride, trimellitic anhydride, etc. and the curing accelerator 2-methylimidazole, triphenylphosphine, triamylammonium phenolate, etc. The contents of theacid anhydride curative and the curing accelerator ar pref. 0.5-1.5 equiv. and 0.1-10, pref. 0.4-4, wt.% on the basis of the epoxy resin.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Epoxy resin compsns. contg. bisphenol epoxy resins with fluorene structure capable of providing cured epoxy resin prods. with comparable transparency to that of the prod. obtd. from a bisphenyl A epoxy resin compsns. In addn. to heat resistance and mechanical strenth. Useful for electronic devices and parts requiring transparency such as photo-electric conversion devices.
Fibril-like polyaniline is produced by oxidising (1) aniline in the presence of (2) ferrites or persulphates and (3) at least one ion from perchloric acid ion, tetraflouroborate ion, periodic acid ion, hexafluorophosphoric acid ion in (4) acid aq. soln.    (2) includes pref. ferric perchloride, ferric borofluoride. The concn. of (1) is above 0.1 mole/litre of (4). Acids used include pref. perchloric acid and borofluoric acid. Acids are used in amts. of above 0.1 N. The polyaniline has an average dia. of pref. below 1 pref. below 0.3 microns. The fibril polyaniline contains the anion of the reaction medium as dopant. The anion can be removed with alkalis or reducing agents.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The polyaniline is useful as an active substance for sec. batteries electronic material and composite material. The polyaniline is produced easily by the chemical oxidative polymerisation, and has a large surface area and aspect ration.
The electrolyte comprises a complex of a polymeric matrix having a main chain having high dimensional structure and side chain having ion dissociation gp., and electrolytic salt.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Useful for solid state sec. battery, temp. sensor, electroluminescent element etc. High ion conductivity and superior film forming property as well as sufficient mechanical strength.    In an example, poly(gamma-methyl -L-glutaminate) 0.25g 2-(2-methoxy-ethoxy) ethanol 4.2g and paratoluene sulphonic acid 1.05g were dissolved in 1,2-dichloroethane 25ml, and reacted at 65 deg. C in N2 gas stream for 24 hrs. Polymer produced was purified by precipitating with dichloroethane/ethanol solvent system. LiClO4 in amt. of 0.02 mol per ethylene oxide unit was added to the polymer and cast on a glass plate for film formation. Ion conductivity at AC 0.05V and 5-10 Hz using platinum electrode was, in the thickness direction, sigma = 1.2 x 10 power (-5) S/cm (30 deg. C).
A sandwich structure comprises an electrolyte sheet between a pair of electrode sheets. Each electrode sheet is composed of a mixt. comprising an insulating elastomer (I) and an electrode active substance powder (II) above or in combination with an inorganic solid electrolyte powder (III) dispersed in (I), where (II) and opt. (III) comprise a vol. fraction of 75-95%. The electrolyte sheet is composed of a mixt. comprising (I) and 55-95 vol.% (III) dispersed in (I).    Each electrode sheet is a laminate of a no. of layers of mixts. of (II) and (III) in different mixing ratios which are varied stepwise, with the laminate layer having the highest mixing ratio of (III) being in contact with the electrolyte sheet. (III) is pref. a Li(+), Ag(+), Cu(+), H(+) or Na(+) ion-conductive electrolyte powder, esp. a Cu+ ion-conductive electrolyte powder of formula RbCu4I(2-x)Cl(3+x) (where X = 0.2-0.6). (II) is pref. a carbonaceous material, metal sulphide, metal oxide, metal halide and/or metal.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Useful in solid electrochemical elements, partic. solid cells, solid electric double layer capacitors, solid electrochromic displays, etc. The structure permits the cells to be made thinner, and has excellent processability and productivity.
A solid electrolyte sheet comprises (1) 55-95 vol.% ion-conductive inorganic solid electrolyte powder (I) uniformly dispersed in an insulating elastomer (II), the sheet having a hardness (ASTM A) of 65-96 and a thickness of 10-250 microns; or (2) a non-conductive reticulatedmaterial and a mixt. of 55-95 vol.% (I) uniformly dispersed in (II), at least the openings of the reticulated material being filled with the mixt.    A variety of (I) may be used, pref. RbCu4I(2-x)Cl(3+2) (where x = 0.2-0.6). (II) may contain at least 50 vol.% elastomer having no unsaturation. prefd. (II) include 1,4-polybutadiene, natural rubber, polyisoprene, SBR, NBR, EPDM, EPR, urethane rubber, polyester rubber, chloroprene rubber, epichlorohydrin rubber, silicone rubber, SBS, SIS, SEBS, SEp, butyl rubber, phosphazene rubber, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene oxide, polypropylene oxide, polystyrene, PVC, EVA, 1,2-polybutadiene, epoxy resin, phenol resin, cyclised polybutadiene, cyclised polyisoprene or PMMA.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Useful in solid electrochemical elements, e.g. solid microcells, etc. The sheet has excellent ion-conductivity, with superior processability, productivity, storage stability, flexibility and adhesion to electrode active substances, and can be made thinner and with greater surface area.
A system has a water storage tank located high under a roof and connected into a shower or bath system, and an absorber unit hooked onto brackets in a wall at ground level facing the sun and at an angle appropriate to the season. The absorber comprises welded standard polyethylene tubes mounted in a heliostat box of anodised Al covered by carbon-based viscostatic material rolled into a frame of flyscreen chanels.    The tubes are spaced in parallel and connected into end manifolds, and the tank is of 305 mm outer dia. PVC storm drain insulated with Coolite pellets encased in a sewn reinforced plastic cover, and ith a nylon replenishment valve in the top.    ADVANTAGE -   The absorber is lightweight, not readily damaged by hail sones, and in the event of a severe storm can be drained and stored rapidly while leaving a water supply in the tank.
Large area electrodes are isolated to facilitate cascade interconnection of semiconductor bodies deposited subsequently by: applying a mask pattern to a substrate surface; depositingaconformal layer of transparent conductive oxide (I); and removing the mask and the electrode material deposited on it in a solvent to leave isolated electrode portions, so that selected interconnections may be made between them. (I) is ITO, F-doped Sn oxide or S-doped Sn oxide.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In mfr. of semiconductor devices esp. solar cells. Method avoids use of costly laser abrasion.
A skin comprises knitted carbon or magnesium fibre coated with a photovoltaic conductive polymer and is used to line (2) the outer surfaces of the craft.    Pref. a contact strip is heat-fused to the material and the material is connected to a battery which activates an impulse motor to propel the craft. An aircraft pref. has a hydraulic one-stroke landing gear in which wheel axles are mounted to the plane such that ion retraction they are inserted into the wing support or fuselage.    ADVANTAGE -   Partic. for providing electrical impulses to a lightweight engine in a glider so that it can cover great distances without refueling, but can also supply power for zeppelins and balloons.
A high mol. wt. solid electrolyte comprises mainly repeating unit of formula (I), where R = (un)substd. aliphatic, alicyclic or aromatic hydrocarbon gp(s). and 1-50% of R is gp. of formula -R1COOM (II), where R1 = (un)substd. aliphatic, alicyclic or aromatic hydrocarbon gp. and M = an alkali metal.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The electrolyte has fixed anion and improved and persistent ionic conductivity over conventional electrolytes. Used as an electrolyte for dry cells or in chemical industries and in medical treatments.    In an example, Li- p-phydroxy-benzoate was prepd. from p-hydroxybenzoic acid (7.29 g) and LiOH (1.27 g) and added into a soln. of (2-methoxyethoxy) phosphagene (6.4g) in THF (40 ml). The mixt. was added with tetra-n-butyl ammonium bromide (0.16g) and refluxed for 3 hrs. The reaction mixt. was poured into a large amt. of water. Thepptd. solids were sepd. and washed with acetone to provide polyphosphagene where 35% of 2-methyloxyethyl gps. are substd. by Li-benzoate gp.
(JP2545821-B2)      In the mfr. of a fuel cell with a pressure resistant layer, a slurry is applied to a substrate to form a thin film of uniform thickness that is dried and peeled off to form a thin plate. The slurry comprises binder, dispersant and electroconductive metal powder. The thin plate is stored in a reducing or deoxidising atmos. and cold worked so that the coordination factor of the clearance of 2-3 microns of the dia. of a mean blow hole is 40%. The thin plate is impregnated with a colloid of a stable ceramics. Cold working of the dry porous thin plate is carried out and the clearance factor is reduced. The fuel cell comprises separator (1), fuel electrode (2), electrolyte layer (4) and air electrode (5).    ADVANTAGE -   Internal leakage does not occur due to pressure difference between air and fuel electrodes and on repeated heating-cooling cycles. Cell performance can be maintained for long periods.
A module comprises a moulded rigid translucent plastics top sheet and moulded rigid bottom sheet of energy absorbing opaque plastics, bonded together by circular bond indentations formed in each sheet and spaced from each other by the diameter of the circular bond to form convex lens-like elliptical sites between adjacent indentations for augmentation of solar energy. The indentations are formed in successive offset rows to define longitudinal tortuous sinusoidal channels in communication with a header at each end of the module for passage of working fluid.    The sheets are pref. nonwoven biaxial fibreglass or composite impregnated with thermoset resin, in the latter case containing up to 60 wt.% minute glass spheres. The bottom sheet may incorporate or be coated with black body carbon material, or may be of thermoset resin containing chopped graphite fibre.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides fixed concentrator absorber for lens augmentation of solar energy with a wide range of acceptance angles year-round.
In an electrolytic cell or an accumulator having a C fibre electrode, the side edge face is coated with an organic solvent soln. contg. PVC.    ADVANTAGE -   The coating prevents disintegration of the fibre, which generates small fibre particles.    In an example, a 24cm x 18cm x 3mm C fibre felt electrode was coated on the side edges with a soln. comprising (by wt.) 2.8 pts. of PVC, 80 pts. of THF, and 20 pts. of methylethyl ketone, left to dry, and then coated on the electrode sides and the interface between the electrode sides. An electrode spacer was coated with a soln. comprising 7.4 pts. of PVC, 80 pts. of THF, and 20 pts. of methylethyl ketone, and left to dry.
In an electric cell having an ion-conductive material between an anode and a cathode, the improvement is that the ion-conductive material consists of a crosslinked polysiloxane hardened body having a side chain consisting of organic gp.having oxyalkylene or polyoxyalkylene gp., and electrolyte contg. Gp.I orGp.II metal ions.    The main chain of the crosslinked polysiloxane has the formula (I), n is a positive integer, m is 0 or a positive integer, X is oxyalkylene or polyoxyalkylene gp., R1-R3 are methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, hexyl, octyl, methoxy, ethoxy, phenyl or naphthyl, etc..    The crosslinking agent is e.g. cpd. having isocyanate, carboxyl, carboxylic anhdyride, epoxy, hdyroxy, halide, vinyl, silanol or alkoxysilane gp..    ADVANTAE - The electric cell has excellent resistance to leakage of electrolyte.
A polymer electrolyte is produced by melting a (mixt. of) polymers (matrix polymer) and dispersing therein a finely divided ionic salt.    Pref. the matrix polymer is finely divided (prior to melting and pref. with the ionic salt) under N2 for 10-15 mins. by grinding in a ball mill at a temp. at which the matrix polymer becomes brittle. The polymer electrolyte may be hot pressed into a pellet and heated and opt. after cooling repressed to form a film.    The polymer electrolyte is claimed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Useful in electrolytic cells and high energy density batteries. As the polymer electrolyte is solid leakage and/or damage of corrosive solns. is eliminated. Process avoids prior art casting method, and gives PtO films of improved strength both above and below the polymer m.pt. with minimal if any degradation of its conductivity.
An electroconductive polymer film comprises an electroconductive polyaniline-based resin (pref. crosslinked) contg. a dopant, monolithically formed into a film in the absence of a binder. Specifically the film is 15-100 microns thick, is porous and has a specific surface area of 0.5-50 m2/g.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Useful in high energy density Lisecondary cells useful as compact back-up power supplies for IC memories and VTRs. They can also be hybridised with solar cells to be used for long periods without additional supply of power. The method produces a film having superior conductivity strength and flexibility.
A lightweight rechargeable energy supply is a thin (12 mm) battery (10) which is recharged by 20 polycrystalline silicon solar cells (6) in a casing (7).    The inside battery consists of a gel enclosed between foils of polypyrrole and lithium. A socket (1) is used for the insertion of a plug and a switch (2) changes a 3V output to a 12V output. A pilot lamp (3) and a battery tester (4) are also fitted. A plastic film hinge (5) is clipped to the casing (7) and can be used to hold another battery.    ADVANTAGE -   This creates a lightweight rechargeable battery which can be recharged both by sunlight or by lamp light.
Thioquinacridones of formula (I), their thioquinones and analogous isothioquinacridones are new. In (I), each R is F, Cl, Br or 1-18C aklyl or alkoxy; and n is 0-3. Prepn. of these cpds. comprises heating corresp. quinacridones, quinacridonequinones or isoquinacridones with a thionating agent, e.g. P4S10 or 2,4-bis-(4-methoxyphenyl) -1,3-dithia-2,4-diphosphetane- 2,4-disulphide.    USE -   The prods. are photoconductors for electrographic photoreceptors.
A plane light collector is obtd. by a method in which at least two light-collecting plates which are formed by dispersing about 0.02 wt.% a fluorescent dye, e.g., Violet 570, Yellow 083, etc., into a transparent plate selected from acrylic resin plate, polycarbonate resin plate, polystyrene resin plate, polyethylene plate, and PVC plate are laminated in such a way that the absorption wavelength of dispersed fluorescent dye is shorter in the light-collecting plate nearer to the incidental side of light. The fluorescent dye used has an absorption wavelength of 280-600 nanometer, and the end of the light-collecting plate is attached with solar cells.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The plane light collector to be used in solar cells, etc., can effectively collect a great amt. of light of a wide wavelength with high efficiency and with lesser light loss.
A thin film-forming compsn. for a low-refractive index film, contg. the hydrolysed condensn. polymer of a tetra-alkoxysilane and an alkylalkoxy silane, together with at least one selected from the oxides of Zr, Ge, and Al and Na compounds such as Na2O, etc., and/or B cpds. such as B2O3, is coated on the surface of a glass plate, dried, and baked at 250-550 deg. C, followed by washing it with water or warm water, etc., to form a low-refractive index film composed primarily of SiO2 with alkyl group-Si bonds having fine pores on the surface of the glass plate.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The reflection-preventing glass to be used in the cover of solar energy collector or in window glass, lens, and displayers, etc., has an extremely small surface reflectivity (for visible rays) of 1.3% or less and can be obtd. on a mass-prodn. basis at low cost.
Polymer comprises a di:phenylether or thioether cpd. of formula (I), where, X = O or S; m, m', n and n' = each 0-2 but n = 2-m and n' = 2-m'.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The polymer is an electrolytic polymer, which is electrochemically active. It is used to mfr. solar battery, sec. battery, image sensor, electrochromic device etc.    In an example a cpd. of formula (i) and 0.68g tetra-n-butylammonium perchlorate were dissolved in 20 ml acetonitrile. The soln. was put in an electrolytic cell and the cpd. was made to polymerise by three-electrode method using ITO glass as a working electrode, Pt wire as a counter electrode and SCE as a reference electrode, and 7 cycles of 0V - 1.5V - 0V impression were applied with impression velocity of 50 mV/sec. The polymer membrane prepd. assumed a red colour and was insol. in methanol THF and DMF.
New electroconductive polymers (I), obts. by anodic oxidn. of initial polymers (II) of 5-100 mole-% carbazolyl-substd. siloxane units of formula (III) and 95-0 mole-% other siloxane units of formula (IV): (In the formulae R1 and R4 independently=1-4C alkyl, 1-4C alkoxy, Ph or PhO; R2 and R3 independently=1-4C alkyl, 1-4C alkoxy, halogen, CN or NO2; R5=1-18C alkyl, opt. with one or 2 OH substits., Ph or OH; m=3-11; n and p independently=0, 1 or 2.)    (II) is pref a homopolymer of (III) units or a copolymer of 10-95, esp. 50-85 mole-% (III) and 90-5, esp. 50-15 mole-% (IV) units. (I) are produced by: (a) dissolving (II) in an electrolyte contg. a dissolved conductive salt (V) and electrochemical deposition of (I) on the anode; or (b) coating an electrode with a (II) film and anodic oxidn. of the film in an electrolyte soln. contg. (V).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   (I) are claimed for use as electrochemical display elements, positive electrode material (e.g. for sec. Li batteries) or conductive films (e.g. for EMI shielding or antistatic finishes) (I) are visibly coloured, whereas (II) are not. (II) can be produced relatively easily and have good flexibility and film-forming properties.
In the non-aq. sec. cell, where alkali metal, alkali metal alloy, alkali metallic ion reacting conductive high polymer or composite used for the cathode, electrolyte is prepd. by adding carbonate cpd., lactone cpd., ether cpd. or mixt. to the solid electrolyte, consisting of composite of high polymer and electrolyte in the range of 5-50 wt.%.    Carbonate cpd., lactone cpd., ether cpd. comprise propylene carbonate, ethylene carbonate, gamma-butylolactone, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, 2-methyltetrahydrofuran. The solid electrolyte comprises polyethylene oxide or cpd. formula (I)-(IV) which contain 15 mol.%-50 mol.% of alkali metal salt per repeat unit. In formulae, R1,R2 are H, 1-10C alkyl, radical of which partial H of alkyl are substd. with F, radical where O is orientated between C.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Self-discharge rate, reversibility of charge-discharge, cycle life of the sec. cell are improved. The cell can be charged and discharged at comparatively higher current density.
The polyaniline fibril is prepd. pref. by electrolytic oxidn. polymerising of an aniline monomer dissolved in HBF4 in a concn. of at least 0.1 mol/l. at a temp. of up to 15 deg.C and current density of up to 50 mA/sq.cm., while maintaining the concn. of aniline monomer of up to 0.1 mol/l. by stopping the reaction, stirring the soln. for replenishing the decrease in the concn. at the vicinity of working electrode and restarting the reaction, or exchanging the soln. frequently, or stopping the reaction, replenishing the monomer and then restarting the reaction to provide fibril having dia. of at least 0.8 microns and bulk density 0.4-1.1 g/cubic cm.    A sec. battery comprises pref. an electrolyte (esp. LiClO4 or LiBF4 dissolved in propylene carbonate, benzonitrile, dioxan, nitrobenzene etc. or solid electrolyte) anode activated by polyaniline fibril and Li or Li alloy cathode or cathode activated by polyaniline fibril and anode activated by metal oxide, metal sulphide, NbSe3 or VSe2. The battery has high voltage, capacity, cycling life and low self-discharge.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The polyaniline fibril is useful as electrodes for sec. battery, photocell or electrochromic display etc. It increases the volumetric discharge capacity.
A fuel cell comprises (1) a matrix layer (pref. 10-50 microns thick, contg. 3-20 wt.% PTFE and 80-95 wt.% inorganic powder; integrally formed on one side of (2) an electrode layer of PTFE contg. a catalyst, pref. comprising 40-90 wt.% electrically conductive fine powder, pref. carbon on which the catalyst is supported and 10-60 wt.% PTFE.    ADVANTAGE -   Reduced usage of PTFE (and hence water repellency) in the matrix give greater stability against electrolyte, but the amt. of PTFE in the electrode is sufficiently increased to provide sufficient strength. Favourable contact between (A) and (B) is obtd. and handling characteristics are improved.
(JP93073277-B)      The device comprises solar cell elements between a glass sheet and synthetic resin film; and the gap between the sheet and film is covered with a weather-resistive bisphenol A type epoxy resin mixed with an amine type hardening agent.    Used for power sources. (J63143879-A)
An electrochemical cell comprises anode (15) and cathode (16) electrodes, at least one of which is a gas diffusion electrode, a cell separator (10) adjacent to the anode(15), an electrically non-conductive spacer (17) adjacent to the cathode (16) and a corrugated conductive sheet (13) which acts as means for electrically connecting the electrodes (15,16). The corrugated sheets (13) forms at least one channel (22) with the cathode (16) and at least one channel (24) with the anode (15).    The corrugated sheet (13) is of metal, graphite or metal graphite composite. The separators (10) is cation exchange permselective membrane. The spacer (17) is of PTFE or a fluorinated ethylene propylene copolymer.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The cell can be a fuel cell or a cell for electrolysis of alkali metal halide. The channels are used to feed gases or liqs. to the electrodes.
Flexible plastics substrate (12) supports an array of interconnected solar cells (10) and a groundable conductive layer (18) on its rear face. A layer of paint (20) can provide required heat emissive properties.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Lightweight solar cell array partic. for use on spacecraft. Provides grounding of the accumulated charge on the rear face due to space plasma while still ensuring adequate reradiation of heat from the rear face so that the thermal performance of the array is not degraded.
An electric cell has an electroconductive polymeric cpd., distributed in the matrix of a polymer film, between an anode and a cathode. The polymer film pref. has a hydroxyl gp., cation exchange gp. such as sulphonic acid, carboxylic acid, phosphoric acid, phosphorous acid, sulphonic ester. or tert. perfluoroalcohol gp. or anion exchange gp. such as prim., sec. or tert. amine, quat. ammonium, tert. sulphonium or quat. phosphonium gp., etc. and has porosity of about 95% and thickness of 0.001-1.0 cm. Electroconductive polymeric cpd. is polymer of pyrrole, N-methylpyrrole, thiophene, indole, azulene, furan, aniline, phenol, benzene, naphthalene or phenylenediamine, etc.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Lightweight electric cell of high quality is obtd.
Li ion-conductive polymer electrolyte comprises a copolymer consisting of 20-65 wt.% ethyleneoxide and 80-35 wt.% propyleneoxide. The copolymer is mixed with 0.02-0.2 mole (based on 1 mole of the mixt. of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide) of a Li salt, e.g. LiBr, LiI, LiSCN, LiBF4, LiAsF6, LiClO4, LiCF3SO3, LiC6F13SO3, LiCF3CO2, LiHgI3, etc., to form a Li salt-copolymer complex as the Li ion-conductive polymer electrolyte. The Li ion-conductive polymer electrolyte is obtd. by dissolving specific amts. of the copolymer and the Li salt in a solvent e.g. dimethoxyethane, acetonitrile, etc., and removing the solvent from the mixt. soln. The Li ion-conductive polymer electrolyte is shaped into a sheet etc.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The electrolyte is used in Li cells, electrochromic display, concn. sensor or separation membrane for Li ion, etc. It has good conductivity of Li ion at room temp. and low and high temps.
Electrolyte is prepd. by curing a compsn. comprising (a) an acryloyl-modified polyalkylene oxide contg. an acryloyl structure of formula (I) (where R=H or lower alkyl) and a polyalkylene oxide structure of the formula -(CH2CHRO)n (where R=H or lower alkyl, and n=2-30 integer), (b) an inorganic ion salt, and (c) a polyalkylene glycol of formula RO-(CH2CHRO)n-R (III) (where R=H or lower alkyl and n=2-30 integer). Pref. inorganic salt contains Li, Na, K, Cs, Ag, Cu or Mg.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For electrolytes of prim. and sec. batteries, electrochromic display elements, etc. with high ion conductivity.
Grids of alloy or plastic material are produced for use in making accumulator plates. The machine used has a stepped tool through which a continuous strip of the alloy or plastics is fed intermittenly and a rectangular die tool with perforated bar. These last two items narrow in the direction of movement of the strip and can move relative to each other; the bar has two side rows of toothed cutters which operate against two correspond-ing rows of backing blades on the die.    A drive system presses the bar on to the die in each stroke as the strip is moved forwards. Each of the cutters has at least two adjacent teeth lying side by side in the direction of movement of the strip, so that in each stroke of the bar at least two cuts are made in the strip.    ADVANTAGE -   The machine almost doubles the output rate of existing machines of this type; the meshes produced all have equal dimensions so that the strips can be directly passed on for coating. Alternatively the prodn. speed can be maintained but the mesh halved.
A polymeric electrolyte (I) based on a polymeric heterocyclic cpd. (II) and I2, is produced by carrying out the required thermal reaction in a suitable solvent (III) as reaction medium. Pref. (III) is an aprotic hydrocarbon, pref. halohydrocarbon boiling above 85 deg. C and reaction is carried out without applying pressure; or a higher boiling alcohol, e.g., BuOH. (II), pref. polyvinylpyridine (IIA) or polyvinyl-quinoline, andI2 are reacted in 1:1 molar ratio.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   (I) is useful in cells with an alkali metal anode and cathode, which require no maintenance and are useful for supplying power for years to low power microelectronic devices. In (I) prodn., the formation of short fragments by depolymerisation is avoided and the (I) formed is suitable for mechanical treatment.
Cell comprises: an Li anode; cathode; and non-aq. electrolyte in which the solvent is formed of at least 15 mole% each of ethylene carbonate (I), propylene carbonate (II) and polyethylene glycol dialkyl ether (III), pref. at least 25 mole% (III). A pref. solvent comprises (in mole%): (I) 25-40, (II) 25-40 and (III) 25-40.    ADVANTAGE -   Above solvent mixt., and esp. the presence of (III), prevents explosion on cell abusive testing, enhancing cell safety; and also improves cell cycling efficiency.
A face sheet for honeycomb material is formed of a woven graphite cloth in which the spacing of the fibres is at least equal to their dia., to which is bonded a sheet of graphite paper, both paper and cloth being impregnated with curable adhesive.    Pref. each graphite fibre comprises multiple filaments to give a modulus of elasticity of 70-80 x 10 power 6 p.s.i., fibre dia. may be 0.02 inch and spacing 0.80 inch. wt. of the graphite paper is 0.2-2 ounces/sq.yd., esp. 0.3 ounces/sq.yd. and the adhesive may be epoxy resin, polyimide, or polysulphone. A stiffened honeycomb material comprises a metallic honeycomb core to one or both faces of which is bonded a piece of graphite paper to which in turn is bonded a cloth as above. Multiple layers of paper and cloth may be applied.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Support panels for solar cells in spacecraft. The face sheet has a high elastic modulus controllable by fibre spacing; also it has low coefft. of thermal expansion, good dimensional stability and low weight.
An electrolyte which is solid at ambient temps., for use in an electrochemical cell, is made by polymerising in the presence of a catalyst a mixt. comprising at least one monomer (I) having at least one heteroatom in the monomer unit and at least one salt of formula (II) (R)3CMXn (II) in which M=B, P, Sb or As, X=halogen, n=4 or 6, and R=6-18C aryl, 1-8C alkyl or 7-26C alkaryl, esp. where R=phenyl.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The solid electrolytes are useful e.g. in prim. electrochemical cells having alkali(ne earth) metal anode and a cathode e.g. of sulphides, halides, haloborates, haloarsenates and halophosphates of metals of gps. Ib, IIb, IVa, Va, IVb, Vb, VIb, VIIb and VII, quat. tetraalkylammonium polyhalides, sulphur or iodine. They can be used e.g. at 20-100 deg. C, are easy to handle, have good thermal stability and redox stability, are non-corrosive w.r.t. the electrodes, and give electrochemical generators of high energy per unit wt.
Crystalline polyolefin resin is used as raw material for heat accumulating material.    The crystalline polyolefin resin pref. comprises; polyolefin resin having m.pt. lower than that of a fluorine material obtained by fluorination, e.g. high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, straight chain low density polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutene-1, or poly-4-methyl pentene.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The heat accumulating material stores solar heat or waste heat generated in plants and discharges the stored heat. The crystalline polyolefin resin provides the surface of the heat accumulating material with uniform and complete fluorine resinification. This prevents the surface of the material from peeling or a change in material shape even if fusion or coagulation is repeated. The surface of the material has appropriate flexibiity, reducing damage to the material.
The element comprises photoactive layer having a couple of electrodes. The layer consists of semiconductive or conductive organic thin film which is prepd. by electrochemical polymerisation of a single molecule film or multi-laminated single molecule film which is formed on a substrate by a Langmuir-Blodgett technique, using an organic cpd. which has a hydrophilic part and a hydrophobic part in its molecule.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The element is used for solar cells. Lightweight and low resistance element can be obtd. Shelf life and sensitivity of the element are improved.    In an example, alpha-(3-alkylpyrrolo) acetic acid was dissolved in chloroform. Single molecular film of the soln. was spread on the surface of distilled water. After 30 min., the film was pressed at the pressure of 20 mN/m. On a ITO glass substrate, the single molecular films were multi-laminated by Langmuir-Blodgett technique. The film was electrochemically treated, using the substrate as anode, and a Ni plate as cathode, and the electrolyte composed of p-toluene sulphonic acid (0.1 mol) and water (100 ml).
(JP2584753-B2)      A carbon body with a flake shape is produced by relatively low temp. decomposition of hydrocarbon and includes an alkali metal. It is arranged with an electric charge carrier between conductive three-dimensional porous bodies, then compressed to form an electrode, and immersed in an alkali metal salt to form a battery.    ADVANTAGE -   Complicated processes such as doping can be avoided. The electrode can be continuously produced, and has high energy density. Improved cycle life even with repeated charge-discharge cycles over a long time. Shorter mfg. process. Reduced cost.
Si solar cells are mfd. by; (i) forming a P/N junction adjacent to the front surface of a Si substrate; (ii) etching front surface by a selected plasma etch; (iii) forming a polysilazane coating on the etched front surface by (a) utilising an NH3 plasma treatment to implant H2 into the substrate, (b) utilising a silane and NH3 plasma treatment to implant further H2 and form polysilazane coating. The coating is etched to form a grid electrode, and an Al coating applied to the rear of the substrate to form a back electrode, which on subsequent heating forms an ohmic contact with the substrate.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Fabrication of solar cells with efficiencies of 12.5 to 16.0%.
Porous compressible plastic material for attenuating the explosion of combustible gases accumulating in the head space above the cells of a storage battery, is compressed before insertion into the head space and maintained in compression by a releasable binding means.    The releasable binding means may be a net e.g. of nylon, which is soluble in the electrolyte. Alternatively the binding means may be an aqueous solution of sodium silicate dispersed throughout the material and released by the electrolyte.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The compression of the attenuation material facilitates its introduction into the often small and obstructed head space. The releasable binding means when dissolver is innocuous as regards the operation of either the battery of the attenuation material. The re-expansion in situ of the attenuation material helps to ensure full occupation of the head space, thereby enhancing the protection afforded.
Means for attenuating the explosion of combustible gases accumulating in the head space above the cells in a storage battery comprises a porous compressible plastic material inserted into the head space, the material having a bimodal pore distribution including a major proportion of small pores effective to limit pressure build-up resulting from gas ignition, and a mirror proportion of large pores to allow for movement of gas and electrolyte during operation.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The material may be used in either acid or alkaline batteries and is found to safely attenuate explosions without inhibiting the electrical performance.
Photoelectric conversion element has a light-transmissive front electrode made of a translucent metal e.g. Al, Pb. Zn, Ta, Ni, Ti, Co, Nb, Cu, Au, Pt, Ag, Pd, etc., or a metal oxide, e.g. SnO2, ITO, etc., an optically active layer, and a back electrode made of any metal. Optically active layer contains an azo dye of formula (I), (A is a coupler residue). The layer is formed of a resin dispersant, e.g., polyester-, polycarbonate-, polyamide-, polyurethane-, epoxy-, alkid-, phenol-, melamine-, acrylic- or vinyl acetate-resin, etc., into which the azo dye is dispersed. The pref. proportion of the azo dye to the resin is 10/0-1/4 by wt., or more pref. 10/0-1/2 by wt. Also, as coupler used in the mfr. of the azo dye, cpds. with phenolic hydroxyl gp., e.g. phenol, naphthol, etc., aromatic amino cpds. with amino gp., aminonaphthols with amino and phenolic hydroxyl gps., or cpds. with aliphatic or aromatic enol-type ketone (active methylene gp.) may be used.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used in solar cell, photo- or image-sensor, etc. has good conversion efficiency over visible rays and also has large area. The photoelectric conversion element can also be easily obtd. at low cost.
The optical active layer contains an azo pigment of formula (I) and a vinylidene fluoride copolymer as a binding agent, where A=a coupler residual gp.    The vinylidene fluoride copolymer, pref. comprises a copolymer of vinylidene and other monomer, e.g. hexafluoropropylene. The coupler for producing the azo pigment comprises: e.g. a phenol hydroxy gp. contg. cpd. such as phenols, or naphthols.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The photoelectric transfer device (organic solar cell), using an organic photoconductor is applicable to an optical sensor, or image sensor. The method applies an azo pigment -dispersed soln. to the optical active layer, producing the optical active layer at low cost. The device has high transfer efficiency for the whole visible light range and is adaptable to the solar light spectrum.
The ion-exchange film is obtd. from a dispersion of a high molecular cpd. with electro-conductivity in the form of uniform layers against the cross section of the film.    The ion-exchange film comprises a polymer film with a cation or anion ion radical binding e.g. sulphoate, carboxylate, phosphate, phosphite, thjiol radical, etc.) and e.g. primary, secondary or tertiary amine, etc. The electroconductive cpd. is N-methylpyrrole, 2-ethylpyrrole, thiophene, 3-alkylthiophene, isothianaphthene, indole, azulene, furan, aniline, phenol, benzene, naphthalene, phenylenediamine, etc. In the dispersion of the cpd. over the film, it is polymerised, laminated, coated, sprayed or adsobed. The electro-conductive cpd is dispersed over one surface of the film.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Ion-exchange film for sensor, battery etc.
Solar cell of a thin film type comprises in the following order, the transparent base defined below, an adhesive layer, a transparent conductive film, amorphous silicon layers, and a back electrode. The transparent base has insulating properties and is made from acrylic resin with structural unit (I) of methacrylimide. The transparent conductive film is pref. made from indium oxide -tin oxide or tin oxide-antimony-oxide, etc. The adhesive layer is pref. made from a crosslinked acrylic resin, and has 0.5-40 micro.m thickness. The amorphous silicon layers are pref. formed by plasuma- or light-CVD.    ADVANTAGE -   Solar cell is thin, has light wt., flexibility, and good resistance to mechanical shock.
A casing for a solar panel is of polyester resin reinforced by woven or nonwoven glass fibre. The casing pref has a cover moulded with a window of the same material. It pref does not include any non-composite material.    The casing may be coated with coloured gel coating, except for the window which is given transparent gel coating. It may be insulated by polyurethane plates.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For a swimming pool. The casing is cheap.
The following are claimed:- (1) An anhydrous protonically conductive macromalecular material (I) (conductive both by protons and alkali metal ions) comprising a solid soln. of at least one anhydrous acidic strong acid salt of formula (II) (M+)x(HyXO4)x(-) M(+) = alkali metal ion or NH4 ion, X = S, Sc or P X and Y are integers which may have values such as (x=1,y=1), (x=2, y = 1) or (x =1, y =2) dissolved in x homo-and/or copolymer having linear or crosslinked chains, contg. heteroatoms, pref. O and/or N, and capable of forming complexes with the prton species release or releasably by (II).    (2) An electrochemical generator contg (I) an electrolyte, a negative electrode which can supply proton species and a positive electrode which can accept proton species. (3) A superconductor contg. 2 composite electrodes obtd. by mixing C black or C fibres with (I) and using (I) as electrolyte. (4) An electrochromic system in which at least one of the electrodes contains a material in which addition or removal of protons or ions corresponds to a change in colour and in which the electrolyte is made up wholly or partly of (I).    ADVANTAGE -   (I) has satisfactory conductivity at room temp. does not exhibit corrosion and is stable w.r.t. air and compatible with vacuum.
Collector comprises a base sheet made of hard foamable synthetic resin chips and grains mixed with a hydraulic cement. The surface of the base sheet is covered with an inorganic waterproof film contg. C.    Used for boilers for factories. (J56137033-A)
100 pts. wt. graphite powder of a grain size of 500 microns or less is mixed with 13-30 pts. wt benzylic ether-type phenol resin (nonvolatile), and the mixt. is cured at a given temp., e.g. 100 deg.C, for a given period and moulded into a desired form by injection moulding. The benzylic ether-type phenol resin is obtd. by reaction of phenol with an aldehyde of formula RCHO (where R is H or hydrocarbon gp) in a proportion of 1:1-3 in the presence of a metal salt catalyst, e.g, salt of Zn, Co,Mn or Sn.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The method provides plates to be used in fuel batteries, which are to excellent air tightness, mechanical strength, electric specific resistivity, chemical resistance, heat resistance, etc.
Electroluminescent lighting element has a number of discrete pieces of phosphor (6) each fully encapsulated in a cell (24) consisting of a dielectric (20,22) with the cell at least partly embedded in a sealing substance (26). The resulting assembly is arranged between two electrodes (2,8) at least one of which is at least partly light transmissive so that each cell (24) is isolated from adjacent cells.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In prodn of a foil like continuous electroluminescent device. Previously devices have been produced in discrete shapes due to the requirement for effective sealing to prevent ingress of moisture which causes degradation of the device. New process effectively seals each cell allowing continuous foil like web to be produced from which individual devices can be cut and subsequently drilled, punched, or riveted for mounting.
A closed packed coating of non-amphiphillic colloidal particles is produced on a substrate by (a) forming a monolayer of particles at a 1st liq.-gas interface, (b) compressing the monolayer on the 1st liq. surface, (c) removing the compressed layer from the surface onto a substrate, and (d) drying the substrate.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Randomly arranged colloidal particle coatings are used for interference and antireflection coatings, and for tamper layers in fusion targets. Ordered arrays of particles on surfaces are useful as a diffraction grating, an optical storage medium or an interference layer. Mono-layers of both random and ordered colloidal particles are useful as lithographic mask for prepn. of precisely controlled surface textures. Uses for large, uniformly sized, surface textures include selective solar absorbers, optical gratings and optically enhanced solar cells. Densely packed coatings free from defects are obtd. The layer on the liq. surface can be patterned, yielding a precisely shaped deposit on the substrate, and multilayers can be built up by repeating the steps (a)-(d). The substrate need not be spun at high speed, the area may be very large, closely packed coatings of colloid particles of significant polydispersity can be obtd., and substrates which cannot readily be coated by colloidal processes such as non-water wet materials can be coated.
A lithium cell has a cathodic active material made from lithium (alloy) and solid electrolyte thin sheet. The thin sheet is mfd. from a compsn. comprising acryloyl-modified polyalkyleneoxide and an inorganic salt contg. a metal ion, forming a thin sheet, and hardening by irradiation of active light.    The inorganic salt pref. contains Li, Na, K, Cs, Ag, Cu or Mg. The compsn. opt. contains a polymerisation initiator or accelerator, and up to 200 wt.% of an organic solvent such as propylene carbonate, gamma-butylrolactone, ethylene carbonate, THF, acetonitrile, dimethoxyethane, PMSO, dioxolan, etc. The polyalkyleneoxide pref. has formula CH2CHR-On (I) where R is H or lower alkyl, n=1-30.    ADVANTAGE -   Very light weight lithium cell which is very thin and has no liq. leakage.
A solid polymer electrolyte compsn. comprises a matrix polymer and an electrolyte salt cpd, the matrix polymer contg. a macromonomer of formula (I) as a monomer. In (I), n = 1-3; R = H or Me; Y = 0-60 gps. of formula (-CH2CH(R')O)-; X = 2-60 gps. of formula -O(-CH2CH(R')O)- X1 and X2 each = -O-(CH2CH(R') O-)cR''; c = 2-60; R' = H or Me; R'' = H, 1-20C aklyl or 6-20C aryl; Z = H, 1-20C alkyl, 6-20C aryl, CH2=C(R)COO (Y)Si(X1)(X2)- or (CH2=C(R)COO (Y)Si(X1)(X2) -X3CH2)2CH-; and X3 = 0-60 gps. of formula -O-(CH3CH(R')O-) (sic).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The solid compsn. shows high ion-conductivity and room temp. and can easily form thin films which can be transparent. It can be swelled by aprotic solvents to increase ion-conductivity. In one example, an ion-conductivity of 1.8 x 10 power-3 is attained with a colourless, transparent semi-solid film. The thin films can be used as electrolytes for solid electrolytic galvanic cells, ECDs etc..
(JP92070746-B)      Electrolyte comprises a polyether crosslinked high polymer cpd. with a metal salt dissolved in the high polymer cpd. made by reacting a polyether having a polyfunctional hydroxide gp. with a diacylate.    USE -   For making Li cells.
A modified insertion electrode (I) for use in a solid state electrochemical cell contains silylated OH gps., the silyl gps. having reactive gp(s). capable of bonding to a polymer electrolyte.    A method of making (I) comprises silylating an unmodified electrode material having acidic OH gps. with a silylating agent of formula R3Si(CH2)nX (where n = an integer, X = 1-4C alkyl, aryl, heterocyclic, amino, halogen or OH gp. capable of bonding to a polymer electrolyte, and R = 1-4C alkoxy).    A composite cathode material comprises (I) in association with a solid, alkali metal ion conducting electrolyte material (II) as described below.    A solid state electrochemical cell comprises an alkali metal (based) anode, (II) and the composite cathode material.    ADVANTAGE -   The long term capacity of the cells does not fall, due, possibly to improved contact between the modified electrode (I) and the polymer in the composite cathode which is attributed to the presence of strong, flexible bonds between the electrode material and the polymer involving the silyl gps..
The electrodes are prepd. by heating a brominated unsatd. or satd. heterocyclic monomer (I) of one of 18 general formulae at 100-700 deg. C in vacuum then forming an electrode conventionally from the prod. using 0.2-2 pts. wt. binder. The formulae for (I) denote Br-contg. 1,8-naphthyridines, quinoxalines, pyrroles, pyridines, quinolines, indoles, carbazoles, 3,3'- and 4,4'- dipyridyls, imidazoles, benz-1,3-thiazoles, 1,3-thiazoles, pyrazines, dibenzoperhydrothiazines, phenazines, acridines, purines and 1,3,5-triazines, e.g., a pyridine of formula (I), where each X = H, Br or CHBrCH2Br or a 1,3,5-triazine of formula (II), where each Y = NHBr, NBrCH2OH, NHCHBrOH, N(CHBrOH)2, CH2CHBr, CH2Br or CHBrCH2Br.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Positive electrodes for rechargeable batteries in microelectronics, medical appts. Electrodes are prepd. economically, have good electrochemical properties (capacity up to 300 mAh/g in standard cells with Li as counter-electrode at average discharge potential 2.0-2.5V), with little or no electrochemically inert constituents, sec. element has longer working life.
Cell comprises a conductive housing contg. an anode, cathode and electrolyte, the anode being connected to the housing and the cathode being connected to a pin protruding through the housing via an insulated orifice, the electrolyte comprising a metal perchlorate dissolved in a non-aq. liq..    Electrolyte is pref. an alkali(ne earth) metal perchlorate esp. LiClO4, dissolved in an organic solvent esp. 1/1 dimethoxyethane and propylene carbonate.    ADVANTAGE -   Use of a non-aq. electrolyte avoids corrosion problems, eliminating cell self-discharge and terminal pin seal corrosion.
A material exhibiting ionic conductivity comprises a soln. of a salt of formula (I), (II), (III), (IV) or (V) in a solvent: in which M = an alkali(ne earth) metal, a transition metal, or a rare earth; RF and RF (same or different) = a 1-12 C perhalogenated gp., esp. a perfluorinated gp., R = H or 1-30 C alkyl and QF = 2-6 C divalent perfluorinated radical.    Claimed solvents are (A) an aprotic liq., esp. a sulphone of formula (VI). In which R1, R2, R3 and R4 = 1-10 C alkyl or oxa-alkyl gps.; and (B) a macromolecular material e.g. a (co) polymer of ethylene oxide or a polyphosphazene.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The solns. are esp. useful as electrolytes in electrochemical generators.
Appts. comprises a T-shaped insulation blanket (14) with cross-piece (106) to be wrapped around faces of battery and stem (104) less wide than spacing between battery terminals so that it can extend between them and over the battery top with its end inserted between the battery and the ends of the wrapped cross-piece, which are held in wrapped position, pref. by an elastic strap (108).    The blanket pref. has air barrier insulation sandwiched between two layers of thermal barrier material, and the battery has a cap (16) formed of sheet thermal barrier material, partic. acid-resistant sub-zero vinyl. The battery pref. rests on a thermally insulating mat (12) of 85-95 durometer EPDM. A heater (20) may be secured to the battery by Z-shaped hangers and a strap and include a heat-exchanger connected to the vehicle cooling system.    ADVANTAGE -   Appts. requires no external power source, can fit a range of battery sizes, and maintains temp. in high-efficiency operating range regardless of extremely low ambient temp.
A photoreceptive element has a colour filter layer composed of polyimide resin including organic pigment while kept into contact with a photoreceptive surface, and the whole photoreceptive element is moulded in the opal resin.    The metal mould having the cavity between the upper and lower moulds is used. The photoreceptive element is accommodated in the cavity with the lead frame body, and the opal resin is injected into the cavity so that the mould package having the external shape corresponding to the inner shape of the cavity is formed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The colour filter layer is composed of polyimide resin including organic pigment, so that the colour filter layer has high heat resistance, and can be directly attached onto the photoreceptive surface of the photoreceptive element, i.e. the opal resin moulding of the on-chip spectral functional element becomes possible with low cost. By coating the whole chip with the opal resin moulding, the humidity resistance and the reliability of the photoreceptive element is improved.
Photoelectric duplex windscreens for motor vehicles, to supply electric energy to consuming parts, to charge batteries, as radio antennae or antennae for anti-theft devices, or as resistances for demisting or defrosting consist of: Five superimposed laminated layers namely: a 2-3 mm thick glass screen; a 0.7-0.8 mm thick polyvinyl-butyral foil; solar cells of 50.8-76.2 mm diameter and 0.28-0.32 mm thickness on a 0.1 mm thick tinfoil; a second 0.7-0.8 mm thick polyvinyl butyral foil; and a second 2-3 mm thick glass screen. The assembly is heated in a laminating oven at 108-114 deg.C. Having sealed the unit, the pressure is reduced to 10 power -1 Bar followed by autoclaving at 148-154 deg.C for a complete cure.
Material powder used for a prodn. of a gas diffusion electrode consists of (A) polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) powder, (B) water-repellant carbon black, and (C) complex powder consisting of core powder composed of catalyst or catalyst carried by hydrophilic carbon black and ion exchange resin coating on the core powder surface.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The catalyst is firmly fixed and uniformly dispersed in the gas diffusion electrode, and the electrode has an excellent durability and a high current efficiency. The gas diffusion electrode is suitable for use in fuel cell, sec. battery, electrochemical reactor or plating cell, etc.
Gas diffusion film is produced by (A) preparing a powder mixt. of water-repellent carbon black and polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) fine powder, (B) floating the powder mixt. on the surface of water contained in a tank having a porous bottom plate on which surface a water-permeable sheet is placed, (C) removing the water from the bottom of the tank to deposit the powder mixt. on the sheet surface, and (D) hot pressing the powder mixt. deposit layer to obtain a gas diffusion film.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The gas diffusion film has a uniform density and shows a high gas diffusion efficiency. It is used in fuel cell, sec. battery, electrochemical reactor or plating cell, etc.
The first electrode of Pt, SnO2, etc., is provided for the inside of a baseplate, e.g., glass plate, etc. A conductive polymer layer of polyaniline, etc., is provided on the first electrode. The second electrode of Pt thin film, etc., is provided in the face of the conductive polymer layer, and an electrolyte, e.g., acrylonitrile + Pb (ClO4)2, acetonitrile + LiClO4, etc., is packed between the conductive polymer layer and the second electrode whose surface is covered with the second conductive polymer layer of polyanilime, etc. A sealing member is provided between the insulator base plates and the electrolyte is packed between the insulator baseplates.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The element to be used for battery, displayer, etc., has excellent durability because the elution of the second electrode into electrolyte by electrochemical reaction is prevented.
In a conductive polymer electronic element, the first electrode, e.g., SiO2 transparent conductive film, etc., is provided at the inside of a base plate, e.g., glass plate, plastic film, etc. and a conductive polymer layer, e.g., polyaniline film, etc., is formed on the first electrode. The second electrode of a metal oxide semiconductor, e.g., SnO2, etc., is provided in the face of the conductive polymer layer, and an electrolyte, e.g., acetonitrile + LiBF4, acetonitrile + LiClO4, etc., is packed between the conductive polymer layer and the second electrode.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The conductive polymer electronic element is used in batteries, display elements, etc. It can effectively withstand operations for long periods of time because the elution of the second electrode into electrolyte is effectively prevented.
Device for concentrating incident radiant energy (5) is a cylindrical optical wave guide having diffuser means (2) coaxially located inside it which converts the incident radiant energy and effects its capture in guided modes of the guide. By cumulative propagation of the trapped energy along the length of the wave guide, energy is thus concentrated at its end.    The wave guide is circularly cylindrical and the diffuser is a coaxial region of the wave guide core aligned along its centre line contg. microspheres and/or microparticles of material with the ability to reflect and/or refract the incident radiation energy within the core. The wave guide core is encased by an outer cladding (4) of material with a lower refractive index than the core material. The radiation is received through the external surface of the optical fibre along its length and emitted at at least one of its ends.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Device enables radiation energy to be utilised more efficiently by concentrating it using the phenomenon of total reflection at the interface between materials of different refractive indices. Device is esp. suitable for concentrating solar energy or the luminescence from photo-phosphoresence.
Compsn. comprises (A) crosslinked resin prepd. by reacting (A1) trifunctional polyoxyalkylene glycerin of formula (I): (in (I), N is a number so that the number ave. mol.wt. is lower than 4,000) and (A2) alkylene diisocyanate and (B) an inorganic ionic salt.    (A2) is pref. hexamethylene-, trimethylene-, tetramethylene-or pentamethylene-diisocyanate and used in a mol. ratio of OH/NCO=1:3-1:7. Too low amt. of the diisocyanate results in insufficient crosslinking making filming difficult. Too large amt. of the diisocyanate degrades the conductivity. (B) is pref. LiClO4, LiSCN, LiBF4, LiAsF6, LiCF3SO3, LiPF6, NaI, NaSCN, NaBr, KI, CsSCN, AgNO3 or Mg(ClO4)2 and used in a mol. ratio of (B)/(ethylene oxide)=0.005-0.5.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Compsn. has high ionic conduction and moulding workability. It is usable as solid electrolytes for primary batteries, sec. batteries, fuel cells, electrochromic display elements.
Compsn. comprises (A) a hydrogen silicone of formula (I) with (A2) polyethylene oxide methacrylate of formula (II) and (B) an inorganic ionic salt. x + y = 100 and x = at least 50. n = 2-30 and R = alkyl or aryl.    Pref. (A1) has a mol. wt. = 200-30,000. (B) is pref. LiClP4, LiSCN, LiBF4, LiAsF6, LiPF6, NaI, NaBr, KI, CsSCN, AgNO3 or Mg(ClO4)2. The mol. ratio (B)/(ethylene oxide) = 0.0005-0.5. Graft copolymerisation is carried out by formulating (A1), (A2) and (B) uniformly so that the mol. ratio of (A2)/(SiH) = 0.8-1.0 and hydrosilation reacting reacting the mixt. in the presence of a catalyst (e.g., chloroplatinic acid, Pt black, Pt/silica gel or Pd cpd.) and opt. in a solvent (e.g., tetrahydrofuran, toluene, dioxane, gamma-butyrolactone or propylene carbonate) or dissolving or dispersing (A) in a solvent and mixing the soln. with (B). The compsn. is formed into film, fibre, pipe or tube by press moulding, extrusion or casting or dissolving in organic solvent (e.g., propylene- or ethylene-carbonate, gamma-butyrolactone, tetrahydrofuran, acetonitrile, dimethoxyethane, dimethyl sulphoxide, dioxolane or sulpholane) in a concn. up to 50%.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The compsn. has high ionic conduction and moulding workability. It is useful as solid electrolyte for prim. batteries, sec. fuel cells, electrochromic display elements. etc.
A solar water heater comprises an elongated trough-shaped enclosed vessel with its inner (12) and outer (14) walls 4mm apart and with full depth upper and lower header compartments. It is embedded in a flat based block of foam insulation (16) and is completely enshrouded in shrink-wrapped plastic film (34). Water circulates by convection through a tubular coil in a hot water indirect storage cylinder connected to the lower header with a return tube (28) passing through the foam insulation from the upper header. The concave inner wall (12) has an external matt black coating. The upper header has a hook to attach the unit to the ridge tile of a sloping roof, and also has a vent plug to adjust the expansion volume.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   As a simple easily installed solar heater that does not require a circulating pump. The small volume of heat transfer fluid can be one which has a lower specific heat and a higher boiling point than water and thus heats the stored water up to about 95 deg.C compared with the 65 deg.c achieved by conventional heaters. The concave shape provides a larger surface area and an angle of incidence with the sun's rays over a large part of the day. The enclosed air space under the plastic film provides the greenhouse effect and the film also partially reflects back radiation from the black surface of the heater.
Improved fuel cell electrolyte martix is produced by (a) mixing 6-60 pts.wt. polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) powder with 40-94 pts.wt. mixed powder comprising (i) 10-70 wt% inorg. powder capable of forming metal phospjate and (ii) 30-90 wt% phosphoric acid-resistant inorg. powder; (b) forming this mixt. into a porous sheet/film; (c) impregnating with phosphoric acid; and (d) heating so (i) is converted in situ to metal phosphate.    Pref. 13-40 wt% of compsn. is PTFE, opt. in granular/scrap state. (i) which increases hydrophilicity may opt. be actual powdered metal phosphate but this reduces binding characteristics. Pref. is a Zr, Ti or Al cpd., esp. ZrO2. (ii) is pref. Ta2O5, a carbonaceous powder or, most pref. SiC. This prevents deposition of (i) on film surface, stabilises structure and controls pore size (small particles provide film with high foam pressure; large provide high permeation rate). Pref. (i) and (ii) are powders with particles below 10 microns.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   This electrolyte-retaining matrix for fuel cells using phosphoric acid avoids problem of hydrophobic character of PTFE filler, so allowing increasing in amt. PTFE, used with consequent increased film strength, moulding characteristics and yield. Fuel cells with improved performance and increased life are provided. (First major country equivalent to J63048765-A)
Prodn. of polysulfoneamidoimide of recurrent units of formula (I) comprises reacting trimellitic acid chloride of formula (II) with 3,3'-diaminodiphenyl sulphone of formula (III) in mixed solvent consisting of non-protonic polar solvent, aromatic solvent and ether solvent to produce polymer compsns. contg. polysulphoneamic acid (logarithmic viscosity at least 0.4) consisting of recurrent units of formula (IV), and cyclisation of the polysulphoneamic acid.    Non-protonic polar solvent used is DMF, dimethylacetoamide, N-methylpyrrolidone or DMSO. Aromatic solvent used is xylene, toluene or benzene. Ether solvent used as reaction accelerator is ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, THF or dioxan. Molar ratio of trimellitic acid chloride to 3,3'-diaminodiphenylsulphone is 0.7-1.5, pref. 0.9-1.1. Reaction is at 50 deg. C or less, pref. 0-35 deg. C for 0.2-50 hrs., pref. 0.5-25 hrs. under anhydrous conditions. The reaction prod. is heated at 100-400 deg. C, pref. 200-300 deg. C for 0.1-25 hrs., pref. 0.2-10 hrs. or reacted with dehydrating agent such as acetic anhydride or propionic anhydride for 0.1-25 hrs., pref. 1-10 hrs. to produce polysulphone amidoimide.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Polysulphone amidoimide of high mol. wt. and good thermal resistance and transparency. Useful as coating film for solar battery of heat-resisting coatings.
A heat exchanger for circulating a heat transfer fluid through a conduit comprises a flexible, reinforced hose consisting of a wall, an inner layer of high temp. elastomeric polymer, a layer of fabric braid surrounding the inner layer, and an elastomeric polymer cover over the fabric layer. The elastomeric polymer is pref. resistant to oils and petroleum distillates as found in asphalt, and is of chlorinated polyethylene, nitrile, nitrile-PVC, neoprene or ''Hypalon'' (RTM). The inner layer is of EPDM, SBR or neoprene, and may include an algicide, a fungicide or a bactericide. The fabric braid is of woven rayon, polyester, nylon, aramid, graphite or extruded C fibres. At least 1 layer may incorporate (i) a barrier against permeation of O2 or other gases into the heat transfer liq., thus retarding corrosion of metal parts, (ii) small amts. of a magnetic material, for locating embedded hose, (iii) a C cpd., esp. graphite, and (iv) a powdered metal, esp. Al, Fe, Cu and Ti.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The hose is for melting snow, for heating buildings or objects (e.g. ceilings, vehicles, hoppers and chutes), or for transferring solar heat. The hose is flexible, easy to install, durable, resistant to O2 permeation, to chemicals and to corrosion, and tolerant to temp.
In the prodn. a matrix is formed with paste comprising powder of Si carbide, powder of polyetheretherketone and an agent to increase the viscosity mixed in a water based solvent.    Pref. the polyetheretherketone is used in amt. of 5-20 wt.%. The mean particle size of the polyetheretherketone is under 3 micro m.    ADVANTAGE -   The bubbling pressure and conductivity of hydrogen ions are high. The battery characteristic of the fuel cell is good.    In an example, 95 pt. SiC powder, 5 pt. polyetheretherketone, 60 pt. agent to increase viscosity (polyethyleneglycol or polyethyleneoxide of 60% water soln.) and 40 pt. solvent (isopropylalcohol/water = 1/1) are mixed to make the paste. It is painted on a C electrode, dried and sintered.
A sec. battery comprises a polymer film and collector plates in electronic contact with each side of the film. The film comprises a polymer, a plasticiser, an epoxidised vegetable oil, a salt and graphite. The salt is solubilised in the plasticiser and disassociated and has the formula MXa where X is chloride, bromide or iodide and M is a metal of oxidn. state a and reduction-oxidn. potential greater than that of X.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The battery can be thin and flexible even when constructed of a number of cells.
Prodn. of polyaniline comprises carrying out electrolytic oxidn. polymerisation of aniline electrolytic soln. contg. high mol.electrolyte and low mol. inorganic acid. Pref. inorganic acid selected from HCl aq. soln., H2SO4 and HClO4 is added to electrolytic soln. comprising aniline and electrolyte selected from polystyrene, polyvinyl and polyacrylamido sulphonic acid derivs. to lower pH of the electrolytic soln. to 1 or less. Amt. of inorganic acid added is at least one equiv. to electrolyte. Thus prepd. electrolytic soln. is oxidised and polymerised electrolytically to produce electrochemically active polyaniline contg. electrolyte as dopant.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Polyaniline contg. high mol. electrolyte and with high electric conductivity is produced easily and is useful for indicating element, solar- or sec-battery.
(JP92015990-B)      Electrolyte liq. circulation type stacked Zn-Br cell comprises framed electrodes and framed films laminated alternately. The frame of the electrode and/or film is made of an ionomer having a vol. resistivity of 10 power 14 ohms or more.    Used for d-c power sources. (J63021763-A)
The alkali battery comprises the cathode which consists of the granular zinc dispersed in alkali electrolyte in gel state, using the gelation agent of the carboxyl-methyl-cellulose (CMC) in which molecules ether formation degree is uneven, and average ether formation degree is at 0.6-1.3. CMC of which the ether formation degrees are as follows; 10-40% of the molecules are at 0.6 or less, 30-70% of them are at 0.6-1.0, 10-40% of them are at 1.0 or more.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   High viscosity gel cathode can be obtd. Thixotropy of the gel state cathode is improved. Discharge capability of the battery is improved.    In an example, the CMC was prepd. as follows: In the ordinary CMC prepn., concn. of solvent was held at high level, and dissolution of alkali cellulose into the solvent was suppressed. The portion at high degree of the ether formation is effective for gelation of the granular zinc, and the portion at low degree of the ether formation holds thixotropy of the gel state cathode at high level.
Bipolar plate-system for use in electrochemical cells comprises (a) a non-conducting separation plate and extending through it conducting elements making electrical contact with the working electrodes at both sides of the supporting plates; such that (b) the non-conducting separation plate is made of a thermosetting polymeric material.    ADVANTAGE -   Thermosetting materials exert a much more efficient and irreversible closure around the electrically connecting elements, thus limiting any undesirable leaks without special measures, so providing for the construction of cost-efficient electrolytic cells.
Flexible polymeric membrane which is uniformly disposed in and secured to a supporting planar frame along its peripheral edge portions is cooperatively warped, tensioned, and stabilized by a stabilizing device having two sets of stressed elongated arms which are located on opposite faces of the membrane. The arms in both sets are configured so as to have at least one surface of convex curvature extending along their length, the number of arms in each set being two. The arms emanate radially from and are cantilevered from a hub extending through a penetration in the membrane, the hub positioning and holding the arms in each set so as to impose their surfaces of convex curvature against the membrane. The hub consists of two couplings, one on each side of the membrane, which are secured to each other by a biased adjustable tensioning member which penetrates the membrane. The arms in each set are in crossing relationship.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   As an alternative to glass for e.g. greenhouses, windows, skylights, and covers for solar energy collection systems. Stabilising device provides a convenient means of achieving a doubly-curved, tensioned, and stabilised membrane in a planar supporting frame. Membrane tension can be adjusted at the time of installation or at any other time to achieve satisfactory performance under typical environmental conditions such as partic. wind pressures, snow loads, impact, and other loads met in surface. The device also holds the membrane tension constant through cyclical fluctuations in temp. and pressure.
H2 occluding sheet comprises a synthetic resin sheet with many fine pores on which alloy powder able to reversibly occlude and releases H2 is supported.    Synthetic resins used are polyolefin, polyvinylchloride, polyamide, fluororesin, polycarbonate, urethane resin and polyester. Alloy or rare earth metal, Ti, Ca, Mg or Zr is used.    To form the pores, alloy powder and soluble substance are mixed with the synthetic resin, and the mixt. fused and made into a sheet. Soluble substances in the sheet are dissolved with solvent and removed. Alternatively, alloy powder is added to the synthetic resin, the mixt. fused and made into a sheet and the sheet monoaxially drawn. Soluble substances used are phthalates, glycols and metal salts. Solvent used is organic solvent or water.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to store, transport and purify H2, for heat pumps and fuel cells, etc.
Device has photo active layer comprising film of polyvinylidene series cpd. amts. dispersed phthalocyanine. A barier electrode of cadmium sulphide and an ohmic electrode are formed on both sides of the film. The device element is heat-treated.    Metal or metal-free phthalocyanine are usable. The polyvinylidene series cpd. is a polymer or copolymer of vinylidene fluoride, vinylidene chloride, vinylidene cyanide etc. A soln. of the cpd. used during prodn. is in diformaldehyde, dimethylacetamide, cyclohexanone, isophorone, N-methylpyrrolidone, tetramethylurea, etc. Other polymer such as polyvinyl acetate, polyacrylonitrile, etc. may be mixed with the polyvinylidene series cpd. in amt. below 50 wt.%.    ADVANTAGE -   Photovoltaic efficiency is high.
Electrochemical cell comprises an electrode assembly consisting of (A) a gas diffusion electrode and (B) an electrically conductive current collector. (A) is laminar and has an electrically conductive, porous hydrophilic layer comprising a conductive carbon and polymeric binder and a porous, hydrophobic layer comprising hydrophobic polymer. (B) is in contact with the hydrophilic layer and the contact is maintained solely by gas pressure. Pref. the binder and hydrophobic polymer comprise thermoplastic halocarbon polymer, e.g. a TFE polymer.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The system is used for alkali metal halide electrolysis and other electrolytic reaction cells and fuel cells. Better electrical efficiency is obtd. Operating voltage is reduced.
Films comprise wholly aromatic amideimide polymer with (1) repeated units of formula (I) (Ar is residue of aromatic gps.; Ar is (II)-(IX) or nucleic substd. gps.; (2) crystallinity of less than 20% measured with wide angle X-ray diffraction and (3) intrinsic viscosity of more than 0.7 dl/g measured in N-methylpyrrolidone at 25.    Pref. the aromatic-tricarboxylic acid halide and -diamine are reacted. Or aromatic tricarboxylic anhydride and diisocyanate are reacted.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The film with improved resistance to deformation is obtd. The film has good heat resistance, mechanical strength and electric properties and is esp. used for boards of printed circuits or solar cells.
Solar cell consists of a transparent glass roof tile with a 0.05-1.00 micron thick photovoltaic amorphous Si film. The novelty is that the Si film is applied to a deformable plastics film, which is combined with the glass tile. The glass tile consists of inorg. glass or plastics, e.g. acrylic glass. The Si-coated plastics film fits the contours or curvature of the tile and covers its surface. It is attached to the tile on the side towards the building.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The tile can be used as a normal component of the brickwork or building. The composite construction allows the cell to be repaired by changing the film. The cells can be made cheaply and can be incorporated in an existing tiled roof.
Plates for Pb-acid batteries are formed by: applying wet Pb oxide paste to battery grids; and initiating formation of the plates while they contain more than about 5 wt.% free Pb in the paste, pref. about 16-18 wt.% free Pb.    Pref. the plates are assembled in a battery container prior to plate formation; they are pref. pre-wrapped in an absorbent material to dry the surfaces to prevent plates sticking.    ADVANTAGE -   Method is efficient and facilitates continuous-mode processing; Pb dust formation is minimised.
A battery for surgical instruments is designed to be capable of being sterilized in an autoclave, e.g. at 134 deg. C for 3 min. The battery cells are pref. high-temp. resistant NiCd elements and are embedded in an insulating layer, made of glass wool or PU foam. The outer casing and the cover are made of a plastic which is compatible with heat and hot steam. The spacers are also made of foam polyurethane. The use of conductive rubber or carbon for the connections through the cover reduces the risk of overheating during sterilisation.    ADVANTAGE -   The capacity of such a battery is not detrimentally affected by sterilization.
NOVELTY - Improved thermal receiver, for use in solar energy collectors, comprises (a) support means mounted within a housing along the focal axis of the collector; (b) a conduit positioned in the support means in a position extending along the longitudinal axis; (c) an energy absorber in thermal contact with the conduit and positioned between the means for focusing and the conduit, the energy absorber having a black surface exposed to the means for focusing; and (d) a dielectric layer of a thermally insulating material transparent to incoming radiation and in thermal contact with the black surface of the energy absorber and positioned between the means for focusing and the energy absorber to receive the focused radiation and transmit such radiation to the absorber, the layer having a thickness between the means for focusing and the energy absorber greater than several wavelengths of the incoming radiation to minimise thermal losses from the absorber.    ADVANTAGE - ADVANTAGE The improved solar energy thermal receiver provides significantly increased efficiencies in transforming solar radiation into useful heat transported by a thermal fluid.
Composite product, comprises metallic complex salts (MCS) of formula (I), and electro conductive polymer (ECP). In (I), M1 and 15|2|are|metallic|elements|except|alkali|metals|or|semi-metallic elements, x = 3-4, y = 2-3. Pref MCS particles are coated at least a part of their surface with ECP. MCS are insoluble to water and non-aqueous solvents, and does not disperse as colloid or fine particles. Electro conductivity of MCS is 10 power-5 (ohm cm)-1. ECP/MCS ratio in composite is 1-90 wt.%., and for specific uses are 10-20 wt.% and 0.01-50 wt.%.    Production of composite is characterised by mixing MCS and catalyser for polymerisation of ECP, and by exposing the mixt. to the monomer vapour of ECP, and by polymerising the monomer on the surface of MCS particles as coated film. Dispersing MCS in a resin, which swells to solvent of electric polymerisation solvent, is followed by moulding to fixed shape and putting it on the electric poles, and by polymerising monomer, which gives ECP.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The composite could give electroconductivity and plasticity to MCS, and composite is insoluble to water, so it can be useful as energy changing elements, electro chemical displaying elements or secondary electric cells, which are small size, light weight, and have high energy density.
A drying shed has four walls and a roof all but one completely covered by solar panels, and a mass storing heat from the panels by day and releasing it at night.    Each panel is pref. assembled from a peripheral seal, a sheet of glass, an aluminium frame, an absorbant plate, arrays of vertically and horizontally oriented aluminium frames, a layer of polyurethane foam, and an aluminium plate. The panels and the interior of the shed are pref. connected to the mass by separate air circuits.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For drying wood. No power is consumed.
The process comprises paste-lined electrolyte processing based on micronised cellulose dispersed uniformly by sodium carboxymethyl cellulose based material. This removes starch components from the electrolyte solution. The process also removes powdered gum, peptising agents, etc. and dose not involve special heating. The cellulose concentration of the treatment material is 16-18%.    ADVANTAGE -   The process removes starch, powdered gum and peptising agents from the electrolyte.
Polymerisation of acetylene comprises stretching plastic films under acetylene gas atmos. The plastic includes polyoxymethylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, polybutadiene or polyisoprene. Ziegler Natta catalysts may be immersed in plastic.    The plastic tape is set at two rollers which are set in a reactor, closed with a cover and tightened with bolts. Air in the reactor is removed through pipe and valve, and fed with purified acetylene gas. Reactor is heated and temp. in the reactor may be monitored with thermocouple. A handle is rotated and the tape is stretched.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Macromolecule composites have higher electric conductivity, good processability and stability. Composite is used for materials of solar cells or electrodes.
Photovoltaic cells are produced by applying layers of chemical elements or cpds. to a substrate. The novelty is that the substrate is a light-transmitting glass roof tile.    The glass roof tile consists of mineral glass or organic acrylic glass. The photovoltaic layers are applied to one or both sides of the tile, provided with electrodes, fixed firmly to the substrate and opt. subjected to thermal treatment. One or more tiles are placed on or in brickwork or buildings and interconnected electrically.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   These solar cells can be made more cheaply than usual and made more resistant to mechanical and/or corrosive stresses, thus extending their field of application.
Methyl methacrylate(MMA), stryrene, vinyl carbazole vinyl monomers are polymerised to encapsulate CdS powders. Other CdS powders encapsulated with polymethyl methacrylate(PMMA), polystyrene(PST), or other vinyl polymers are admixed with less than 5 wt.% of pigments like rose red ochre. Still other CdS powders encapsulated with PMMA, PST, or other vinyl polymers are admixed with less than 5 wt.% of vinyl polymers like PMMA.    10g CdS 99.999% pure, 0.5 mmol of MMA monomers, 50 mmol of an initiator, and 100 ml of water were charged in a flask and reacted; resultant CdS whose 3% were encapsulated was admixed with 0.026 wt.% rose red ochre. A 100 micro thick CdS film was prepd. using a 1.0g/cc EtOH soln. of the CdS.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for photosensors, solar cells, or electrophotography sentitised material, having a higher photosensitivity over a wider range of wavelength, a good solvent dispersability, and a good workability. /0
A novel light- and media-permeable insulating plate consists of bundles of fibres which are aligned approx. perpendicular to the plate surface, are bunched together at least at one end of the individual bundles and are mutually spaced in the remaining bundle region, the bunched ends also being spaced.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The plate is useful in air collector constructions for solar energy recovery and for roof domes and light strips in industrial buildings. It has thermal insulation and light and media-permeability properties which can be varied over wide ranges by varying the dimensions and arrangement of the fibre bundles.
New alkali ion conductor is formed by a single crystal cpd. The cpd. has uni dimensional tunnel structure of orthorhombic system and is of formula: A1-xTi2+xM5-O12. A is Na, K, Rb or Cs; M is Ga, Al, Cr or Fe; x is 0.1-0.5 (0.3-0.4).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The conductor serves as solid electrolyte. Used as a material for a solid cell or a fuel cell used in an electric car or for storing surplus power. The alkali ion conductor uses Na, K, Rbor Ca as a conductive ion seed. This eliminates the need for using active and dangerous gas when the onductor is used as a solid cell. The conductor has specific large aperture tunnel structure. The structure provides crystal withhe singe fibrous or columnar shape which is in parallel with the tunnel axis, uni dimensionally arranging ion conductive orientation. The conductivity of the single crystal at hf is incrased to 10-100 times higher than that of beta-aumina at room temp.
Semiconductor compsn. consists of matrix polymer, and semiconductor, particles dispersed in the matrix polymer and composed of p type Si semiconductor, n type Si semiconductor, i type Si semiconductor, p type Ge semiconductor, n type Ge semiconductor, i type Ge semiconductor, or p type, n type or i type gp. III-V semiconductor composed of the gp. III element and the gp. V element.    The semiconductor compsn. can be produced by removing a solvent or a dispersion medium from a soln. or a dispersion contg. the semiconductor particles and the matrix polymer, or by mixing the semiconductor particles and the matrix polymer.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The semiconductor compsn. has good flexibility and formability, and can be shaped into film easily e.g. by an application of the fluidic semiconductor composition onto a substrate surface. The semiconductor compsn. is used in solar battery etc.
Transparent conductor film has dual layer structure comprising ITO|(Sn-doped|In-oxide)|layer|on|a|substrate,|and|Sn-oxide|layer laminated on the ITO layer. ITO layer forming raw material is sublimable or evaporating In-cpd. or mxit. with Sn-cpd., and Sn-oxide-forming raw material is sublimable or evaporating Sn-cpd. having higher gasification temp. than that of the ITO layer forming raw material. Each raw material is applied on or impregnated into the same supporting substrate.    The film has sheet resistance of e.g. 150 or 300 ohm/cm2, and 85% or over, or 87% or over transmittance at 550 nm wavelength.    USE -   Used for solar cells, thin film transistor substrate for liq. crystal display, and image sensors.
Lithium aluminate powders are hydrated and then hydrated water removed. Raw lithium aluminate powders are immersed in water and hydrated by heating at above 30 deg.C. Water is removed from the hydrated lithium aluminate by heating.    ADVANTAGE -   Lithium aluminate powders having a larger specific surface area, e.g., 87.3 m2/g, can be obtd. Thus prepd. powders provided a tough supporting matrix for molten carbonate electrolyte.    In an example, Gamma lithium aluminate powders having 0.1 micron average dia. and 20 m2/g specific surface area were immersed in 30 deg.C water for 2 hrs. and dried to form lithium aluminate hydrate, Li2Al2O4.yH2O. The hydrate was heated at 500 deg.C for 2 hrs. to form anhydrous lithium aluminate having 52.8 m2/g specific surface area.
An impedance method for measuring the concn. and depth of mobile atoms in a host material which is surrounded by fluid electrolyte, and where the incorporated and mobile atoms have diffused through and electronically interacted with the host material, includes propagating a variable frequency electromagnetic signal along the material and calculating its penetration depth at a fixed frequency from penetration depth = (2/(frequency x conductivity of host x permeability of host power 1/2.    The frequency is stepped to change the penetration depth and the impedence components of the signal are detected as it enters and leaves the host material. From the impedence data at each frequency as a function of penetration depth, the vol. fraction of mobile atoms at each may be calculated.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Hydrogen storage materials are useful in batteries, fuel cells, etc., and it is essential to know the H content and absorption dynamics. This method gives an efficient real time in-situ measurement of the state and kinetics of charge/discharge in H-storage media. It is also useful for interstitial or intercalated alloys such as alkali metals in graphite.
Electrochemical cell comprises: a gas diffusion electrode; a gas passage having first section(s) which are isolation sections in relation to the electrode and second section(s) which are in communication with the electrode; and a hydrocarbon reforming catalyst in at least the first of the first sections adjacent the gas inlet.    Catalyst may be disposed in all the first sections; it is pref. absent from the second sections.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   As an internal reforming hydrocarbon fuel cell. Simple arrangement allows reformed gas to be made immediately available to the cell electrode while avoiding electrolyte contamination of the catalyst by vapour condensation and film creepage.
(JP2649673-B2)      A matrix for fuel batteries is manufactured by mixing 90-99 wt.% beta-crystalline silicon carbide fine particles and 1-10 wt.% PTFE resin powder with a hydrocarbon lubricant, with a boiling point of 100-250 degrees C. The mixture is then kneaded and formed into a sheet, and the sheet is heated to remove the lubricant.    ADVANTAGE -   The matrix can be precisely filled. The matrix can be made thin, and is formed without cracks, increasing strength and reducing the change of battery rupture or leakage due to gas production in the cell. a higher degree of PTFE fibrillation can be achieved, increasing the matrix water resistance, and electrolyte retention. The matrix is easily produced.
Ionic electroconductor material comprises lanthanum substd. solid soln. calcium hydroxyapatite of formula LaxCa10-X(P04)6(0H)2-X0X, where X=0.2-1.5.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The material is used for a steam sensor, or oxygen sensor, or for fuel cells. Electroconductity of the material is large and stable.    In an example, Ca(N03)2, La(N03)3, and (NH4)2HP04 were used as starting materials, and using these materials, powder of the lanthanum substd. solid soln. calcium hydroxyapatite of formula, LaXCa10-X(P04)6(0H)2-X0X, was synthesised by wet method. Then, the powder was calcined at approx. 800 deg.C for 1 hr. The calcined powder was then pelletised, and sintered at 1250 deg.C for 1 hr. in steam flow. Electroconductivity of the obtd. sintered material was at higher value when the value of X was set between approx 0.5 and 1, and at the highest value when the value of X was set at approx. 0.8.
An electroconductive laminate film comprises a polyester film, oxidised titanium layers formed on both sides of the polyester film, and a transparent electroconductive layer formed on at least one of the oxidised titanium layers.    Pref. the thickness of the titanium layer is 0.001-0.15 micron, on a metal titanium conversion basis, pref., that of the titanium layer on the side where the conductive layer is formed is 0.001-0.005 micron, and that of the titanium layer on the other side is 0.002-0.015 micron. Pref. the conductive layer is made with indium oxide. The polyester film may be coloured, printed in letters, patterns, etc. Pref. polyester films include films of polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, etc.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For solid luminescence elements, photo-electric conversion elements, liq. crystal displays, microfilms, front glass of cars, etc. This electroconductive laminate film does not generate low molecular substances, i.e., oligomers, in high temp. conditions.
Fuel for cell is new. The fuel comprises hydrocarbon to be converted with steam. Water to be added to the hydrocarbon is at least partially supplied in the form of aerosol.    Aerosol is generated with the ultrasonic moistening device installed directly before a fuel converter. Fine mist of water is produced using an ultrasonic oscillator, then conveyed with the hydrocarbon gas flow as aerosol.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Moistening of the hydrocarbon can be done with simple system in compliance with change of output power of the fuel cell. Compact device can be designed.
MeOH decomposing catalyst consists of a silica support loaded with Pd and Al, Zr or Nd; or with Pd, Al and La.    Silica support is immersed in a soln. of dissolved water or alcohol sol. cpds. such as K2PdCl4, AlCl3, ZrI4, NdBr3, LaCl3, etc. and dried. Suitable amt. of Pd is 0.5-5.0 (0.7-2.0) wt.% w.r.t. silica support. The amt. of Al, Zr, Nd or La is 0.01-0.5 (0.015-0.3) atom w.r.t. Pd.    The catalyst is used at 150-400 (180-350) deg.C under 0.01-50 atms. at 100-10000 (200-5000) h-1 space velocity.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to decompose MeOH and to produce H2 and CO2-contg. gases which are used as raw gas for C1 chemistry, or other organic synthesis or a fuel gas for automobiles or fuel cells. The catalyst has a higher activity and selectivity, e.g. providing 96.9% MeOH conversion rate with 99.1% selectivity at 250 deg.C.
Lithium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide are mixed to single or mixt. of aluminium hydroxide or aluminium chloride. The mixing ratio is lithium hydroxide 0.8-10 mole and sodium hydroxide 1-10 mole against aluminium atom 1 mole. The raw materials are heated at 100-650 deg.C for 15 min. - 50 hrs., to produce lithium aluminate fibre.    One more of alpha-alumina and gamma-alumina is mixed to single or mixt. of aluminium hydroxide or aluminium chloride. To those, lithium hydroxide 0.8-10 mole, sodium hydroxide 1-10 mole are mixed against aluminium atom 1 mole. Those raw materials are heated at 100-650 deg.C for 15 min. - 50 hrs. to produce lithium aluminate fibre.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The lithium aluminate fibre is suitable for electrolyte holding materials of a fused salt fuel battery. The fibre has long fibre length, big aspect ratio. So, electrolyte holding material of big strength can be obtd. from the fibre.
Solar cell substrate comprises a glass substrate covered by a transparent electrically conductive layer pref. selected from SnO2, F doped SnO2, Sb doped SnO2 and InSnO2 and having a sheet resistance 4 to 10 ohms/sq.unit, which has a plurality of projections having diams. 0.1 to 0.3 microns and height/diam. ratios greater than 0.6.    A high transmittance (at least 80%) glass substrate has an alkali barrier coating, e.g. SiO2, Al2O3, ZrO, 800 Angstroms thick. A transparent electrically conductive material, e.g. 0.1 to 5 wt.% F doped SnO2, with a sheet resistance less than 30 ohms/sq. unit, is deposited by CVD using SnCl4, H2, CH3OH, and HF carried by N2 gas. The substrate is passed thorugh the CVD furnace on a conveyor belt with a speed of 0.20 m/min., and is heated to 600 deg. C..    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Solar cells have short circuit density improved by almost 1 mA/cm2 and photoelectirc conversion efficiency improved by about 0.5% absolute units.
Low mol. vapour deposition unit has a chamber (11) having microwave cavities (13a-c) partitioned by stainless steel slits (12a,b). The chamber is vacuumed to 1-10 Torr and microwave is generated by supplying power to magnetrons (19a-c) in cavities. A silicic acid water soln. is sprayed in the 1st cavity through a fine grain nozzle making fine grain below 1 micro-m, and the soln. is solidified by evapn. to form a cluster (H4SiO4), or its oxide (SiO2) which are deposited on porous material, e.g. alumina, (24) placed in the deposition chamber downstream of the 3rd cavity.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Objects are produced with high efficiency. Used for prodn. of semiconductor film, gas sepn. film, oxide film, surface improvement, e.g. adsorption agent, catalyst, amorphous film for solar battery, plasma etching, prodn. of corpuscule, etc.
A phosphorus cpd. film is mfd. by allowing a substrate consisting of at least a surface of indium oxide and/or gallium oxide to react, by contact, with a gaseous reducing reactant to form an InP and/or GaP film on the substrate surface. The gaseous reducing reactant, which contains a gaseous phosphoric cpd., is pref. a gas contg. H2. The gaseous cpd. is pref. PH3, PCl3 or PF5.    A polycrystalline InP film is formed pref. by growing an indium oxide film of 5 micron -100 nm thickness on a substrate, using liquid phase, PVD or CVD methods. The substrate can be glass, ceramic, metal, plastic or a semiconductor, but soda-lime glass sould be coated with SiO2 to prevent alkaline diffusion into the InP film. One or more layers of anti-reflection coatings and the like may also be formed on the substrate according to requirements. The indium oxide film is reduced in contact with the gaseous reducing reactant and phosphidised to InP. Thus, either the surface of the indium oxide or the entire indium oxide film is converted into a polycrystalline InP film.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Opto electronic conversion devices such as solar cells, esp. for space applications. Avoidance of expensive reaction apparatus, complicated operations and dissipation of expensive indium results in low mfg. costs.
Thin molybdenum films, of electrical conductivity adjustable within wide limits, are prepd. by decomposition of a gaseous organo-molybdenum cpd. (pref. molybdenum hexacarbonyl) in a glow discharge zone.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The molybdenum films are useful in microelectronics, as corrosion resistant coatings and as replacement for expensive silver mirror coatings of IR reflectors, e.g. in solar-cells. Films of optimal adhesion can be deposited onto thermally stable and sensitive substrates under mild conditions (100-200 deg. C substrate temp.) so that e.g. polyimide foils or commercial epoxy boards can be coated.
Storage cell comprises: positive and negative chambers sepd. by a microporous separator; a negative fluid contg. ions selected from Sn, Ti, V and Cr; and a positive fluid contg. hal gas and hal ions. The cell operates at 0-100 deg. C.    Pref. both fluids are continuously circulated through their respective chambers; hal gas is pref. Cl2, the concn. in the positive fluid being pref. 50-100% of satn.    Specifically, both fluids contain metal ions at a concn. of 0.25-4.0 M and the pressure in each chamber is 1-10 atoms.; the membrane has a pore size of 0.005-0.5 micron. The negative ions are Cr2+ and Cr3+ ions and the positive ions are Cr3+ ions, each at a concn. of 0.8-3.0 M. The cell temp. is pref. 60-100 deg. C.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   As a storage battery for vehicles, domestic systems, emergency systems, etc., providing long operational life and large depth of charge.
A ceramic coating agent of zirconium and yttrium dissolved in solvent of cyclohexane, is supplied to a substrate of glass and fired at 500 deg.C to form dense YSZ film of less than 0.1 micro.m thickness.    USE -   Formation of high efficiency fuel cell.
Workpiece obtd. from a mixt. of a heat-decomposable fibre and a powder and/or fibre of a first metal is immersed into a soln. comprising a powder and/or fibre of a second metal, and heated to remove the heat-decomposable fibre and to effect sintering.    Pref. powder and/or fibre of Ni is used for the first metal, and Cr, Co, or Al is used for the second metal.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   To avoid over-sintering and creep of the cathode of molten carbonate type fuel cells. In an example, 68:32 mixt. of Ni powder and 10-20 microns size wood pulp was moulded into a 1.12 mm thick body, immersed into soln. contg. 2 wt.% (in Al base) of Al (NO3)3, repeated immersion, and dried to give a final body having an Al adhesion (to total Ni content) of 2.3 wt.% Al2O3. The resulting body was heated to 900 deg.C in air and then maintained at the temp. for 2 hrs.
Oxygen ion conductive film is composed of solid soln. of ceria-yttria. Flame coating material composed of ceria-yttria and having 10-80 microns particle size, is applied to a permeable base to form the film.    Pref. the ratio of ceria and yttria is 70:30 to 96.5:3.5.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Oxygen ion conductivity can be significantly improved. by using the oxygen ion conductive film as solid electrolyte in a fuel cell, a power density of about 2.5 times at peak value is obtd. in comparison with zirconia-yttria sintered electrolyte.
An article for enhancing the emissivity of a solar cell comprises a substrate with a predetermined reststrahlen band which has a peak reflectance in excess of 40% and a coating formed as a single layer on the substrate.    The coating comprises at least two materials (Si02 and MgF2) which are coevaporated in a vacuum chamber in such a ratio that the reststrahlen reflection of the individual materials is reduced while retaining transparency across the solar spectrum. The coating reduces the reflectance of the substrate to below the reststrahlen band, thus enhancing substrate emissivity.    The substrate is pref. fused silica, CMX glass or Corning 0211 microsheet, the layer contains 60% Si02 and 40% MgF2 and has 97% transparency in the visible. The layer thickness is 1/4 wave at the wavelength of the reststrahlen band.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The efficiency of solar arrays may be increased by increasing their emissivity to lower the operating temperature. In the prior art solar cell cover glasses and thin film coatings have been employed to do this. The new invention provides in different embodiments a means of enhancing emissivity and reducing solar adsorption with consequent improved power gain.
Porous monolithio graphite electrode for a fuel cell is made by impregnating the edge of a cellulose filter sheet to a distance of ion from the edge with a high coke yield coal tar or phenolic resin; impregnating the remainder with a low coke yield impregnant; curing the sheet in air for 2-24 hrs. at 150-300 deg. C; baking in an inert atmos. for 4 hrs-4 days at 500-1100 deg. C; and finally heat treating at 1800-3000 deg. C over a cycle of 4 hrs.-4 days.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   As an effective wet edge seal
Disproportionation of alkoxysilane(s) (I) comprises contacting (I) to catalyst (II) prepd. by (a) supporting amine(s) (III) on silica gel (IV) and (b) heating under inert gas atmos.    Aliphatic-, (hetero)aromatic amines can be used as (III). (III) is pref. dissolved in a suitable solvent, (IV) is added to the soln. and dried to prepare precursor of (II). This is heated under inert gas atmos. below 500 deg.C for 1-5 hr. to prepare (II). (I) (e.g. tri(m)ethoxysilane, monomethoxy diethoxysilane, etc.) is contacted to (II) at 0-300 deg.C, pref. 20-200 deg.C.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Monosilane (V) recently used in prepn. of epitaxial, solar cell or photosensitive drum, etc. is prepd. by disproportionation of (I). Catalyst gives (V) in high yield.
The fuel reforming plant is for fuel batteries using methanol gas fuel. The unit has a combustion furnace provided at the outlet of the fuel battery, heat exchanger consisting of heater, evaporator, heat source evaporator or heat soruce heater, denitrification unit, air preheater for heat recovery, methanol heater and methanol evaporator using steam as heat source, methanol steam reforming reactor, and means for connecting the above.    ADVANTAGE -   Good temp. controll of the reforming reactor. The plant is highly efficient with low public hazard and high reliability.
(JP93046991-B)      Prodn. comprises forming connecting electrodes on solar cells in the form of specified pattern, and forming surface protective layer on the connected parts of the connecting electrodes.    USE -   Used for easily connecting solar cells in series. (J63246875-A)
(JP2621863-B2)      Melt carbonate fuel cell has a planar electrolyte layer containing a carbonate melt, and a porous fuel electrode. A fuel gas passage slot is formed in the electrolyte resistant layer of the fuel electrode. An oxidising agent porous electrode and a conductive separator are also present. The cell is sealed by a borate glass which contains Li oxide.    ADVANTAGE -   Heat resistance cycle is improved.
(JP2568838-B2)      An electrode (1) of an electroconductive material has a surface coating of an ionic macromolecular thin film (2) contg. dispersed catalyst (3).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The electrode is used in electrolysis appts., storage batteries and fuel cells. The catalyst is not poisoned, hs long life with satisfactory release.
A porous gas diffusion electrode comprises a gas porous gas supplying layer containing a hydrophobic polymer and an electrolyte porous active layer comprising catalyst. The active layer contains carbon particles uniformly distributed throughout a hydrophilic halogenated polymer binder. A sheet electrode having a hydrophilic catalytically active electrolyte side and a hydrophobic polymer gas side comprises a thin sheet of porous, electrolyte wettable and permeable, dimensionally stable non-cellulosic paper pressed over and against at least part of the electrolyte side, under a foraminous overlay.    The electrode is an oxygen reduction cathode. The active layer comprises 10-65 wt.% halogenated polymer, e.g. fluorinated ionomer, and 35-90% 1-25 micron particles. The active layer contains up to 40 wt.% hydrophobic polymer, e.g. fluoropolymer. The carbon particles contain as catalyst a platinum group metal or oxide or a macrocyclic compd. residue. The paper is asbestos, ceramic or glass paper and is up to 20 mils thick. The foraminous overlay is a metal mesh.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The electrodes are used in fuel cells etc.; and operate at high current densities with acceptable durability.
High activity powder catalysts contain Pt Gp. metals which are highly concd., by selective dissolution of Ni and Co along with metals from an amorphous alloy consisting of one or more of Ti, Zr, Nb and Ta; one or more of Ru, Rh, Pd, Ir, and Pt; and Ni and/or Co. Dissolution is effected in HF until H2 evolution is ceased.    USE -   In mfr. of a highly active electrode for a fuel cell (claimed), esp. as a fuel or air electrode in a methanol (deriv.) fuel cell.
Electrocoating method of producing a metallic mirror consists of grinding and polishing a metal mould of opposite shape to that of the final mirror, locating the mould in an electrolytic bath as cathode to produce a thin layer of Sn or other low melting metal followed by a layer of the light reflecting metal, reinforcing the mirror layer and heating to melt the Sn and remove the mirror.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For producing solar energy panels. Avoids the use of mechanical and machining methods.
The solar cell substrate is light-transmitting and serves at the same time as a roofing tile. It is formed by stamping from a flat sheet of glass and subsequent plastic deformation at a high temp. The process can form several tiles at the same time.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The method takes advantage of the extensive automation already used in float-glass mfr. and adds stages which can also easily be automated. The solar cell can easily be formed or attached to the underside of the tile. This makes the tiles cheaper and gives better control over form and properties. The capital costs associated with the production can be distributed over a range of products which can be made from the float-glass e.g. window glass for buildings and automobiles.
Casting member (108) for casting molten Si flowing through it comprises: a central aperture (110) which necks down in one dimension to form an elongated rectangular discharge passage with a cushioning salt coating layer (112) between molten Si (106) and casting member, the molten Si flowing through the passage in sheet form, means to form a temp. gradient of above 1412 deg.C to above 993 deg.C along the casting member so that the molten Si solidifies as it passes through the casting membere in sheet form, and a supply of molten Si and molten salt to a control aperture from a reactor having a drain pipe (76) with a moveable closure plug (78).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In continuous low-cost prodn. of solar grade Si in sheet form suitable for direct fabrication of solar cells.
A heat exchanger assembly for use in controlling fluid temps. in a fuel cell power plant, and a method of operating the heat exchanger are claimed.    The heat exchanger comprises a single housing through which reformed fuel from a reformer is passed from the housing inlet to the outlet in heat exchange relationship with (i) raw hydrocarbon fuel which is passed from the outlet to the inlet, (ii) coolant water,, from a power section of the power plant, which is passed from the outlet to a middle portion of the housing and (iii) steam from the power plant which is passed from the middle portion to the inlet, such that (a) the reformed fuel enters at reformer temps. and exits at power point power section temps., (b) raw hydrocarbon fuel enters at ambient temp. and exits at reformer temps., (c) coolant water enters at power station temps. and exits as a two phase water-steam mixt. and (d) steam enters at steam separator temps. and exits at reformer temps.    ADVANTAGE -   A single heat exchanger is used for cooling the reformer effluent fuel gas to temps. suitable for the shift converter operation which precedes fuel gas transfer to the stack, producing some of the steam used in the reformer, superheating the steam and preheating the raw hydrocarbon fuel prior to reforming. The heat exchanger is brought to operating temp. on start-up by coolant from the stack and by purging steam, thus avoiding the need for separate electric start-up heaters.
A mixed powder is formed by uniformly mixing copper powder, indium grains, and selenium powder. The mixed powder is burned in inert gas atms. at 300-450 deg.C. The selenium content is 0.1-5% higher than those of the copper, and indium to equivalence.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The copper indium selenide powder is used for producing photoelectric conversion devices such as solar batteries. The method eliminates the need for harmful hydrogen selenide and the sealing of quartz ampoule. Burning of the copper indium selenide powder in inert gas atmos. forms no oxide byprod., producing a large amt. of high-purity powder having uniform compsn.. The burning temp. of 300-450 deg.C causes no sublimation, producing a powder in a yield of at least 90% without non-reactants.
(JP2569540-B2)      A separator for fuel cells is claimed. The flow path aperture for feed of an oxidising gas (5) and a fuel gas (6) and the flow path aperture for ejection (7,8) are provided on the first side of a peripheral part. A separate gas passage is formed on the front and rear sides. The gas passage on the one side and the flow path aperture for supply and exhausting of the fuel gas are connected. Between the flow path aperture for the oxidising gas at the side of one of each peripheral part at the front and rear sides are the flow path aperture for the fuel gas. An internal leak inhibition slot (15) which is gas permeable is provided between the flow path aperture of the oxidising gas on the side which is non a peripheral one and the flow path aperture of the fuel gas respectively. The internal leak inhibition slots are connected to the outside. The slot is composed so that it is connected to the outside such that any internal gas leaking does not contact any other gases.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For fuel cells. Partial combustion caused by an internal leak is inhibited. Cell performance can be maintained high.
Transparent conductive body comprises a light permeable ceramic material showing superconductivity at the working temp. compounded with a transparent material.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The transparent conductive body is useful for rending conductivity to a transparent structure without damaging its light permeability, i.e. for solar cell, copying machine part, and opto-electronics elements, etc.
A transparent conductive membrane consists of a metal oxide where fluorine or a fluorine cpd. is doped.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   By doping fluorine or a fluorine cpd, the resulting transparent conductive membrane shows improved clarity and conductivity. It is esp. useful as a display element e.g. liq. crystal, an electrode for solar cell, or electromagnetic interference shielding material etc.
The Ni-system component comprises one or more of 0.4-5 wt% Si, and 0.1-10 wt% or 20-40 wt% A1, and balance Ni or Ni-Cr, and impurities. The Ni-system component is submitted to oxidising treatment.    USE -   The Ni-system component is used for electrode material and separator material of fused carbonate type fuel cells, having excellent corrosion resistance in fused carbonate environment.
Ultra-thin film comprises build up film of mono-layer complex mixt. consisting of benzene type conjugated cpd. of amphipathic property, colouring matter with amphiptic property and polyanion.    Benzene type conjugated cpds. of formula (I) are pref.formula (I): R1-R3-X-R4-R2, where R1=hydrophobic gp. (e.g. alkyl), R2= cationic hydrophilic gp. (e.g. tetraalkylammonium), R3,R4=bonds to bond R1 and R2 to X (e.g. ether bond, and ester bond), X=benzene type conjugated unit (e.g. azobenzene, biphenyl, and diphenylazomethyl). Colouring matter with amphipathic property is e.g. rhodamine, phthalocyanine, crystal violet and merocyanine. Polyanions are e.g. phosphoric acid, sulphuric acid, maleic acid, polystyrene sulphonic acid, polyacrylic acid, polymethacrylic acid, CMC, montmorillonite, and their salts, and metal phthalocyanines.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Organic ultra-thin film is applicable to solar battery, photodiode, etc. It has functions such as photoelectric transfer, and photoelectroconductive property. This film overcomes disadvantage caused by the existance of long chain alkyl gp. (i.e. long alkyl gp. do not have electroconductance, have no optical functions, has no magnetic properties).
New ultra-thin film is the build up film of mono-molecular complex film consisting of benzene type conjugated cpd. of amphipathic property and polyanion having absorption at visible light wave length.    Benzene type conjugated cpds. are e.g. that of formula R1-R3-X-R-R4-R2, where X=azobenzene, biphenyl, diphenylazomethine, and other benzene type conjugated unit, R1=hydrophobic gps. (e.g. alkyls), R2=cationic hydrophilic gp. (e.g. tetraalkylammonium), R3, R4=bonds to bond R1 and R2 to X (e.g. ester bond, and ether bond). Polyanions are the anion having divalent or higher with visible light absorption (e.g. metal phthalocyanine).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   New organic ultra-thin film is applicable to solar battery, photodiode, and others. N film overcomes the disadvantage caused by the existance of long chain alkyl gp. (i.e. do not have electroconductance, and has no optical electrical, magnetic and other properties).
Photoelectric converter elements for converting optical energy into electrical energy are mounted on polyimide film comprising at least 70 mol.% of repeating unit(s) of formula (I) and/or (II). X1-X4 are each independently -H, -CH3, -C2H5, -NO2, -F, -Cl or -COOH.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Polyimide film is used as base film for photoelectric converter elements e.g. solar cells, etc. The film has high transparency, flexibility and heat resistance and low shrinkage to provide low strain by the temp. change and prevents cracking and breaking. It has high insulation so that many solar cells can be arranged on the same film in parallel and/or series connection.
The constitutional material comprises by wt.0.5-30% Cr, 0.5-10% A1, 0.5-7% Co and/or Ni, and balance Fe and impurities.    The material may contain 0.5-10% Si.    USE -   The material has good strength, corrosion resistance, workability and is cheap.
The material is made by coating A1 and Co and/or Ni as the single metal, alloy, oxide or their combination on the surface of a ferrous material, followed by diffusing the coating material in the surface layer of the ferrous material by heat treatment.    USE -   The material has excellent corrosion resistance, workability and economy.
A mixt. comprising a condensed polycyclic aromatic resin prepd. by condensn. polymerisation of condensed polycyclic aromatic cpd. having 2 or more rings with an aromatic cpd. having at least 2 hydroxymethyl or chloromethyl gps. in the presence of an acid catalyst, and 5-70 wt.% mesophase microspheres or powder, is moulded, and fired under a non-oxidising atmos.    USE -   For phosphoric acid type fuel cells.    In an example, a condensed polycyclic aromatic resin was prepd. from 3:1 mixt. of pyrene and phenanthrene, and mixed with 15 micron size mesophase powder contg. 93.3% C and volatile matter at 900 deg.C of 1.3% in a 1:1 mixing ratio. The prod. obtd. by firing at 1000 deg.C showed bending strength of 1250 kg/cm2, thermal conductivity of 9 kcal/m.H.K, resistivity of 400 microohm.cm, gas permeation of 8 x 10 power (-7) cc/cm2.min., and Shore hardness of 95.
In the prodn. of an impermeable carbon material, a tar fraction (where basic impurities are removed by acid treatment and a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon is contained) and an aromatic cpd. of formula Ar(CH2X)n(where Ar is an aromatic hydrocarbon gp. X is an acid gp. and n is an integer 1-4) are condensn.-polymerised in the presence of an acid catalyst. The resulting condensn. polycyclic aromatic resin is mixed with 5-70 wt.% of mesophase small spheres or mesophase powder, and it is moulded and burned in a non-oxidative atmos..    USE/ADVANTAGE -   An impermeable carbon material having improved gas shielding capacity, electric conductivity, heat conductivity, phosphoric acid resistance and strength as well as processability can be produced. Impermeable cabon material is useful for a separator of phosphoric acid type fuel battery.
Photoelectrfc converter elements for converting optical energy into electrical energy are mounted on transparent and colourless base film of polyimide resin comprising repeat unit(s) of formula (I), (II) or (III). In (I)-(III), X1-X4 are each -H, -CH3, -C2H5, -NO2, -G, -COOH or -Cl, X5= -O-, -SO2-, -CH2-, -S- or -O--O- and X6=-SO2, -C(CH3)2- or -C(CF3)2-.    The polyimide film is prepd. by copolymerising 3,3',4,4'-diphenylsulphone tetracarboxylic dianhydride and opt. other tetracarboxylic acid dianhydride and an aromatic diamino cpd. and opt. other diamine cpd. in an organic polar solvent (e.g. N,N-DMF or -acetamide, cresol, halogenated phenol, etc.) at an up to 80 deg.C to provide polyamic acid soln., spreading the soln. in a predetermined thickness and heating gently at 100-300 deg.C to convert the polyamic acid into polyimide film.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The polyimide film is usable as base film for photoelectric converter elements, such as solar cells, etc. The film has high flexibility and heat resistance and low heat shrinkage to provide low strain by temp. change and prevents the cracking and breaking. It has high insulation so that a great number of solar cells can be connected on the same film in parallel and/or in series.
A double layer transparent, electrically conductive film consists of a transparent conductive layer of fluorine-contg. tin oxide deposited on a transparent conductive layer of fluorine-free tin oxide on a transparent substrate.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Claimed use of the film is in the mfr. of solar cells and other photovoltaic devices. The film has low electrical resistance and gives increased light transmission and photovoltaic conversion yield.
The solar cell consists of a p-type semiconductor substrate (1) on which a raster of electrodes (8) has been formed on the side exposed to the light. On side an ohmic electrode layer has been formed (2). On the front the anti-reflection coating (5,6,7) contg. Cs is deposited.The coating consists of an oxide layer (5) in addn. to the oxide-layer (10) formed naturally, a Cs-contg. layer (6), in which the Cs is present pref. as CsCl or Cs2O, and an outer layer (7). The Cs-contg. layer is connected electrically via an ohmic path to the electrodes (8).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The Cs-based layer is conductive and has a low work-function. Injected charge-carriers flow easily into the electrodes (8) and so are not available to compensate or anihiliate charge contained in the dielectric or surface states. As a result the cell has a better long term performance.
The fuel electrode layer and the air electrode layer are overlapped through an electrolyte layer. A cloth made of fibre having heat-resisting properties, is placed in at least one of the electrolyte layer, the fuel electrode layer and the air electrode layer.    The porous air electrode layer is formed by the flame coating or slurry coating of the perovskite oxide such as LaCoO3, LaCrO3, LaMnO3, etc. The electrolyte layer is formed by the CVD method of YSZ, etc. The fuel electrode layer is a porous film formed by slurry coating of a mixt. of NiO and YSZ, etc. The cloth is composed of ceramic fibre such as alumina, zirconia, etc.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The distortion caused by the difference of the thermal expansion between the electrolyte layer and the electrode, is absorbed, so that the electrode itself can be prevented from breaking even when cracking is generated.
Nitrogen is led by a recycle blower to a reformer process part, a high/low temp. shift converter and pipings to raise temp. of these, and after the reformer process part side reaches a certain temp. steam is led to the part through a flow control velve. The steam is heated at the part, and heated steam is used for raising temp. of the pipings and the converter.    USE -   Time required for raising temp. of pipings is reduced. Start-up time of the plant is reduced.
Gas modified in a methanol-reforming device is used as main fuel for power generation, and flammable gas obtd. after reaction is burnt in a furnace from which the waste gas is used as heat source for the reforming device. Along the waste gas stream are the furnace, a superheater, a methanol reforming reactor, a fuel economiser, a denitrating means, and a means to circulate low temp. waste gas to the furnace.    USE -   The reforming reactor is heated directly by low 02 gas. Safety is improved.
Method comprises adding a kneading aid to 100 pts. wt. whiskers and 40 to 100 pts. wt. fibre-forming fluorine resin, kneading the resulting mixt., dissolving out the kneading aid from the kneaded prod. with solvent, redispersing the remaining prod. in an organic solvent, sepg. the whiskers and fluorine resin from the solvent by filtration, and hot moulding the filter cake at 330 to 400 deg.C under 10 to 150 kg/cm2. The consistency of the remaining prod. in the organic solvent is e.g. 0.1 to 5 wt.%.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The sheet is useful for composite material, 12|base|boards,|and|matrices|for|phosphoric|acid-type|fuel|cells. It ia easy to handle, is soft and has high mechanical strength. Pref. the whiskers are of SiC- or Si3N4. The kneading aid is e.g. epoxy resin or glycerine. The organic solvent is e.g. alcohol, acetone, benzene, toluene, xylene and ether.
Transparent film is formed by pyrolysis-oxidn. reaction of Cu-oxide on a transparent substrate at 580-800 deg.C. Opt. the transparent film is 0.5 micron or more thick and is formed by CVD.    USE -   For solar cells.    In an example, a borosilicate glass substrate was coated with a SnO2:F film 0.94 micron thick by CVD using a gas mixt. of monobutyl tin trichloride (vapour), water vapour, O2 gas, 1,1-difluoroethane gas and N2 at 660 deg.C. A film having resistivity of 3.7 ohm/sq.m. was obtd.
Prepn. of the liq. involves mixing hydrophilic carbon black, polyethylene tetrafluoride, water, and surfactant. The mixt. is frozen, then defrosted to prepare the dispersed material liq.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The liq. is used for fuel cells, secondary cells, electrolytic reactors. Uniformly and finely dispersed material liq. can be obtd.    In an example, hydrophilic carbon black with average dia. of 420 Angstroms, powder of polyethylene tetrafluoride with average dia. of 0.3 microns, water, and triton X-100, as the surfactant, were mixed at ratio of 7:3:1000:100. The mixt. was cooled down to minus 30 deg.C at cooling rate of 20 deg.c/hr., then defrosted at room temp. to obtain liq. contg. the dispersed material with particle size of 2-10 microns. The particle size of the dispersed material was easily controlled by changing the cooling rate. Dispersion of the particle sizes was in the range of 2-10 microns as opposed to the range of 1-100 microns by conventional method without freezing and defrosting the dispersed material liq.
Appts. comprising mechanically stacked photovoltaic cells (10) consists of a bottom cell (30) with a conductive substrate on which is a layer of GaSb, contg. regions of different conductivity forming a homojunction, a passivating layer, and a means of forming electrical contacts (32) to substrate and passivating layer. On this cell is a top photovoltaic cell (50) comprising a GaAs layer also with regions of different conductivity and a homojunction, a passivating layer incident to the solar radiation, and contacts to the GaAs layer (54) and the top of the passivating layer (52).    Pref. the bottom cell passivating layer is AlO.85Ga0.15Sb and the top cell passivating layer Al0.85Ga0.15As.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Mechanically stacked two colour photovoltaic cells are used in tandem to increase the overall efficiency of solar energy conversion. In conventional stacks heat dissipation can lead to undesirably high temps.. These new cells contain heat spreaders in both top and bottom and cell isolation minimises the effects of heat. The devices are easily interconnected in a voltage matching scheme which avoids current matching the individual cells.
Amorphous Si alloy film is made by decompositing starting material gas contg. at least Si and other elements contributing adjustment of optical band gap for depositing amorphous Si alloy film having optical band gap of Egopt(eV) on the surface of a board. The temp. Ta (deg. C) of a board on forming the amorphous Si alloy film is Ta=300x(1.75xEgopt)+200+-10 responding to the Egopt.    USE -   The amorphous Si alloy film is used for solar cells for hand-held electronic calculators, and wrist watches. It has high photoelectric characteristics.
An appts. comprises an outer and inner tube to form a furnace body, catalyst pipes charged between the tubes, and tubular guide plates attached to the inner surface of the outer tube and/or outer surface of the inner tube.    USE -   For fuel cells.
In all alkali electrolyte fuel cell sepd. by an ion exchange membrane into an anode chamber contg. an alkali aq. electrolyte and a cathode chamber contg. a carbonate aq. electrolyte containing formaldehyde, the improvement is that the ion exchange membrane consists of fluorine series anion exchange membrane composed of the copolymer having formula (I). In (I) X is F or CF3, K is 0-5, m is 0 or 1, n is 1-5, p and q are positive integers and p/q is 2-16, Y is quat. ammonium-contg. gp).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The fuel cell can be used for a long period at a high efficiency without an undesirable decomposition of formaldehyde.
Metal and/or metal oxide is formed on at least one side of the F-base anionic exchange membrane comprising a copolymer composed of repeat unit (I); where X=F, CF3; 1=0, 1-5 integer; m=0.1; n=1-5 integer, p, q are positive numerals with p/q= 2-16; and Y= a gp. comprising quat. ammonium.    USE -   For fuel cells, electrolytic appts., electroconductive thin films for EL displays, touch panels; and sensor films.
Cpds. are produced by polymerising (1) aniline cpds. of formula (I) in the presence of (2) high mol. anionic electrolytes of formula (II). (R1-R4 = H, 1-5C alkyl, 1-10C alkoxy gps. X,Y = H or below 10C alkyl gps., Z = -COO(-), -OSO3(-) or -SO3(-); a,b = zero or positive integers of below 10; XQ = -CH2- or phenylene gp., and n = a positive integer of above 3).    (1) includes pref. aniline. (2) includes e.g. poly(meth)acrylic acid anion, polyvinylsulphonic acid anion, etc. Polystyrene sulphonic acid anion having (M(bar)n) of above 500 is pref. used as (2). (2) is used in amts. of 1-500 pts.wt., pref. 2-200 pts.wt. to 100 pts.wt. of (1). The polymerisation liq. comprising (1), (2) and solvents has a pH of below 3.9, pref. 0.5-3.0.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The polyanline cpds. are useful as organic semiconductor material for electronic devices, electrochromic elements, solar batteries, etc. The polyaniline cpds. have good heat resistance (stable at 280 deg.C) and contain homogeneously high mol. anionic electrolytes. The cpds. have an electroconductivity of 10 power(-3) to 10 power 2 S/cm at room temp.
Prodn. of unsatd. from satd. hydrocarbons comprises: (a) passing an O2-contg. gas through a fuel cell comprising an O2-ion-permeable solid electrolyte coated on one surface with an electrically conducting metal or metal oxide, or mixed metal/metal oxide coating catalytic for the redn. of free or combined O2 in the gas to oxygen ions, and on a 2nd surface with an electrically conducting metal or metal oxide, or mixed metal/metal oxide coating catalytic for the oxidative dehydrogenation of the satd. hydrocarbon feedstock to give an unsatd. hydrocarbon prod., the two electrically conducting coatings being connected together by an external circuit and the O2-contg. gas being passed through the cell in contact with the 1st coating; (b) simultaneously passing a gaseous satd. hydrocarbon feedstock through the fuel cell in contact with the 2nd coating; and (c) recovering the unsatd. hydrocarbon prod. from the cell effluent.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process is pref. used to convert 2-6C aliphatic and 5-6C cycloaliphatic hydrocarbons; and esp. for converting C2H6 to C2H4 and C2H2 and for converting C3H8. E.g. at 800 deg.C, there was 73.5% conversion of C2H6 with 92.4% selectivity to C2H4. The yield (67.91%) is increased from 65.55% as a result of connecting up the external circuit as claimed.
A separator for removing water from hydrogen in fuel cell prodn. and returning the hydrogen to the cell power system comprises a centrifugal separator from which water is fed to a holding discharge valve via a Pitot tube.    Pref. a bleed orifice in the Pitot tube carries entrained non-dissolved hydrogen back to the system via a rotary sump.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For use in space vehicle fuel cells with reduced gravity-free hydrogen entrainment problems.
The first electrode layer, pref. a transparent layer of metal-oxide, pref. ITO, is structured directly after its depsn.. The method used is pref. a lift-off technique using a TiO2-layer, local conversion of the electrode material e.g. by melting immediately followed by cooling of by spark-erosion. At the same time as the electrode pattern is made pref. a strip of electrically conducting material is deposited. In addition to this strip a parallel one of lift-off material, pref. deposited as a TiO2-paste, is formed. Then the semiconductor material, at least one layer, and the second electrode layer are deposited. Using e.g. ultrasonic agitation in a solvent the material above the TiO2-strip is removed, leaving separate strips of semiconductor with top-electrode. Using spark-erosion contact is made between the strip of conductive material deposited on the first electrode and the top electrode of the adjacent cell. Alternatively, if the conductive strips were not formed already, conductive paste is used to make the connection in the space between parallel strips.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process represents an easier method with fewer disadvantages than current techniques to connect solar cells in series. Formation of the pattern in the first electrode layer before depsn. of any other material allows the best technique to be used. The use of lift-off techniques avoids etching or potentially damaging thermal techniques to separate the strips.
(A) In a solar cell, esp. a semiconductor (e.g. silicon) thin film solar cell, having, on a first substrate face, spaced interconnected ohmic contacts (4) and a passivation layer (5) between and pref. covering the ohmic contacts, the novelty is that the electric field, which separates the minority and majority charge carriers, mins in the region of a second opposite substrate face so that the majority carriers diffuse to and are collected by the ohmic contact regions, the ohmic contacts (4) being located on first regions (21) of the first substrate face which are elevated wrt. second substrate regions (22) between the ohmic contacts.    (B) Prodn. of the solar cell involves (a) applying, onto one side of a semiconductor substrate, a mask which defines the ohmic contact regions; (b) etching to remove the regions not covered by the mask; and (C) Covering this substrate side entirely with a passivation layer.    ADVANTAGE -   The substrate thickness can be considerably reduced without the risk of increased recombination in the region of the ohmic contacts and a potential barrier is not required for keeping the charge carriers away from the ohmic contacts (previously notified in week 8842).
Electronic device, thin-film magnetic heads, high-density circuit boards, magnetic bubble memory, magnetic discs, solar batteries and memory devices are claimed having an insulating layer of a polyimide, the main chain of which comprises all or some of the residues of formulae (a)-(e): where R = alkyl, fluoralkyl, alkoxy, fluoroalkoxy, acyl or halogen; l= 0-4; m = 0-3; and n = 0-2; the polyimide having, cut at one end of the molecule, a carboxy gp. attached to an aliphatic C atom. In a further claimed embodiment, an electronic device has a polyimide film in (in)direct contact with at least the active area of the device, the polyimide film being produced by reacting a dicarboxylic acid of formula (I) and a diamine of formula (II) where n" = 0-10; n' = 2-12; Ar, Ar' = aromatic residues; with the proviso that one end of the cpd. (I) need not take the imido structure and may take the acid anhydride form.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The polyimides form interlaminar insulating films exhibiting high flatness, and superior adhesive properties. Varnish prepd. by dissolving (I) and (II) in a solvent has a lower viscosity than conventional polyamic acid varnish of the same concn., so high solids concns. can be achieved, contributing to the high flatness Properties are improved without impairing the heat resistance, mechanical properties, etc. of the film.
An arrangement for the endothermic reaction of a gas includes a vertical cylindrical vessel (100) coaxial with which is a circular endothermic reaction chamber (818) with two cylindrical walls (822, 824). Other components include a gas-permeable cylindrical combustion-catalyser holding wall (300+400) which is coaxial with the vessel (100) and which has, on the side facing the reaction chamber (818), a catalyser holding bed (400). A mixt. of a fuel gas and an oxygen-contg. gas is burned by the catalyser to become a combustion gas and produce heat. An initial- or raw-material gas flows through the reaction chamber, where it reacts endothermically and becomes a prod. gas which gives up heat before it leaves the reactor.    The example shown is intended for converting hydrocarbons into a gaseous mixt. contg. large amts. of hydrogen and carbon monoxide as active constituents, by the transformation of the hydrocarbons with steam at high temps. in the presence of a steam re-forming catalyst. The cylindrical reaction vessel (100) includes a gas-permeable wall (170) surrounding a charging duct (160) for oxygen-contg. gas.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   A typical use is for steam re-forming. The reactor has high efficiency combined with min. bulk.
A solar cell comprises: (1) a crystalline semiconductor substrate pref. gallium arsenide having a hole extending from one side of the substrate to the other, (2) a p-n junction layer, pref. comprising an emitter pref. p-type GaAs and a base, pref. n-type GaAs, having a crystalline structure similar to the substrate and epitaxially joined to one side of the substrate, pref. such that the hole allows electrical contact to be made with the base, (3) an electrical conductor extending through the hole to make electrical contact with a p-n junction and pref,. the other side of the substrate. Also claimed is the process of mfg. the solar cell.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. for applications involving the generation of electrical power. The device, which utilises an intrinsic GaAs substrate (claimed), combines a relatively low series resistance with a relatively low free carrier absorption. A metallic back side reflector (BSR) is also provided without subjecting to the high temps. that reduce its reflectivity.
(JP2523588-B2)      Prodn. of the photovoltaic element comprises sintering a layer contg. cadmium telluride or sulphide on a transparent insulating substrate. An electrode composed of a carbon film contg. copper and/or silver oxide is then formed on one or both sides followed by a sintered n-type semiconductor film.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For solar batteries. The use of copper and/or silver oxide prevents damage to the P-N junction of the CdTe or CdS layer.
The device consists of a p-type and/or an n-type non-crystalline semiconductor layer which is built up of several consecutive layers of non-crystalline Si-films of not more than 10 nm thick which contain up to 10 atom % H. A device is also claimed in which the repeated unit used to build up the n-type or p-type layer consists of 2 different non-crystalline layers selected from: (a) a Si-film contg. dopant A, (b) a Si-film contg. a larger amount of dopant A than in the first option. (c) a Si-film with dopant B (d) a Si-film without dopant.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The construction is able to increase the conversion efficiency of a solar cell or improve the signal/noise ratio of a photo-detector.
Electrochromic display comprises (1) a display base consisting of a high mol. wt. conductive membrane comprising a polymer (I) having an isothianaphthene structure and capable of being reversibly oxidised or reduced, formed on a conductive transparent support, (2) an opposing electrode under the display base and (39 a liq. electrolyte between (1) and (2).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Polyisothianaphthene is a transparent and conductive material which is very stable and exhibits extremely rapid p-type electrochemical doping characteristics associated with high contrast colour change. After doping, a thin film of (I) has a very low optical density in the visible region of the spectrum and provides a high contrast colour change upon oxidn. and redn., with a rapid response time in electrochromic switching, thus making it esp. useful in the prodn. of low energy display devices with improved viewing angle, contrast, resolution and memory function compared to liq. crystal displays. (I) are also useful as electrodes, or electrode coating materials, in the prodn. of solar batteries and as electrochromic material in reversible oxidn.-redn. systems.
A carbonaceous base material is coated with an aromatic polyimide precursor soln., heated to form a polyimide resin coating, and fired in a non-oxidising atmos. for carbonisation or further graphitisation. Opt., the polyimide-precursor coated carbonaceous material is heated at 100-400 deg.C.    USE -   To form gas-impermeable carbon materials for fuel cell separators, nuclear fusion reactors, etc.
Organic semiconductors comprising (a) polymers contg. repeated units of formula (I) where R is A-C and (b) cpds. contg. anion gps. as a dopant.    Pref. anions in the dopant includes tetrafluoroboric acid ion, perchloric acid ion, I ion, Cl ion or trifluoroacetic acid ion.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Organic semiconductor membrane with improved stability for oxygen, heat resistance and lubricating smooth surface, is obtd. The membrane is adapted for shielding materials, electrode materials or solar cell materials. Monomers are added in organic solvent contg. dopants and are polymerised by electric polymerisation.
Fuel cell comprises: gas impervious separator (2) with a hole (9) for fuel gas; an oxide powder plate plate (5) with a hole in registry with the first; a gas impervious solid electrolyte plate with a hole also in registry; a tubular gasket (7) in the cathode hole which seals and protects the cathode from the fuel gas; and a powder anode plate (4) with a hole in registry with the other holes.    The plates pref. include a further hole (12) in registry with each other for O2 gas supply, a second tubular gasket (8) being provided to seal the anode and protect it from the O2 gas.    ADVANTAGE -   Cell has a simple, low cost design which is reliable and efficient.
Process for the stabilisation of the intraconnections and interfaces in energy sensitive semiconductor devices, esp. solar cell panels with a front electrode of conductive metal oxide on a layer of amorphous semiconductor, (a) dipping the device in an acid soln. and/or a soln. contg. a cpd. which complexes transition metal ions; (b) dipping the device in a soln. contg. the transition metal ion; and (c) forming the second electrode, pref. by metal deposition.    Pref., the acid soln. is 20 vol.% phosphoric acid, the complexing agent is selected from glycol, ethylenediamine or dimethylglyoxime, and the transition metal is nickel or chromium. After each dipping, the device is rinsed in deionised water and finally rinsed in isopropanol. After the isopropanol rinse the device is heated, pref. at 120 deg.C. for 1 hour, before depositing the second electrode, typically aluminium.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The metallic ions adsorbed on the first electrode and amorphous semiconductor promote contact stability with the first electrode and interface stability between the amorphous semiconductor and the second electrode. The resulting device has improved resistance to degradation during thermal cycling.
The body is made by adding binder and water to ceramics raw material comprising 30-90 wt.% coarse particle alumina with average particle size of the prim. particles are 30-500 microns; and balance fine alumina of 1 micron or less average particle size or with total of 5 microns or less average particle size; moulding the mixt., followed by firing it at 1450 deg. C or higher.    USE -   The porous ceramics body is used for filters for filtering liq. or gas; porous ceramic tubes for solid electrolyte fuel cells, having high oxidn. resistance, resistance to corrosion and to heat, high porosity and high strength.
Transparent conductor has transparent electrical conductive film comprising several layers each of which has almost the same ingredients, and almost similar refractive index, but differ in resistivity, light permeability, and/or surface configuration to one another, formed on a substrate, e.g., glass plate.    Each layer has Sn, O, and F, as ingredients, but a different compsn. in Sn, O, and F., and within the following comps. ranges: 70-85 wt.% Sn, 10-25% (O), and 0.001-10% F by wt..    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Useful as board for solar cells, capable of improving transition efficiency of solar cells e.g., a-Si cells.
Electricity is produced in a molten alkali carbonate fuel cell using S-contaminated fuel gas, anode polarisation being reduced by passing the fuel gas contg. up to 10 ppm H2S by vol. through a porous anode contg. 10-100 wt% Cu. The balance of the anode is pref. Ni and/or Co. A pref. gas contains 10-35 vol% CO and 1-10 ppm H2S, pref. 1-5 ppm H2S.    ADVANTAGE -   Use of the above anode enhances cell operation when the above fuel gas is used.
A solid electrolyte sheet comprises (1) 55-95 vol.% ion-conductive inorganic solid electrolyte powder (I) uniformly dispersed in an insulating elastomer (II), the sheet having a hardness (ASTM A) of 65-96 and a thickness of 10-250 microns; or (2) a non-conductive reticulatedmaterial and a mixt. of 55-95 vol.% (I) uniformly dispersed in (II), at least the openings of the reticulated material being filled with the mixt.    A variety of (I) may be used, pref. RbCu4I(2-x)Cl(3+2) (where x = 0.2-0.6). (II) may contain at least 50 vol.% elastomer having no unsaturation. prefd. (II) include 1,4-polybutadiene, natural rubber, polyisoprene, SBR, NBR, EPDM, EPR, urethane rubber, polyester rubber, chloroprene rubber, epichlorohydrin rubber, silicone rubber, SBS, SIS, SEBS, SEp, butyl rubber, phosphazene rubber, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene oxide, polypropylene oxide, polystyrene, PVC, EVA, 1,2-polybutadiene, epoxy resin, phenol resin, cyclised polybutadiene, cyclised polyisoprene or PMMA.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Useful in solid electrochemical elements, e.g. solid microcells, etc. The sheet has excellent ion-conductivity, with superior processability, productivity, storage stability, flexibility and adhesion to electrode active substances, and can be made thinner and with greater surface area.
Prepn. of chloropolysilane Si2Cl2n+2 (I) where n = 2 or 3, involves contacting Cl2 gas with Si particles mixed with Cu or a Cu cpd. or a mxit., (pref. 0.1-20 wt.5 as wt.% as Cu), at 140-300 deg.C. Pref. the Cu cpd. is at least one of cuprous or cupric chloride or oxide.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   (I) canbe produced in high yields, e.g. 40% min. compared with less than 1% (atomic basis) in earlier processes, without formation of solid waste such as CaCl2 which is unavoidable in the conventional process employing Si alloys. The Cu and Cu cpds. remain as chlorides and can be reused. (I) are partic. useful for redn. to SinH2n+2 (n = 2 min.) which can be used as starting material for prodn. of semiconductor Si materials by thermal decomposition, e.g. disilane can be more rapidly deposited as a membrane on a substrate than monosilane when they are formed into an amorphous Si membrane by thermal decomposition and the membrane thus produced has superior electrical properties. Hence a marked increase in demand for (I) as semiconductor materials for solar cells is also expected.
Large area electrodes are isolated to facilitate cascade interconnection of semiconductor bodies deposited subsequently by: applying a mask pattern to a substrate surface; depositingaconformal layer of transparent conductive oxide (I); and removing the mask and the electrode material deposited on it in a solvent to leave isolated electrode portions, so that selected interconnections may be made between them. (I) is ITO, F-doped Sn oxide or S-doped Sn oxide.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In mfr. of semiconductor devices esp. solar cells. Method avoids use of costly laser abrasion.
Carrier gas chamber source for providing clusters to a target comprises: a beam source having an evapn. source which emits a beam of atoms and a gas which mixes with the atoms to form a cluster beam; a conditioning system to ensure that all the clusters are in the liq. state; and a transmission system for transmitting the beam of liq. state clusters to the target. The conditioning system is pref. a heated drift tube.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Thin film deposition processes. High quality films are deposited on a substrate while retaining high efficiency of cluster formation and compatibility with existing cluster deposition systems.
Solid polymer fuel cell stack power assembly has cells stacked one atop another. Each cell comprises a solid polymer electrolyte membrane on one face of which an anode is formed and on the opposite face of which a cathode is formed and porous anode and porous cathode flow field plates disposed adjacent anode and cathode respectively. The flow field plates have contoured surfaces facing their respective anodes and cathodes. Grooves in the contoured surface of each anode flow field plate form a hydrogen reactant flow field whereas grooves in the contoured surface of each cathode flow field plate form an oxygen reactant flow field. Projections between the grooves of each plate contact anode and cathode respectively. With the exception of the initial cell, each cell has its anode flow field plate disposed back-to-back with the cathode flow field plate of an adjacent cell but separated by a porous hydrophilic separator plate. Hydrogen is admitted into the hydrogen reactant flow fields after it has been entrained in water to moisten the anode flow field plates to the extent that cooling of the cells is accomplished by evaporating the water from them while leaving sufficient unevaporated water to saturate the anode faces of the electrolyte membranes. Oxygen reactant is admitted into the oxygen reactant flow fields and maintained at an operating pressure sufficiently greater than the operating pressure of the hydrogen reactant flow fields to force water absorbed by the cathode flow field plates from the cathode faces of the electrolyte membranes and flow through the porous separator plates into the anode flow field plates of adjacent cells.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Invention is water management system for a solid polymer fuel cell stack to ensure that water migrates through the stack and the electrolyte membranes do not dry out. y .
The polymers are produced electrochemical oxidn. of (1) polymers having poly(dihydroisothianaphthene) structure of formula (I) (sic). In the formula, R1, R2 are each H and 1-5C hydrocarbon gps.; n= a positive integer.    Pref. (1) include poly(1,3-dihydroisothianaphthene). Pref. (1) has a polymerisation deg. (n) of above 100, esp. above 500. (1) is oxidised electrochemically by dissolving in electrolyte-contg. solvents and applying voltage to the soln. (the liq. phase method), or by coating electrodes with (1), soaking the electrodes in electrolytic liq. and applying voltage to the electrolytic liq. (the solid phase method).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The polymers are useful for mfr. of electrodes, solar batteries, semiconductor parts, electromagnetic shielding materials. The polymers have high conductivity even in the neutral state.
Forming protective membrane consisted of TiC or hydrogen-doped TiC on surface of transparent electro-conductive InO2 or SnO2 membrane.    USE -   Improving largely plasma reaction resistance of InO2 or SnO2 membrane under reducing atmos..
Zirconia base solid electrolyte is obtd. by plastic forming a presintered compact or powder or powdery compact comprising ceramic raw material having 1 micron or less av. particle size, contg. Zr-oxide, and 16 mol. % or less of at least one of Y-oxide, Ca-oxide, and Mg-oxide as stabiliser, as a main component, under conditions of temp. t (deg. C.) and loading press. P (kgf/mm2) shown by the equation P = 8 x 10 power -37 x (1600 -t) power 14 + 0.1 or over It has 8% or less porosity, 10 kg/mm2 or over bending strength, and 10 power -4 (ohm.cm) power -1 or over electrical conductivity at 800 deg. C. where P = 5 or less and t = 1600 or less.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Zirconia base solid electrolyte is used for gas sensors, fuel cells, and 02 pumps. It has good thermal shock resistance, low electric resistance, and is used at low-temps. It is esp. used for air/fuel ratio control sensors of automobiles 02 concn. in molten steel detecting sensors, or sensors for exhaust gas of industrial furnaces.
The Fe-base alloy comprises by wt. 0.15% or less C, 1% or less Si, 2% or less Mn, 15-35% Ni, 15-35% Cr, 0.1-0.9% Al, 0.5% or less Y, and balance Fe and impurities.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for separators and current correctors for fused carbonate type fuel cells, having good corrosion resistance.
Electrophotographic photoreceptor consists of a charge generation layer (CGL) and a charge transfer layer (CTL) which are laminated on a conductive support. The CGL contains at least one kind of non-metal phthalocyanine selected from tau, tau', mu and mu'-type one. The CTL contains (a) a cpd. of formula (I) or both cpd. (a) and (b) a cpd. of formula (II), where in (I) and (II), R1, R2, R3 and R4 = H, 1-10C (un)substd. alkyl, alkoxy or 6-12C (un)substd. allyl; R1 and R2 or R3 and R4 = may each together form a cyclic amino with the N atom; and R5 = 1-6C alkyl, phenyl, naphthyl or benzyl.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The photoreceptor is useful for copying machine, printer, solar battery, photodisc, etc., and has good exposure photosensitive characteristics, high sensitivity to lights of above 780 nm, good stability on repeat use and good photomemory properties.
(JP2545821-B2)      In the mfr. of a fuel cell with a pressure resistant layer, a slurry is applied to a substrate to form a thin film of uniform thickness that is dried and peeled off to form a thin plate. The slurry comprises binder, dispersant and electroconductive metal powder. The thin plate is stored in a reducing or deoxidising atmos. and cold worked so that the coordination factor of the clearance of 2-3 microns of the dia. of a mean blow hole is 40%. The thin plate is impregnated with a colloid of a stable ceramics. Cold working of the dry porous thin plate is carried out and the clearance factor is reduced. The fuel cell comprises separator (1), fuel electrode (2), electrolyte layer (4) and air electrode (5).    ADVANTAGE -   Internal leakage does not occur due to pressure difference between air and fuel electrodes and on repeated heating-cooling cycles. Cell performance can be maintained for long periods.
Transparent electrical conductive film is obtd. by contacting a gaseous stream contg. mainly stannide gas and oxygen gas with the surface of the substrate. Laser beam having a resonance wavelength in the absorption band of the stannide is irradiated into the stannide gas, and 2nd laser beam having a resonance wavelength in the absorption band of the substrate are irradiated onto the substrate surface to heat it and to form Sn-oxide film on the substrate surface.    The 1st laser beam is pref. in the ultraviolet zone, and the 2nd beam is pref. in the visible and infrared zone.    USE -   The transparent electrical conductive film is used for displays, and solar cells, is transparent in visible light zone, and has electrical conductivity.
Solar energy is converted to electrical energy using a cell comprising: a semiconductor photoactive electrode; a non-aq. solvent contg. an electrolyte and a redox couple; and a counter electrode. The concn. of the electrolyte and the redox couple are selected to provide no greater than a predetermd. small voltage drop, pref. less than 10%, compared to the output voltage of the cell during the conversion of light to electricity. The redox couple accepts and donates electrons from and to the electrodes.    ADVANTAGE -   The cell has a conversion efficiency of 10% or above.
(JP2610255-B2)      In a carbonate fuel cell, a conductive separator has a gas path running from one side to the other. A number of cells are laminated together. The multilayer body has a cooling plate between the unit cells with the coolant path. A manifold for supply/recovery of the reactant gas is supplied on each of the four sides of the multilayer body. A perforated panel between the reactant gas inlet and the multilayer body is provided upstream of the manifold. A cooling plate has a wedge shaped rectifying protrusion projecting towards the perforated plate.    ADVANTAGE -   The construction is simplified and the cooling plate does not have an adverse thermal effect, thus improving the fuel cell output.
Fuel cell electrode comprises: an electrode base (1), a catalyst layer and a matrix layer, all or part of the catalyst and matrix layers being formed in a porous sheet in contiguous relationship.    The catalyst layer is formed of a catalyst filled layer (18) formed by filling the porous sheet from one side with a mixt of catalyst powder and binder, and a catalyst layer (19) formed by adhesion of the catalyst powder and binder on the surface of the filled layer; and a matrix filled layer (20) and adhered layer (21) are similarly formed on the other side of the sheet from a mxit. of matrix skeletal material and binder.    ADVANTAGE -   Electrode has good gas diffusibility, electrolyte retention and catalyst utility, and has good adhesion between catalyst layer and matrix layer, reducing peeling or cracking of the matrix layer. (First major country equivalent to J63181262-A)
Electrical conductive film is made by conveying gaseous stream contg. gaseous organic metal cpd. towards a specified substrate in air or in vacuum for spraying the stream from a specified nozzles at an arbitrary angle. The surface of the substrate being sprayed from the nozzle is heated by laser beams, so that the thin film is formed by moving the laser beams toward the direction of spraying the gas while maintaining the locations of laser beams and nozzles.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for mfg. electrical conductive film having transparency in visible light range, and used for displays or solar cells, or for making electrodes having high density patterns on semiconductor boards such as Si, or on glass, and ceramics, as oxide insulating body.
The method of hot isostatic pressing (HIP) is pref. used with chalcogenide and/or II-V cpd. materials. A powdery starting material, prepd. by various methods, with a grain size of less than 200 microns, is densified, pref. in a vacuum, in the required shape. It is then subjected to a pressure of more than 500 bar at a temp. of up to 900 deg. C, resulting in pore-free material in which no material change has occurred.    By annealing the powder before shaping in the required ambient, desirable electrical properties can be effected. One treatment claimed consists of inactivation of the grain boundaries by deposition from the ambient onto the grains. Semiconductor powder can be combined with conductive and/or insulating material, pref. in a defined arrangement, to form a solid end product e.g. representing/including contacts and insulator layers. Pref. material consists of semiconducting II-V cpds. e.g. PbTe, PbSe or SnTe or alloys such as BiTe or CdHgTe. A suitable material also claimed is PbxSn(1-x)Te in which the value of x determines the strength and polarity of the Seebeck effect.
(JP2517936-B2)      Air-zinc battery comprises Zn anode and O2 cathode with electrolyte contg. KOH aq. soln. of concn. 32.5-36.0 wt.%. 0.26-0.36g of the electrolyte are needed for 1AH of the anode.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used as hearing aid batteries. Leakage of electrolyte is prevented and reliability is improved.
A molten carbonate fuel cell uses molten carbonate as an electrolyte, carbonate ions as conductor carriers, hydrogen-enriched gas as a reaction gas for the anode, and a mixt. of air and carbon dioxide gas as a reaction gas for the cathode. The novelty is that the fuel cell is eqipped with a control system that rejuvenates the fuel cell by reducing or shutting off the supply of at least one of the reaction gases below it, electrochemical equivalent feed rate on the basis of the current flowing through the fuel cell when the characteristic indicators of the fuel cell have fallen below specified limits.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   High-performance stable output charateristics are provided over an extruder period. (First major country equivalent to J63170866-A)
Transparent electrical conductive film is formed by thermal decomposition method, under normal pressure on the surface of a base. After forming oxide system transparent electrical conductive film on the surface of the base, the film is reheated in air without cooling the film. The decompsn. temp. is 400 deg.C or higher, and the reheating temp. is 820 deg.C or lower.    USE -   The method is used for forming electron conductive transparent electrical conductive film on such heat resisting base as glass or ceramics. The film is used for the base glass of solar cells, or boards for luminescent elements, or heat ray reflecting glass. With the method, visible light transmission can be improved without increasing surface resistance of oxide system electrical conductive film.
A polymer electrolyte is produced by melting a (mixt. of) polymers (matrix polymer) and dispersing therein a finely divided ionic salt.    Pref. the matrix polymer is finely divided (prior to melting and pref. with the ionic salt) under N2 for 10-15 mins. by grinding in a ball mill at a temp. at which the matrix polymer becomes brittle. The polymer electrolyte may be hot pressed into a pellet and heated and opt. after cooling repressed to form a film.    The polymer electrolyte is claimed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Useful in electrolytic cells and high energy density batteries. As the polymer electrolyte is solid leakage and/or damage of corrosive solns. is eliminated. Process avoids prior art casting method, and gives PtO films of improved strength both above and below the polymer m.pt. with minimal if any degradation of its conductivity.
An electrolytic cell stack includes inactive electrolyte ing reservoirs at the upper and lower end portions. The reservoirs are separated from the stack of complete cells by impermeable, electrically conductive separators.    Pref. reservoirs at the negative and are initially low in electrolyte and those at the positive end are high in electrolytic fill. During stack operation electrolyte migration from the positive to negative end is offset by the inactive reservoir capacity. For combination with the inactive reservoirs a seating member of high points and low electrolyte retention is employed to limit electrolyte migration rate. This involves having a portion of increased cross-section and volume at the negative end portion of the stack relative to the mid portion of the stack.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Molten carbonate fuel cell stacks. Improved control over electrolytic migration and hence prolonged operation between service shut-down for redistribution of electrolyte.
F-Contg. amorphous semiconductor material is obtd. by film deposition of the semiconductor material in the presence of XeF2. The semiconductor is pref. amorphous Si deposited from SiH4, SiH4/H2 or SiH4/Ar; it may also be amorphous Si:C or Si:Ge.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. in mfr. of solar cells. F is introduced in a low cost and controllable manner.
Analysing Si-H alloy sample comprises irradiating an ion beam of 4keV or more on the sample, to emit ion-excited Auger electrons from the sample and measuring the spectrum of the sample, using an Auger electron analyser.    Used for making solar cells. (J55074450-A)
In the firing step before extracting noble metals with an acid e.g. nitrohydrochloric acid soln. from waste electrodes, the waste electrodes are fired with an alkali carbonate to fix F-contg. gas generated from the waste electrodes as an alkali fluoride.    ADVANTAGE -   the evolution of F-contg. gas generated is prevented.
Prodn. comprises charging molten Si into a mould put in a heating furnace, lifting a water-cooled plate to contact with the bottom of the mould and taking out the mould from the furnace.    USE -   For making solar cells.
Thin film is one obtd. by flowing source gas of metal or metalloid cpd. in plasma atmos. Dopant component is contained in electrodes used for generating plasma or targets disposed in the plasma atmos. The source gas is a Si system gas. The thin film is made by forming thin film by CVD of source gas under plasma atmos. by flowing metal or metalloid cpd. source gas between electrodes contg. dopant component or targets disposed in plasma atmos.    ADVANTAGE -   Dopant component can be incorporated easily and the use of toxic and expensive gas can be eliminated. Control of amt. of dopant component and of film thickness is facilitated.
Method comprises impregnating resin soln., into mat comprising nonwoven fabric; laminating the mat and expanded graphite sheet. The nonwoven fabric is carbon fibre felt. The resin soln. comprises phenol or furan resin varnish, and carbon powder.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for separators for fuel cells, electromagnetic shielding material, and corrosion resistant packings. It has excellent mechanical strength, electrical conductivity, and shielding properties.
A catalytic reformer assembly for covnerting raw hydrocarbon fuel to a hydrogen-rich gaseous fuel, for use in a fuel cell power plant, comprises (a) a housing having a cylindrical side wall, a first dome-shaped wall, and a second wall opposite the first wall; (b) a burner in the housing positioned coaxially with the housing side wall, the burner opening through the housing second wall and including a hot gas tube which extends towards the first wall of the housing; (c) a number of catalyst tubes disposed in the housing, each with a first closed end and an opposite second end, and each provided with a ceramic heat-insulating cover having an annular free edge and overlying the top end of each catalyst tube, the covers extending a short distance toward the second ends of the catalyst tubes, the catalyst tubes being arranged in a number of circular arrays each of which is concentric with the burner, the arrays being disposed in tiers so that the first ends of all of the catalyst tubes in a first tier extend beyong the first ends of all the catalyst tubes in a second tier to the extend that a first imaginary horizontal plane containing the endmost point in each ceramic cover in the second tier is closer to the housing second wall than a second imaginary horizontal plane containing the annular free edges of each ceramic cover in the first tier; and (d) at least one optical temp. sensor mounted on the housing and focused onthe portions of the catalyst tubes in the first tier which lie between the imaginary planes to monitor the temp. of catalyst tubes in the first tier.    ADVANTAGE -   Improved fuel gas reformer having improved and more even catalyst heating capabilities and the temp. being capable of ore accurate monitoring.
An amorphous material comprises: (i) at least one of a metal (Ia) and a metalloid (Ib); and (ii) 5-40 wt.% of a polymer (II), and is obtd. by simultaneously vacuum depositing or sputtering at least one of (Ia) and (Ib) and a polymer (II).    Pref. (I) is in the form of a simple substance, alloy or cpd. (Ia) is se;ected from metallic elements of Gp. II, III, IV, V and VI of the Periodic Table, esp. a magnetic metal partic. Fe, Co, Fe, alloy and Co alloy. (Ib) is selected from As, Se, Sb, Si, Ge, Te, Bi and Sn. (II) is a 10-1000 C, pref. 30-500 C polymer selected from polyethylene, polybutadiene, polyimide, silicone polymer (13 are listed).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The novel amorphous material is free from conventional defects of non-binder type ferromagnetic metal films i.e. generation of saw tooth magnetisation transfer area and occurrence of noise and redn. of recording magnetisation caused by eddy current. (I) are embedded in (II) and behave as single magnetic domain particles. Uses include magnetic materials, solar cells, magnetic cores of power transformers, and hydrogen adsorption and desorption metals for power storage systems and high performance power sources. Other uses include amorphous devices, solid image-taking elements and super -conductive materials.
A lightweight rechargeable energy supply is a thin (12 mm) battery (10) which is recharged by 20 polycrystalline silicon solar cells (6) in a casing (7).    The inside battery consists of a gel enclosed between foils of polypyrrole and lithium. A socket (1) is used for the insertion of a plug and a switch (2) changes a 3V output to a 12V output. A pilot lamp (3) and a battery tester (4) are also fitted. A plastic film hinge (5) is clipped to the casing (7) and can be used to hold another battery.    ADVANTAGE -   This creates a lightweight rechargeable battery which can be recharged both by sunlight or by lamp light.
(JP92080752-B)      Producing transparent conductive film - comprises coating the surface with a soln. contg. a Sn cpd. and ammonium hydrogen fluoride (NH4FHF). The Sn cpd. is e.g. SnCl2, SnCl4.5H2O etc.    Used for solar cells. (J63162078-A)
A plane light collector is obtd. by a method in which at least two light-collecting plates which are formed by dispersing about 0.02 wt.% a fluorescent dye, e.g., Violet 570, Yellow 083, etc., into a transparent plate selected from acrylic resin plate, polycarbonate resin plate, polystyrene resin plate, polyethylene plate, and PVC plate are laminated in such a way that the absorption wavelength of dispersed fluorescent dye is shorter in the light-collecting plate nearer to the incidental side of light. The fluorescent dye used has an absorption wavelength of 280-600 nanometer, and the end of the light-collecting plate is attached with solar cells.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The plane light collector to be used in solar cells, etc., can effectively collect a great amt. of light of a wide wavelength with high efficiency and with lesser light loss.
(JP93043306-B)      Semiconductor device comprises a thin film inserted between semiconductor layers required to form at least an ohmic contact. The film has a 2 phase structure comprising Si and metal-Si alloy and the total content of Si is more than 2/3.    Used for solar cells. (J63157483-A)
Information of functional thin tin oxide film means of plasma CVD on a substrate, tin is reacted with activated hydrogen which has been produced by plasma to convert it to a hydrogen cpd. such as SnH4 etc., which is then reacted with oxygen gas so that a thin film of SnO2 is formed on the heated substrate.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   this method can be used for prodn. of a transparent electrode used as solar cell, indication element such as liq. crystal, electrochromic, electroluminescence, etc., filtration film for collection of solar energy, infra-red ray removing film and etc. The film can be formed more uniformly and evenly over substrate at any temp. equal to or lower than 350 deg.C, with SnCl4 which can be handled more easily.
Polymer comprises a di:phenylether or thioether cpd. of formula (I), where, X = O or S; m, m', n and n' = each 0-2 but n = 2-m and n' = 2-m'.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The polymer is an electrolytic polymer, which is electrochemically active. It is used to mfr. solar battery, sec. battery, image sensor, electrochromic device etc.    In an example a cpd. of formula (i) and 0.68g tetra-n-butylammonium perchlorate were dissolved in 20 ml acetonitrile. The soln. was put in an electrolytic cell and the cpd. was made to polymerise by three-electrode method using ITO glass as a working electrode, Pt wire as a counter electrode and SCE as a reference electrode, and 7 cycles of 0V - 1.5V - 0V impression were applied with impression velocity of 50 mV/sec. The polymer membrane prepd. assumed a red colour and was insol. in methanol THF and DMF.
The gas of a phosphoric acid-type fuel cell is sealed by: filling the pores in the porous material periphery of the cell components with SiC and/or Si3N4 particles which have undergone surface oxidn. treatment; and causing them to expand by reaction of the surface oxide with hot H3PO4, forming phosphates which clog the pores.    ADVANTAGE -   The gas remains sealed at all times irrespective of the amt. of H3PO4.
The base plate for solar cell board is made by heating and oxidising ferritic stainless thin steel sheet contg. 2 wt.% or over Al, having 0.5 mm or less in thickness at 850 deg. C or higher, to form electrically insulating oxide layer comprising 0.2-10 micron thick Al-oxide on the surface.    USE -   The method is used for making base plate for solar cell board having good compatibility to amorphous layer used as a light receipting surface of solar cells. A base plate having no surface faults can be made easily and in low cost.
Semiconductor film is made by introducing reaction gas into reaction chamber; and decomposing the gas directly by light energy of a light source from which ultraviolet range wave length radiates; in which the reaction gas contains at least monosilane (SiH4) and disilane (Si2H6) gas, using light CVD.    USE -   Absorption coefft. in optical characteristics are improved. The semiconductor film is used for light activation layer of solar cells.
Transparent conductive film is formed by: moving a laser beam over a substrate; and applying a reactive gas comprising an Sn cpd., O2 and a conductivity-enhancing impurity source to the beam area, the gas beam being finer than the laser beam. A fine line-shaped film is deposited. The gas beam is pref. injected with a pressure of 10 atmos. or more.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In mfr. of display devices, solar cells etc.. High conductivity film is provided in any desired pattern without etching and without substrate distortion or warping. (First major country equivalent to J63153841-A)
Organic thin film contains squarylium dye of formula (I). In (I), R1 and R2=alkyls which are different from each other. Prepn. of organic thin film comprises forming a super thin film contg. squarylium dye, on the surface of water, and contacting the super thin film with a proper base.    The super thin film formed on the surface of water is a mono-molecular film. The surface pressure, pi for forming the accumulated film of the dye is 5-50, pref. 10-30 dyne/cm. The organic thin film consists of one or more kinds of dyes. When the dye is used for a light transfer element, it is the most effective as a charge generation cpd. in a charge generation layer. The solvent for the squarylium dye is e.g. halogenated hydrocarbon, e.g. dichloromethane, aromatic hydrocabron, e.g. benzene or ketones, e.g. methyl ethyl ketone. A film-forming material improving the stability of mono-molecular film is e.g. arachidic acid, stearic acid, hexadecane or methyl stearate.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The organic thin film is useful for a photoelectric transfer elements, photo information recording medium, a photographic photoreceptor, solar battery, etc. The organic thin film has good photoelectric transfer characteristics. The photoelectric transfer element obtd. has high transfer efficiency, good repeat stability and high reliability. The organic thin film can be easily produced.
Organic thin film contains squarylium dye of formula (I). In (I), R = alkyl. Prepn. of the organic thin film comprises forming a monomolecular film contg. the squarylium dye, on the surface of water and contacting the thin film with a proper base.    Specifically, the surface pressure, pi, for forming the accumulated film of the dye is 5-50, pref. 10-30 dyne/cm. The organic thin film comprises one or more kinds of dyes. When the dye is used for a light transfer element, it is most effective as a charge generation cpd. in a charge generation layer. The solvent for the squarylium dye is, e.g., halogenated hydrocarbon, e.g., dichloromethane, aromatic hydrocarbon, e.g., benzene or ketones, e.g., methyl ethyl ketone. A film-forming material improving the stability of monomolecular film is e.g., arachidic acid, stearic acid, hexadecane or methyl stearate.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The organic thin film is useful for photoelectric transfer elements, photo information recording medium, a photographic photoreceptor, solar battery, etc. The organic thin film has good photoelectric transfer characteristics. The photoelectric transfer element obtd. has high transfer efficiency, good repeat stability and high reliability. The organic thin film can be easily produced.
A mixt. of 5-12 mols LiOH and 1 mol of gamma-Al2O3 is heated at 400-800 deg.C for 15 min. to 50 hrs..    ADVANTAGE -   Lithium aluminate fibres 0.7-1 microsn dia., 10-20 microns long can be produced. No flux on gas like CO2 is required. These fibres are well entangled with one another and provide a porous sinter having a higher mechanical strength.    In an example LiOH.H2O and gamma-Al2O3 were mixed and compressed into a mould, which was then heated at 600 deg.C for 10 hrs. in an electric furnace. the heated mxit. was cooled and washed with water or acid soln. to give lithium aluminate fibres having 10-12 microns length, 0.7-1.0 microns dia. and 12-14 aspect ratio.
A mixt. of 1.5-10 mols. LiOH, 1-10 mols. NaOH and 1 mol. of gamma-Al2O3 is heated at 500-700 deg.C for 15 min. to 50 hrs.    ADVANTAGE -   Lithium aluminate fibres 0.7 micron dia., 15-20 microns long can be produced. No flux and gas-like CO2 is required. The fibres are entangled with one another and provide a porous sinter having a higher mechanical strength.    In an example, 2 mols. LiOH.H2O, 6 mols. NaOH and 1 mol. of gamma-Al2O3 were mixed and compressed into a mould, which was then heated at 650 deg.C for 10 hrs. in an electric furnace. The heated mixt. was cooled and washed with water or acid soln. to give lithium aluminate fibres having 12-18 microns length, 0.7-1.0 micron dia., and 17-18 aspect ratio. In another example, 8 mols. LiOH.H2O, 4 mols. NaOH and 1 mol. of gamma-Al2O3 were mixed and moulded, then heated at 550 deg.C for 10 hrs.; resultant fibres had 15-20 microns length, 0.7-1.0 micron dia. and 20-21 aspect ratio.
Electrically conductive film is formed by screen printing paste compsn. contg. organic In, Sn-cpd., cellulose deriv. (e.g. methyl cellulose) and aromatic nitro cpd. (e.g. nitrobenzene) on heat resistant board, preheating at 150-350 deg.C, followed by burning at 450 deg.C or higher in oxidising atmos.    USE -   The compsn. is used for patterned transparent electrically conductive film comprising In oxide-Sn oxide composite film on a heat resisting board which is used for transparent electrode for displays and solar cells.
Solar battery comprises: a substrate; a semiconductor layer of first type comprising a single crystal grown on a nucleation surface formed on the substrate; and a second semiconductor layer of second type. The nucleation surface is formed of a material which is sufficiently greater in nucleation density than the material forming the substrate surface and has a sufficiently small area such that only a single nucleus grows. Pref. an intermediate mono-layer is also included having a lower impurity concn. than the first layer.    ADVANTAGE -   Battery can be made thin in a low cost stable process and has high conversion efficiency.
Fuel cell using a liq. electrolyte, a matrix for retaining liq. electrolyte and a pair of gas diffusion electrodes each having a gas flow passage and gas supply and discharge means includes: a means for generating an electrolyte mist on the gas supply side; and a demister for trapping the mist in a gas flow passage of at least one of the electrodes and on an electrolyte passage communicating the gas flow passage with the matrix.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. with an H3PO4-type fuel cell. Cell generates a mist of appropriate mist size for supplying to the electrode gas flow passage, traps the mist with high efficiency in the gas flow passage, and smoothly supplements the matrix with the trapped electrolyte. (First major country equivalent to J63146365-A)
(US4767680-A)      The fuel cell has an electrolyte matrix layer and a pair of electrode layers each made of a catalyst layer, which face the matrix layer. Gas separators are disposed adjacent to outer faces of the electrode layers. Each of the gas separators comprises a gas impermeable dense layer and porous portions which are disposed on both faces of the dense layer for storing an electrolyte.    Gas channels are surrounded by the dense layer of each of the gas separators. The porous portions are disposed on the dense layer, and the electrode layers are adjacent to the porous portions, for supplying and exhausting a fuel gas or oxidant gas.    ADVANTAGE -   Reduced thickness of unit cell and improved space factor to output of cell.
(JP92080548-B)      Method comprises baking C films formed on sintered CdTe films on 2 laminated glass sheets, using a baking boat having a net-like bottom having a part to support the glass sheets in a baking furnace.    USE -   For making CdS/CdTe solar cells. (J63144584-A)
Kish graphite having a particle size of less than 100 microns is coated with a novolak type phenol resin having the mol. wt. 200-500, and a thermosetting resin (30-90 wt.%) is blended as binder and hot press moulding is carried out. The obtd. mould is kept at 150-200 deg. C to be hardened and carbonisation treatment is carried out.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The produced carbon material is esp. useful for a phosphoric acid type fuel battery separator.
In a fuel reforming system a H2 rich reformed gas is produced from alcohols by steam reforming reaction process. Prior to vaporisation of the alcohols a part of the produced process gas or air is introduced to the alcohols, so that a part of the alcohols are vaporised and supplied to the vaporisation equipment in gas/liq. two phase flow.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The reforming system is useful for steam reformation of alcohols e.g. methanol, for pure H2 prodn. equipment for fuel battery or semiconductor prodn. A low temp. heat source is used for varporisation of a raw material, or a fuel.
(JP93073277-B)      The device comprises solar cell elements between a glass sheet and synthetic resin film; and the gap between the sheet and film is covered with a weather-resistive bisphenol A type epoxy resin mixed with an amine type hardening agent.    Used for power sources. (J63143879-A)
Vessel for catalytically reforming raw hydrocarbon fuels comprises housing with cylindrical side wall and burner on housing axis to heat the interior incorporates tubular refractory heat shield which is heated by the burner with annular catalyst bed is in the housing. The bed surrounds the burner tubular heat shield between it and housing side wall and number of circumferentially spaced heat tubes extend through the catalyst bed to duct hot gases from the burner to heat the bed from the inside. Raw hydrocarbon fuel is admitted to the heated area adjacent to bed for vapourisation to form hydrogen rich fuel gas which is then collected.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Compact reaction vessel to produce hydrogen rich fuel for fuel cell power plant. The reaction vessel is compact and the reformed fuel is quickly and efficiently produced for the power plant.
Solid electrolyte fuel cell has a solid electrolyte of stabilised ZrO2 or CeO2 contg. a conductivity enhancing additive on the anode side; and a solid electrolyte of CeO2 on the cathode side, forming a solid electrolyte member of two or more layers.    Stabilised ZrO2 is ZrO2:Y2O3 or ZrO2:CaO etc.; additive is CaO or SrO etc. The electrolyte may be formed by CVD, EVD or flame spraying etc. The additive is present also in the cathode side CeO2 electrolyte.    ADVANTAGE -   High cell performance is maintained without loss of output due to a drop in O2 ion transport number.
A compound plate is formed from thin press moulded component plates (2,4) of carbon in a resin binder. Each component plate (2) is bonded to an adjacent component plate (4) along a joint at edges (6,8) of the plates formed with tapered scarf cuts having matched included angles of about 15 deg.C and having a surface finish of 0.016-0.063 mil.    The tapered scarf cuts are coated with a fluoropolymer resin adhesive, overlapped in face to face mating contact and bonded under heat and pressure sufficient sufficient to melt the resin to form a bond.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The plate is a separator plate used in a high temp. acidic electrochemical cell, e.g. a fuel cell. The surface finish promotes adhesive bonding.
Operation of a molten carbonate fuel cell includes: supplying H2-contg. fuel to a fuel compartment sepd. from an anode reaction gas compartment by an H ion-porous, H2 molecule and electrolyte-non porous metallic foil; dissociating the H2 to H ions; and passing the H ions through the foil to the anode reaction gas compartment comprising a porous metal anode adjacent the molten carbonate electrolyte.    Hydrocarbons present in the fuel gas are pref. catalytically reformed to H2 in the fuel compartment.    ADVANTAGE -   Dual compartment anode structure permits use of fuel gas contaminated with e.g. sulphides, and chloride, and permits internal reforming without the reforming catalyst being poisoned by carbonate electrolyte.
An electrochemical cell comprises anode (15) and cathode (16) electrodes, at least one of which is a gas diffusion electrode, a cell separator (10) adjacent to the anode(15), an electrically non-conductive spacer (17) adjacent to the cathode (16) and a corrugated conductive sheet (13) which acts as means for electrically connecting the electrodes (15,16). The corrugated sheets (13) forms at least one channel (22) with the cathode (16) and at least one channel (24) with the anode (15).    The corrugated sheet (13) is of metal, graphite or metal graphite composite. The separators (10) is cation exchange permselective membrane. The spacer (17) is of PTFE or a fluorinated ethylene propylene copolymer.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The cell can be a fuel cell or a cell for electrolysis of alkali metal halide. The channels are used to feed gases or liqs. to the electrodes.
Flexible plastics substrate (12) supports an array of interconnected solar cells (10) and a groundable conductive layer (18) on its rear face. A layer of paint (20) can provide required heat emissive properties.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Lightweight solar cell array partic. for use on spacecraft. Provides grounding of the accumulated charge on the rear face due to space plasma while still ensuring adequate reradiation of heat from the rear face so that the thermal performance of the array is not degraded.
Feed system for feeding metal particles to a reaction bed of a hydrogen generator, without introducing oxygen, nitrogen, or other contaminants to the controlled environment of the generator, comprises (a) a receiving hopper for the metal particles; (b) means for introducing an inert gas to the hopper; (c) an injector connected to the hopper and including a particle outlet; (d) a particle receiving port in the injector; (e) means for transferring the particles from the hopper to the injector through the port; (f) means for flooding the injector with water; (g) means for displacing water in the injector with gas bled from a generator; (h) a reciprocating piston within the injector for forcing the particles from the injector through the particle outlet into the generator the piston being movable from a first position above the port to a second position below the port; and (i) vacuum means in fluid communication with the hopper for evacuating the hopper.    ADVANTAGE -   The solid fuel feed system is used with a closed-cycle closed-cycle hydrogen gas generator producing pure hydrogen gas for a hydrogen-chlorine fuel cell. The generator has a generator has a controlled environment tolerant of only small amounts of contaminants, hence the metal particles replenish the reactor beds without contamination.
(JP2760982-B2)      The method involves adding iron on the surface of a base material of a structural member of the battery. Alumina and the liquid which at least contains zirconium oxide is sprayed on the surface of the base material and is made to impregnate in part at least.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides anticorrosive and insulated structural member. Prevents degradation of battery capability.
(JP2547752-B2)      Surface treatment of the structural member of a fusion carbonate fuel battery comprises immersing the structural member in a 30-80% concn. alkali aq. soln. The member may be pure gold or an alloy of iron, nickel or copper. The process occurs at 100-200C. The surface of the treated member was then plated with lithium and the article baked. The lithium cpd. used to plate the member is in an aq. or organic solvent.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For a fusion carbonate type fuel cell battery which has improved properties compared to phosphoric-acid type fuel battery. Control of dissolution of ion and chromium ions from a preform and retardation of oxidn. coating are possible in the current invention. A high degree of electrical conductivity is maintained.
Solar cell comprises: a transparent front-face electrode (14); a thin-film photo-voltaic device (18); a back electrode layer of Al(20); and an Ni layer (22) on the back electrode.    Pref. the front electrode is supported on a transparent substrate through which light is received; the photovoltaic device is formed of layer(s) of amorphous Si:H (alloy); the back face electrode is 1000-5000 angstroms thick; and the Ni layer is 500-5000 Angstrom thick.    ADVANTAGE -   Ni layer reduces degradation of the Al film in a large scale solar module structure and prevents a reduction in module fill factor.
(JP2601808-B2)      The battery comprises a unit cell which has a slit which contains an electrolyte flow shaping member between a reaction electrode and a frame.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used as an electrolyte circulation-type sec. battery. Electrolyte flow is uniform, and energy efficiency is improved.
In the formation of a functional thin film of Sn oxide, a thin film of Sn oxide is formed over the surface of a substrate with Sn fluoride gas by means of plasma CVD, H2 gas is induced together with O2 gas, the Sn fluoride is activated by plasma, which is reacted with O2 gas on and/or near the surface of the substrate and H2 is introduced in the plasma so that a reduced body of Sn chloride is generated.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for prodn. of transparent electrode for solar cell, indication element e.g. liq. crystal, electron emitter, electro-luminescence, etc., through penetration film for prevention of IR ray and for collection of solar energy etc. The SnO2, thin film is formed more flatly and uniformly with the SnCl4 which is treated more easily without deviation over the substrate at lower temp.
Prodn. of a solar cell arrangement, includes forming a first semi-transparent electrode layer on a transparent substrate, followed by a structured semiconductor layer and a second electrode layer. The second electrode layer is applied immediately after the semiconductor layer, and the contact members are applied after the removal of a second region, on the second electrode layer. The second region to be removed, is removed by e.g. ultrasound or lasers.    ADVANTAGE -   The process is efficient and reliable, and is simple to carry out.
Cell with a permselective membrane between cathode and anode has a membrane-cathode gap of 0.001-0.1in. maintained by a spacer made of mineral fibres, synthetic organic polymers, ceramic or glass, and is hydrophilic, non-conductive and porous. Pref. mineral fibres are asbestos, vermiculate, mica, zeolite, silicate gel, phosphate gel, TiO2 fibre, ZrO2 fibre and mixts. of these; and pref. synthetic polymers are PVC, polyvinylidene fluoride, epoxy resins, vinyl ester resin and fluorocarbon polymer, or mixt. of mineral fibres and polymer.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. with alkali halide electro-chemical cells. (claimed). Cell has enhanced efficiency as a result of the avoidance of gas blinding at the cathode-membrane gap. (claimed)
Appts.reform hydrocarbon fuel gas mixed with water vapour comprises a combustion gas flow passage disposed round a reaction tube to convert the fuel into gas rich in H2, and fuel gas feed rate disposed round that passage.    USE -   For fuel cell type power generators.
The element comprises photoactive layer having a couple of electrodes. The layer consists of semiconductive or conductive organic thin film which is prepd. by electrochemical polymerisation of a single molecule film or multi-laminated single molecule film which is formed on a substrate by a Langmuir-Blodgett technique, using an organic cpd. which has a hydrophilic part and a hydrophobic part in its molecule.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The element is used for solar cells. Lightweight and low resistance element can be obtd. Shelf life and sensitivity of the element are improved.    In an example, alpha-(3-alkylpyrrolo) acetic acid was dissolved in chloroform. Single molecular film of the soln. was spread on the surface of distilled water. After 30 min., the film was pressed at the pressure of 20 mN/m. On a ITO glass substrate, the single molecular films were multi-laminated by Langmuir-Blodgett technique. The film was electrochemically treated, using the substrate as anode, and a Ni plate as cathode, and the electrolyte composed of p-toluene sulphonic acid (0.1 mol) and water (100 ml).
Transparent electrically conductive film contg. Zn-oxide, as a main component, is deposited by a sputtering method. A mesh electrode connected at a different potential condition w.r.t. the target, is interposed between the target and the base plate. The mesh electrode is located parallel to the base plate at the position of 0.5-3 cm in front of the base plate.    USE -   The transparent electrically conductive film is used for solar cells, selectively permeable membrane, electro-luminescent devices, gas sensors, thin film resistor element, and thin film heaters. Uniform and low electric resistance film can be obtd..
Yttria stabilised zirconia film is coated on a substrate, by using organic Zr cpd., organic Y-cpd. CO2, H2, and Ar or N2 gas, adjusting the mixed ratio of Zr/Y to 5.75-3.66 in atomic ratio, followed by plasma discharging with 50-500 Watt load power in 0.1-2.0 Torr atoms, while heating the material to be coated to 100-400 deg.C. The obtd. film has good air tightness.    USE -   The coating method is for yttria stabilised zirconia thin film, as a solid electrolyte, which is used for oxygen sensors of steam electrolysis unit, or fuel cells. With the solid electrolyte steam electrolysis cell made of the coated film, good electrolytic efficiency of steam can be obtd. even when a 10 microns thick film is used.
A polymer has the structural formula (I) where R1 is H or OR3; R2 and R3 are each H or 1-8C hydrocarbyl, or R2 and R3 are linked to form a dioxyalkylene gp. of the formula (II) where R4 and R5 are each H or 1-4C hydrocarbyl; X is sulphur, selenium or tellurium and n=5-500.    The polymer can be in the form of a cation in which 1-100 mole.% of an anion of an electrolyte is present per monomer unit.    A monomer of the formula (II) is electrochemically polymerised in soln. in an aprotic solvent contg. an ionic electrolyte and a source of nucleophilic anions. The polymer is formed on a transparent conductive base (1,2).    The monomer is 5,6 dimethoxy -isothianaphthene, etc.. The anion is Cl-, Br-, I-, ClO4-, BF4-, PF6-, AsF6-, SbF6-, AlCl4-, AlBr4-, FeCl4-, CF3SO3-or HSO4-.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The polymers are conducting. An electrode comprising a support coated with the polymer is used in a battery or a solar energy conversion device. A membrane of a polymer is used in an electrochromic display with a display electrode and opposing electrode.
An electrochemical cell assembly including a porous plate(18) has an edge seal (40) extending about the periphery of the plate (18) to block leakage of gas in the lateral direction. The assembly also includes means for blocking leakage of gas in a second direction normal to the lateral direction. The second blocking means includes a gas permeable hydrophobic liquid barrier (62). The seal region (60) extends as a portion of the porous plate (18), in the lateral direction. The seal region (60) has a pore size distribution having a capillary characteristic so that the seal region (60) forms a hydrophilic gas barrier which extends in the said second direction to the hydrophobic liquid barrier (62) and laterally to the edge seal. A liquid is disposed in the seal region (60) to block the flow of gas; the hydrophobic barrier (62) blocks the movement of the liquid from the seal region.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The cell is used in fuel cell power plants, esp. those using a base or a molten carbonate as electrolyte. Use of a separator plate is avoided and there is reduced electrolyte transfer.
Large crystalline or monocrystalline semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) devices are MFD by depositing a dielectric layer on to an amorphous or polycrystalline semiconductor layer which covers an insulating substrate. Utilising intense light pulses of Insec to 10 msec, the semiconductor layer beneath the dielectric is melted and crystallised. A second patterned light pulse remelts all but selected portions of crystallised layer and recrystallises the areas as monocrystalline regions.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Improved method of manufacture of monocrystalline seeded SOI devices and structures, and also of highly crystalline semiconductor surfaces for large area use, e.g. solar power cells.
Si solar cells are mfd. by; (i) forming a P/N junction adjacent to the front surface of a Si substrate; (ii) etching front surface by a selected plasma etch; (iii) forming a polysilazane coating on the etched front surface by (a) utilising an NH3 plasma treatment to implant H2 into the substrate, (b) utilising a silane and NH3 plasma treatment to implant further H2 and form polysilazane coating. The coating is etched to form a grid electrode, and an Al coating applied to the rear of the substrate to form a back electrode, which on subsequent heating forms an ohmic contact with the substrate.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Fabrication of solar cells with efficiencies of 12.5 to 16.0%.
Recovery of purified carbon dioxide gas from the anode exhaust of the stacks in a nonalkaline fuel cell power plant by a system which comprises (a) fuel cell stacks having anodes, cathodes, and fuel cell water cooling; (b) means for delivering a hydrogen-rich fuel gas which contains carbon dioxide to the anodes for consumption of hydrogen by the anodes in an electrochemical reaction in the stack; (c) carbon dioxide absorber including an absorbent for stripping carbon dioxide from gaseous mixts.; (d) means for delivering hydrogen-depleted exhaust gas contg. carbon dioxide from the anodes to the carbon dioxide absorber for absorption of carbon dioxide from the anodes to the carbon dioxide absorber for absorption of carbon dioxide from the exhaust gas; (e) an absorbent regenerator; (f) means for delivering carbon dioxide-enriched absorbent from the absorber to the regenerator for separation of carbon dioxide from the absorbent; (g) means for exhausting carbon dioxide gas from the regenerator, the means for exhausting further including means for cooling and compressing carbon dioxide exhausted from the regenerator; and (h) means for removing the compressed carbon dioxide from the power plant.    ADVANTAGE -   The system adds to the productivity and value of the power plant while, at the same time, providing a positive environmental aspect; since the carbon dioxide can be recovered at very low added plant installation and operating costs, so adding to the profitability of the plant.
Solar cell of a thin film type comprises in the following order, the transparent base defined below, an adhesive layer, a transparent conductive film, amorphous silicon layers, and a back electrode. The transparent base has insulating properties and is made from acrylic resin with structural unit (I) of methacrylimide. The transparent conductive film is pref. made from indium oxide -tin oxide or tin oxide-antimony-oxide, etc. The adhesive layer is pref. made from a crosslinked acrylic resin, and has 0.5-40 micro.m thickness. The amorphous silicon layers are pref. formed by plasuma- or light-CVD.    ADVANTAGE -   Solar cell is thin, has light wt., flexibility, and good resistance to mechanical shock.
Si dendritic web crystals are grown by: (a) applying a magnetic field across a crucible of molten polySi to control temp. oscillations in the melt; locating a radiation shield above the melt to provide a heat flow balance between the melt and the dendritic web during growth; and growing the web from the melt through a slot in the radiation shield.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Prod. is used in mfr. of low cost, high efficiency solar cells. Method avoids need for very shallow melt configurations and complex melt replenishment procedures.
III - V cpd. semiconductor solar cell is formed by: forming a first-type III-V crystal substrate (1); contacting it with a first-type III-V satd. soln. to deposit a first-type epitaxial layer (2); dipping the epitaxial substrate in a (super) satd. undoped III-V soln. for a prescribed time; and contacting the epitaxial substrate with a second- type ternary III-V satd. soln. to invert the surface of the epitaxial layer to second type (4) and deposit a second-type III-V ternary cpd. epitaxial layer (5).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. in mfr. of a Ga As solar cell (claimed). Mixing between satd. solns. used in successive steps is avoided so that a cell of high conversion efficiency is obtd., even if the number of times of crystallisation is increased.
H2O (18) and equimolar amts. of Cl2(14) plus H2 (12) are fed to a fuel cell (10) for conversion to HCl prod. (16) collected in an accumulator (48). DC power generated in the cell (10) is fed (22) to an inverter/generator (24) and an electrolysis reactor (26) where NaCl (28) and H2O (30) feeds are converted to NaOH prod. (32) plus H2 (12) and Cl2 (14) byprods. which are used as feed to the fuel cell (10) opt. after scrubbing (36,38).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   33% less energy is consumed compared to conventional mfg. processes. About 810 Kw.hr. energy per 2000 lbs HCl obtd. is captured. Concn. of HCl prod. is 17-43 wt.% and NaOH prod. concn. is 76%.
Claimed are processes for (1) making an encapsulated assemblage; (2) coating a silicone-based substrate, esp. automotive safety glass; and (3) coating a glass container to prevent scattering of glass fragments should the container shatter.    The mfg. process comprises: (a) silanising a substrate; (b) coating the silanised substrate with at least one thin extruded coherent film forming a coated substrate; (c) applying a vacuum to form a pressure gradient to vacuum laminate the assemblage; and (d) heating to a temp. greater than the softening pt. of the film but below the m.pt. of the polymer to heat seal the assemblage.    The coating film of (b) comprises (I) 75-90 pts.wt. of a blend of (a) 65-75 pts.wt. selectively hydrogenated two-block i.e. A and B, polymer characterised by (i) each A is a polymer block of a monovinyl or alpha-alkyl monovinyl arene of Mn 5000-75000, and A blocks comprise 10-40 wt.% of the hydrogenated polymer (bIa); and (ii) each B is a polymer block of Mn 10000-150000 and is formed by polymsg. a 4-10C conjugated diene, and B blocks comprise 90-60 wt.% of polymer (bIa); and (b) 25-85 pts.wt. of a selectively hydrogenated multi block copolymer contg. at least two kinds of polymer blocks e.g. A and B, (II) 9.5-23.5 pts.wt. of a hydrogenated alpha-methyl styrene polymer resin; and (III) 0.5-1.5 pts.wt. phenolic antioxidant, a UV absorber with benzotriazok functionality and a UV absorber with hindered amine functionality.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The novelty is the silanisation procedure which promotes adhesion of the novel compsn. The assemblage is e.g. solar cells. The film is transparent to sunlight, has good r.i., is resistant to UV degradation, has low water absorbtion/permeation, acts as an electrical insulator, is heat sealable, has a wide service temp., pref. -40 to 90 deg.C, has good adhesion and can be extruded or curtain coated. Film is useful e.g. on automobile windscreens to enhance safety or on pressurised soft drink bottles.
New high-lubricity member is made by forming a fluorocarbon layer on a diamond base material. The layer is formed by fluorinating the substrate surface with the active fluorine produced by plasma contg. fluorine. Pref. diamonds are e.g. natural ones, those sytheised at high temps. and pressures, and those synthesised by gas-phase growing at low temps. and pressures. The member shows a 0.1 or smaller coefft. even at 200 deg.C. It has good resistance to chemicals and good electrical insulation. Heat generated on the surface is rapidly dissipated due to the good conductivity of diamond. Pref. forms of plasma are e.g. microwave or DC-plasma.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Prepn. is simple, and the member has good surface lubricity: a member prepd. has a friction coefft. for steel plate of 0.082, compared with 0.25 for a comparison sample without the layer formed. Used for sliding parts, wear-resistanc coating of tools, protective film of solar cells, etc.
Glass 0.002-0.025 in. thick is formed from compsn. (wt.%, oxide basis) 6.75-7.75 Na2O, 6.25-7 K2O, 6.5-7.5 ZnO, 2-2.5 Al2O3, 8.75-10 B2O3, 59-63 SiO2, 4-6 CeO2, 0-0.5 Sb2O3 and 1-3 TiO2 (CeO2 + TiO2 = 6-8). Compsn. strongly resists solarisation and has UV cut-off at 370 nm. Pref. compsn. is 7.15 Na2O, 6.65 K2O, 7 ZnO, 2.25 Al2O3, 0.25 Sb2O3, 9.3 B2O3, 61.4 SiO2, 5 CeO and 1 TiO2; CeO2 + TiO2 is up to 6.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Compsn. has melting and forming properties optimised for mfr. of microsheet which includes CeO2 addn. to standard formulation to prevent solarisation when used as protective covering for silicon solar cells in satellite and space applications.
Photovoltaic cell stack comprises: bottom and top heat spreaders electrically insulated but thermally connected to each other, the top spreader having a space for passage of solar radiation; a bottom cell thermally bonded to the bottom heat spreader; contacts to the anode and cathode of the bottom cell; a top cell thermally bonded to the top heat spreader and having a band gap energy responsive to solar radiation of shorter wavelengths than that of the bottom cell; and contacts to the anode and cathode of the top cell.    ADVANTAGE -   Deleterious effects of solar heating on the package, e.g. high temps. and thermal expansion, are minimised.
Photovoltaic system for solar energy conversion comprises: a radiator (36); and a photovoltaic cell (20) for converting a first portion of the solar energy, and having a mirror for reflecting a second portion to the radiator. The radiator receives the second portion of the solar energy and is heated by it to radiate energy back to the cell for subsequent conversion.    The reflector is pref. a back surface reflector layer of the cell.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. used with a single band gap cell. Conversion efficiency is enhanced.
Fuel reformer for use with fuel cell power plants comprises five annular chambers. The first chamber communicates with a source of combustion products at its bottom end and at its top end with the top end of the second annular chamber which it surrounds. The second chamber, in turn, surrounds the third, fourth and fifth chambers and its bottom end communicates with the bottom end of the third chamber. The fourth chamber surrounds the third chamber and is itself surrounded by the fifth chamber. The bottom end of the latter chamber communicates with the bottom end of the fourth chamber.    ADVANTAGE -   The fuel reformer is compact and of relatively simple construction in which combustion products are efficiently utilised to promote vapourisation of the fuel to be reformed and reformation of the vapourised fuel within the unit.
(JP92037552-B)      Prodn. comprises clamping a frame with a seal member set on the side wall of a fuel cell stack, heating the frame to vulcanise a pair of rubbers attached to the seal member, and re-clamping the frame.    Used for d-c power sources. (J63098969-A)
Highly dispersed cluster catalyst of Pt and Ru is produced by adding reducing agent to aq. soln. of Pt cpd. to form precursor of colloidal Pt cluster and then by adding water soluble Ru cpd. to the aq. soln. in the presence of H2O2.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The catalyst is used as anode catalyst for fuel cell using H2, CH3OH, C2H5OH, HCHO or HCOOH etc. as fuel, and for lowering bath voltage in electrolytic refining of Zn and Cu. The cluster catalyst has smaller size and so has large specific surface area. Compsn. of the catalyst is easily controlled.    In an example, 1g of H2PtCl6 was dissolved in 300 ml of distilled water and then 5.3ml of H2O2 was added. The soln. was stirred at 50 deg.C for 10 minutes. 53 ml of Na2S2O4 aq. soln. (60 g/l) was added to the soln. while stirring to form brown highly dispersed Pt colloid. After 30 minutes, RuCl3 was added at 50 deg.C introducing H2 gas to the soln. stirring ultrasonically so that ratio of Ru to Pt is 1;1. 100 ml of carbon dispersed soln. was mixed with the soln. to support cluster catalyst on carbon. The cluster catalyst supported on carbon was filtered, washed and dried.
The cell has unit cell formed by anode and cathode interleaved with electrolyte plate. The cells are laminated through separator to form cell stack. Anolyte is supplied to the anode by circulation and oxidising agent is supplied to the cathode. Exhaust gas from the oxidising gas is exhausted from outlet side of the cathode. Electrodialysis tank has dialysis chamber formed by condensing and desalting chambers, and dialysis is carried out by supplying treating dialysis water to the dialysis chamber. Dialysis plant comprises the fuel cell and the dialysis tank. Heat exchanger effects heat exchange between the exhaust gas and treating water supplied to the tank. Aq. vapour in the exhaust gas is condensed by heat exchange and the condensed water is supplied to anolyte supplier by reflux appts. Direct current generated by the cell is supplied for dialysis current.    USE -   Methanol fuel cell is utilised with improved rate of power.
The machine comprises a vacuum chamber contg. a substrate, a pipe for introducing an Si-carrying gas into the chamber, a device for activating the Si-contg. gas in the chamber, and an ion gun for directing H ion gas toward the Si-film being formed on the substrate.    ADVANTAGE -   Use of harmful material gas, e.g., SiH4, is not necessary.
A closed packed coating of non-amphiphillic colloidal particles is produced on a substrate by (a) forming a monolayer of particles at a 1st liq.-gas interface, (b) compressing the monolayer on the 1st liq. surface, (c) removing the compressed layer from the surface onto a substrate, and (d) drying the substrate.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Randomly arranged colloidal particle coatings are used for interference and antireflection coatings, and for tamper layers in fusion targets. Ordered arrays of particles on surfaces are useful as a diffraction grating, an optical storage medium or an interference layer. Mono-layers of both random and ordered colloidal particles are useful as lithographic mask for prepn. of precisely controlled surface textures. Uses for large, uniformly sized, surface textures include selective solar absorbers, optical gratings and optically enhanced solar cells. Densely packed coatings free from defects are obtd. The layer on the liq. surface can be patterned, yielding a precisely shaped deposit on the substrate, and multilayers can be built up by repeating the steps (a)-(d). The substrate need not be spun at high speed, the area may be very large, closely packed coatings of colloid particles of significant polydispersity can be obtd., and substrates which cannot readily be coated by colloidal processes such as non-water wet materials can be coated.
The construction comprising anode (1), cathode (2) and a CO2- permeable membrane (3) is shaped as a truncated cone with a small solid angle. Its shape enables several cells to be stacked together on a central cylinder (6) pref. made of plastic with longitudinal grooves. The centre of this cylinder (6) is hollow and provided with holes (6a) radiating to its outer surface, allowing methanol to be supplied through them.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The construction, using plastic based electrodes and supports, makes up a workable methanol/air fuel-cell which requires no secondary cell to generate electricity. It can also be operated at a much reduced temp. because of the use of catalysts. The shape allows batteries to be built for high voltages, e.g. 310-320 V, and of high power, e.g. 0.2-1 W/cm2, or up to 1 kW per litre of methanol.
Electrode/gas chamber combination comprises gas-permeable vertical electrode in contact with a gas supply chamber including at least inlet, intermediate and outlet compartments. At least some compartments open onto the electrode and at least part of the walls of the gas supply chamber are conductive to provide a current path from a power supply to the electrode.    A pref. device has several intermediate compartments, the compartments being interconnected via a permeable fritted structure, or an orifice.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used in fuel cells, O2 depolarised chlor-alkali cell etc. Structure minimises gas and electrolyte leakage, ensures uniform current distribution without interfering with gas flow, and provides support for tall electrodes without interfering with gas flow.
Al alloy is made by casting alloy comprising by wt. 0.05-2% In, 0.1-5% Zn, and balance Al and unavoidable impurities with cooling rate of about 1 deg.C/sec. or over.    USE -   The Al alloy is used for generation of H2 gas by reacting with water, e.g., best suited to H2 gas supplying sources of fuel cells or energy storing material, and humidity sensors in atmos., and moisture removing material.
(JP93004825-B)      Photoelectromotive element prodn. comprises forming a 2nd cpd. semiconductor film contg. CdTe or Cd, Te covering a 1st cpd. n-type semiconductor film, contg. CdS or Cd, S except electrode parts and the side face, and a 3rd film formed on the 2nd film, to change 2nd layer to p-type semiconductor film.    Used for solar cells. (J63093172-A)
(JP93005384-B)      Photoelectromotive element prodn. comprises forming a 2nd sintered CdTe film on an element part located at a central part of a wafer and on an marginal part of the wafer at the same time.    USE -   Used for solar cells. (J63093169-A)
The electrically conductive film is made by contacting gaseous stream mainly contg. Sn-cpd. contg. gaseous P-cpd., and O2 gas with a specified surface of a substrate; and heating the surface by irradiation of laser beams.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The film obtd. is used for displays or solar cells, and is transparent in visible light range, and has electric conductivity.
Film comprises In-oxide or Sn-oxide, on the surface of a protective film comprising electrically conductive Zn-oxide. The protective film comprises electrically conductive Zn-oxide in which at least one of Al, In or Sn were doped, and the content of at least one of Al, In, or Sn is 0.1-10 at.%.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The transparent conductive film is used as a board for solar cells, having corrosion resistance.
InN a battery of methanol/air fuel cells formed of a cathode, an anode and a CO2-permeable anion exchange membrane as electrolyte, several cathodes and anodes are arranged parallel in common cathode and anode-chambers respectively.    ADVANTAGE -   Ohmic losses are minimised, the total voltage is high and the individual battery components are mass producible. (Additionally classified in section L - previously non-CPI)
Zn is diffused into gallium arsenide or aluminium gallium arsenide from granular zinc gallium arsenide of atomic compsn. 22% Zn, 18% Ga, 60% As. The Zn/Ga/As is heated in close proximity (1 mm.) with the III-V cpd. in an open tube furnace with a flowing stream of N2 at 500-650 deg.C for approx. 15 mins. to 6 hrs.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Semiconductor materials, having high quality p type layers, suitable for fabrication of e.g. solar cells and junction field effect transistors.
Method comprises forming a polymer film which contains a repeat unit of formula -(-R1-CH=CH-)-, (where, R1 is a radical which forms a conjugated system continuous with vinyl radical), on a substrate irradiating the film with patterned light in an oxygen-contg. atmos., and then developing.    Specifically, thin film of polymer is coated with a soln. which contains a polymeric sulphonium salt contg. a repeat unit of formula (I) (where, R1 is a radical which forms a conjugated system continuous with a vinyl radical which is formed by dehydrogenation of -CH-CH2-. R2, R3 are 1-20C hydrocarbon gps. X(-) is a pair ion. Radiation source is xenon-lamp, Hg-lamp, etc.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For memory element, sensor, solar cell, battery, etc.
Fuel evaporater is heated by a combustor, and evaporated fuel is changed into reformed gas. The combustor operates with liq. fuel, and the combustion part of the combustor is provided with catalyst for ignition under its flame generating part.    USE -   Need for a preheater is eliminated. Exposure of catalyst to flames is prevented, so its life is increased.
A fuel evaporater is heated by a combuster, and evaporated duel is changed into reformed gas. The combustion part of the combustor consists of a combustion pipe in which a wick is inserted. The pipe is connected with a pressure air mechanism to send back liquid fuel impregnated in the wick to the supply side.    USE -   The combustor can be extinguished immediately.
A fuel evaporator is heated by a combustion device, and evapd. fuel is changed into reformed gas. The combustion part of the combustion device consists of a porous structure of catalyst, in which liq. fuel jetting ports are disposed. A fuel jetting pipe having fuel jetting ports in it is connected to a fuel supply pump.    ADVANTAGE -   Initial ignition is improved. Stable flames can be obtd. during combustion.
A fuel evaporater is heated by a combustor. Evaporated fuel is changed into reformed gas. The casing enclosing the combustor is provided with a passage to guide combustion air surrounding the combustion part of the combustor.    ADVANTAGE -   Combustion air is preheated in the passage. Need of a preheater is eliminated.
Fuel evaporater is heated by a combustor, and evaporated fuel is changed into reformed gas. The combustor operates with liq. fuel, and combustion part includes catalyst for ignition provided with a heater.    USE -   Liq. fuel can be ignited at lower temp. than ignition pt..
Evaporated fuel is changed into reformed gas through a layer of catalyst in a reactor in a heated space. The layer of catalyst is formed as a circle, which is sepd. into parts by radially extending partitions.    USE -   Uneven distribution of catalyst can be prevented while transfer on a vehicle, etc.
Gas reaction fuel cell has a solid polymer electrolyte membrane separating anode and cathode electrodes which are porous gas diffusion electrodes formed of C particles supporting a catalyst. A proton conducting material is provided in contact with the C particles adjacent the interstitial spaces so that protons are conducted between the electrolyte and the supported catalyst.    ADVANTAGE -   Enhanced proton transport reduces amt. of noble metal catalyst required; conventional porous gas diffusion electrodes can be converted for use with a solid polymer electrolyte.
Solar cell has transparent electrodes formed on a light-permeable insulation substrate and further oxidic electrodes formed on a light-emitting layer formed on the 1st electrodes connected to the 2nd electrodes through a conductive layer less reactive to oxygen. (J56023785-A)
One or more batteries of cells sepd. by ion exchange membere are used and alternate cells are supPlied with water contg. electrolyte (salt water) and water contg. little or no electrolyte (fresh water). A device is incorporated for electrically isolating part of the supply to at least one salt water cell from that serving at least one other salt water cell to prevent or reduce loss of electrical power through the supply system.    A method for producing H2 by reverse dialysis is also claimed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Electrical energy is obtd. from salt water, together with a supply of water which contains little or no salt. Loss of electric power is minimised.
Electronically conductive interconnection layer is formed by: depositing a layer of particulate La chromite contg. a minor amt. of a sintering aid (I) having a m. pt. substantially below that of La chromite; and sintering at a temp. of not above 1800 deg.K to form a layer of density above 90% pref. at least 94%. (I) is pref. a B oxide or a eutectic of 2A/3B metal fluorides or 2A/6B metal oxides, or a mixt. of B oxide and the eutectic.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In mfr. of monolithic structure solid electrolyte cells, e.g. in mfr. of an electrode-interconnect layer -electrode structure for use as an interconnection between series connected electrolytic cells. The La chromite is sintered to provide densification at reduced temps., thus allowing a laminated interconnect wall to be sintered for densification at a single sintering temp.
(JP93035547-B)      Electrode assembly for fused salt fuel cell comprises a Ni porous plate contg. W carbide. The W carbide may be electrodeposited on the plate from a KC1-LiCl bath.    USE -   For fuel cells. (J63066856-A)
Graphite mesocarbon spheres having a grain size of 50 micro-m or less are mixed with thermosetting resin powder, kneaded, moulded under pressure, and heat, heated to 150-200 deg.C for hardening, and carbonised to give a material contg. 5-60 wt.% graphite.    USE -   Used for phosphoric-acid type fuel cell separators.
A lower atomic valent oxide, e.g. Y2O3, CaO, MgO etc. and a fluorite type cubic crystal oxide, e.g. CeO2 etc. are incorporated in ZrO2 to lower m.p. and to introduce oxygen pores.    USE -   Gives higher ion electroconductivity under lower temps., and is used in fuel cell or oxygen sensor etc. under lower temps. by 100-200 deg.C than in conventional art.
Polycrystalline Si bar (1) is fused by an electron gun (3) and fused material dropned into a water cooling Cu container (2). The fused silicon in the container is adhered and rolled up by the water cooling rotary drum (4) which is operated at a designated speed in a vacuum chamber.    Band (stripe) shaped groove or projection is pref. provided on the surface of the roll for easy releasing of the produced plate and for producing a long plate.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Si thin plate can be directly produced. Also thin plate for a solar battery use can be produced in higher yields.
Polycrystalline thin film is deposited on a transparent substrate by: spraying droplets of electrostatically charged precursor soln onto the substrate; and heating the substrate by radiation from the rear side to evaporate the precursor solvent.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp in mfr of CdS solar cells (claimed). High quality films are formed in a relatively rapid process.
The reformer is housed in a cylindrical container and provided with a burner. The burner is shielded from the sidewall of the housing by an insulating refractory sleeve and forms an annular heating chamber. Within the heating chamber is located a helical catalyst tube. The tube is packed with catalyst pellets and the tube has a raw fuel inlet at one end with a reformed fuel outlet at the other. A flame swirler and hot gas deflector are provided inside the refractory sleeve to create turbulence and ensure an even flow of heated gas.    ADVANTAGE -   The provision of a restricted heating chamber and the helical catalyst tube allows the reformer to be operated at significantly lower temperatures thus extending catalyst life. The reformer is compact and suitable for use with small mobile fuel cell power plants.
Photoelectric duplex windscreens for motor vehicles, to supply electric energy to consuming parts, to charge batteries, as radio antennae or antennae for anti-theft devices, or as resistances for demisting or defrosting consist of: Five superimposed laminated layers namely: a 2-3 mm thick glass screen; a 0.7-0.8 mm thick polyvinyl-butyral foil; solar cells of 50.8-76.2 mm diameter and 0.28-0.32 mm thickness on a 0.1 mm thick tinfoil; a second 0.7-0.8 mm thick polyvinyl butyral foil; and a second 2-3 mm thick glass screen. The assembly is heated in a laminating oven at 108-114 deg.C. Having sealed the unit, the pressure is reduced to 10 power -1 Bar followed by autoclaving at 148-154 deg.C for a complete cure.
Material powder used for a prodn. of a gas diffusion electrode consists of (A) polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) powder, (B) water-repellant carbon black, and (C) complex powder consisting of core powder composed of catalyst or catalyst carried by hydrophilic carbon black and ion exchange resin coating on the core powder surface.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The catalyst is firmly fixed and uniformly dispersed in the gas diffusion electrode, and the electrode has an excellent durability and a high current efficiency. The gas diffusion electrode is suitable for use in fuel cell, sec. battery, electrochemical reactor or plating cell, etc.
Gas diffusion film is produced by (A) preparing a powder mixt. of water-repellent carbon black and polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) fine powder, (B) floating the powder mixt. on the surface of water contained in a tank having a porous bottom plate on which surface a water-permeable sheet is placed, (C) removing the water from the bottom of the tank to deposit the powder mixt. on the sheet surface, and (D) hot pressing the powder mixt. deposit layer to obtain a gas diffusion film.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The gas diffusion film has a uniform density and shows a high gas diffusion efficiency. It is used in fuel cell, sec. battery, electrochemical reactor or plating cell, etc.
The reformer includes a combustor to heat a fuel evaporator to change evaporated gas into reformed gas in the catalyst layer. The combustion part of the combustor consists of a wick, with a feed adjustable pump connected to the liq. fuel supply tube to the wick.    USE -   Initial ignition property is good. Combustion energy can be controlled easily.
Combusting appts. for fuel reformer comprises numerous liquid fuel combusting pipes erected as combusting section and fixed by lateral member at the upper end gas combusting pipe in parallel with a lateral member and crossing upper end portions of combusting pipes, and catalyst carried between combusting pipesand lateral member.    ADVANTAGE -   The lateral member protects combusting pipes from vibrations.
Combustion appts. comprises combustion section of wick-inserted combusting pipes, and a fuel pump to which combustion pipes are connected through a fuel reservior. The fuel reservoir is located under combusting section.
Film is made by supplying gaseous stream contg. stannide gas contg. mainly gaseous fluoride and O2 gas in contact with specified base material, followed by heating the surface of the base material by irradiation of laser beams.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for displays or solar cells, being transparent in visible light range and electrical conductivity.With the method, good transparent electrical conductive film having low electric resistance and no damages of base plate can be obtd..
Electrochemical cell stack system including an electrolytic circulation system also includes means for removing solid reaction prods. comprising: a lamellar settler crystalliser in the electrolyte circulation route and arranged at an angle to the horizontal, pref. about 60 degrees, and means for collecting prods. sepd. from the electrolyte by the crystalliser.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. in removal of hydrargillite from Al-air power cell stacks of electric vehicles. The lamellar settler incorporated with the crystalliser separates coarse particles with low energy consumption, shear, turbulence, cost and maintenance.
Structure for suppressing reflectance of radiation and enhancing emissivity comprises: a substrate of material having a reststrahlen band; a first antireflection coating (I); a thick spacer layer; a second antireflection coating (II); and a thick absorber layer having intrinsic absorption in the reststrahlen band of the substrate; (I) and (II) permit the use of a spacer material having a higher index of refraction than that of the absorber layer material.    USE -   As an emissivity coating on a conventional Si solar cell and as a spacecraft thermal control mirror.
The element comprises photoactive layer having a couple of electrodes. The layer consists of single molecule film or multilaminated single molecule films which is formed on the substrate by the Langmuir-Blodgett's technique, using organic cpd. which has hydrophilic parts and hydrophobic parts in its molecules.    The cyanin molecule has hydrophobic parts (-C18H37) and hydrophilic parts. When the cyanine was made into single molecule film, they where arranged inorder. Photoelectric conversion element was prepd. with the LB film attaching electrodes at the both edges of the film.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The element is used for the solar cell, etc. Photoelectric conversion capability and mfg, cost of the element are improved.    In an example cyanine of the formula (I) was dissolved in chloroform. Approx. 10 power (-7) - 10 power (-6) mol. of the dissolved cyanine was spread in pure water. 50 layers of multilaminated single molecule films were formed on the quartz glass substrate by the LB technique using the spread cyanine.
The photoelectric transfer device has amorphous silicon hydride as a component. Hydrogen atom concn.. bonded in (I) shape in the amorphous silicon hydride is 5 x 10 power 17/cm3 or less and that bonded in (II) shape is at least 5 x 10 power 20/cm3 and 4 x 10 power 21/cm3 or less.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The photoelectric transfer device is applicable to a solar cell. The amorphous silicon hydride is used as the i layer provided between the P layer and the N layer. Deterioration in the solar cell is avoided.
The internal electrolyte supply system in a fuel cell stack uses an arrangement of grooves and passages in the bipolar plates of successive cells to route gravity-assisted flowing electrolyte through the stack. The grooves route electrolyte along a series of first paths which extend horizontally through the cells between the plates. The passages route electrolyte flow along second paths which extend vertically through the stack so as to supply electrolyte to the first paths where it contacts the cell matrices. Some of the passages bypass some of the grooves.    ADVANTAGE -   Reliable electrolyte flow is ensured to all cells in the stack regardless of their position in the stack, and without causing flooding.
The diaphragm comprises a cation exchange membrane of which at least one surface contains 6-30C aliphatic chain cpd. and a polymer of a pyrrole cpd.    The surface of the diaphragm contains the 6-30C aliphatic chain cpd and the pyrrole polymer in an amt of 0.0005 to 0.05 mg/cm2 respectively.
(JP94038340-B2)      The sepn. membrane comprises ion exchange film coated with polymer of pyrrole cpd. The flow of ions in cells is in the order of 1x10power-6 to 0.5 mg/cm2. The ion exchange film comprises inorganic system e.g. phosphoric acid- zirconium and an organic system.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The membrane is used for redox flow battery. The amt. of penetration of metal ion is small, and high sepn. membrane provides voltage and coulomb efficiency.
In a device for reforming raw gas composed of methanol and steam into gas rich in hydrogen suitable for use in fuel cell, the raw gas flowing through reaction tube filled with catalyst is heated by heat medium flowing in the same direction. Outlet of the reaction tube is cooled by cooling medium.    ADVANTAGE -   Since temp. of catalyst is high at inlet and low at outlet of the reaction tube, high concn. of CO and high methanol conversion rate are obtd. when water/methanol mol. ratio is low.
The polyimide film has the repeating units of formula (I). R1 is tetravalent gp. having more than 2C; R2 is divalent gps. having more than 2C; R3, R4, R5 and R6 are H, 1-30C monovalent aliphatic gps., monovalent cycloaliphatic gps., monovalent aromatic-aliphatic gps., opt. substd. by halogen, nitro, amino, cyano, methoxy or acetoxy; at least one (pref. two) of R3, R4, R5, and R6 are 1-11C gps. or not H atom.    Composite materials including the polyimide film are formed by building up a mixt. of the polyimide precursor and conventional Langmuir-Blodgett's film forming cpds. using the Langmuir Blodgett method.    USE -   Used in electronics or energy conversion devices; as sepn. membranes, including MIS(metal-insulator-semiconductor) or MIM (metal-insulator-metal) devices, solar cells, LED, EL, photodiodes, CCD, FET, ISFET (ion sensitive), IMFET (immuno), ENFET (enzyme), ChemFET (gas sensitive), or optical recording media.
Hydrophilically-heated catalyst base is dispersed in water. Platinum acid chloride and ruthenium chloride are added to the soln. The pH of the soln. is made alkaline. The soln. is heated to effect redn.. Anticolloid agent is added and redn. agent contg. aldehyde radical is mixed in gradually to reduce the platinum acid chloride and ruthenium chloride to platinum and ruthenium.    ADVANTAGE -   Dispersion characteristic of ruthenium is good and its degree of contact with the catalyst substrate is good.
A fuel cell has unit cells each consisting of (i) a fuel electrode (2) having flow passes (6) through which a fuel gas (A) flows, (ii) an oxidising electrode (1) having flow passes (5) through which an oxidising gas (B) flows in a direction at right angles to the flowing direction of the fuel gas (A), and (iii) an electrolyte layer (3) between the fuel electrode (2) and the oxidising electrode (1). The improvement is that the edges (7) of the electrodes (1,2) parallel to the flow passes (5,6) are impregnated with mixt. (7b) of powder and polyethersulphone.    Powder in the mixt. e.g. comprises Si carbide or heat-treated carbon etc..    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Leak of the flowing gases through the edges of the electrodes can be effectively prevented.
An intermediate laye of pure metal or alloy is formed on the surface of a base plate of less than 1 micron surface roughness. A film of zirconium nitride ZrNx (x = 0.7-1.5) and more than 100 Angstroms thickness is formed on the intermediate layer.    Base plate is e.g. metal, glass, ceramic, plastic, etc.. Pure metal for the intermediate layer is pref. zirconium. thickness of the intermediate layer is pref. 100-5000 Angstroms. Zirconium nitride film is formed pref. by dual ion beam sputtering without heating.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Useful for common reflection type IR stove, oven, IR image furnace, etc., amorphous solar battery base plate. Good IR reflection characteristics. The zirconium nitride has good adhesiveness and does not come off even when the material is processed into various shapes. As the Zr nitride film is thin, hard and chemically and thermally stable, the material can be used for long periods even in a high temp. and humid environment. Maintenance is simple.
The process comprises forming porous electrode material on porous substrate by painting or sputtering, forming the solid electrolyte layer by sputtering the solid electrolyte material powder onto the electrode material, sealing the pores by chemical vapour deposition of the solid electrolyte material on the solid electrolyte layer to make the thickness of it to meet the planned thickness, and forming porous electrode material on the pore sealed solid electrolyte layer by painting or sputtering.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The solid electrolyte is used for high temp. fuel cells, electrodes of high temp. electrolytic equipments. Solid electrolyte thin layer can be prepd..
A novel substrate, for use in an electronic display device, solar cell and/or other device in which a thin film is formed on the substrate, is made of a glass which is free of alkali metal oxide, lead oxide and magnesium oxide, which hashigh chemical resistance and which contains (by wt.) 52-60% SiO2, 7-14% Al2O3, 3-12% B2O3, 3-13% CaO, 10-22% BaO, 0-10% SrO and 0-10% ZnO.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The substrate is useful for LCDs using thin film transistors, solar cells and electro-luminescent display devices. It has high chemical resistance (esp. to buffered hydrofluoric acid), is easily melted to remove bubbles, flutes and other defects, and has excellent heat resistance and linear thermal expansion coefficient.
Appts. comprises a control unit to control the feed rate of the fuel to be fed to a burner unit according to a detected outlet temp. of a gasifier to gasify the liq.    USE -   For fuel cells power systems.
Improved fuel cell electrolyte martix is produced by (a) mixing 6-60 pts.wt. polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) powder with 40-94 pts.wt. mixed powder comprising (i) 10-70 wt% inorg. powder capable of forming metal phospjate and (ii) 30-90 wt% phosphoric acid-resistant inorg. powder; (b) forming this mixt. into a porous sheet/film; (c) impregnating with phosphoric acid; and (d) heating so (i) is converted in situ to metal phosphate.    Pref. 13-40 wt% of compsn. is PTFE, opt. in granular/scrap state. (i) which increases hydrophilicity may opt. be actual powdered metal phosphate but this reduces binding characteristics. Pref. is a Zr, Ti or Al cpd., esp. ZrO2. (ii) is pref. Ta2O5, a carbonaceous powder or, most pref. SiC. This prevents deposition of (i) on film surface, stabilises structure and controls pore size (small particles provide film with high foam pressure; large provide high permeation rate). Pref. (i) and (ii) are powders with particles below 10 microns.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   This electrolyte-retaining matrix for fuel cells using phosphoric acid avoids problem of hydrophobic character of PTFE filler, so allowing increasing in amt. PTFE, used with consequent increased film strength, moulding characteristics and yield. Fuel cells with improved performance and increased life are provided. (First major country equivalent to J63048765-A)
Carbon moulding contg. carbonising material is surface covered with metal by electrolytic plating, placed in a high-temp., high-pressure furnace under atmos. substituted by a pressure media gas, and carbonising under a pressure media gas.    USE -   Used for mfg. structural materials, sepn. boards for fuel cells, susceptors for semiconductor mfg., aircraft brakes, rocket engine nozzles, etc.
Methanol reforming appts. comprises means for reducing reforming catalyst in oxidis state prior to reforming operation. Reducing means comprises lines for feeding hydrogen gas and carrier gas to reforming catalyst-filled reactor, respectively, and line for circulating carrier gas from inlet to outlet of reforming reaction tube.    ADVANTAGE -   Amt. of carrier gas can be largely used.
Steam is introduced into reforming reactor tube in which heated catalyst is placed, so that the catalyst layer is heated at a given temp. MeOH is introduced into the tube and decomposed to H2 with which the catalyst is preliminary reduced. Pref. the catalyst is 170-180 deg.C while it is reduced. The amt. of MeOH supplied is 0.5-1.0 mol.% w.r.t. that of steam.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for small-output fuel cell power plants which are mobile or placed in isolated islands. No additional appts. supplying N2 and H2 gas to the reformer is reqd.
Prodn. of polysulfoneamidoimide of recurrent units of formula (I) comprises reacting trimellitic acid chloride of formula (II) with 3,3'-diaminodiphenyl sulphone of formula (III) in mixed solvent consisting of non-protonic polar solvent, aromatic solvent and ether solvent to produce polymer compsns. contg. polysulphoneamic acid (logarithmic viscosity at least 0.4) consisting of recurrent units of formula (IV), and cyclisation of the polysulphoneamic acid.    Non-protonic polar solvent used is DMF, dimethylacetoamide, N-methylpyrrolidone or DMSO. Aromatic solvent used is xylene, toluene or benzene. Ether solvent used as reaction accelerator is ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, THF or dioxan. Molar ratio of trimellitic acid chloride to 3,3'-diaminodiphenylsulphone is 0.7-1.5, pref. 0.9-1.1. Reaction is at 50 deg. C or less, pref. 0-35 deg. C for 0.2-50 hrs., pref. 0.5-25 hrs. under anhydrous conditions. The reaction prod. is heated at 100-400 deg. C, pref. 200-300 deg. C for 0.1-25 hrs., pref. 0.2-10 hrs. or reacted with dehydrating agent such as acetic anhydride or propionic anhydride for 0.1-25 hrs., pref. 1-10 hrs. to produce polysulphone amidoimide.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Polysulphone amidoimide of high mol. wt. and good thermal resistance and transparency. Useful as coating film for solar battery of heat-resisting coatings.
Prodn. of polysulphone-amido-imide precursor (logarithmic viscosity is at least 0.4) with recurrent units of formula (I) comprises reacting trimellitic acid chloride of formula (II) with 3,3'-diaminodiphenylsulphone of formula (III) in mixed solvent comprising non-protonic polar-, aromatic- and ether-solvents.    Pref. polar solvent is e.g., DMF, dimethylacetoamide, N-methylpyrrolidone or DMSO. Aromatic solvent is e.g., xylene, toluene or benzene and ether solvent as reaction accelerator is ethylene- or propylene-oxide, THF or dioxane. Molar ratio of the chloride to 3,3'-diaminodiphenylsulphone is 0.7-1.5(0.9-1.1). The reaction is carried out in the mixed solvent at 50 deg.C or less, (0-35 deg.C) for 0.2-50 hrs., (0.5-25 hrs.), under anhydrous condition.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Polysulphone-amido-imide precursor with high mol. wt. and good transparency is produced and polysulphone-amido-imide produced from the precursor is useful as coating film for solar battery or heat-resisting coatings.
Fuel cell includes an electrolyte matrix consisting of at least two layers of material, the first comprising a non-conducting material having a small void fraction and the second comprising non-conducting fibres having a large void-fraction. The matrix serves as an ionic conducting path between electrodes and as a means for supplying electrolyte to the electrodes.    The second layer is pref. formed of whisker material, pref. SiC and/or AlN, esp. SiC.    Specifically first layer has a void fraction 40-55% and second layer has a void fraction 75-90%. The first layer is made of SiC powder. The matrix assembly is 0.007-0.011 micron thick. The first layer has an average pore size of not more than 1.0 micron.    ADVANTAGE -   The matrix has only two layers, resulting in low internal resistance and superior cell performance.
A coating soln. comprises a mixt. of (a) a soln. of Cd cpd., (b) a soln. of Sn cpd., (c) a beta-diketone complexing agent (I), and (d) ammonia and/or amine, and their reaction prods. Prodn. of a cadmium stannate (Cd2SnO4) coating on a substrate comprises (i) applying the coating soln. to the substrate in a moisture-free atmos., (ii) hydrolysing the hydrolysable components of the compsn., and (iii) heating the coating to a temp. sufficient to form the Cd2SnO2 coating.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Cd2SnO4 layers have high electrical conductivity, high infra-red reflecting properties and low absorption within the visible spectrum, and are useful e.g. as layers in heated windows, windows for buildings, doors for microwave ovens or solar collector panels. The presence ofNH3 or amines stabilises the coating soln., and soln. stability is unaffected by dilution or the relative amts. of Cd and Sn. The soln. can be applied to silicon and may be applied to photovoltaic cells or amorphous silica solar cells. Photovoltaic devices obtd. have consistent improvement in both open circuit voltage and short circuit degradation, c.f. uncoated devices.
Fuel cell includes: a barrier plate; an anode chamber with an anode contacting a polymer electrolyte membrane; a cathode contacting the other side of the membrane; a hydrophobic porous material contacting the cathode; and a cathode chamber bounded by a gas/water separator formed of porous hydrophilic material which is permeable to liq. but not to gas at a pressure below a value P where P = 2ST/R where ST = surface tension and R = pore radius of the material.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. with an H2/O2 fuel cell. The gas/water separator effectively removes liq. water from the cathode.
In a solid oxide fuel cell generator, partially spent fuel gas is reformed by : dividing it into two streams; burning the first stream with the partially spent oxidant stream in the cells' refractory container; dividing the resulting exhaust stream into two streams; venting the first and mixing the second with the second spent fuel stream to form a recycle stream; mixing this with a gaseous reformable fuel to form a fuel stream; and supplying this to the cells.    ADVANTAGE -   The fuel is reformed inside the generator; no heat is lost and the overall cell process if more efficient.
System comprises: an air line with a constant speed blower; a control valve between blower and cells; a branch line bypassing the control valve and contg. a fast-acting valve which is normally closed; air flow meters; all current monitors; and a microprocessor control receiving current and air flow data and controlling the control valve and, where necessary, the fast-acting valve, to respond rapidly load demand by the cells.    ADVANTAGE -   Automatic, rapid-response control ensures that the plant does not suffer O2 starvation during transient increases in load demand (claimed).
Appts. comprises a heater to burn fuel with air to produce a gas and heat a reactor to produce a reaction prodn. by an endothermic reaction, and heat transfer changer to change the flow passage of the gas.    USE -   For methyl alcohol reformers.
A reaction gaseous body for making film is introduced into a reaction chamber maintained at reduced pressure and induction energy applied to the gas to decompose or activate. Wafers for making film are arranged vertically between a pair of flat electrodes arranged in parallel. High frequency power is applied between the electrodes to decompose or activate the reaction gas to make film on wafers.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process forms uniform films on large area wafers, e.g. large area element such as solar battery, which improves characteristics. Used to mfr. film FET comprised of silicon monocrystal semiconductor.
Hydrocarbon(HC) fraction is first produced, which is a fraction contd. originally in crude oil or is given by crude oil cracking and further catalytically hydrogenated, and contains more than 70 wt.% of 150-260 deg. C fractions and less than 1 ppm sulphur content. Straight chain HCs are sepd. and recovered from the fraction by adsorption using synthetic zeolite and/or by the urea-adduct method. Required amt. of H2O is added to the thus processed fraction, which is then cracked using steam cracking catalyst contg. more than 5 wt.% Ni to produced H2.    ADVANTAGE -   Fractions remaining after valuable straight chain HCs are recovered can be used as a raw material.
Appts. comprises an evaporator having an evaporating unit to gasify the fuel, and superheating part to superheat the gasified fuel.    Both parts are linked through an opening of a partition wall.    USE -   For fuel cells.
Catalyst is heated at 800-2000 deg.C but below its m.pt. to thermally react, at least a part of the raw material gas with the catalyst to produce a deposited species, and form a thin film on a substrate from the species.    USE -   For making solar cells and semiconductor devices.
In the prodn. a matrix is formed with paste comprising powder of Si carbide, powder of polyetheretherketone and an agent to increase the viscosity mixed in a water based solvent.    Pref. the polyetheretherketone is used in amt. of 5-20 wt.%. The mean particle size of the polyetheretherketone is under 3 micro m.    ADVANTAGE -   The bubbling pressure and conductivity of hydrogen ions are high. The battery characteristic of the fuel cell is good.    In an example, 95 pt. SiC powder, 5 pt. polyetheretherketone, 60 pt. agent to increase viscosity (polyethyleneglycol or polyethyleneoxide of 60% water soln.) and 40 pt. solvent (isopropylalcohol/water = 1/1) are mixed to make the paste. It is painted on a C electrode, dried and sintered.
Semiconductive or conductive thin film is prepd. by forming mono-layered or monolayers of stacked film of monomer, which can polymerize and which has hydrophilic parts and hydrophobic parts, on support by Langmuir-Blodgett method and polymerising monomers electrochemically.    Monomers are pref. benzene, pyrrole, thiophene, furan, serenophene, tellurphene and carbazole etc. Support used pref. comprises Au, Pt, Ni, Al, Cu, Ag, their oxide, SnO2, In2O3 or ITO etc.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Thin film obtd. is used as organic battery, semiconductive element, electromagnetic shield, solar battery, antistatic agent and electrode material etc. Thickness of the film is controlled to molecular size. Stability is improved. As molecular arrangement in the film is controlled, conductivity and durability are improved.
Appts. to reform fuel gas for fuel cell comprises reactor tubes put in a heating space formed above an evaporator. The tubes are connected end to end to form a structure allowing two or more passes of the fuel gas and spatial zones are left in connected lower ends of the tubes.    USE -   For reforming ethanol-water mixts. into H-rich gases.
Appts. comprises reactor tubes put in a heating space formed above an evaporator. One end of each tube is connected to those of the adjacent tubes through connecting pipes, and the other end of each tube is closed.    USE -   For reforming ethanol-water mixts. into H-rich gases.
Appts comprises reactor tubes put in a heating space formed above an evaportor. The tubes charged with a catalyst are connected end to end to form a synthesis path allowing 2 or more passes of the fuel gas.    USE -   For reforming ethanol-water mixts into H2-rich gases.
Appts. to reform fuel gas for fuel cell comprises a reactor tube put in a heating space, a heating gas dispersion plate put axially in the tube charged with a catalyst. A plurality of such tubes may be provided.    USE -   Used for reforming ethanol-water mixts. into H-rich gases.
Reformer of a fuel cell comprises a heating space, an evaporator and a burner. Reactors filled with catalysts are in parallel in the heating space and ends of neighbouring reactors are connected with connecting tubes. End(s) of each connected reactor(s) is connected to a circular connecting part.    USE -   To keep pressure in each reactor uniform even when clogging or extraordinary reaction occurs in some reactors.
In a reformer of a fuel cell comprising a heating space (7), an evaporator (1) and a burner (2), reactors (8,8a,8b,8c) filled with catalysts are arranged in parallel in the heating space and ends of neighbouring reactors are connected with lateral connecting tubes (11) so that fuel gas can pass two or more reactors.    USE -   To narrow spaces between neighbouring reactors and miniaturise the reformer.
In the reformer comprising a heating space, an evaporator and a burner, reactors filled with catalysts are vertically arranged in the heating space. The ends of reactors are connected so that fuel gas can pass through two or more reactors. The reactors are also connected with each other so that fuel gas flows from the centre of heating space to the outside or from the outside to the centre and heating gas flows in the flow direction of fuel gas.    USE -   Used to supply hot heating gas to fuel gas in the initial stages of the reaction.
In a reformer of a fuel cell comprising a heating space with a built-in reactor filled with catalyst, an evaporator and a burner, an exhaust path is provided at the outside wall of the heating space. The exhaust path and heating space are connected by connecting holes at the upper end of the heating space and an exhaust hole is provided at a part of the exhaust path lower than the connecting hole.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   To fill the heating space with heating gas to obtain uniform heat distribution along the whole length of the reactor.
The reformer comprises a heating space (7), an evaporator (1) and a burner (8). In the heating space a circular reactor (8) with a built-in catalyst layer (9) is provided and in the catalyst layer numerous penetrating tubes (16) penetrating from the inside of the catalyst layer to the outside to pass heating gas are provided.    USE -   To increase the thermal conductivity from the heating space to the catalyst layer and obtain uniform temp. distribution in the catalyst layer.
A reformer of a fuel cell comprises an evaporator, a circular distributing tube fitted with a fuel inlet and fuel supply tubes branched along the circumference at an equal distance and penetrated to the evaporator. The evaporator is placed in a casing and on the evaporator a heating space fitted with a circular reactor and a gas collecting chamber is provided. The distributing pipe is also placed in the casing.    ADVANTAGE -   The distributing pipe is used as a preheater and conventional preheaters are eliminated.
A polymer, e.g., PVA, PVC, polyacrylonitrile, polymethyl methacrylate, etc., is mixed with 0.01-5 mol.% an oxidant, e.g., ferric chloride, hydrogen peroxide, nitric acid, etc., and the mixt. is exposed to the pyrrole vapour such as to form a film of a conductive composite. Amt. of the oxidant added to the polymer is 0.01-5 mole.% to the amt. of PVA monomer unit when using PVA.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Simple and effective prodn. of transparent conductive films of large areas, having good electric conductivity and light transmissivity. The conductive composite film is used liq. crystal displays, electrochromic displays, solar cells, electromagnetic waves shields, etc.
Pigment comprises obtg. by recrystallising a disazo pigment of formula (I) in N,N-dimethylformamide. In (I) A=a residue of a coupler.    (I) is prepd. by diazotisation of a diamino cpd. as the main backbone, tetrazotisation of the diazotised cpd. and coupling of the tetrazo cpd. with a coupler. Recrystallising the cpd. from such a high m.pt. solvent as nitrobenzene, dichlorobenzene, N-methylpyrrolidone, etc. gives a polymorphic pigment of a cpd. (I).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   New disazo pigment has a distyrylbenzene backbone with photosensitivity in the long wave length region, is useful for charge generating pigments for electrophotographic photosensitive materials, solar batteries, optically active substances of photoelectric conversion device in optical sensors such as actual size sensors, etc.
A new disazo pigment having a crystalline structure comprises obtaining by refluxing a disazo pigment of formula (I) in N,N-dimethylformamide: where A=a residue of a coupler.    Diazotisation of a diamino cpd. as the main backbone, tetrazotisation of the diazotised cpd. and coupling of the tetrazo cpd. with a coupler give a cpd. of formula (I). Refluxing 1g of the cpd. in 10-200 ml N,N-dimethylformamide for over 30 min. gives a polymorphic pigment of the cpd. of formula (I).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   New disazo pigment having a distyrylbenzene backbone with photosensitivity in the long wave length region, useful for charge generating pigments for electrophotographic photosensitive materials, solar batteries, optically active substances of photoelectric conversion devices in optical sensors such as actual size sensors, etc..
Formation of amorphous thin membrane by glow discharging plasma, where the substrate is charged with a positive charge for at least 30 secs after the initiation of the glow discharge.    USE -   Useful for solar battery, thin membrane semiconductor or optical sensor etc.
Formation of amorphous thin membrane by glow discharge plasma, where the reaction gas pressure is Kept at 40-60% of the normal level for at least 30 secs after the initiation of the glow discharge. The reaction pressure is returned to the normal level (100%) at least within 5 mins.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Useful for solar battery, thin membrane semi-conductor, or optical sensor etc.
Formation of amorphous thin membrane by glow discharging plasma, where the electric power for the discharge at the initiation of glow discharge is Kept around the min level necessary for the glow discharge, for at least 30 secs.    USE -   Useful for solar battery, thin membrane semiconductor, or optical sensor etc.
Forming the pattern comprises forming on a substrate a thin film of polymeric sulphonium salt having recurring units of the formula (I) (where R1=a gp. capable of conjugating with an adjacent vinylene gp. formed by the elimination of sulphonium salt as a side chain; R2 and R3=1-20C hydrocarbyl gp. and X-=a counter ion); imagewise irradiating the thin film with a prescribed pattern of light including deep ultraviolet rays having a wavelength not longer than 300 nm (pref. 200-300 nm, most pref. 200-260 nm); and then subjecting the irradiated thin film to development to remove unexposed polymeric salt.    ADVANTAGE -   The fine pattern of conjugated polymer can be given an electrical conductivity by doping and, in addn., it can be processed into arbitrary fine two-dimensional patterns. Thus, it is applicable to organic functional elements such as a memory element, a sensor, a solar cell, a storage battery and the like.
A glass compsn. contains by wt. 60-78% SiO2, 10-25% B2O3, 3.5-6% of Na2O/K2O/Li2O, 2-6.5% CeO2, and 0.25-8% Sb2O3 and/or As2O3. It may also contain up to 3% Al2O3 and/or ZrO2, and/or up to 2% TiO2, and/or up to 5% ZnO, and/or up to 2.5% MgO/CaO/BaO/SrO. It may form the protective cover for a solar cell.    ADVANTAGE -   Inclusion of Sb2O3/As2O3 enables the addn. of over 2% CeO2 to provide high UV absorption without causing discolourlation or phase sepn.. Good white light transmission and radiation stability. Coefft. of thermal expansion close to that of silicon. Suitable for production of microsheet of thickness 50-300 microns.
New organic F-contg. ethers have formula    Rf - CFX - (CF2)n - (CF2 - O - CF (CH3)-)mRf' (I)    , where Rf = F or 1-3 C perfluoroalkyl; X = H, F, Br, Cl; n = integer 1-10; m = integer 0-5 and Rf' = (a) -CF2-O-CFBr-CF2Br or (b) Rf"-CFX'-(CF2)n'-(CF2-O-CF(CF3)-)m'; Rf", X', n' and m' signify the same as Rf, X, n, m provided that if Rf' = (a) and X = F, then m = at least 1 and if Rf' = (b), then X and X' do not both signify F at the same time and m + m' is at least 1.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   (I) are used (claimed) as solvents for fluoropolymers, partic. polymers contg. the repeat units of formula CF(CF2) -(O-CF2-CF2(A'))u -Ov-(CF2)w- CDFB' (c), where u = 0,1 or 2; v = 0 or 1; w = 1-7; A',B' each = F or CF3 and D = H, Cl, -COOR; R = 1-10 C alkyl. The solns. can be used in prodn. or repair of membranes, e.g. for ultra-hyper-filtration, dialysis, reverse osmosis, electrolysis esp. of aq. NaCl solns., and in fuel cells, as well as membranes for ion-exchanger processes, mass transport and catalysts. (I) can also be used as intermediates and as heat-transfer liqs. (I) have a good dissolution capacity for the fluoropolymer and the solns. can be worked up well and are stable.
Sealing material, specially for use in fuel cells, is a fluorocarbon rubber such as Fluorel or Viton (RTM) and a chemical blowing agent which is activated in the range of the curing temperature of the fluorocarbon. This agent is pref. an azodicarbonamide, such as Celogen AZ- 130 (RTM). A promoter is recommended for this agent, e.g., B-I-K (RTM), also a filler such as carbon black, Thermax MT (RTM), also an acid acceptor such as Maglite (RTM).    ADVANTAGE -   This sealing material is physically and chemically stable at the normal working temp. of a fuel cell of 204 deg. C and is corrosion resistant in the electrolyte soln. (often H3PU4).
Fuel cell stack with combination end-pressure plates comprises (a) thin carbon fuel cell component plates stacked one on top of another providing a reaction portion of the stack; (b) a steel pressure plate mounted directly on the uppermost carbon plate, the steel pressure plate being laterally coextensive with the carbon plates at ambient temps; (c) at least one reactant manifold mounted on a side of the stack, the manifold having a peripheral sealing flange which faces side surfaces of the carbon plates and a corresponding side surface of the pressure plate; (d) a polymeric sealing gasket interposed between the manifold sealing flange and adjacent side surfaces of the carbon plates and the pressure plate to provide a seal between the manifold interior and ambient surroundings; and (e) a first adhesive layer sandwiched between the gasket and adjacent side surfaces to adhere the gasket to the surfaces, the first adhesive layer being operable to fill any discontinuity which may occur at adjacent corners of the pressure plate and the uppermost carbon plate due to differential thermal growth during stack operation so that the manifold interior remains sealed during periods of elevated temp stack operation.    ADVANTAGE -   The fuel cell stack has improved reactant manifold sealing in which the manifold seals are applied directly to the end steel pressure plates on the stack so resisting unseating due to relative thermal growth of the stack components during operation.
(1) Air sol of soln. contg. Zr alkoxide and Ca alkoxide is reacted with steam at 300-2000 deg.C being kept heated, on board plate.    (2) Pref. the Zr alkoxide is Zr tetra-butoxide and the Ca alkoxide is Ca ethoxide. (3) The soln. solvent is formed with ethyl-alcohol and butyl-alcohol in a ratio of more than 9. (4) The Ca content is pref. within the range of 0.5-10wt.% to Zr.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   A thin skin film of zirconia can be formed over calcia, the thickness of which can be widely selected, with which calcia can be kept protected or stabilised more effectively. The skin film formed is electrically conductive to oxygen ions, and can be employed as a partition membrane for solid fuel cell, oxygen sensor, oxygen pump, etc.
Hydrogen gas is produced for dispersion type fuel battery where JIS No. 1 kerosene with 10-150 wt. ppm of sulphur content is let through a reactor where a nickel type adsorbent (having the surface area of more than 50 m2/g, supporting nickel as the metal component (the amt. of the nickel is more than 50 wt.%)) is filled, under the presence of 0-0.2 mol. of hydrogen (against 1 mol. of kerosene), at more than atmospheric pressure and less than 10 kg/cm2.G and at the temp. of 150-250 deg. C, so that the remaining sulphur content in the kerosene is reduced to less than 0.5 wt. ppm. Then a necessary amt. of water is added to the gas emitting from the reactor, and it is introduced to a steam reforming reactor (where a reforming catalyst with the nickel content of more than 5 wt.% is filled) to carry out a reforming reaction.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Hydrogen for dispersion type fuel battery can be produced economically from kerosene.
Fuel cell has fuel cell units piled one over another.    Each of the fuel cell units comprises: (1) a solid, unitary, pre-formed integrated laminate including an electrolyte matrix layer and a pair of electrode catalyst layers sandwiching both faces of the electrolyte matrix layer, the electrode catalyst layers being integrally formed with the electrolyte matrix layer; (2) a pair of electrode substrates disposed on the outer faces of the electrode catalyst layers, and a pair of gas separators disposed on the outer faces of he electrode substrapes. Process for producing a fuel cell comprises (i) laminating an electrolyte matrix layer between a pair of electrode catalyst layers; (ii) locating electrode substrate layers on the outer faces of the electrode catalyst layers; and (iii) locating gas separators on the outer faces of electrode substrate layers.    ADVANTAGE -   The permeation of catalyst into the substrate canbe diminished, the amt. of catalyst used can be reduced, and electrodes having a uniform thickness and compsn.    is produced with high productivity.    (First major country equivalent to J63032858-A)
In an electrochemical conversion device comprising two systems of electrodes in contact with an electrolyte, the first electrode system (16,18) consists of balls comprising aluminium as active material, a mixt. of the balls and electrolyte being circulated through an electrochemical cell (1) contg. the second electrode system (14).    ADVANTAGE -   Compared with non-rechargeable cells contg. aluminium electrode plates, the new cell has low cost and long life since fresh aluminium balls can be added to compensate for aluminium consumption.
A solar cell includes an amorphous silicon semiconductor film as window material. The semiconductor film has a refractive index of 2.8-3.4 and contains a total quantity of nitrogen and oxygen from 1 to below 4 atom.%.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   As window material for photoelectric converter elements with PIN junctions. Films has smell light absorption coefft. and controllable refractive index, while adhesion to both a stainless steel substrate and a transparent electrode is improved.
Appts. comprises a catalyst charged in a catalyst chamber to form several catalyst beds arranged in the gas flowing direction of the fuel so that the higher temp. bed is at the gas inlet side of the chamber.    USE -   For methanol for fuel cells.
Sheet comprises a colourless, transparent film made of polyimide, which comprises, as the main component, at least one repeat unit of formulae (I), (II), (III) or (IV), and a silicone adhesive layer on at least one side of the polyimide film.    In (I), X1 = O, S, SO2, CH2, CF2, C(CH2)2, C(CF2)2 or CO. In (II), X2 = SO2, C(CH2)2 or C(CF2)2. In (III), X3, X4, X5 and X6 = N, F, Cl, CH3, C2H5, NO2 or Cf3.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Useful as a protective film for solar cell, etc. The sheet has good heat resistance compared to conventional polyimide film based sheet and good optical characteristics compared to polyester film based adhesive sheet.
Polyacetylene membrane is prepd. by polymerising acetylene in a nematic liq. crystal dissolving a Ziegler-Natta catalyst and treating the formed polyacetylene membrane with an electron acceptor.    The nematic liq. crystal is pref. binary system of phenyl cyclohexane derivs. of formulae (I) and (II) in substantially equimolar ratio to widen the liq. crystal temp. range, and thus polymerisation temp. range and high polymerisation degree.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The polymerisation in a nematic liq. crystal provides a polyacetylene membrane having electro-conductivity several ten times higher than that of a membrane prepd. by polymerising a conventional organic solvent. The membrane is usable as a material for preparing optical sensor, solar cell, etc.
Prodn. of polyaniline comprises carrying out electrolytic oxidn. polymerisation of aniline electrolytic soln. contg. high mol.electrolyte and low mol. inorganic acid. Pref. inorganic acid selected from HCl aq. soln., H2SO4 and HClO4 is added to electrolytic soln. comprising aniline and electrolyte selected from polystyrene, polyvinyl and polyacrylamido sulphonic acid derivs. to lower pH of the electrolytic soln. to 1 or less. Amt. of inorganic acid added is at least one equiv. to electrolyte. Thus prepd. electrolytic soln. is oxidised and polymerised electrolytically to produce electrochemically active polyaniline contg. electrolyte as dopant.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Polyaniline contg. high mol. electrolyte and with high electric conductivity is produced easily and is useful for indicating element, solar- or sec-battery.
The conductive substrate, used in cathodic deposition, pref. consists of Cu, Cr, Mo, Ni, Pt, Fe or high grade steel, especially Al, Si or graphite while the anode used is pref. Pt, Si or graphite. In anodic deposition the substrate is pref. Al and the cathode is pref. Si or graphite. The melt contains a Si-halide, Al-halide an alkali- or ammonium-halide and a transition metal halide. The electrolysis is carried out at 100-350 deg. C, pref. 260-320 C., in an inert gas ambient at atmospheric or increased pressure, pref. 1-5 bar.    The use of all iodide-cpds. is pref. The melt compsn. is pref. resp. 20-90 wt. %, pref. 20-70 wt. %, of the Si-cpd., 5-95, pref. 20-50 wt. % Al-cpd. 1-20 wt. % Alkali/NH4-cpd. and 0.1-10 wt. % transition metal-cpd. The Si-cpd. is one of the following: HnSiX4-n, SimX'm+2 or, pref. SiX4, in which X is Cl, Br, or I or a mixture of these, X' is Cl, Br or I n is a value from 1-3 and m is a value from 2-6. The Al-cpds. are the trihalogen-cpds. of Cl, Br or pref. I. The alkali-cpds. are Cl, Br or pref. I cpds. of Na, K or pref. Li. The transition metal cpd. is a Cl, Br or pref. I cpd. Pref. cpds. are CrI2, MnI2, FeI2, CuI, HfI4, NiI2, VI2 or mixtures of these cpds. A current density of 1-20 mA/cm2 is used. The mfr. of pure AlI3 and LiI are also claimed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process allows deposition at lower temp. than current processes. The Si-layers are very pure and contain only the intentional doping elements. The layer is continuous and adheres well to the substrate.
Solar cell is formed by: growing a sandwich of p-GaAs layer between p-AlGaAs layers on a p-type substrate; adding an antireflection dielectric coating; etching the structure to expose the GaAs layer; depositing an Sn-doped n+ Ga layer on the GaAs; flowing As2 or AsH3 gas over the layer to form an n+ GaAs emitter, and adding substrate and emitter contacts.    ADVANTAGE -   Grating device uses dot or line local n+ GaAs emitters resulting in very low emitter areas, leading to high open circuit voltage gains.
Diaphragm contains a vinyl cpd. having a quat. ammonium salt residue(s) and vinyl benzyl gp(s), or a polymer prepd. from the vinyl cpd. in an amt. of 2 x 10 power -6 - 2 x 10 power -4 mg/cm2.    Specifically the redox flow cell contains a cathodic soln. comprising Cr chloride/HCl and an anodic soln. comprising Fe chloride/HCl. The quat. ammonium salt residue includes an onium salt residue e.g. pyridinium salt residue, sulphonium salt residue and phosphonium salt residue. The vinyl cpd. has pref. 1-1,000, more pref. 1-100 of vinyl benzyl gp(s) and has pref. 1-1,000, more pref. 1-50, of quat. ammonium salt residue(s). The vinyl cpd. is pref. the reaction prod. prepd. from N,N,N',N'-tetramethyl l,6-hexanediamine and chloromethyl styrene.    ADVANTAGE -   The diaphragm has small transmission of metal ion, so the redox flow cell having the diaphragm has an improved voltage effect and Coulomb effect.
(JP92015990-B)      Electrolyte liq. circulation type stacked Zn-Br cell comprises framed electrodes and framed films laminated alternately. The frame of the electrode and/or film is made of an ionomer having a vol. resistivity of 10 power 14 ohms or more.    Used for d-c power sources. (J63021763-A)
Appts. comprises a catalyst bed in a reaction vessel to react the fuel evaporated by an evaporator charged with many aggregates of small pieces, e.g., stainless steel or ceramic pieces like fibres or wires to increase the evaporation surface area.    USE -   For fuel cells.
Appts. comprises a catalyst bed in a reaction vessel to react the fuel evaporated by an evaporator, and gas collector to collect the gas reformed in the vessel integrated with the evaporator.
Appts. comprises a catalyst bed in a vessel having a porous cover to block the granular catalyst from effluent from the gas outlet side of the bed. The cover is retained by fixtures toward the bed.    USE -   For fuel cells.
Appts. comprises a heater put in a lower part of an evaporator contg. reaction tubes, each charged with a catalyst to react the evapd. fuel so that the cross-section of the catalyst bed reduces away from the bottom.    USE -   For fuel cells.
A sea water/fresh water multi-cell electric battery system uses reverse electrodialysis with sea water as the electrolyte. The cells comprise rubber sheets with large rectangular apertures framing anion exchange and cation exchange membranes alternately and each group of cells is clamped together between wooden panels by threaded tie rods and nuts. In the top of each cell are inlet tubes and outlet tubes to provide a counter-current flow of salt and fresh water, respectively, through each pair of cells. The sea water is delivered to the cells by a rotary valve arrangement that prevents power being cross-connected by the conductive electrolyte from cell to cell. Positive and negative electrode plates are mounted on the panels at the ends of each cell group.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   As a "free energy" concept using natural resources. Improvements over prior art are claimed such as electrical insulation between electrolyte inlets, utilisation of waste heat, and counter-current flow through each pair of cells, which all increase overall power generation efficiency.
Article comprises a substrate carrying a micro-layer of organic material comprising an array of discrete, uniformly oriented, crystalline, solid, organic microstructures. Pref. the organic cpd. is planar and comprises chains or rings over which pi-electron density is extensively delocalised.    Pref. cpds. are polynuclear (heterocyclic)aromatics, esp. perylenes, phthalocyanines and porphyrins.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In a wide range of device for light trapping, energy absorption, imaging, data transmission and storage, and gradient applications. The microlayer has a high surface area and can be easily formed on a wide range of large-area substrates.
Appts. which can be evacuated and gas back-filled for supplying, without metal contamination, Si particles to an Si melt from which a single crystal Si dendritic web is pulled comprises: a horizontal, non-metallic bore sealed at each end and having an upper supply inlet at one end and a lower, non-metallic delivery outlet at the other end; and an auger carrying a spiral pattern of radial, non-metallic bristles which reach the inner walls of the bore. A shaft in the bore rotates the auger which transports the particles to the lower delivery outlet.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In mfr. of a single crystal dendritic web Si used for mfr. of solar cells. Semiconductor grade Si can be delivered at a vacuum of around 20m torr free of moisture and metallic contaminants.
Bipolar plate-system for use in electrochemical cells comprises (a) a non-conducting separation plate and extending through it conducting elements making electrical contact with the working electrodes at both sides of the supporting plates; such that (b) the non-conducting separation plate is made of a thermosetting polymeric material.    ADVANTAGE -   Thermosetting materials exert a much more efficient and irreversible closure around the electrically connecting elements, thus limiting any undesirable leaks without special measures, so providing for the construction of cost-efficient electrolytic cells.
H2 occluding sheet comprises a synthetic resin sheet with many fine pores on which alloy powder able to reversibly occlude and releases H2 is supported.    Synthetic resins used are polyolefin, polyvinylchloride, polyamide, fluororesin, polycarbonate, urethane resin and polyester. Alloy or rare earth metal, Ti, Ca, Mg or Zr is used.    To form the pores, alloy powder and soluble substance are mixed with the synthetic resin, and the mixt. fused and made into a sheet. Soluble substances in the sheet are dissolved with solvent and removed. Alternatively, alloy powder is added to the synthetic resin, the mixt. fused and made into a sheet and the sheet monoaxially drawn. Soluble substances used are phthalates, glycols and metal salts. Solvent used is organic solvent or water.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to store, transport and purify H2, for heat pumps and fuel cells, etc.
A base board is prepd. by coating and hardening oligomer of polyamic acid ester prepd. by reacting aromatic tetra carboxylic dianhydride with an alcohol or its deriv. or to provide tetracarboxylate ester or a mixt. of the tetracarboxylate ester and tetracarboxylic dianhydride and reacting with an aromatic diamine and/or diaminosiloxane.    The tetracarboxylic acid is pref. pyromellitic, 3,3',4,4' benzophenone-, 3,3',4,4'-diphenyl-, cyclopentane-, 1,2-5,6-, 2,3,6,7- or 1,4,5,8-naphthalene-, 2,3,5,6-pyridine- or 3,4,9,10-perylene-tetracarboxylic acid or 4,4'-sulphonyldiphthalic acid. The alcohol or its deriv. is pref. methanol, ethanol, propanol, isopropyl alcohol, ethylene glycol, etc. The aromatic diamine is pref. 4,4'-diamino-diphenyl ether, -methane, -sulphone or -sulphide etc. The diaminosiloxane is pref. of formula (I). In (I), n = integer 1-10, R3 = 1-10C divalent hydrocarbon gp., R4 - R7 are each independently 1-10C monovalent hydrocarbon gp. The tetracarboxylic dianhydride (1 mol) is esterified with an alcohol (pref. up to 4 mol) in a solvent. The aromatic dicarboxylate ester is reacted with an aromatic diamine and/or diaminosiloxane substantially in equimol. ratio at a temp.upto 90 deg.C for preventing the formation of imide from the oligomer. The oligomer forms polyimide resin by heating it at 200-400 deg.C.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The coated surface has very high flatness. The base board is usable for solar cell, hybrid integrated circuit, magnetic disc, optical disc, thin film magnetic head, etc.
Intrinsically electrically conductive polymer contains structural units which are bonded to one another by linking in position 2 and/or 5 and consist, by wt. as a statistical average, of (i) 60-100% structural units derived from at least one thiophene deriv. monomer having formula (I): (where R1 = 1-12C alkoxy or -O(CH2CH2O)nCH3; n = 1-4; R2 = H, 1-12C alkyl, 1-12C alkoxy or -O(CH2CH2O)nCH3 or R1 and R2 together = -O(CH2)m-CH2 or -O(CH2)mO-; m = 1-12); (ii) 0-40% structural units derived from at least one monomer having formula (II) (where R4, R5 each = H, halogen, 1-12C alkyl or aryl or R4, R5 together = with the C atoms to which they are bonded form an aromatic ring; R3,R6 each = H or R3 together with R4 and the C atoms bonding them or R5 together with R6 and the C atoms bonding them form an aromatic ring; X = -O-, -S-, -NH-, -N-alkyl-or -N-aryl-); (iii) 0-40% structural units derived from at least one monomer having formula (III) (where R7, R8, R9, R10 = H, 1-12C alkyl, 1-12C alkoxy or aryl; Y and Z each = -O-, -S-, -NH-, -N-alkyl- or -N-aryl; R11 = arylene, heteroarylene or a conjugated system having formula (CH=CH)o; o = zero, 1,2 or 3); and (iv) 0-40% structural units derived from at least one monomer having formula (IV) (where R12, R13 each = H, halogen, 1-12C alkyl, 1-12C alkoxy, 1-4C alkylamino or 1-4 acylamino; R14 = halogen, 1-12C alkyl, 1-12C alkoxy, 1-4C alkylamino or 1-4C acylamino).    USE -   The polymer is used for mixing into plastics and also for coating electrically conducting and non-conducting materials for the prodn. of catalysts, electrical switches, semiconductor components, solar cells, screening materials, camouflage paints, flat heat-conductors, special electrodes, as well as antistatic foils and fibres.
The contacts between a connecting strip (8), pref. Ag, Mo or an alloy containing Ag, and the metallisation layers (7), pref. with the uppermost layer of Ag, of a solar cell (1,2) are made via an intermediate layer (9) which is pref. porous.    The material is pref. applied by silk screen printing, is conductive and pref. consists of or contains silver, e.g. Ag-filled epoxy resin. The contacting strip contains pref. perforations or openings and is welded to the intermediate layer or embedded in it.    One process claimed consists of placing the connector on the contact and then applying, pref. by screen printing, a paste of the intermediate material, which penetrates the perforations. In the other process a screen printed layer of the material is applied to the metallisation layer first. Then the connector is placed on top. Finally another layer of the material is screen printed on top of this. Then the connection is heated.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The intermediate layer is able to absorb the expansion and contraction of the metal caused by temp. variations during operation. This avoids or reduces the separation of connector and metallisation layer, giving the solar cell a longer useful life. The construction is used in the mfr. of solar cells for space applications.
Thin film photovoltaic device comprises: substrate (32); transparent conductive layer (34); front contact current collector grid (36); first and second semiconductor layers (38, 40): and upper conductive film (42). Current collector grid (36) is deposited on an etched surface (35) of transparent conductive layer (34) to enhance the bond between them.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Useful as e.g. a solar cell. Stabilised collector grid-conductive layer contact prolongs the life of the device.
Appts. to reform fuel comprises a reformer and heating pipes put in the reformer so that the reformed ga sis heated in the reformer, without using any external heater, after the water content, CO, etc. are removed from the gas.    USE -   For fuel cell power plants.
Appts. to reform fuel comprises inner and outer tubes forming a space between them and catalyst charged in the space, so that the vapour of a thermal medium is contacted with the tubes.    USE -   For fuel cell power plants.
A reforming appts. includes a burner combustion chamber between an inner cylinder and an outer cylinder of a furnace body. Guide vanes are arranged near the bottom part of the inside of the furnace body, to cause combustion gas to whirl.
Films comprise wholly aromatic amideimide polymer with (1) repeated units of formula (I) (Ar is residue of aromatic gps.; Ar is (II)-(IX) or nucleic substd. gps.; (2) crystallinity of less than 20% measured with wide angle X-ray diffraction and (3) intrinsic viscosity of more than 0.7 dl/g measured in N-methylpyrrolidone at 25.    Pref. the aromatic-tricarboxylic acid halide and -diamine are reacted. Or aromatic tricarboxylic anhydride and diisocyanate are reacted.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The film with improved resistance to deformation is obtd. The film has good heat resistance, mechanical strength and electric properties and is esp. used for boards of printed circuits or solar cells.
An improved method of growing crystalline silicon ribbons from a silicon melt comprises the steps of:- a) providing a quartz or graphite crucible (2) having sidewalls (10,12) within the inside faces of which are formed pairs of mutually confronting capillary grooves (24A,24B) extending to the top of the crucible, and pref. the grooves have tapered enlargements (28A,28B) at their upper ends; b) providing a supply of molten silicon in the crucible such that molten silicon rises in the grooves by capillary action; C) introducing seeds into the molten silicon between each pair of confronting grooves and withdrawing the seeds so as to form a sheet of molten silicon between each pair of grooves; d) growing silicon ribbons by pulling the seeds upwards from the crucible so that the sheet of melt attached to each seed crystallises and forms a continuous solid extension in the form of a ribbon.    Pref., the crucible has a feed cavity (18) for receiving solid source material separated from the reservoir chamber contg. the melt by a partition (16), so providing a means of continuously replenishing the replenishing the molten silicon.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Capillary action in the grooves coupled with the effects of the enlargements at the upper ends of the grooves ensure that the ribbons have constant width. The crucible design is easily mfd. to acceptable tolerances. Ribbon growth is easier to initiate and sustain than with known methods. Ribbons produced by the claimed process have less total impurities than ribbons grown by the edge-defined film-fed growth technique. The claimed process permits growth of two or more ribbons simultaneously from a single crucible. /5
Semiconductor materials are doped with phosphorus or arsenic by ion implantation using liq. alkylphosphines or alkylarsines as the ion sources. The organic phosphorus or arsenic cpds. have the formula R1R2R3P or R1R2R3As where R1 = 2-5C alkyl and each of R2 and R3 is H or 2-5C alkyl. The most pref. cpds. are tertiarybutylphosphine and tertiarybutylarsine.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The improved ion implantation process is useful for n-type doping of various semiconductor materials and esp. for adjusting threshold voltage in FETs, for adjusting resistivity in resistors, and for formation of junctions in solar cells. Use of liq. alkylphosphines and alkylarsines in place of gaseous phosphine and arsine as the ion source results in a higher percentage of P(+) and As(+) species in the beam current, giving improved ion implantation efficiency. Compared with phosphine and arsine, the alkylphosphines and alkylarsines are less toxic, less pyrophoric, and generally safer to handle.
Method comprises irradiating a laser beam upon a semiconductor wafer through the window of a mask laid on the wafer, to diffuse 2nd conduction type ions existing in the surface area of the wafer, into the wafer to form a deep p-n junction.    Used for making solar cells and hf. transistors. (J56015035-A)
Fuel cell substrate comprises: a separator (1) sandwiched between two porous C electrodes (2) each provided with flow channel grooves, the grooves of one electrode being perpendicular to those of the other; and peripheral sealers (3) joined to the separator via a layer of fluorocarbon resin (4). The ratio of the cross section of the grooves on the fuel electrode side to that of the grooves on the air electrode side is 1-2:3.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. with fuel cells of the H3PO4 type. The flow channel areas ratio conforms to the conditions of the actual fuel used; the peripheral seal prevents leakage of reactant gas; and the structure has high resistance to H3PO4.
An element, for use over a spectral range including the visible and 6-30 microns IR wavebands, has a high emissivity coating on a substrate of the type exhibiting residual radiation reflection peaks in the 10-22 microns region.    The novelty is that the coating comprises a sequence of thin alternate layers of two material. One of the materials normally has a high internal stress and a refractive index close to that of the substrate. The other material acts as an absorber with a complex refractive index, which is a function of the wavelength and which is opt. close to the refractive index of the substrate. The total optical thickness of the sequence amounts to (a multiple of) a quarter wavelength in the IR region of the spectrum.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The element is useful as a cover slip for the solar cells e.g. of artificial space satellites or as a heat control mirror for satellites it has improved emissivity and allows use of extremely thin layers without problems of cracking caused by internal stresses. /3
Solar cell consists of a transparent glass roof tile with a 0.05-1.00 micron thick photovoltaic amorphous Si film. The novelty is that the Si film is applied to a deformable plastics film, which is combined with the glass tile. The glass tile consists of inorg. glass or plastics, e.g. acrylic glass. The Si-coated plastics film fits the contours or curvature of the tile and covers its surface. It is attached to the tile on the side towards the building.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The tile can be used as a normal component of the brickwork or building. The composite construction allows the cell to be repaired by changing the film. The cells can be made cheaply and can be incorporated in an existing tiled roof.
(JP2511883-B2)      Fuel cell has mixing gas supply pipe for supplying oxidising agent, and exhaust tube for discharging combustion exhaust gas of mixing gas which is made to connect combustion catalyser filling layer. The fuel cell further has a electricity generation part (1), planar laminate (3), catalyser filling layer (3as), catalyser filling layer for combustion (3bs), fuel entrance (6bs), fuel exit (6bs), oxidising agent entrance (7as) and oxidising agent exit (7bs).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for power source. Provides quality impurity device for creating fuel.
A fuel cell has electrode with fringe sealed with wet seal comprising fibrous electrode base, coated material made from polyether sulphone which is formed on the fibrous electrode base, and filler comprising fine powder of silicon carbide or gel made from phosphate, which fills spaces in the fibrous material.    The polyether sulphone pref. has the repeating unit of formula (I), and pref. has mol. wt. of about 25,000. The fibrous electrode base is pref. made of carbon fibre. The gel is pref. made from zirconium phosphate.    ADVANTAGE -   Fibrous electrode base with coating is protected from corrosion by phosphoric acid, so the fuel cell keeps its properties for a long term.
A solar collector has several transverse curved rib members (3) which are separated by elongated members. A sheet of thin reflective material is disposed between the curved rib members (3) for reflecting and concentrating direct incident solar energy to a line of focus. An elongated receiver is arranged at the line of focus for converting concentrated radiant energy into electrical energy. The receiver is connected with the curved rib members (3).    The line of focus can be relocated to several transverse locations on the elongated receiver.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Lightweight, parabolic trough solar collector that is readily transportable into space and is readily deployable in low earth orbit. The collector has a variable aperture so that its collecting power capability and its aerodynamic drag can be changed.
(JP93065991-B)      Fuel cell comprises a thin metal sheet having a flange, separator sheets which hold the flange of the metal sheet covering the bottom and side part of an electrolyte plate through electric insulation members.    USE -   For portable power sources. (J62295359-A)
A fuel cell comprises a stack of cell units, each comprising an anode, and cathode opposite each other, and sepd. by a ceramic electrolyte plate, and a separator plate laminated on the back surface of the electrodes, pref. with a corrosion resistance surface, e.g. bonded to each electrode. The separator plate material consists of 25 to 60 wt.% Ni, Fe and has a similar coefft. of expansion to that of the electrolyte plate, pref. within +/- 4 X 10 power (-6) Ikg/PC. Prefd. the electrolyte plate is a porous ceramic comprising Li aluminate powder incorporated with an Al203 fibre.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   A fuel cell superior in durability to a heat cycle and capable of maintaining high power generation efficiency. (First major country equivalent to J62295356-A)
The separator material comprises Fe-base alloy contg. (by wt.) 0.15 % or less C, 1 % or less Si, 2 % or less Mn, 15-35 % Ni, 15-35 % Cr, and 1-2 % Al, etc.    USE -   The separator material is used for molten carbonate type fuel cells, having good corrosion resistance to molten carbonate.
Prodn. of vitreous carbon film comprises dissolving a heat decomposition prod. of an organic polymer in a solvent. It is coated on a heat resisting material followed by burning in an inactive atmos. to make the coat as vitreous carbon film, then it is exfoliated from the material. Pref. the organic polymer is e.g. vinyl chloride resin, PVA, oil soluble or alkyl-phenol resin, chlorinated paraffin or -polypropylene, vinyl acetate or poly carbonate resin etc.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   As the vitreous carbon gas impermeability as well as chemical stability, it is used for packing, gasket etc. as a material for a separator of fuel battery. There is only a small change in the thickness of the film before and after the burning process, and a vitreous carbon film of high size accuracy can be obtd.
Battery has a colourant layer formed on the surface of a conductive substrate, e.g., Au-coated glassplate, ITO-substrate etc., and a semi-transparent electrode, e.g. Al, etc., formed on the colourant layer. The colourant used is a squarylium dye, of formula (I) where X is (a) or (b).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The battery, having both a photoelectric conversion function and a photo-voltage accumulating function, has a great electric capacity and can generate an electromotive force when irradiating light to the upper electrode.    In an example, a transparent conductive ITO-coated glass substrate is subjected to an etching process using an aq. soln. of 36N HCl, FeCl3.6H2O and pure water. SQuarylium dye (1,3-bis (1,3,3-trimethyl -2-methineindoline) (TBSQ) is deposited in a thickness of 3800 angstroms on the surface of the substrate with a conductive electrode by a vapour deposition method at 390 deg.C in a vapour deposition tank. An Al semi-transparent electrode of thickness of about 200 Angstroms is formed by vapour deposition on the surface of the squarylium dye layer in the vapour deposition tank at atmospheric pressure and paste and a lead wire are bonded to the Al semi-transparent electrode.
In an opto-electronic semiconductor device having p and n zones alternately deposited on a substrate, the novelty is that a p+ zone (4) and a n+ zone (5) are formed on opposite side faces of the device (1) and extend perpendicularly to the p and n zones to form a sinuous p-n junction within the device, the highly doped degenerate zones (4,5) being provided with electrodes (6,7).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The device may be a solar cell, an electroluminescent diode or a light modulator. It has considerably increase p-n junction surface, provides immediate interception of electron-hole pairs with low loss by recombination, and even allows use of long wavelength light up to the optical absorption band limit of the semiconductor.
Perfluorocarbon polymers are produced by emulsifying (1) sulphonic acid type functional gp.-contg. perfluorocarbon monomers in (2) aq. medium in the presence of (3) F-contg. emulsifiers by the use of emulsification devices and emulsion-copolymerising (1) and (4) perfluoroolefins in the presence of (5) polymerisation initiators in (2).    (1) pref. includes CF2=CFOCF2CF(CF3)O(CF2)SO2F. (4) pref. includes TFE. (3) is used in an amt. of 0.001-5 wt.%, pref. 0.05-2 wt.% of (2). (1) and (4) are used so that the copolymers formed contain above 20 wt.%, pref. 25-60 wt.% of (1).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Ion exchange films formed from the perfluorocarbon polymers are useful as a diaphragm for diffusion dialysis, electrolytic redn., fuel batteries, partic. as a cation-selective diaphragm for alkali electrolysis. The perfluorocarbon polymers have high ion exchange vol. (0.5-2.0 milliequiv./g of dry resin).
Perfluorocarbon polymers are produced by emulsion-copolymerising (1) sulphonic acid type functional gp.-contg. perfluorocarbon monomers and (2) perfluoroolefins in the presence of (3) polymerisation initiators and (4) emulsifiers of formula (I) Rf-SO3M in (5) aq. medium. (where Rf=a polyfluoroalkyl gp.; M=H, an alkali metal or NR1R2R3R4 (R1-R4=separate gps. selected from H and alkyl gps.).    (1) includes pref. CF2=CFOCF2CF(CF3)O(CF2)2SO2F. (2) includes pref. tetrafluoroethylene. (4) is used in amt. of 0.001-5 wt.%, pref. 0.05-3 wt.% of (5). (1) and (2) are used so that copolymers formed contain above 20 wt.% (25-60 wt.%) (1).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Ion exchange films formed from the perfluorocarbon polymers are useful as diaphragm for diffusion dialysis, electrolytic redn., fuel batteries, partic. as cation-selective diaphragm for alkali electrolysis. The perfluoro-carbon polymers have high ion exchange vol. (0.5-2.0 milliequiv./g of dry resin).
The perfluorocarbon polymers are produced by emulsion-copolymerising (1) sulphonic acid type functional gp.-contg. perfluorocarbon monomers and (2) perfluoroolefins in the presence of (3) polymerisation initiators and (4) emulsifiers of formula (I) in (5) aq. medium. In (I) n=1-50; M=H, an alkali metal or NR1R2R3R4 (R1-R4 are each H or alkyl; X is H, F, Cl).    (1) includes pref. CF2=CFOCF2CF(CF3)O(CF2)2SO2F. (2) includes pref. tetrafluoroethylene. (4) is used in an amt. of 0.001-5 wt.%, pref. 0.05-3 wt.% of (5). (1) and (2) are used ensuring that the copolymers obtd. contain above 20 wt.%, pref. 25-60 wt.% of (1).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Ion exchange films formed from the perfluoro-carbon polymers are useful as diaphragms for diffusion dialysis, electrolytic redn., fuel batteries, partic. as cation-selective diaphragm for alkali electrolysis. The perfluorocarbon polymers have high ion exchange vol. (0.5-2.0 milliequiv./g of dry resin).
The perfluorcarbon polymers are produced by emulsion-copolymerising (1) sulphonic acid type functional gp.contg. perfluorocarbon monomers and (2) perfluoroolefins in the presence of (3) polymerisation initiators and (4) emulsifiers of formula CF3(CFe)nCO2M (I) in (5) aq. medium. This method is new. (n is 10-20; M is H, an alkali metal or NR1R2R3R4 (R1-R4 are separate gps. selected from H and alkyl gps.)    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Ion exchange films formed from the perfluoro-carbon polymers are useful as diaphragm for diffusion dialysis, electrolytic redn, fuel batteries, and esp. as cation-selective diaphragm for alkali electrolysis. The perfluorocarbon polymers have high ion exchange vol. (of 0.5-2.0 milliequiv./g of dry resin). /0
Transparent electrically conductive film is formed by spraying soln. of acid or its steam on the surface of a heated soda lime glass board, followed by spraying the soln. contg. raw material for forming SnO2 film.    USE -   The method is used for forming transparent electrically conductive film, SnO2, used for transparent electrodes for solar cells, or liq. crystal displaying devices. The SnO2 film obtd. by the method, has good electrical conductivity, and light transmission, contributing in improving productivity and reducing cost.
Poly3-methylselenophene is produced by dissolving 3-methylselenophene monomer into organic solvent, and electrolysing the organic electrolyte in cell to produce poly3-methyl-selenophene layer on anode surface.    Organic solvent is e.g. acetonitrile, benzonitrile, nitrobenzene, propylene carbonate or tetrahydrofuran etc. The organic electrolyte contains supporting electrolyte e.g. LiClO4, LiBF4, NaBF4, AgBF4, AgClO4, LiPF6, NaPF6 or KAsF6 etc. The electrode used in the electrolysis comprises Ni, Pt, semiconductor or electroconductive glass etc.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Electroconductive poly3-methylselenophene can be electrolytically produced, and the obtd. polymer is used as electrode material for solar batteries, photoelectron element material or photosensitive material for electrophotograph etc.    In an example, an organic electrolyte consisting of benzonitrile 50 cc, 3-methylselenophene monomer 0.2 mol/l and LiBF4 0.2 mol/l is electrolysed at a voltage of 10 V.
Ceramic tube is mfd. using a paper tube or paper rod substrate, winding paper tape with a specific number of turnings on the surface of the substrate impregnated with water slurry of ceramics or while impregnating it into the surface of the substrate, drying it with air, and burning.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The ceramic tube is used for gases, partic. as battery substrate tubes for solid electrolyte type fuel cells. The ceramic tube has a thickness of 1 mm or less, and uniform porosity of 20-30%.
The carbon material is a carbonised or graphitised thermosetting composite of a mixt. or an intermediate prepd. by reacting the mixt.. The mixt. consists of aromatic cpds. of more than two condensed rings (1) having intermolecular O, S or halogen atoms, aromatic crosslinking agent of one or more than two rings (2) having hydroxymethyl or halomethyl gps., and acid catalyst (3).    The prodn. comprises: (a) the mixt. or intermediate being heated at 100-400 deg. C in an (non)oxidative atmos. and moulded; and (b) the resultant mouldings are carbonised or graphitised.    (1) are naphthalene, acenaphthene, phenanthrene, pyrene, chrysene, naphthacene, acenaphthylene, perylene, coronene derivs., coal or petroleum heavy oil; tar or pitch; or their oixdes, sulphides or halides, etc. (3) are aluminium chloride, boron fluoride, phosphoric acid, organic sulhonic acid, carboxylic acid, their derivs., or their mixtures.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used as sealing or sliding material; for fuel cells, or reactors, etc. Highly crosslinked, carbonised, less shrunken mouldings larger in size complex in shape can be sintered at a relatively higher heating rate.
(JP2558636-B2)      Fuel battery comprises electrolyte layers (3) impregnated with phosphoric acid on both sides of electrode (2). The electrolyte layers have a catalyst layer (1). The fuel battery outputs electrical energy from between each electrode by an electrochemical reaction on circulating fluid fuel and fluid oxidising agent in circulation path. Temp. drop is performed on shutdown of fuel battery reducing density/concn. of the electrolyte. Temp. rise is performed on starting the fuel battery increasing density/concn. of the electrolyte.    ADVANTAGE -   Volume variation of electrolyte on starting the fuel battery is prevented.
Polymerisation of acetylene comprises stretching plastic films under acetylene gas atmos. The plastic includes polyoxymethylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, polybutadiene or polyisoprene. Ziegler Natta catalysts may be immersed in plastic.    The plastic tape is set at two rollers which are set in a reactor, closed with a cover and tightened with bolts. Air in the reactor is removed through pipe and valve, and fed with purified acetylene gas. Reactor is heated and temp. in the reactor may be monitored with thermocouple. A handle is rotated and the tape is stretched.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Macromolecule composites have higher electric conductivity, good processability and stability. Composite is used for materials of solar cells or electrodes.
The solar cell has the following layers: a first electrode (8), an n-type GaAs substrate (10), a p-GaAs epitaxial layer (4) with a pn-junction (3) using Mg as a dopant and another electrode (7). The n-type layer (2) may be formed as an epitaxial layer on the n-substrate which has pref. 10 power (17) to 2 x 10 power (18) ats.Si/cm3 as dopant, while the layer is doped with Zn at 10 power (17) to 2 x 10 power (17) ats./cm3. A p-type AlxGa1-xAs epitaxial layer (5), doped with Mg is pref. deposited on the GaAs epitaxial layer (4) and followed by the electrode layer which contacts the GaAs layer (4) via windows in the AlGaAs layer. A process to mfr. this device, is also claimed using liq. phase epitaxy (LPE).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The cell has a higher conversion efficiency of 10% AMO, compared with 17-18% for current cells for a max. size of 2 x 2 cm2. The dopant-Mg used has a very low vapour pressure during epitaxy improving the quality of the layer deposited and allowing the impurity content to be controlled. The presence of the AlGaAs layer reduces surface recombination. An anti-reflection layer (6) of Si-nitride may be used.
Photovoltaic cells are produced by applying layers of chemical elements or cpds. to a substrate. The novelty is that the substrate is a light-transmitting glass roof tile.    The glass roof tile consists of mineral glass or organic acrylic glass. The photovoltaic layers are applied to one or both sides of the tile, provided with electrodes, fixed firmly to the substrate and opt. subjected to thermal treatment. One or more tiles are placed on or in brickwork or buildings and interconnected electrically.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   These solar cells can be made more cheaply than usual and made more resistant to mechanical and/or corrosive stresses, thus extending their field of application.
Methyl methacrylate(MMA), stryrene, vinyl carbazole vinyl monomers are polymerised to encapsulate CdS powders. Other CdS powders encapsulated with polymethyl methacrylate(PMMA), polystyrene(PST), or other vinyl polymers are admixed with less than 5 wt.% of pigments like rose red ochre. Still other CdS powders encapsulated with PMMA, PST, or other vinyl polymers are admixed with less than 5 wt.% of vinyl polymers like PMMA.    10g CdS 99.999% pure, 0.5 mmol of MMA monomers, 50 mmol of an initiator, and 100 ml of water were charged in a flask and reacted; resultant CdS whose 3% were encapsulated was admixed with 0.026 wt.% rose red ochre. A 100 micro thick CdS film was prepd. using a 1.0g/cc EtOH soln. of the CdS.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for photosensors, solar cells, or electrophotography sentitised material, having a higher photosensitivity over a wider range of wavelength, a good solvent dispersability, and a good workability. /0
Transparent electrical conductive material comprises crystalline Sn-oxide.Sb-sol in which Sb and Sn are dissolved with Sb/Sn 0.3 mol ratio.    USE -   Used for photoelectric conversion elements of solar cells, or camera tubes, or heating elements for transparent surface such as defogging and deicing glass, electroluminescence devices, liq. crystal display devices, electrochromic display devices, plasma display and electrophotography, etc.
Plasma CVD. process is applied to a substrate at a temp. of below 200 deg. C, while the surface of the substrate is covered by an electrode, having a large number of holes to pass an intermediate body to form a Sn oxide film and retaining zero or constant potential, to combine function of opposed electrode for plasma discharge.
Plasma C.V. process is applied to a substrate at a temp. below 200 deg.C, SnCl4 raw material is bubbled with H2 gas, and with He, O2 or H2O as oxidising gas, while simultaneously exposing to energy from a microwave excitation source so that the gases are activated.
The Si melt is solidified in a mould having a bottom and min. 2 side walls. Opt., the mould is made of quartz, graphite, or Si-nitride.    USE -   For solar cells mfr.
Substrate is coated with a paste contg. CdS powder, CdCl2, and an organic vehicle, dried, heat treated at between the m.pt. of CdCl2 and the volatilisation temp., under an atmos. contg. 0.1-10 vol. %O2 for the grain growth, and then held at above the volatilisation temp. under a nonoxidising temp. for the evapn. of CdCl2.    USE -   For solar cells.
Partial oxidiser and reformer of fuel containing hydrocarbon comprises tubular member with an inner wall and a wick extending the length of the tubular member within the member.    Spiral metallic member with a layer of catalyst formed on the member is adjacent to the wick and extends the length of the tubular member. Exhaust gas is input from the cathode section of a fuel cell to inlet port in tubular member and hydrocarbon containing fuel is input in a second port.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   To reform hydrocarbon contg. fuel to produce hydrogen gas. Appts. which partially oxidises and reforms steam uses fuel vaporising and allows control of pressure and fuel gas output without separate burner.
(JP94042371-B2)      Mfr. of a fuel battery complex electrode comprises hardening a conductive thermosetting resin adhesive compsn. on both sides of separator to join porous electrode to both sides of separator.
Membrane comprises at least two layers of a polymer of a 5-membered oxygen-group heterocyclic cpd. contg different dopant concns. The multilayered membrane is prepd by removing dopant(s) from multilayered polymer layers doped with a bulky polyvalent anion andsuch polymer doped with monovalent anion or their repeated layers utilising dopant. Monovalent anion dopant is removed easier than the bulky polyvalent anion.    The heterocyclic cpd e.g. furan, thiophene, selenophene or tellurophene and polymerised in any known process. The doping is carried out during polymerisation or by contacting an anion with the polymer membane. The bulky anion is poorly releasable and is pref B10Cl10(2-) or B12Cl12(2-). The easily releasable anion is pref. BF4(-) or C104(-). The doped membrane contg bulky polyvalent dopant is laminated with a membrane doped with monovalent dopant. This is repeated twice or more. The removal of dopant is carried out electrochemically, by alkali or heat treating the laminated membrane.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The polymer is used to mfr a semi-conductor or conductor by using a dopant. Used in sec cell, solar cell, photoconductive device, etc.
(A) In a fuel cell, divided by an ion permeable separator (2) into an anodic compartment (3) contg. an alkaline anolyte and a cathodic compartment (4) contg. an acidic catholyte, the novelty is that the fuel introduced into the anodic compartment is hydrogen peroxide.    Pref. the oxidant introduced into the cathodic compartment is also hydrogen peroxide.    (B) A process for electricity generation by the fuel cell is also claimed.    ADVANTAGE -   The cell does not produce toxic or polluting products.
A metal layer, pref. 5-100 nm thick, is sandwiched between 2 semiconducting layers containing a conductive oxide of a heavy metal which have a sheet resistance of less than 40 ohms/square. At least one of the layers is pref. a SnO2 layer, an InSn-oxide layer or a F or Sb-doped Sn-oxide layer.    The transmission of light by the layer is further improved by pref. using a transparent layer between the layer system and the air which has a refractive index between those of the 2 adjacent media. This transition layer has pref. a refractive index which reduces in the direction from layer system to air. The metal layer is pref. a metal or alloy of metals from the group: Cu, Ag, Au, Pt, Al, Cr, Fe and Ni.    Two specific applications are also claimed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The comination gives a much reduced sheet-resistance allowing a higher current density without significant reduction of the transmission. This makes the transparent electrode more suitable for use as coating on glass panels for heating, e.g. windscreens, and as an electrode for use in solar cells.
The Si-tape is formed by a horizontal tape-pulling method using a carbon-fibre woven grid which is pulled over the Si-melt (2). Above and below the melt heat sources are placed which are controlled to give the correct and an even thickness of solidified Si-tape. The heat loss of the Si-tape by radiation is reduced enough by a screening part to locally avoid solidification, which results in a sepn.-strip. The screening parts are pref. bridge-shaped, heat resistant and electrically conductive, pref. consist of graphite or Mo, and are placed on the outer mesh of the C-grid. They pref. also have a high absorption of heat and a small heat capacity and pref. made of graphite-layers or woven cloth. Alternatively, a highly selective part can be used, e.g. a pref. parabolic shape focussing the radiation. A pref. embodiment for the equipment is also claimed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The method allows sepn. of the sheets of Si without causing excessive vibration and disturbance of the pulling process. The process is used to mfr. Si-substrate for solar cells.
Fuel cell composed of unit cells laminated via separators comprises groove-like electrolyte reservoirs, each of which forms at least one side of each separator and is conductive to an electrolyte holding matrix put between a pair of electrodes of the unit cell. (J56180965-A)
Appts. comprises an evaporator to gasify raw fuel to be fed into a reforming reactor. The bottom face of the evaporator has many projections.    USE -   For fuel cells.
Appts. comprises an evaporator to gasify a raw fuel to be fed into a reforming reactor. The bottom face of the evaporator is sloped down to a flame of a burner to heat the evaporator.    USE -   For fuel cells.
Appts. to reform gasified fuel into gas rich in H2 comprises a reactor having inlets located symmetrically around a point and a fuel feed pipe having a fuel discharge pipe directed to the point.    USE -   For fuel cells.
A soln. is obtd. by adding alc. e.g. EtOH etc. to aq. SnCl4 soln. contg. a small amt. of F cpd., e.g. NH4F etc. Obtd. soln. is sprayed on the surface of the heated soda-lime glass board.    USE -   Improves electro-conductivity of the electroconductive SnO2 membrane. Used as transparent electrode of non-crystalline semi-conductor solar cell, etc.
Prodn. of carbonaceous thin plate where powder of less than 50 mesh produced by grinding a conifer wood is treated (by oxidn. treatment) and kneaded with a carbonaceous filler and a thermosetting resin initial condensation product, then the resulting mixt. is mouled into a thin plate shape then hardened, burned and carbonised. As the conifer wood, pine tree, cedar tree or bamboo is used. The surface oxidn. treatment is pref. carried out at relatively low temp. under oxidn. atmos. for example, heating in air at 200-400 deg. C.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The carbonaceous thin plate is esp. useful as a separater for a phosphoric acid type fuel battery. The thin plate has high strength characteristics at low cost and without lowering the conductivity.
Heat shield for a reformer tube of an appts. for producing prod. gas from a hydrocarbon feed stock in which the heat shield is formed of individual segments which extend laterally and longitudinally about the reformer duct, which is a cylinder-like reformer tube. The heat shield is formed of rings, each ring being formed of segments, which may have slots or holes through the side of the ring to provide communication between the interior and the exterior of the ring. Pref. the support means for the ring minimises tensile stresses in the ring by supporting them through stacking the rings on a support, e.g. a platform extending from the reformer. Alignment of the gaps between circumferentially adjacent segments and the adjacent ring is such that the gaps are either opt. aligned to tailor the flow of gases axially along and through the shield while minimising radiation from the exterior of the shield to the reformer tube.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The reformer for fuel cell operates at elevated temps. with a heat shield that has good structural integrity in such an environment, whilst having a compact spacing of reformer tubes which results from reducing temp. gradients in the tubes due to the location of the tubes within the reformer.
The pattern of gaps (4) is first deposited on the substrate (1) using a screen print process with a paste (2), pref. an Al-paste e.g. Alu alloy 6150 solar (RTM Electro Oxid Co.). The metal oxide layer (3) is then deposited over the entire surface. This layer is pref. Sn-oxide, Sn-oxide doped with F or In-Sn oxide. The substrate is then treated in an ultrasonic bath with a liq., e.g. HCl, which removes the screen printed layer, thereby also removing the oxide layer deposited on top. The oxide layer is pref. formed by thermal depsn. of Sn-oxide from tetramethyl-tin from the gas phase at about 500 deg.C.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The method gives excellent sharpness of the pattern, allowing a min. width of 100-150 microns. The method is relatively inexpensive and suitable for mass prodn. It is used for the mfr. of separate electrodes for solar-cells.
The power unit has a vertically movable crossbar (7) between vertical struts (6) of the base of the hydraulic unit. The four yokes (8) are connected to each other in pairs by pivots (9), to the base (5) and the crossbar and are sprung to the base. The input chamber (IC) (2) is elastic. The hood (3) and top wall (10) of the IC are connected to the crossbeam the bottom wall (11) to the base and the side walls (12) to the yokes.    ADVANTAGE -   More reliable and efficient. Bul.22/15.6.88.
The water wheel is of drum shape and is positioned transversely across a flow of water, for example a river or sea water. The water wheel (6) is of extremely large construction, and is carried on a horizontal axis mounted on large bearing blocks set in the river or sea bed. The drum drives a continuous belt which carries buckets along its length to raise the water to a conduit for transfer to a reservoir. The water from the reservoir can then be used to drive hydro-electric generation plant.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Provides conversion of water flow to electric energy, giving electricity generation from renewable source.
The gear combination has a step-less gear component (14,15) with a control device to hold the output base constant and a gear casing in one of the possible arrangements. The gear casing may be with a bearing base for a force machine rotor or with a flange base (3) for at least one working machine.    The gear casing may be arranged with a bearing base (4) for a horizontal pivot device in the case of a wind power generating system, or the gear casing may contain control, adjustment and servo devices (25,28) for optimising conversion of wind or water. The casing may have an extra bearing base for a second force machine rotor (30), or a flywheel (49) connected into the force path.    ADVANTAGE -   Compact. Light weight.
The gear transmits and converts angular, speed and torque between tone machines and working machines for small wind and water driven plant for generating electricity. The tone machine (11) is connected via a gear (12) to at least two working machines (13,14). This gear contains at least one continuously variable-transfer base (15) and a rigid output drive base (17) with a fixed transfer ratio.    The continuously gear component consists of a specified arrangement. A fixed transmission stage, a continuous gear, a wind or water tone machine shaft and bearing (34,33), a pivot bearing base, and generator flange bases are located in or on a common casing (12).    ADVANTAGE -   Efficient. Reliable. Long life. Shelf-standing. Light and cheap.
A method of forming spaced electrical contacts on a thin semiconductor film forms regions of laser radiation buffer insulating material between the contact zones, places a conductive layer over buffer and semiconductor, laser scribes part of this layer without contacting the semiconductor to form grooves separating the conductive layer into spaced contacts. The method may be used to give a series of conducting strips, the buffer strips may be silk screen or ink jet printed, and the semiconductor may be amorphous silicon. The buffer material may be black epoxy or silk screen ink or reflective and white ink. The laser may be an Nd YAG laser emitting at 530nm at 125mW operating in a TEM mode. Also claimed is a method of fabricating a multicell photovoltaic module starting with a transparent conductive oxide layer, grooved and separated as above to form front contacts, adding photovoltaic semiconductor in the grooves, scribing second parallel grooves to form many photovoltaic elements, adding buffer material and A1 layer as above and scribing this to form the back contacts of the cell.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Laser scribing patterning of photovoltaic cell modules may damage the underlying semiconductor giving short circuits, so that silk screen methods have been used in back patterning, although they reduce photovoltaic area and efficiency. The new invention removes these disadvantages by enabling laser back scribing to be carried out without causing damage. Thus modules of greater efficiency and reliability are obtd.
(JP93046991-B)      Prodn. comprises forming connecting electrodes on solar cells in the form of specified pattern, and forming surface protective layer on the connected parts of the connecting electrodes.    USE -   Used for easily connecting solar cells in series. (J63246875-A)
The power station consists of a storage tank (1) connected by a duct (2) to a pneumo-hydraulic accumulator (3) with a water intake (4) facing the wave front and having upper and lower walls, the first of which has non-return valves. The station is additionally equipped with a hydraulic accumulating chamber (8), located beneath the storage tank (1) and bounded on one side by the pneumo-hydraulic accumulator. The chamber holds a housing (9) containing at least one turbine and generator (10,7), linked to the duct (2), with its lower section having a sealed tank (11) linked to one end of the discharge channel (12).    ADVANTAGE -   Improved overall efficiency. Bul.17/7.5.88
The generation plant has a number of serial and parallel stages controlled via valves and switches. The water is directed into the space above a press plate and a displacement space for vertical movement of the press plate with the energy extraction effected in successive stages, via displacement pumps and turbines and generators.    ADVANTAGE -   Allows relatively small water level variations to be utilised.
The light diffracting laminate comprises up to seven layers of under twenty micron thickness. The light transmission and amplifier are used in linear optical configuration intersecting the sun and photoelectric cells.    The conversion efficiencies of the cell are increased by the sun rays magnification through the diffractive laminate.    ADVANTAGE -   Increases efficiency of solar energy conversion systems.
(JP94088149-B2)      Optical processing comprises extending the excimer laser beam area by beam expander, concentrating the beam by passing it through cylindrical lens to form grooves on object.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For forming solar battery, display unit, etc., without using photoresist of thin film/membrane.
The first electrode layer, pref. a transparent layer of metal-oxide, pref. ITO, is structured directly after its depsn.. The method used is pref. a lift-off technique using a TiO2-layer, local conversion of the electrode material e.g. by melting immediately followed by cooling of by spark-erosion. At the same time as the electrode pattern is made pref. a strip of electrically conducting material is deposited. In addition to this strip a parallel one of lift-off material, pref. deposited as a TiO2-paste, is formed. Then the semiconductor material, at least one layer, and the second electrode layer are deposited. Using e.g. ultrasonic agitation in a solvent the material above the TiO2-strip is removed, leaving separate strips of semiconductor with top-electrode. Using spark-erosion contact is made between the strip of conductive material deposited on the first electrode and the top electrode of the adjacent cell. Alternatively, if the conductive strips were not formed already, conductive paste is used to make the connection in the space between parallel strips.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process represents an easier method with fewer disadvantages than current techniques to connect solar cells in series. Formation of the pattern in the first electrode layer before depsn. of any other material allows the best technique to be used. The use of lift-off techniques avoids etching or potentially damaging thermal techniques to separate the strips.
Each cell has transparent electrode on its light-receiving surface and a metal electrode on the opposite surface. The transparent electrodes and the metal electrodes are adapted to connect the cells in series or in series parallel.    This battery includes electrically conductive antioxidising film formed on at least the serially connected portions of the transparent electrodes and the metal electrodes. The metal electrodes are prevented from being oxidised by the transparent electrodes. Therefore, the contact resistance is prevented from increasing and the output of the solar battery is prevented from decreasing.    Extended life without output maintained in a given range for long time.
Module is formed by: forming a common lower electrode; adding a photovoltaic body; adding a transparent upper electrode; passivating shorts in the semiconductor alloy forming the body by altering the electrode stoichiometry to a higher resistivity form in the defect regions; adding current collectors; and connecting the latter to positive and negative terminals.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   A number of modules can be connected in series (claimed) to provide any desired voltage-current combination without danger of catastrophic failure due to shorts; the modules may be made by a continuous, low-cost operation.
Process for the stabilisation of the intraconnections and interfaces in energy sensitive semiconductor devices, esp. solar cell panels with a front electrode of conductive metal oxide on a layer of amorphous semiconductor, (a) dipping the device in an acid soln. and/or a soln. contg. a cpd. which complexes transition metal ions; (b) dipping the device in a soln. contg. the transition metal ion; and (c) forming the second electrode, pref. by metal deposition.    Pref., the acid soln. is 20 vol.% phosphoric acid, the complexing agent is selected from glycol, ethylenediamine or dimethylglyoxime, and the transition metal is nickel or chromium. After each dipping, the device is rinsed in deionised water and finally rinsed in isopropanol. After the isopropanol rinse the device is heated, pref. at 120 deg.C. for 1 hour, before depositing the second electrode, typically aluminium.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The metallic ions adsorbed on the first electrode and amorphous semiconductor promote contact stability with the first electrode and interface stability between the amorphous semiconductor and the second electrode. The resulting device has improved resistance to degradation during thermal cycling.
Large area electrodes are isolated to facilitate cascade interconnection of semiconductor bodies deposited subsequently by: applying a mask pattern to a substrate surface; depositingaconformal layer of transparent conductive oxide (I); and removing the mask and the electrode material deposited on it in a solvent to leave isolated electrode portions, so that selected interconnections may be made between them. (I) is ITO, F-doped Sn oxide or S-doped Sn oxide.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In mfr. of semiconductor devices esp. solar cells. Method avoids use of costly laser abrasion.
The converter consists of a floating housing containing a support, an output shaft and a mechamechanical converter with an inertia body, a flexible suspension element and a ratchet mechanism.    The support (2) is equipped with a vertical bush (6) which has an inner thread, and an additional hollow shaft (7) with an outer thread to engage with the bush. The ratchet mechanism (5) is connected to the additional shaft (7), and the output shaft (3) is located inside it. The inertia body is made in the form of a flywheel (8) set on the output shaft.    Wave motion causes the flywheel to reciprocate relative to the output shaft, so that it is rotated in one direction through the ratchet mechanism.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For water power engineering. Provides increased power and design simplicity. Bul.8/29.2.88
Power generating plant consists of a floating pontoon and a support with ratchet drum (4) reduction gear, flywheel and clutch, with a cable passing round the drum and connected at one end to the pontoon and at the other to a tensioning mechanism. The plant is equipped with a pontoon return mechanism, made in the form of a container with a float inside it connected to a two-armed rocker (12) a reversible winch (13) and gripping carriage by a flexible element.    The gripping carriage (14) is set on a cable equipped with a guide tube of a telescopic support beneath the pontoon, and the tensioning mechanism is in the form block-and-tackle-(16), and a tank (17) with a float (18) which is connected to the cable.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For generating power from water waves. Provides wider range of operation. Bul.8/29.2.88
The generator consists of a base with vertical supports and inclined guides, and a working element in the form of a conveyor with troughs which are linked kinematically to the guides, and an electrical generator.    The system is equipped with additional electrical generators, linked to a common current carrier unit (5). The generator stators (6) are connected by cables (7), and their rotors (8) are set on the guides (2,3). The troughs are made from rubberised fabric and are attached to the generator stators. When the water-filled troughs travel along the guides they turn inside the stators and produce electrical current, which goes to the carrier.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Hydro-power engineering. Provides wider range of operations by allowing use of low pressures. Bul.8/29.2.88
The drive system uses a fluid flow provided from an open container (4) to drive a turbine. A vacuum pump (5) is used to generate a high vacuum in a series of closed containers (1,2,3) in a given sequence so that the water is drawn from the container (4) via a common riser pipe (7) and is discharged back to the container (4) via a common fall pipe (8), both these pipes (7,8) containing a turbine driven by the flow stream.    The control is effected via vacuum control valves (1',2',3'), feed valves (1'',2'',3''), discharge valves (1''',2''',3'''), a flow valve (6) positioned in the riser pipe (7) and press equalisation valves (1'''',2'''',3'''') for the fall pipe (8) with all components contained within a press chamber.    ADVANTAGE -   Portable energy plant positioned directly at current utilisation point.
An electrode device for an electromagnetic fluid flow appts. comprises: (a) a pair of electrodes (2) electrically connected to a power source (11) and facing the pathway of an electrical conductive fluid (1), and (b) a pair of magnets (3) arranged between the electrodes (2) and producing a magnetic field perpendicular to the flow direction of the fluid and to a straight line connecting the electrodes. The electrodes (2) are made of a hydrophobic carrier (4) having pores of at most 1 micron pore size, and having electrical conductivity gas permeability and liquid impermeability.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For MHD power generator or a tidal power generator, and an EM flowmeter. The device is capable of discharging a gas generated from the electrode from the rear surface without releasing it into the electrical conductive fluid. High current density can be obtd.
The electric machine contg. as many magnetically controlled parts as phases and mounted in the magneticfield of a supply bus, the output of each magnetically controlled contact being in the motor control circuit, has as many additional magnetically controlled contacts as the phases and each mounted in the magnetic field of the phase (2) and neutral (3) terminals of the stator winding alongside.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   As relays protection for an electric motor with stator winding neutral terminals and short circuit protection, sensitivity is increased and the protection improved by protection from stator winding short circuits. Electric machines with a wide range of power can be protected. The operating current setting is much lower. Bul.8/29.2.88
Transparent electrical conductive film is obtd. by contacting a gaseous stream contg. mainly stannide gas and oxygen gas with the surface of the substrate. Laser beam having a resonance wavelength in the absorption band of the stannide is irradiated into the stannide gas, and 2nd laser beam having a resonance wavelength in the absorption band of the substrate are irradiated onto the substrate surface to heat it and to form Sn-oxide film on the substrate surface.    The 1st laser beam is pref. in the ultraviolet zone, and the 2nd beam is pref. in the visible and infrared zone.    USE -   The transparent electrical conductive film is used for displays, and solar cells, is transparent in visible light zone, and has electrical conductivity.
A streamlined housing is rotatably connected with a fixed base and a pair of helical rotors are rotatably connected with the housing for driving a pair of electric generators when the rotors are rotated by the wind. The housing includes forward and rear nacelles which define vertical side openings in the housing in which the rotors are arranged, with the helical vanes partially protruding from the housing.    The nacelles serve to direct the wind stream against the rotor vanes with minimal disturbance. The housing includes a rigid framework comprising upper and lower crosspieces with which the nacelles and rotors are connected and vertical interior struts are connected between the crosspieces.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Also for water powered turbine. Helical rotors capture maximum amount of kinetic energy from wind for conversion to electricity.
Y2O3 evapn. source also contains TiO2 and ZrO2; a pref. compsn. contains (in wt.%): TiO2 7.3 max and ZrO2 90 max.. The source is pref. in sintered tablet form.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. in formation by evapn. of an anti-reflection film for Si and III-V e.g. GaAs, semiconductor devices. (claimed) Presence of TiO2 and ZrO2 enhances the anti-reflection properties and also the chemical stability and durability of the film.
The solar cell includes a monolithic bypass diode formed by adding an additional layer of semiconductive material having a type opposite to the outermost semiconductive layer of a solar cell. The additional layer is cut back to form a small area bypass diode, which is connected acorss the solar cell by integrated circuit metallisation techniques. The solar cell is formed of gallium arsenide with the underlying semiconductive material being n-type gallium arsenide, and forming a junction with a thin layer of p-type gallium arsenide covered with a window of p-type aluminum gallium arsenide.    The bypass diode is initially formed of a supplemental layer of n-type gallium arsenide, and by successive etching processes, an island is formed extending downward from a small area of n-type gallium arsenide through the two p-type layers. An insulating layer, which may be formed of silicon nitride, is deposited to avoid short circuiting of the output connection, and metallised connections from the bypass diode to the output circuitry of the solar cell, and to the underlying n-type layer are then completed.    ADVANTAGE -   Reduced weight and complexity, than using separate diode.
The method of converting tidal energy into electricity consists of receiving the tidal energy on semi-submerged conductors which are connected to current and load sources. The conductors used are in the form of electrical capacitors with metal plates (2) covered with insulation (3). These are employed to determine the period of the rise and fall of the water by measuring the hydrostatic pressure between the plates, and they are connected to the power and load sources only during the periods when the water level falls. During these periods there is a reduction in the capacitance of the capacitors, increasing the electrostatic energy. The force of the water against the electrostatic field when its level falls increases the capacitor's electrical field energy and as the capacitor is connected to the load during this period, the energy is transmitted to the load in the form of electricity.    ADVANTAGE -   Higher efficiency and lower cost. Bul.3/23.1.88.
The rotor comprises a vertical shaft (1) carrying rotor blades arranged as at least one pair (4a,b; 5a,b). The blades of this or each pair are secured on a common shaft (2; 3) at 90 deg. to one another and the shaft is rotatable relative to the rotor shaft about a radial axis.    A stop (6) provided on the rotor shaft for each blade pair ensures that the blades moving in the flow direction (e.g. 4a,5a) are held normal to that direction and the blades (4b,5b) moving against the flow are feathered.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Suitable for large-diameter rotor. Simple arrangement minimises blade drag automatically, under action of driving flow, eliminating need for complex control mechanism prone to wear.
The method consists of forcing water out of the runner chamber by feeding compressed air into it from a pneumatic accumulator. The air feed into the chamber (1) is at first carried out at a pressure less than the pressure in the pneumatic accumulator (6), and after the drop in the generating set's power has reached a speed corresponding to a break in the flow density, the air feed pressure is made equal to that in the pneumatic accumulator.    The air feed from the accumulator (6) is controlled by a shut-off valve (9) linked to a regulator (10) actuated by a control system (15).    ADVANTAGE -   More reliable operation. Bul.2/15.1.88.
The complex consists of upper and lower water reservoirs (10,1), a generating set (2) adjacent to the lower reservoir, a steam heating unit (7), and a water duct (11) between the two reservoirs.    The complex has a second water duct (12) with a generating set (13-15), shutters (16,17) at the top of the ducts, and a gearbox (18) between the reduction gear (8) and generator (3) of the first set, with a third generator (20) connected to it through a clutch (19).    The reduction gear incorporates bevel and cylindrical gears with inner and outer meshing teeth, rotating disc and a flange with holes for main and intermediate shafts.    ADVANTAGE -   Increased electrical output. Bul.2/15.1.88.
Transparent conductive film is formed by: moving a laser beam over a substrate; and applying a reactive gas comprising an Sn cpd., O2 and a conductivity-enhancing impurity source to the beam area, the gas beam being finer than the laser beam. A fine line-shaped film is deposited. The gas beam is pref. injected with a pressure of 10 atmos. or more.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In mfr. of display devices, solar cells etc.. High conductivity film is provided in any desired pattern without etching and without substrate distortion or warping. (First major country equivalent to J63153841-A)
The hydroelectric power installation comprises a vertical tower or dam structure situated in a water course between a head water level and tail water level and having a submerged base with a discharge conduit through which water passes due to the pressure head between the two levels. The structure also has a generally vertical service track extending from the entrance of the discharge conduit at the submerged base upwardly to an elevated servicing point on the structure above the head water level. An hydraulic turbine generator and associated draft tube are movable as a unit in the service track between the elevated head position above the head water level and a submerged, operating position in which the discharge end of the draft tube and the entrance of the discharge conduit are brought into adjacent and fluid-communicating relationship to permit power generation from water flowing through the tubine generator set and draft tube into the entrance of the discharge conduit.    ADVANTAGE -   High speeds eliminate need for speed increasers.
The photovoltaic device mfg. method, comprises the steps of dividedly arranging an electrode layer on the surface of a substrate. The semiconductive layer is coated on the surface of the substrate including the upper surface of the divided electrode layer. A second electrode layer is coated on the semi-conductive layer and the semiconductive layer and/or the second electrode layer is divided in order to define each element by irradiating energy-beams on the semiconductive layer and/or the second electrode layer.    The formation of a low resistance layer in the semiconductive layer and a residual molten second electrode layer can be prevented by using energy-beams having an energy-distribution uniform over the entire irradiated zone.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents short circuits between adjacent conversion elements.
Flexible plastics substrate (12) supports an array of interconnected solar cells (10) and a groundable conductive layer (18) on its rear face. A layer of paint (20) can provide required heat emissive properties.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Lightweight solar cell array partic. for use on spacecraft. Provides grounding of the accumulated charge on the rear face due to space plasma while still ensuring adequate reradiation of heat from the rear face so that the thermal performance of the array is not degraded.
Solar cell comprises: a transparent front-face electrode (14); a thin-film photo-voltaic device (18); a back electrode layer of Al(20); and an Ni layer (22) on the back electrode.    Pref. the front electrode is supported on a transparent substrate through which light is received; the photovoltaic device is formed of layer(s) of amorphous Si:H (alloy); the back face electrode is 1000-5000 angstroms thick; and the Ni layer is 500-5000 Angstrom thick.    ADVANTAGE -   Ni layer reduces degradation of the Al film in a large scale solar module structure and prevents a reduction in module fill factor.
The solar cell arrangement has several solar cell elements which have a photovoltaic layer around an elongated electrode. Each solar cell element (2) forms in total a single separate voltage cell with a counter electrode. The counter electrode is an electrically conducting coil around the periphery (10) of each element.    Several elements have - at their peripheries and arranged in the long direction - thread or wire like counter electrodes in electrical contact. Several elements have at their periphery a flat counter electrode in electrical contact.    ADVANTAGE -   Less hindrance to sun light by avoiding casting of shadows.
The hydroelectric generator is optionally provided with a retractable distributor. The runner is mounted on a runner shaft which is axially movable in order to permit selective retraction and extension of the runner exteriorly of the generator housing. In this way, the runner may be selectively withdrawn from the inlet to its associated draft tube in order to clear the inlet and increase its water flow rate capacity during periods of flood or excessive high water.    The distributor, i.e the wicket gates, may optionally also be carried on the runner shaft for axial retraction and extension. A second shaft has a connector end which is drivingly connected to the piston end of the first shaft, and a machine end which is drivingly connected to an electromotive machine.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For dam and powerhouse. Enabl4s selective axial positioning of runner shaft and runner relative to housing.
The power generating apparatus comprises a cylindrical container with a container bottom and a fluid contained within. A shaft concentrically rotatably disposed in the cylindrical container. A cylindrical turbine lies rotatably within the container having the fluid and comprises a number of fins and a turbine top that is bound circumferentially to the shaft. The top is angularly disposed with respect to a horizontal plane and forms a seal with the top of each of fins.    The cylindrical turbine additionally comprises a side integrally bound to the turbine top and spacedly positioned away from the side of the cylindrical container and connects with and forms a seal with the side of each of the fins such that any given pair of fins having its tops and sides bound to the turbine top and side defines a compartment.
The power plant receives water from a surface area via a tunnel, and a chamber connected to the water mass and normally sepd. from the return magazine is allowed intermittently to be filled with water from the magazine, thus maintaining the water drop height from the main to the return magazine. An explosive member is activated to press downwards water from a pit causing the chamber to be filled with water, and two drop hatches are operated so that water from the main magazine is prevented from being pressed back to the return magazine. The explosive member causes water to be pressed downwards from a secondary magazine into the return magazine, and one of the drop hatches prevents water from the main magazine being pressed back to the secondary magazine.    A pump piston in the chamber, activated by explosive energy, electricity, nuclear power, wind, waves or tidal movement, is lifted, causing the water from the return magazine to be fed to the chamber, and then lowers, pressing water through one or more check valves back to the main magazine. (Provisional basic advised week 88/18)
On the substrate, an insulator layer is formed which includes a first portion extending in parallel with the coupling conductor and a second portions covering the collecting conductors. A semiconductor photo-active layer and a back electrode are formed in this order so as to cover the respective components previously formed.    By irradiating a laser beam onto the respective first portions above the back electrodes, the irradiated part of the back electrode and the semiconductor photo-active layer are separated into the respective photoelectric conversion cells. By irradiating the laser beam onto the respective second portions above the back electrode, the irradiated part of the back electrode and the semiconductor photo-active layer are melted, and the back electrode of each photoelectric conversion cell is connected to the adjacent transparent electrode through the coupling conductor.    ADVANTAGE -   Does not require precise adjustment of energy density or like of energy beam during working. (First major country equivalent to J63119586)
Air is pressurised using ten compressors and stored in a reservoir. The compressors may be driven by Diesel motors. The air pressure acts directly on water to cause it to rise into an upper tank, and is always available with small losses by recirculation. The water in the upper tank falls down through a turbine to generate electricity, and returns back to the lower cell (1.7) where pressure returns it at the same rate as the descent to the upper tank.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Generating electricity. No nuclear problems, nor other pollution due to closed air and water circuits. Safe from explosions due to low pressure.
Water is fed into the energy extraction device by a pipe (5). Water over and above that needed for the device is fed via a second pipe (14) and its energy resulting from naturally occurring height differences is converted to rotary motion by the development of the drive bodies (7) into containers.    This is accomplished by the provision of a shaft (23) and a sealing wall (18) which is deployed outwardly from the bodies at the top of their descent, and retracted once again at the bottom, before the containers reenter the liquid zone of the device.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Developing power from water. Makes use of normally unused water.
The tidal power station has a ring shaped pontoon (3) floating on the surface of the water. The pontoon is anchored to the bottom and supports a number of turbines (21) which are all arranged in a common turbine formation (10,11,13,15,17,22) under the pontoon. The turbine formation as a unit is adapted to be moved up to the surface within the area limited by the ring pontoon.    The ring pontoon is quadrangular, pref. rectangular and moored in such a way that it may freely swing in the water current but with its long sides transversely to the direction of the current. The whole station may swing around the bitt (5), the upper end of which is connected to a front pontoon (9) and the lower end (6) of which is secured to anchors.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Seas and rivers. Easily maintained.
The rotary joint has a non rotary housing surrounding a rotating shaft and sealed mechanically. Monitoring impulses are transmitted by hydraulic fluid which is transported between the housing and the shaft by a distribution socket. The socket is arranged so that a number of column seals are formed between the shaft and the socket. The apparatus is supported by two prestressed, reversed roller bearings.    A disc spring is mounted between housing and shaft so that bearing is reversed relative to bearing.    ADVANTAGE -   Permits monitoring of impulses transmitted by hydraulic fluid.
The hydro-electric power installation has each of its turbine wheels designed as a drum with a horizontal axis. The dam device is designed as an integrated turbine control flap located after the turbine wheel and acting as pivoting cylindrical half-shell coaxial with the wheel.    Between the flap and the wheel is a rotary rake fixed to
The cell correction method comprises the steps of providing an elongated, continuous web or photovoltaic cell material, said continuous web comprising a continuous substrate upon which several continuous thin film layers of semiconductor alloy material are disposed. The photovoltaic cell material is continuously moved to a take-up station. Several n slits are then formed, where n is an integer equal to or greater than 1. Photovoltaic cell material divides the material into n + 1 smaller area cells. Each slit extends through the semiconductor alloy material and the substrate and is of a length selected to include a non-slitted connector between each terminus of the slit and the edge of the cell. The connectors are adapted to maintain the structural integrity of the elongated web.    Electrical series communication is established between adjacent smaller area cells disposed on opposite sides of the slit. The connectors are severed so that the continuous web of photovoltaic cell material is converted into an array of discrete photovoltaic cells electrically interconnected in series.
The control apparatus comprises a frequency converter connected between the electric power system and the generator for controlling electric power supplied from the generator to the electric power system controller operates in response to an externally applied power generation command signal for controlling, on one hand, the frequency converter thereby controlling the electric power supplied from the generator to the electric power system.    On the other hand, a guide-vane opening command signal is generated for controlling the guide vane thereby controlling the amount of water supplied to the water turbine. Resonance which may occur in the hydraulic machine system is reduced when the rotation speed of the water turbine changes in response to a change of the externally applied power generation output command signal.    ADVANTAGE -   Eliminates overshoot in rotation speed of water turbine (First major country equivalent to J63100276)
An array of thirty photovoltaic cells, each giving approximately 0.5 Volt and having a power capability of 1.2 Watt maximum, are connected in series. The cells are grouped so as to be capable of supplying either 6 volts or 12 volts to suit the equipment being driven.    The panel is mounted on a pedestal and is pivoted along a central axis to allow the panel to be tilted to face the sun in order to obtain maximum power. A rechargeable battery pack may be incorporated in the base of the unit to provide supplementary power during darkness or bad weather.    ADVANTAGE -   Overcomes inconvenience of limited life of simple cells.
At least one drive wheel with blades is fixed to the drive axle which is arranged rigidly but able to rotate in the driving wheel stand. The stand has a floor part running parallel to the drive axle and this is anchored in a trough in the flow channel transverse to the flow of water.    The carriers supporting the drive axle protrude upwards and the trough is dimensioned so that the driving wheels project from the edges above the trough by about the wheel radius, and can rotate in the trough. Connecting parts are provided which can be raised above the level of the waterway banks are connected to the ends of the drive axle and connected to at least one generator across a gear box.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Can be used on all large water courses, e.g. rivers. Relatively simple construction parts and simple installation work.
The process is simplified by turning each segment using a turning table to the point of intersection of the radial and circular drawings along the line, parallel to the guide machining tool; then the pointer is fixed relative to the scales of the divider. Before turning the surface of one of the connectors, the table is turned by 90 deg. - half-alpha. Before turning the surface of the other connector, the table is turned in the reverse direction by 180-alpha deg., where alpha is the central angle of the segment.    USE -   For mfg. hydro-units, partic. machining the surfaces of components comprising separate segments. Bul.41/ 7.11.87.
The power system comprises a variable speed electrical machine and a frequency converter connected between the variable speed electrical machine and an a.c. power system. A pump/turbine is driven by the variable speed electrical machine and a speed detector senses the rotation speed of the pump/turbine. A power detector senses effective power supplied to the variable speed electrical machine from the a.c. power system. A frequency convertor controller operates the frequency converter so as to eliminate any error between the value of effective power detected by the power detector and the value of effective power commanded by an externally-applied effective power command signal.    A frequency detector senses the frequency of the a.c. power system and a frequency controller compares the frequency detected by the frequency sensor with a frequency setting to generate a correction signal for correcting the effective power command signal. The value of the externally commanded effective power is corrected by correction signal.    ADVANTAGE -   Eliminates any deviation of actual effective power delection signal from effective power command input signal.
Effects of shorts and shunts are removed from a thin film semiconductor device having at least one pair of exposed contacts with a semiconductor film between them, by coating the contact surfaces with an ionic soln. having etching rate that increases with temp.; and applying a reverse bias voltage between the electrodes to render the shorts and shunts non-conductive. Pref. the contacts are al and the soln. is a dil. acid, or alternatively may be tap water.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp.with large-area photovoltaic devices. Method is simple and non-damaging.
The turbine-generator is used where there is a pool of still water on either side of a weir, at differing heights. Water is drawn from the watercourse through screens set into the walls of the water course. The water enters a convergent duct terminating in a volute which concentrates the flow onto the blades of a vertical axis water turbine.    The spent water is collected in a chamber below the turbine wheel and is drawn to the downstream pool by siphon action through a duct. A gate is provided behind the inlet screens to close down the turbine when this is required.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Water turbine operating from low head between two high volume pools, with provision to mechanically multiply speed to drive generator or irrigation pump.
The dam unit with an integrated turbine regulating valve is arranged in the inside of the turbine. The forward float body is designed as bending proof with a structure made unsinkable by filling with foam and guided by channels arranged on both sides. The float acts as a floating beam to deflect the ice and flotsam. The rear float body in the direction of flow is emptied by compressed air and can be re-flooded by valve control and the dam unit.    The entire structure with high water or for maintenance purposes projects out of the water, and the water level is lowered until the float body is effective. The rear flor body for the framework is swivelled hydraulically such that with a failure of the compressed air, emergency drain off takes place in conjunction with the by-pass of the working water. Power is transmitted from the turbine to drive an electrical generator across a toothed timing belt.    ADVANTAGE -   No detrimental effect on environment.
(US4764083-A)      The discharge ring supporting structure comrpsies upper and lower halves separated along a horizontal plane passing through the central axis of the discharge ring is supported by a number of supporting columns, each having upper and lower supporting members. The upper supporting members are detachably connected between the lower half of the discharge ring and the lower supporting member. When it is desired to remove the runner, the discharge ring is separated into the upper and lower halves, and the upper supporting members of the supporting columns are removed so that the discharge ring can be lowered.    Lowering of the discharge ring allows the runner to be lowered and then removed axially without the runner blades contacting the discharge ring. The upper supporting members of the discharge ring supporting columns are provided with a vibration damper for the discharge ring.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For adjustable-blade axial-flow turbine. Reduces width of power plant housing.
The semiconductor device has a photodiode (a region having a photovoltaic junction) region where light of constant magnitude is absorbed. A photoconductive region is electrically connected in series to the junction region. The photoconductive region has a conductivity modulated by absorbed second light having a magnitude which changes with time, and both of regions have electron affinities so as to not form a barrier to the passage of charge when they are illuminated by the light.    The electrical output from the semiconductor device has a magnitude determined by the constant magnitude and is in phase with the change in magnitude of the second light. Electrical contacts are connected to the photodiode region and the photoconductive region.    ADVANTAGE -   Can exhibit gains greater than 1, has no rotating mechanical parts, no enternal voltage supply needed.
Body (5) of the bearing is attached to the base of oil bath (6) by two strips. The strips are fixed in place by studs (4) and connected in the axial direction by bolts. The upper strip is longer than lower strip (2) and is welded to the body of the bearing.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In vertical-shaft machines, particularly hydro-generators. Reliability is increased, difficulties in manufacture reduced and dismantling simplified. Bul.35/23.9.87
A photoanode is prepd. by (1) depositing a dopant agent selected from one of platinum, palladium, nickel, cobalt, gold, rhodium, ruthenium, and tellurium in island form onto at least one surface of an n-silicon body. (2) forming a layer of silicon dioxide on the dopant-treated surface. (3) dispersing the dopant into the silicon dioxide layer to render it electrically conductive. Pref. the amount of dopant agent deposited in island form is equivalent to 0.002-2.5 monolayers.% Specifically, for platinum dopant, 0.25 monolayers are deposited.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The photoanode provides operational stability for low cost mfr. and can be combined with a high efficiency, low cost p-silicon photocathode to form a high efficiency, low cost cell in which hydrogen and oxygen are produced by the photo-assisted electrolysis of water by solar radiation.
The method of setting-up the operating regime of power generating aggregate is based on the arrangement that after arrival of a consecutive impulse signal from the revs. tachogenerator of the main shaft, the generation of the command signal is blocked and an adjustment signal is generated and integration of the standard signals is started. When the integrated value of the signal corresponds to the adjustment signal for the period of the last impulse sigal and the adjustment signal is analysed. When the two values are equal, or during retention of a negative difference, a new command signal is generated.    The equipment, which forms and executes the method, incorporates tachogenerator connected via impulse generator to the clearing inlet of the impulse counter, a generator of the standard reference impulses, decipher, first and second triggers, command block, control switch and a delay block.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For controlling the rotational speed of power generating aggregates e.g. hydro-aggregate. Generates correcting signal whose incorporation into the command signal is simplified. BUl.35/23.9.87
The water hammer pump raises water by an impulse wave action, the pump comprising an impulse wave action valve system (1,2,3,4) for producing water hammer pressure, and pipes (10,11) along which water hammer pressure produced by this valve system can travel. Non-return valves (15-18) are provided on these pipes.S The pump includes high pressure tanks (50), e.g., connected to a generator (53) and auxiliary generator (54). Pressure adjustment valves downstream of the tanks release excess pressure when pressure in the tanks exceeds a set value.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For power generation. No restrictions on power plant siting as appts. is compact and there is no need for damming.
The regulator has a logic stage connected to an adder to improve the operational characteristics. The current frequency value, estimated in the monitor (1), is compared with a set value in the frequency setter (4) and a signal from the generator (5). Adder (3) comparison signal passes to the 'dead-zone' unit (7) and the logic stage (8). The proportional-integral stage no longer acts on the mismatch value, If less than 2, the 'dead-zone' value. The 'dead-zone' varies according to the variation in the frequency.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For automatic regulation systems used on hydro-turbines. Bul.34/15.9.87.
The rotary mechanism consists of levers on the blade journals, connected to plates by means of shearing elements, and bearings between the blades and levers. Each of the levers (3) is equipped with a guide key (7) which interacts with a locking ring (8) with face teeth (9). The bearing (6) has grooves (10) facing towards the teeth, and the levers and plates have lugs (11) with holes (12) for spring-loaded pins (14) which connect with the locking ring. During normal operation the locking ring is suspended from the spring-loaded pins, but in the event of the shearing elements (4) breaking the pins also shear and the locking ring is pushed down by the springs to lock the blades.    ADVANTAGE -   Gives design simplicity and greater reliability. Bul.31/23.8.87
The photovoltaic device includees several power generation regions arranged in alignment with one another on one side of an insulative substrate. The power generation region is composed of an amorphous semiconductor layer, an electrode formed below the amorphous semiconductor layer and a second electrode formed above the amorphous semiconductor layer. The first electrode of one of two adjacent power generation regions is electrically connected to the second electrode of the other adjacent power generation region. The photovoltaic device is characterised by connection sections, facing each other with the amorphous semiconductor layer sandwiched between them. The connection sections are provided on the first electrode of one of two adjacent power generation regions and the second electrode of the other adjacent power generation region. A straight groove in the amorphous semiconductor layer is sandwiched between the connection sections along the arrangement direction of the power generation regions to thereby electrically connect the first electrode of one of two adjacent power generation regions to the second electrode of the other adjacent power generation region.    ADVANTAGE -   Improved production efficiency. (First major country equivalent to J63037674)
The energy plant uses turbines contained within one or more flow tubes for rotation in dependence on the flow velocity Potential energy is converted into mechanical energy used to drive an electrical generator for conversion into electrical energy. The flow tubes are incorporated in a flaoting dock which rises and falss with the water level.    A control bridge and crane are used for repair of the tubes mo8nted on the dock. Dependent in the flow velocity and water depth, the flow through the tubes is assisted via pressurised air.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   At sea or river. Does not pollute environment.
The water-power generator consists of one central axle (2) straddling the back of a vessel (1), mounted on pillow block bearings (9), with side stabilising pontoons (3). The axle is turned via water flow pushing against the respective paddle wheels (4) which are each respectively vertically divided in half via a solid disc division (10) extending at a right angle from the central axle to the outside extreme end of the paddle blades. The 90 degree spaced paddle blades are offset in each such divided set by 45 degrees. The extreme ends of each such set of divided paddle wheels are enclosed via a similar, solid, vertical disc extending at a right angle from the central axle to the outside extreme end of the paddle blades.    The mechanical energy generated is transferred from the water (11) to electric and/or power generating equipment located on the central boat (1) via a gearing system utilising the outside edge perimeter of a side paddle wheel disc enclosure adjacent to the centre boat via bars and/or pegs (12). These drive small sprockets and/or roller bearings gears (13) attached to one another. A smaller, central shaft is supported via pillow block bearings, extending across the forward section of the central boat, with a centrally located sprocket and/or pulley (15) for power transfer to an electric generator, or to other gearing and/or power production equipment.    ADVANTAGE -   Increased efficiency.
Water vessels, n in number are stepwise provided in a flowing river, lake or swamp. The water vessel of a subsequent stage is located at a position higher than that of a preceding stage by a predetermined height. Water is introduced into the water vessel tothe first stage via a water of which the opening at one end if arranged to oppose to the flow of water utilising the dynamic pressure produced when the water stream is interrupted. The level of water introduced into the water vessel rises within a range of dynamic pressure that is produced.    The water is pumped from the water vessel of the second stage up to that of the third stage by utilising external energy obtained by the flow of water, e.g. energy of dynamic pressure or water hammer pressure wave. The water is thus stepwise pumped up from the water vessels of the preceding stages to that of the succeeding stages. The water is pumped up by a predetermined height each time utilising the water head produced by the energy of water flow, and cannot be pumped up in a great amount at once. Thus the water is stored in the vessel of the final stage and is allowed to fall to turn the water wheel using the effective head, so generating electricity    ADVANTAGE -   Can be easily adapted anywhere where there is a stream of water.
The power generation appts. comprises a two cylinders a float member disposed in each cylinder and a lever arm pivotably disposed above the cylinders. The ends portions of the lever arm are operatively connected to the respective float members. The lever arm contains weight members and defines a path for guiding the weight members to traverse the lever arm between the end portions. An inlet and outlet is provided for introducing and removing water into and from the cylinders, the water being supplied froma dam whereby when the water is introduced into the first cylinder and simultaneously removed from the second cylinder.    The first float member is caused to rise in the first cylinder and the second float member is caused to fall in the second cylinder. This causes the lever arm to pivot about its axis which in turn, causes to weight members to relocate from one end portion of the lever arm to the other end portion of it so that the out-put force resulting from the action of the lever arm alternating up and down such as in a see saw-type operation.
The conduit component (1) comprises a base (3) which is attached to the bottom of a water course. The base can have its top surface acting for water flow purposes, or can have a flow surface (4) built into it. The conduit also has wall components (5,6) which permit a specific collection of water up to a level higher than that provided by the inclination of the bottom of the water course.    The water flows in through the conduit inflow end (7), and from there into a machine housing (2) through its outflow end (8). In the machine housing the water drops on to e.g. a turbine wheel, for generation of electrical energy. Typical dimensions for the equipment have a conduit component with a length of 180 m, and with a rise in relation to the horizontal plane of 5 cms per m. This would give a height difference of 9 m plus the difference in level produced by the natural drip height of the water course. (Provisional basic advised week 88/01)
The water wheel has blades swivelled automatically by water flow and centrifugal action, the rotational axis of which can be horizontal or vertical in the water, each arranged as a two part impeller capable of being parted and connected together by screws. The impellers can be stacked on the drive shaft to suit the water level and arranged in a tower, which can be mounted on a sea or river bed, and driven by water flow below the water line or above the water by wind in the same direction.    The rotary carousel plant can be connected direct with the impeller shaft or rotated in the opposite direction, so that torsional forces are eliminated.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Light power unit for generators and pumps. Suitable for wind and water flows and varying levels of water, many variations of blade shape, does not require high flows or speed of flow.
The power station, especially a mobile one, consists of a submersible housing containing a row of vertical turbines, and a power generator with its shaft linked kinematically to the turbines and located in the same plane. The housing is in the form of a rigid frame (3), and the kinematic link between the turbine and generator shafts is in the form of a chain drive and free-wheeling couplings (5).    The freewheeling couplings are mounted on the turbine shafts and connected to the chain. The turbines have radial vanes and are equipped with curved guides, while the generator shaft is located parallel to the turbine shafts.    ADVANTAGE -   Greater reliability. Bul.24/30.6.87
The turbine has its shaft linked hydraulically to the powe generator rotor. The rotor is set on the turbine shaft so that it forms an annular chamber (6) which is filled with a working liquid and is equipped on the inside with axial recesses (7) containing springs (8) and plates (9) which project radially.    The shaft (2) has a series of radial projections (10), which are located with a clearance from the plates. When the turbine is in operation the power is transmitted to the rotor through the working liquid via the radial projections and sprung plates. The effort of the springs is sufficient to overcome the centrifugal force actingon the plates at nominal revs.    ADVANTAGE -   Reduced dimensions. Bul.24/30.6.87
The power generating system with a hydraulic generating set and steam heating plant has separate shafts lined linked through a reduction gear unit. The reduction gear unit is capable of simultaneously linking the shafts of the hydraulic and steam heating plants to the generator shaft, and is made in the form of a stepped housing (13) containing the shafts (5,4) of the hydraulic plant and generator, and a driving bevel gear (14) on the shaft (17) of the steam heating plant motor, set perpendicular to the other two shafts.    It also incorporates a stepped rotating shell (15) with a coaxial driven bevel gear on its end face to mesh with the driving gear, and additional shafts inside the shell in a concentric circle round the hydraulic plant shaft. The additional shafts carry cylindrical satellite gears (18, 19) meshing with gears on the hydraulic plant and generator shafts.    ADVANTAGE -   Increased capacity in turbine mode. Bul.24/ 30.6.87
The converter e.g. for generating electricity from tidal power, consists of a lever which has a rocking vane attached to it, and a piston pump with its piston linked kinematically to the lever. The vane is equipped with a mechanism to regulate its length made in the form of a servo-motor (5) mounted on the lever (1) and with its rod connected to the vane (2) so that the vane is able to move lengthwise relative to the lever.    The kinematic link between the pump's piston (4) and the lever is in the form of a crank (6), while the pump is set above the level of the water. The vane operates the pump as it moves to and fro with the tide, and its length can be increased according to the height of the tide.    ADVANTAGE -   Load stabilisation with variation in tide strength and height. Bul.27/23.7.87
The fluid powered electrical generator has an impellor-rotor rotatively mounted on a central support structure. A toroidal outer support structure surrounds the impellor-rotor with the impeller-rotor including a number of circumferentially spaced-apart fluid dynamic blades. The outward ends of the blades are connected together by a rotor ring which is coaxial w.r.t the outer support structure.    The central support structure is supported within the outer support structure by stanchions or the like so as to permit a fluid stream to flow therebetween past the fluid dynamic blades. A peripheral electrical generator having a rotor element secured to the rotor ring and a stator element secured to the outer support structure produces electrical energy as the impellor-rotor is driven by the fluid stream.    ADVANTAGE -   Improved efficiency and mechanical stability.
The individual buckets (b) of the water wheel have extended tongues (c) which leaves a small opening for filling. The tongue serves the retain water until the bucket is almost at its lowest point of travel. The bucket then empties completely.    The water leaving the bucket is collected in a lower chamber (s) into which it is directed by guides (m) surrounding the lower parts of the wheel. The water inlet (e) is shaped to suit the bucket openings. The wheel has a flange (d) at each side, slightly larger than the outer diameter of the bucket circle to prevent water spillage.    ADVANTAGE -   Improved usage of available water by ensuring that no water leaves buckets until they are nearly at the bottom of the wheel.
The assembly comprises an elongated float member which floats on the surface of a body of water having waves moving along it. A support arm freely pivotally connects to the float member for maintaining the float member parallel to the surface of the water. The support arm member is effective to maintain the float member with its longest dimension disposed in a direction parallel to the length of the waves moving along the surface of the body of water.    A transmission assembly is responsive to the support arm member as the float member moves up and down with the movement of the waves to produce a rotational movement in a transmission shaft from which energy may be derived.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Ocean waves to generate electric power. Operates 24 hours day with no fuel consumption and no sea and air contamination.
A streamlined motor body (11) is mounted to drive the input (20) of a generator (19). Radially extending V-shaped fins (10) are mounted on brackets (23) above an outer surface of the motor body. The fins have a convex pointed side (22) facing in the direction of rotation, and a concave open side facing in the opposite direction.    The action of a stream of fluid on the fins rotates the motor body and drives the generator. If the appts. is mounted in water, the generator (19) can be enclosed in another streamlined body (14) which is anchored to the bed of the body of water.    ADVANTAGE -   Will always rotate in same direction in response to tides or current.
In the hydroelectric system a number of parallel, axial flow auger-type impellors are mounted in a horizontal plane on a floating, inverted-dry-dock type vessel that has an upper deck mounting hydroelectric generators. The vessel has no bottom beneath the impellors but has parallel with them on each side a tank for buoyancy and level and flow control.    Over and under the impellors are pivoting deflectors that direct flow onto the impellors and automatically reverse and rest against appropriate bumper stops when the flow reverses, from one open end to the other open end of the vessel.    ADVANTAGE -   Efficient, reliable.
The signal from the sensor passes through a self-excited oscillator (2) and amplifier to frequency rectifier (4). If the voltage from rectifier (4) is within the thresholds of reference sources (10,11), neither comparator is triggered and the signal from rectifier (4), proportional to the rotation frequency, is passed to the measuring unit.    If the signal from rectifier (4) is outside the reference thresholds, the corresponding comparator passes impulses through a capacitor and a diode to a recording capacitor, which alters the capacitance of a Varicap and adjusts frequency rectifier (4) until it operates in a nominal mode.    USE -   Conversion of rotation frequency, e.g. in hydro-power plant functioning in severe operating conditions. Bul.21/ 7.6.87.
One end of an operating rod is connected to a deflector arm which causes a jet deflector of a Pelton wheel to open or close while the other end of the rod carries a spring bearing plate which is disposed in the bore of a cylinder which is movable in the axial direction of the rod. A spring is accommodated in the bore of the cylinder on the side of the rod.    One end of the cylinder is pin connected to the midpoint between the ends of a swinging lever whose one end is pivotally supported and whose other end is connected to an electric servomotor so that upon energisation of the servomotor, the lever is caused to undergo a reciprocal angular motion. The deflector is forced to move to its full closure position by the release of the energy stored in the spring.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents bending of rod.
Tidal power generator consists of an onshore base with supports and jibs located above the water, wave receivers which are connected to the jibs by flexible elements and an emergency safety system. The generator additionally incorporates a hydraulic motor (8) which is connected to the power generator (7) via a free-wheeling coupling (9) and a flywheel (10). It also has a hydraulic accumulator (11), connected through a non-return valve (12) to the input of the hydraulic motor, and two reversible hydraulic pumps (13,14) which are connected through non-return valves to the accumulator, via pipes with other non-return valves to the input and output of the hydraulic motor, and are linked kinematically to the flexible elements.    The system also has a flow balancer for the reversible pumps, connected to the hydraulic motor, while the wave receivers are in the form of floats linked by an elastic partition, and the jibs are connected to the base of the supports at an acute angle to the surface of the water and are fixed together by a beam.    The emergency safety system is in the form of a spring-loaded panel which is pivoted to the beam and equipped with hydraulic pumps.    ADVANTAGE -   Higher efficiency and greater reliability. Bul.19/23.5.87
The regulator uses a hydraulic cylinder (2) positioned above the drive transmission (6). The hydraulic cylinder (2) remains stationary and is supplied with the hydraulic oil to obtain axial displacement of the rotating shift rod (4) via an axial bearing (3). The shift rod (4) is contained within the hollow turbine shaft (5).    The regulation effected via the hydraulic cylinder is dependent on the rate of rotation and for the water level.
The water pumping appts. has a reciprocal piston in a cylinder, the piston including a rod connected to the piston and extending sealably over the bottom end of the cylinder. An inlet extends through the wall of the cylinder for drawing water into the cylinder, and an outlet expels water through the cylinder wall. Inlet and outlet check valves are included. An anchor flexibly connected to the piston rod anchors the rod to the cylinder.    A float connected to the cylinder upstrokes the cylinder relative to the piston in response to a rising wave action. The upstroking cylinder expels water through the outlet check valve in response to rising wave action. A mechanical tensioning device maintains resilient tension between the piston and the cylinder and downstrokes the cylinder to draw water into the cylinder.    ADVANTAGE -   Expendable.
The power conversion unit, comprises a body having a passage for transmission of fluid, an inlet end, and an outlet end. The passage joins the inlet end and the outlet end in order to permit flow of pressurised fluid. The inlet end is attachable to the source of pressurised fluid and the outlet end is at ambient atmospheric pressure. An impeller is rotatably mounted in the body and protrudes into the passage so that the impeller is rotated by the flow of pressurised fluid through the passage.    A generator is mounted on and supported by the body and attached to the impeller so that rotation of the impeller causes rotation of an armature in the generator in order to generate electric power. A rotary tool projects from the body and is attached to the impeller so that rotation of the impeller rotates the rotary tool.    USE -   In nozzle for fireman's or garden hose.
The parabolic reflector has both a shared and joint use mode. In both modes, the dish concentrates the electromagnetic energy at the focal point where a signal receptor such as a feed horn and LNA captures the signal. In the shared use system, a heat exchanger is positioned to receive solar flux and the signal receptor is shielded or is in an out-of-the-way position during periods of high solar energy.    In a joint use system, the location of the receptor of solar energy and the receptor of electromagnetic energy are separated by use of selective surfaces which selectively reflect and absorb energy. A wire mesh has a mesh size of less than approximately one-sixteenth of the wavelength of the signal radiation is interposed to reflect electromagnetic energy to the signal receptor but allows solar energy to pass through to impinge upon the heat exchanger.    ADVANTAGE -   Damage due to receiving solar flux and electromagnetic signal simultaneously is avoided by separation.
The plant has concentric outer and inner shafts (4,5) connected to a generator (2) and counter-rotating.    The first wheel has turning blades (6) with radial spokes (7) fixed on the shaft (4). The spokes of the blade of the second wheel are fixed on the end of the other shaft (5).    There is an annular casing (11) round the periphery of the wheels.    The navigation position indicator (12) is connected to a computing device (3).    Each wheel has a peripheral annular flywheel.    ADVANTAGE -   Wider range of operation, more reliable, compensation for drift. Bul.22/15.6.88
The power station has an engine room (4) containing reversible hydraulic units (5), and also compressors (6) and gas-turbine units (7), independently connected to the air ducts (2) connecting the lower under-ground basin (3) to atmosphere.    If there is insufficient power in the grid, the hydraulic units act as turbines, the water goes from the upper basin (pond) (1) to the lower, operating the hydraulic units, and the compressed air from the lower basin goes to the gas-turbine units via the air ducts.    ADVANTAGE -   Underground reservoir or pond can be smaller, reducing building costs.    Bul.22/15.6.88
The sun light following appts. has at least 2 pairs of diametrically facing light receiving elements (30a,b,c,d) which are positioned along the periphery of a circular end plane of incidence of an optical fibre cable (20) where sun light is condensed using a lens. The deviation of a condensed light area from the circular end plane of incidence will be detected by the light receiving elements to control a drive unit which drives an equatorial carrying an optical system including the lens and the end plane of incidence of the optical fibre.    Another light receiving element is provided at the centre of the end plane of incidence to detect when light condensing area is deviated to a great extent. The output signal of the light receiving element is used to perform speed control of the drive unit.    ADVANTAGE -   Improved maintenance, prevents hunting.
The energy recovering appts. includes a plate assembly (1) consisting of juxtaposed, spaced apart circular plates (2) mounted centrally on a horizontal shaft (3) parallel to the wave front. The plates are located close to still water level (4) and provided with triangular fins (6) extending from the plate centre (3) to the periphery. The fins are driven by the rotating water particles of the waves in the direction that rotating water particles, above still water level, act on the plates.    Additional wheels (9) in other embodiments may be placed below at a distance between shafts of about 1.25 wheel radius, rotating in the same direction as the first assembly utilising the lower level kinetic energy.    ADVANTAGES -   Recovers a substantial portion of the waves kinetic energy even in ''choppy'' seas.
The sun tracking device tracks the motion of the sun, so that the light of the sun may be received in a sun light utilization device for performing solar power generation or solar power collection. A rotatable table is floatingly supported on the surface of a liquid.    A pair of solar cells are mounted on the table which also carries the solar power utilization device. The solar cells have differnet light receiving directions and function as a sun light position detecting means. The table is rotated according to the output of the solar cells by means of screws, pumps, drive belts, or the like.    requirements.
Carrier (1) holds rectangular facets (2,3), having a cylindrical overall surface shape. The chosen arrangement enables a linear focus zone to be achieved, with a given uniformity of distribution of radiation density.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In solar-power utilisation systems.    Range of operation is extended by obtaining a linear focus. Bul.20/30.5.88
The energy recovery apparatus has a turbine drivable by exhaust gases emitted from the engine. An induction generator is driven by the turbine, with the electrical power generated by the induction generator drives the induction motor. A battery is mounted on the motor vehicle. An inverter converts DC electric power supplied from the battery into AC electric power to supply on exciting current ot the induction generator.    The operation efficiency of the turbine is calculated based on signals from sensors delecting operating conditions of the turbine. The frequency of the exciting current supplied from the inverter to the generator and the load at the induction motor is controlled so that the operation of the turbine will be of maximum afficiency.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Checking output conditions of turbine so to operate at maximum efficiency. Fig 1/4
The solar concentrator includes one primary reflector having a central opening containing cylindrical parabolic reflector strips that direct solar flux towards line foci at selected focal lengths. A device is provided for making line foci coincide at a point focus. A fresnel reflector of a selected geometric configuration overlaying opening is positioned between the parabolic reflector strips and line foci to intercept and reflect flux from first reflector towards the point focus.    A solar energy receiver is positioned to receive the solar flux directed to point focus. The reflector strips are disposed in a tilted fashion. These strips act as fins for a heat pipe radiator for rejecting heat created during operation.    ADVANTAGE -   provides high concentration of solar flux to heat receiver. Easy to manufacture and package.
The generation appts. includes a cavity (5) contg. a number of upstanding posts (8) supporting pivotal connections (1c) of pairs of plates (1a,1b;3a,3b) at different levels, one(1a,3a) of which constitutes part of the road surface. Further pairs of plates are installed at lower levels. The wt.of vehicles rolling across the top plates (1a,2,3a,4) compresses a numbe of elastomeric containers (10) from which fluid is expelled into a conduit constituting part of the closed circuit of a fluid turbine.    Springs restore the plates to their initial positions after each vehicle has passed. Similar installations may be powered by sewers, drains or streams.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In remote areas where electricity supply is non-existent, or in urban areas where traffic is slow-moving. Produces power efficiently and reliably.
A method of forming spaced electrical contacts on a thin semiconductor film forms regions of laser radiation buffer insulating material between the contact zones, places a conductive layer over buffer and semiconductor, laser scribes part of this layer without contacting the semiconductor to form grooves separating the conductive layer into spaced contacts. The method may be used to give a series of conducting strips, the buffer strips may be silk screen or ink jet printed, and the semiconductor may be amorphous silicon. The buffer material may be black epoxy or silk screen ink or reflective and white ink. The laser may be an Nd YAG laser emitting at 530nm at 125mW operating in a TEM mode. Also claimed is a method of fabricating a multicell photovoltaic module starting with a transparent conductive oxide layer, grooved and separated as above to form front contacts, adding photovoltaic semiconductor in the grooves, scribing second parallel grooves to form many photovoltaic elements, adding buffer material and A1 layer as above and scribing this to form the back contacts of the cell.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Laser scribing patterning of photovoltaic cell modules may damage the underlying semiconductor giving short circuits, so that silk screen methods have been used in back patterning, although they reduce photovoltaic area and efficiency. The new invention removes these disadvantages by enabling laser back scribing to be carried out without causing damage. Thus modules of greater efficiency and reliability are obtd.
(JP93046991-B)      Prodn. comprises forming connecting electrodes on solar cells in the form of specified pattern, and forming surface protective layer on the connected parts of the connecting electrodes.    USE -   Used for easily connecting solar cells in series. (J63246875-A)
Super-energy storage unit has an openable loop contg. superconduction coil connected to the lightning conductor and the entire body of the loop is made of superconduction material. The superconduction material contains an element selected from Gps. Ia, IIa and III, and more than one element selected from oxygen, nitrogen, fluorine, carbon, phosophorous. Current of lighting induced by lightning conductor is introduced to the loop and closes the loop to make the closed loop, current continues to flow in it to store super conduction energy. Super conduction materials of La2O3, SrCO3, CuO are used and mixed and baked to ratio of La:Sr:Cu = 1.6:0.4:1. By using the unit experiments are carried out could stored 100 KWh energy.    ADVANTAGE -   The unit can store energy effectively which can be used for the power during power failure or auxiliary power for peak time, and is esp. useful in areas in which lightning occurs frequently. -/1
The appts. includes an elongate float (12) which is wider at its top than at its bottom and is mounted (14,15) 'up-wave' from the land (11) or from a structure fixed to the seabed or from a movable structure constrained in a mode with pivotable and/or translational motion. The motion has at least a major vertical component and a transmission (15) provided to extract energy from the float.    The transmission pref. a tensioned cable usually connects to an electric generator. The outside surface that faces the waves is concave and further forward than the lower part. The rear surface in parallel to float movement to reduce interaction. To be effective near a reflective sea-wall the position must be at a distance of W/2 where W is the wavelength of the waves.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Takes wave energy and converts to usable form.
The osmotic generator uses a pressure vessel separated by a semi previous membrane (9), with pure water on one side of the latter and a heated concentrated cooking salt soln. on the other side. The pure water diffuses through the membrane to provide a pressure which is used to drive a turbine (1).    Pref. the salt soln. is heated to a temp. of 35 degrees by a warm water heating loop. The salt soln. cone level is maintained via a number of interfitting electrodes (6,7) forming an ionic regenerator.    USE -   For providing electrical energy from low heat potentials provided by solar radiation, geothermal energy or by tropical seawater.
System converts the kinetic energy of pressurised hydrogen gas to another form of energy and receives the gas from and returns it to a metal hydride bed heat-exchanger which is mounted for changing its position in a body of water.    There are pref. two of the exchangers, supplying gas to and receiving it from a hydrogen turbine which operates an electric generator, with the generator and turbine intermediate the exchangers. The generator and turbine may be above otor below the water surface. Energy from the generator may be stored by a superconductor magnet, or ma power an electrolysis unit.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For use in the sea, to generate power for off-or on-shore use, to produce hydrogen fuel or to desalinate water, eliminates the need to use chlorofluorohydrocarbons as working fluids.
An array of individual absorber units are provided, each consisting of a buoyant raft, connected to a stable mooring assembly by a yoke so as to allow relative motion between the raft and the assembly in response to the motion of the waves. A linkage between the raft and the yoke allows conversion of the relative motion into mechanical, hydraulic and/or electrical power. The system is responsive to the broad spectrum of frequencies present in ocean waves.    The response characteristics of the individual units may be changed to match the conditions of the incident waves in order to provide maximum power conversion efficiency. Each unit of the array is tuned to a condition for maximum power absorption by control of the shape, mass, moments, and power extraction impedance.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides replaceable parts which facilitates maintenance.
The light diffracting laminate comprises up to seven layers of under twenty micron thickness. The light transmission and amplifier are used in linear optical configuration intersecting the sun and photoelectric cells.    The conversion efficiencies of the cell are increased by the sun rays magnification through the diffractive laminate.    ADVANTAGE -   Increases efficiency of solar energy conversion systems.
Appts. comprising mechanically stacked photovoltaic cells (10) consists of a bottom cell (30) with a conductive substrate on which is a layer of GaSb, contg. regions of different conductivity forming a homojunction, a passivating layer, and a means of forming electrical contacts (32) to substrate and passivating layer. On this cell is a top photovoltaic cell (50) comprising a GaAs layer also with regions of different conductivity and a homojunction, a passivating layer incident to the solar radiation, and contacts to the GaAs layer (54) and the top of the passivating layer (52).    Pref. the bottom cell passivating layer is AlO.85Ga0.15Sb and the top cell passivating layer Al0.85Ga0.15As.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Mechanically stacked two colour photovoltaic cells are used in tandem to increase the overall efficiency of solar energy conversion. In conventional stacks heat dissipation can lead to undesirably high temps.. These new cells contain heat spreaders in both top and bottom and cell isolation minimises the effects of heat. The devices are easily interconnected in a voltage matching scheme which avoids current matching the individual cells.
A rigid arm connects a float pivot and a pivot roller, with a second rigid arm connecting the pivot and a second roller. A third arm connects a piston pivot and the first roller with a fourth arm connecting the pivot and the second roller. A normally-closed one-way valve allows water to enter the working chamber when the water pressure in the chamber is less than the pressure in the body of water.    A normally-closed second one-way valve allows water to enter a source of pressurised water when the water pressure in the chamber is greater than water pressure in the source. A submerged housing including a piston cylinder is provided as part of a concrete breakwater.    ADVANTAGE -   No harmful side-effects e.g. pollution, are produced.
The alignment of portions, on which the solar cells are mounted, is carried out by variation of the cable lengths between the edges and corners of the solar cell carrying surfaces, orthogonal to the tethered balloon, for best utilisation of the solar radiation. Pref. coupling cables are arranged at the underside of the solar cell areas for obtaining a stable and flat configuration.    The connections from two suitable engagement points at the edges or underneath the solar cell surfaces are combined to a continuous section of constant, or variable length. The common position control of both engagement points may be carried out by controllable winding of the connecting cables at the intersection of the balloon vertical axis.    ADVANTAGE -   Reliable adjustment for optimum solar cell position.
The stages (1,2,3) of the heat exchanger contacts are connected in series in the geothermal liquid. The separators (14,15) of each stage (2,3) are connected through the pumps (16,17) with the input of the previous and to the input of the last stage. The stages (1,2,3,) are connected with turbine (4), driving an electric generator (5).    The condenser (6) has three sections (7,8,9) connected in series, each of which go through pumps (10,11,12) to the input of the corresponding stage (2,3,3). The geothermal liquid mixes with the working fluid from the turbine (4) as it condenses, supplied by each stage in turn, evaporating it and feeding it to the next stage of the turbine, the two components being separated in devices (14,15).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Suitable for natural energy installations and the advantage is an improvement in the productivity of geothermal plants. Bul.13/7.4.88
(JP94088149-B2)      Optical processing comprises extending the excimer laser beam area by beam expander, concentrating the beam by passing it through cylindrical lens to form grooves on object.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For forming solar battery, display unit, etc., without using photoresist of thin film/membrane.
The first electrode layer, pref. a transparent layer of metal-oxide, pref. ITO, is structured directly after its depsn.. The method used is pref. a lift-off technique using a TiO2-layer, local conversion of the electrode material e.g. by melting immediately followed by cooling of by spark-erosion. At the same time as the electrode pattern is made pref. a strip of electrically conducting material is deposited. In addition to this strip a parallel one of lift-off material, pref. deposited as a TiO2-paste, is formed. Then the semiconductor material, at least one layer, and the second electrode layer are deposited. Using e.g. ultrasonic agitation in a solvent the material above the TiO2-strip is removed, leaving separate strips of semiconductor with top-electrode. Using spark-erosion contact is made between the strip of conductive material deposited on the first electrode and the top electrode of the adjacent cell. Alternatively, if the conductive strips were not formed already, conductive paste is used to make the connection in the space between parallel strips.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process represents an easier method with fewer disadvantages than current techniques to connect solar cells in series. Formation of the pattern in the first electrode layer before depsn. of any other material allows the best technique to be used. The use of lift-off techniques avoids etching or potentially damaging thermal techniques to separate the strips.
Each cell has transparent electrode on its light-receiving surface and a metal electrode on the opposite surface. The transparent electrodes and the metal electrodes are adapted to connect the cells in series or in series parallel.    This battery includes electrically conductive antioxidising film formed on at least the serially connected portions of the transparent electrodes and the metal electrodes. The metal electrodes are prevented from being oxidised by the transparent electrodes. Therefore, the contact resistance is prevented from increasing and the output of the solar battery is prevented from decreasing.    Extended life without output maintained in a given range for long time.
Module is formed by: forming a common lower electrode; adding a photovoltaic body; adding a transparent upper electrode; passivating shorts in the semiconductor alloy forming the body by altering the electrode stoichiometry to a higher resistivity form in the defect regions; adding current collectors; and connecting the latter to positive and negative terminals.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   A number of modules can be connected in series (claimed) to provide any desired voltage-current combination without danger of catastrophic failure due to shorts; the modules may be made by a continuous, low-cost operation.
The heat exchanger comprises a floating structure which is positioned for circular movement through a given path when floating on a liquid. A number of altitude tracking arrays of juxtapositioned lenses are each mounted on the top of the structure, the lenses of each array receiving solar rays. A solar ray collector panel is provided with a number of photovoltaic cells mounted adjacent each array and disposed with its axis in the focal zone of the lenses of the associated array.    An actuator moves the structure about a circular path for tracking the sun in an azimuth mode. The array of lenses comprise pairs of similar lenses, one arranged on each side of an associated collector panel for directing the solar rays toward the collector panel in a direction away from the sun. The floating structure comprises a number of individual floating panels each supporting one array of the lenses and interconnected to form a spaced array of floating panels.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides uniform concentrated sunlight over photovoltaic cells.
The collector system includes an open frame defining the perimeter of an extended receiving surface and several elongated, flexible strips mounted on the frame in parallel relation to one antoher. Each of the strips has a width less than one dimension of the frame, where several strips cover the entire open area of the frame to form a continuous receiving surface. If the strips (26,28) are of the length just sufficient to span a reflective surface, the strips are removably attached to springs.    The biasing action of the springs will maintain the strips under tension under normal conditions, but, to the extent that abnormal forces, such as high winds, exert pressure against the surface of the strips, the strips will overcome the biasing action of the springs and sag slightly. Once the abnormal conditions are relieved, the springs will return the strips to a straight taut position.    ADVANTAGE -   Overcomes flutter of strips under high winds and withstands high winds without distortion and damage.
Proposed flux comprises (in wt.%): pine resin 74-76, ozokerite 9-11, bitumen 4-6 and balance vaseline oil. The flux is used for soldering of thermopiles at 300 deg. C using solder contg. 95% Pb and 5% Sn. Proposed flux compsn. has low pressure of satd. vapours and at higher temps. gives substantial redn. of gas generation from batteries, rendering them suitable for work in hermetic vacuum conditions. The final pressure in one month after soldering is below 5x10 power -2 Pa.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In soldering of semiconductor-type thermoelectric batteries. Improved quality of soldered seam and increased service life of batteries. Bul.10/15.3.88
Large area electrodes are isolated to facilitate cascade interconnection of semiconductor bodies deposited subsequently by: applying a mask pattern to a substrate surface; depositingaconformal layer of transparent conductive oxide (I); and removing the mask and the electrode material deposited on it in a solvent to leave isolated electrode portions, so that selected interconnections may be made between them. (I) is ITO, F-doped Sn oxide or S-doped Sn oxide.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In mfr. of semiconductor devices esp. solar cells. Method avoids use of costly laser abrasion.
The solar cell module consists of solar cells which are arranged with a mutual overlap and are joined to each other electrically in the overlap zone. The module of at least two solar cells is so arranged that the abutting joints in one row are offset by half a cell width against the abutting joints of an adjoining row.    The shown module has five rows (2) of solar cells (1), consisting of three alternating with four cells per row. All cells consist e.g. of polycrystalline silicon, with metallised backs. The first row has three abutting joints (3), and has terminal contacts (11b).    The contact rib (6) is connected to the perpendicular contact fingers (9). The second row overlaps the first by an area in which solder paste (7) is applied to the contact ribs (6) and soldered. The second row has three offset abutting joints (3). The solar cell panel (16) is embedded in plastic material, e.g. EVA (14) and is covered by an aluminium foil (12) at the rear and a plate of glass (13) in front.    ADVANTAGE -   Permits interconnection of solar cells in parallel as well as in series, resulting in space saving.
The gravity rotor energy plant has a flywheel rotor ring (1) with a relatively large dia. and a circular cross-section which is between 10 and 15 percent of the ring dia. The rotor ring (1) is supported for rotation in a vertical plane and is continuously supported on one side, to provide a sufficient weight imbalance to ensure its continuous rotation.    Pref. the support is provided for one side of the ring (1) via a water tract contained within a water container (4) extending around approximately one third of the ring dia., when the ring (1) is made of a buoyant material. The water level (5) within the container can be adjusted to regulate the rotation rate.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides direct conversion of gravity forces into useful energy.
Thermoelectric power generator utilises:- (1) A hollow shell member (28) having a cavity within which a cartridge member (58) is mounted such that a space (68) exists between the interior surface (40) of the shell member-and the exterior surface (60) of the cartridge member, (2) A combustion chamber (74), which contains a catalyst (76), is defined within the cartridge member, (3) A means capable of introducing into the chamber (74) a mixture of combustible fuel and air having an air/fuel ratio less than the stoichiometric ratio for methane, (4) At least one thermoelectric element positioned to receive heat generated in the chamber.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Electric power source in remote regions. Fuel gases having high concns. of H2S can be used effectively due to high combustion chamber temp., while fuels having different heating valves can be used conveniently without need of adjustments when changing fuel type. /6
The gas ejecting system comprises a geothermal steam jet ejector connected to the main condenser and a direct-contact type condensing system connected to the steam jet ejector for condensing the geothermal steam into the geothermal water including no non-condensed gas by directly contacting the steam to the condensate from the main condenser.    A pipe line returns the condensed water from the condensing system to the main condenser, and a condensate water pipe line circulates the condensate water pooled in the main condenser to condensing system so as to be independently located from the cooling water system. The condensate water pipe line is branched from a condensate water pump assembled in a pipe line extending outwardly from the bottom of the main condenser.    ADVANTAGE -   Improved efficiency.
The plant comprises a floating body containing shaft-mounted drums (3,4) connected by flexible ties which have a tensioning mechaism, to anchors, and by a reduction gear to a hydraulic pump linked to a hydraulic accumulator connected to the consumer.    There are two drums on each shaft, able to rotate opposite ways. The anchors are in the form of cupola-shpaed elements connected to the drums by paired ties, and with convex side downwards. The tensioning mechanism is in the form of accumulators and hydraulic motors connected to the drums.    ADVANTAGE -   More efficient. Bul.7/23.2.88
The Fresnel Scroll comprises a long, flexible film of transparent optical material, a portion of which is supported in tension over an aperture region, with portions of the film outside of the aperture region stowed compactly on two adjoining storage reels. An incident beam impinging on the film is redirected using Fresnel facets distributed over the film surface. The facet structure varies nonuniformly along the film's length dimension, so that the device's optical function can be dynamically varied in response to changes in the incident beam direction by scrolling the film across the aperture feeding it from one reel to the other.    A Fresnel Scroll may operate in conjunction with other elements of a collector system to concentrate a beam of sunlight of varying direction onto a point- or line-focus receiver.    USE -   E.g. for thermally-powered prodn. of mechanical or electrical energy, direct photovoltaic generation of electrical energy, or illumination of core building spaces using beamed or piped daylight.
Pontoons (5) and opposite runs of cable (4) are interconnected respectively by rigid rods (6) and additional cable (7) to the float or load (8) at the centre section.    The additional cable is used to compensate mismatch of distance between pontoons and wave separation. Water swell causes oscillations of the pontoons (5) resulting in moving the cable (4) and rotating the operational element of the converter (2).    ADVANTAGE -   Operating reliability is improved. Bul.6/15.2.88
The appts. has a hydraulic turbine (6) connected to the electrical generator (1).    Each module (2) has an additional air turbine (7) and hydraulic pump (8) connected to the hydraulic turbine (6) and via an endless chain drive (9) - to the float unit (3).    The air turbines (7) are contained in air pipes (5), which are submerged with the modules below water level. The upper chambers (4) are filled with compressed air.    Each float has a relative density of 0.5 and has a central port through which the chain passes and pendulum mechanism with sprocket over which the chain passes.    ADVANTAGE -   Operating reliability and efficiency are improved by allowing the unit to float to the surface for repair. Bul.6/15.2.88
Transparent electrical conductive film is obtd. by contacting a gaseous stream contg. mainly stannide gas and oxygen gas with the surface of the substrate. Laser beam having a resonance wavelength in the absorption band of the stannide is irradiated into the stannide gas, and 2nd laser beam having a resonance wavelength in the absorption band of the substrate are irradiated onto the substrate surface to heat it and to form Sn-oxide film on the substrate surface.    The 1st laser beam is pref. in the ultraviolet zone, and the 2nd beam is pref. in the visible and infrared zone.    USE -   The transparent electrical conductive film is used for displays, and solar cells, is transparent in visible light zone, and has electrical conductivity.
The power take off device consists of one or more rotating elements through which the power available at a vehicle driven wheel/tyre can be transferred to a variety of power absorbing equipment/machinery. The integral or coupled power absorbing equipment may consist of an electricity generator, pump or compressor or other portable or fixed equipment.    The power absorbing appts. is incorporated within the body of the rotating members. A ramp is provided to lift the driven wheel of the vehicle on to the rotating member.
The support and maneuvering device includes an elongated flexible inflatable enclosure having a fixed end and a movable end. The movable end is collapsible toward the fixed end to a contracted position when the enclosure is in a noninflated condition. Upon inflation, the movable end is movable away from the fixed end to an extended position. The movable end includes a mount for an article such as a solar reflector.    The device also includes a number of position controllers disposed about the movable end to effect adjusting movement of portions of it by predetermined amounts and for controlling an angle at which the article disposed at the movable end is oriented. The position controllers limit a suitable number degrees of freedom of the movable end of transmitting a steering motion to it and for controlling the position of it.    USE -   Solar heliostate/collector steering applications.
The generator consists of a floating support, an electrical generator linked to an hydraulic turbine, and a vertical pipe attached to the support which contains the generator and turbine. The support is made in the form of two floats (4,5), joined by arms (6,7) to the vertical pipe (3) which is situated centrally between them. The floats move up and down on the waves, causing the water to move up and down inside the vertical pipe, driving the turbine and generator. The vertical pipe is made with a height equivalent to twice the height of the prevailing waves.    ADVANTAGE -   Higher efficiency and increased power. Bul.4/ 30.1.88.
The power plant consists of an i.c. engine with an exhaust manifold, an electrical generator connected through a circuit to a set of instruments and a battery and semi-conductor thermo-electric elements which are unted on the exhaust manifold and connected to the electrical circuit. The exhaust manifold is made in the form of a ceramic pipe (2) with a series of through apertures (7), set in a number of rows along it and the thermo-electric elements (6) are set in the apertures and are linked together in series-parallel. The exhaust gases from the engine enter the exhaust manifold, heating its inner surface and the hot couples of the thermo-electric elements. The temperature differences create a potential difference and an electrical current which can be employed, e.g. to charge the battery or power the generator or instruments.    ADVANTAGE -   More efficient use of exhaust gas heat. Bul.4/30.1.88.
The solar cell includes a monolithic bypass diode formed by adding an additional layer of semiconductive material having a type opposite to the outermost semiconductive layer of a solar cell. The additional layer is cut back to form a small area bypass diode, which is connected acorss the solar cell by integrated circuit metallisation techniques. The solar cell is formed of gallium arsenide with the underlying semiconductive material being n-type gallium arsenide, and forming a junction with a thin layer of p-type gallium arsenide covered with a window of p-type aluminum gallium arsenide.    The bypass diode is initially formed of a supplemental layer of n-type gallium arsenide, and by successive etching processes, an island is formed extending downward from a small area of n-type gallium arsenide through the two p-type layers. An insulating layer, which may be formed of silicon nitride, is deposited to avoid short circuiting of the output connection, and metallised connections from the bypass diode to the output circuitry of the solar cell, and to the underlying n-type layer are then completed.    ADVANTAGE -   Reduced weight and complexity, than using separate diode.
A plane light collector is obtd. by a method in which at least two light-collecting plates which are formed by dispersing about 0.02 wt.% a fluorescent dye, e.g., Violet 570, Yellow 083, etc., into a transparent plate selected from acrylic resin plate, polycarbonate resin plate, polystyrene resin plate, polyethylene plate, and PVC plate are laminated in such a way that the absorption wavelength of dispersed fluorescent dye is shorter in the light-collecting plate nearer to the incidental side of light. The fluorescent dye used has an absorption wavelength of 280-600 nanometer, and the end of the light-collecting plate is attached with solar cells.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The plane light collector to be used in solar cells, etc., can effectively collect a great amt. of light of a wide wavelength with high efficiency and with lesser light loss.
Within an inclined carriageway and a concrete framework (2) is set, flush with the surface, to support a series of rollers (3). Each pair of rollers is linked by a non-skid belt (4), and pulleys (6) on the roller shafts are linked by drive belts (5) between each pair. A clutch (11) connects the roller series to a further pulley and belt which drive a flywheel (7) and gearbox (13). The gearbox output is linked to a generator (10) by a final belt (8).    When vehicles pass over the rollers (8) and belts, the reaction of their passing turns the various drives to engage the clutch and turn the generator to charge a bank of batteries (9). These provide power which continues to be available even when no vehicles are passing and the clutch is disengaged.    ADVANTAGE -   Tractive effort of passing vehicles is partly absorbed to generate electricity and so save energy.
Two detector cells are provided, the first detecting a level of illumination sufficient to place the collector in service and initiating positioning of the strips (9) which reflect the sun onto a central collector (15) in which a working fluid is heated. The second cell (20) stops movement of the strips when the sun is reflected onto the collector.    The first detector is a rectangular photovoltaic cell partly masked by an opaque plate placed above the cell so that the output is constant regardless of the position of the sun. The second detector is part covered and is placed so it receives only a small part of the reflected light directly.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides increased sensitivity to changes in illumination, allowing the unit to be disabled under poor light.
The pumping station consists of a support with pulleys and stops, a positive displacement wave pump with drive and working bellows chambers which have a common cover and base, suction and pressure lines connected to the pump and pivoted inlet and outlet connecting pipes which interact with the stops and are linked by a flexible line (13).    The base (8) is fixed to a support (1) and the inlet and outlet pipes (11,12) are connected to the lower part of the drive chamber (5) and the pressure line (10) to the base in the zone of the working chamber (6).    The top cover (7) is equipped with a weight to give increased pressure, and the drive and working chambers are linked together by a pipe with a suction valve (15,16).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Power generation. Design simplicity. Bul.2/15.1.88.
Transparent conductive film is formed by: moving a laser beam over a substrate; and applying a reactive gas comprising an Sn cpd., O2 and a conductivity-enhancing impurity source to the beam area, the gas beam being finer than the laser beam. A fine line-shaped film is deposited. The gas beam is pref. injected with a pressure of 10 atmos. or more.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In mfr. of display devices, solar cells etc.. High conductivity film is provided in any desired pattern without etching and without substrate distortion or warping. (First major country equivalent to J63153841-A)
The reflector has a support structure, mounted upon a rotatable track, for supporting a parabolic dish framework to which is mounted one or more support panels to which, in turn, are pivotally mounted several reflectors for focusing rays on a linear collector. The support panels include several concave recesses operable to receive bowl-shaped reflectors provided with polygonal rims so that the sides of adjacent reflectors will be in registry with one another.    The support panels are provided with bolts, outwardly extending from the base of each recess, the bolts being received in slotted apertures in each reflector bowl for pivoting and fastening the reflector in a preselected position for focusing solar rays upon the collector. The collector includes a heat exchange media operable to conduct heat at extremely high temps. for production of steam. A tracking system is also provided.    ADVANTAGE -   Improved efficiency, high stability and reduced maintenance.
(JP93073277-B)      The device comprises solar cell elements between a glass sheet and synthetic resin film; and the gap between the sheet and film is covered with a weather-resistive bisphenol A type epoxy resin mixed with an amine type hardening agent.    Used for power sources. (J63143879-A)
During the descending movement of the wave the float (5), ballast (4) produces a descending movement on the piston (2) joined to the shaft (3). The fixed cylinder (1) has a top vol. (13) of low pressure filled with fluid or air by the valve (8). The bottom vol. (12) is under high pressure produced through the valve (10). The float transmits the ascending movement of the wave to the piston. This creates a low pressure in the bottom vol. filled through the valve (9) and a high pressure in the top vol. produced through the valve (11)..    USE -   Directly uses wave's kinetic energy for prodn. of electrical energy.
The photovoltaic device mfg. method, comprises the steps of dividedly arranging an electrode layer on the surface of a substrate. The semiconductive layer is coated on the surface of the substrate including the upper surface of the divided electrode layer. A second electrode layer is coated on the semi-conductive layer and the semiconductive layer and/or the second electrode layer is divided in order to define each element by irradiating energy-beams on the semiconductive layer and/or the second electrode layer.    The formation of a low resistance layer in the semiconductive layer and a residual molten second electrode layer can be prevented by using energy-beams having an energy-distribution uniform over the entire irradiated zone.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents short circuits between adjacent conversion elements.
Flexible plastics substrate (12) supports an array of interconnected solar cells (10) and a groundable conductive layer (18) on its rear face. A layer of paint (20) can provide required heat emissive properties.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Lightweight solar cell array partic. for use on spacecraft. Provides grounding of the accumulated charge on the rear face due to space plasma while still ensuring adequate reradiation of heat from the rear face so that the thermal performance of the array is not degraded.
Wave energy converter with a pontoon, electro-machine generator, rollers mounted on guides bent in the direction of the generator, is now modified for simpler design, and has a counter-weight mounted in the lower part of the generator stator, and the rollers (4,5) are fixed on the generator (8) shaft output ends (6,7).    USE -   Oscillating action generators based on utilisation of sea-wave energy.    Bul.48/30.12.87
Solar cell comprises: a transparent front-face electrode (14); a thin-film photo-voltaic device (18); a back electrode layer of Al(20); and an Ni layer (22) on the back electrode.    Pref. the front electrode is supported on a transparent substrate through which light is received; the photovoltaic device is formed of layer(s) of amorphous Si:H (alloy); the back face electrode is 1000-5000 angstroms thick; and the Ni layer is 500-5000 Angstrom thick.    ADVANTAGE -   Ni layer reduces degradation of the Al film in a large scale solar module structure and prevents a reduction in module fill factor.
The solar cell arrangement has several solar cell elements which have a photovoltaic layer around an elongated electrode. Each solar cell element (2) forms in total a single separate voltage cell with a counter electrode. The counter electrode is an electrically conducting coil around the periphery (10) of each element.    Several elements have - at their peripheries and arranged in the long direction - thread or wire like counter electrodes in electrical contact. Several elements have at their periphery a flat counter electrode in electrical contact.    ADVANTAGE -   Less hindrance to sun light by avoiding casting of shadows.
The unit has a detector which has a body with image focusing objective, a reflector and photo-elements (5) placed in the body, situated in re-reflected radiation in pairs symmetrically to detector optic axis (6) and connected by electric lines (7) with differential amplifiers (8), and an arrangement to stabilise the detector sensitivity to radiation intensity level. The operation reliability is increased and the construction is simplified since the sensitivity stabilisation arrangement is made as logarithm blocks (9) connected to the electric lines (7).    USE -   Used in sun position tracking systems. Bul.46/15.12.87
The energy amplifying machine uses the static force provided by large weights (M1-4) in order to produce a dynamic force. The structure includes four arms mounted in the form of a Greek cross (BB'1-4). They are mounted to turn about an axis (A) on a bearing (P) in a frame (S).    At the end of each arm a bearing (p) receives an axle (a) to which a rod (t) is solidly attached so support a weight. The assembly is turned about its axis (A) by a driving electric motor (ME). The weights remain vertical and consequently twist their support axles. This twisting motion is transmitted to an electrical generator.
The tracking device uses an equi-sided tetrahedron support frame (2) placed on the ground so that one frame limb lies parallel to the ground in an east-west direction and the perpendicular frame limb extends parallel to the earths axis. The reflector (1) is supported by the latter frame limb via a mounting which allows its rotation in dependence on the time of day to track the movement of the sun across the sky.    Pref. the reflector (1) is fitted to a rotatable sleeve (14) enclosing the frame limb which extends parallel to the earths axis.    ADVANTAGE -   Accurate alignment with sun.
A manure digester and power generating system includes a mixing tank for receiving the manure and a separate closed anaerobic digester tank of fixed volume. This is elongated in length, has an inlet at one end and an outlet at the other, contains anaerobic organisms and is heat insulated. A series of pipes and pumps transfer the content of the mixing tank to the digester tank on a periodic,batch basis.    The temp. and volume of the mixing tank are monitored and controlled. Generated methane is used to fuel an engine which is coupled to an electrical generator. The engine is cooled and the coolant is circulated to preheat the manure in the mixing tank. A separate heat exchanger takes waste heat from the engine's high temp. exhaust and uses it to boost the temp. of the coolant before circulation to the mixing tank.    USE -   The system is used on a farm to generate power from cattle or poultry manure. The slurry is heated sufficiently, prior to introduction to the digester tank, to prevent temp, shock of already digesting slurry.
On the substrate, an insulator layer is formed which includes a first portion extending in parallel with the coupling conductor and a second portions covering the collecting conductors. A semiconductor photo-active layer and a back electrode are formed in this order so as to cover the respective components previously formed.    By irradiating a laser beam onto the respective first portions above the back electrodes, the irradiated part of the back electrode and the semiconductor photo-active layer are separated into the respective photoelectric conversion cells. By irradiating the laser beam onto the respective second portions above the back electrode, the irradiated part of the back electrode and the semiconductor photo-active layer are melted, and the back electrode of each photoelectric conversion cell is connected to the adjacent transparent electrode through the coupling conductor.    ADVANTAGE -   Does not require precise adjustment of energy density or like of energy beam during working. (First major country equivalent to J63119586)
An energy cover (15) is provided unclippably mounted on the husing of the razor. On the side of the cover exposed by the unclipping, there are solar cells (11) to supply the drive motor.    The energy cover itself may be unfoldable and provided with at least one further energy plate having solar cells on it. The cells comprises thin film silicon. A rechargeable battery can be accommodated in the housing.    ADVANTAGE -   Does not need electrical source and can use non-ideal radiation conditions to ensure full recharging of battery.
Kinetic energy, associated with velocity in an upward direction of water undergoing wave action, is converted into potential energy associated with elevation of water by cyclically focussing a relatively large mass of water in a wave during its rising period on an inlet of an upwardly extending flow passage to cause a portion of the mass of water to be accelerated.    At least a first sub-portion of the portion of water is conducted upwardly along the flow passage and into a reservoir at an elevated position at an upper end of the passage. The large mass of water is pref. focussed over a generally circular area, the inlet being roughly in the centre of the area.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Supplying electricity, e.g. on a buoy for lighting it or providing power for radio transmissions or the like. Floats so that tide does not influence its operation. Makes use of wave energy remote from short. (Provisional basic advised week 88/21)
The concentrator has a parabolic profile, and radiation receiver placed in the concentrator focus at its apex. The efficiency is increased by reducing the receiver themal radiation loss since the concentrator profile is outlined by sections of focused parabolas placed one inside the other. The inner parabolar aperture coincides with the concentrator aperture and circumference curves with centres in the latter focus, coupled in steps with the adjacent parabolas section start and end. The circumference curve coupled with outer parabola section is situated not lower than the concentrator focal chord.    USE -   The collector is used for solar energy and can be employed in solar energy techniques. Bul.44/30.11.87.
Power plant comprises a body in the shape of a hollow torus, with an induction winding on the outside and a magnetic rotor able to move inside the body. It has a fixed support. The body is fixed on this support, and has a tangential input confusor (4) and output apertures opposite it. The rotor is in the form of separate torus elements. These elements are pivoted to each other and form a closed circuit.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Hydro-power engineering, and may be used in wave power generating equipments. It is better centred and sealed, so more efficient. Bul.44/30.11.87.
The plant comprises fixed supports with sectional working wheels between them on power take-off shafts connected to each other by couplings and partly immersed below water level. Each section of whicking wheel has a rim connected by rods to the hub. The rim of each section has blind tangential slots (8) in the outside, offset circumferentially from the slots of the adjacent sections. The rods are of streamlined shape.    ADVANTAGE -   Is more efficient. Bul.44/30.11.87.
The wave energy power station consists of several floats acting on piston pumps. At least two floats acting as pressure vessels are connected by a beam rigidly together. Further pressure vessel acting as floats are hinged to this rigid arrangement.    The pivotally-linked pressure vessels lie between the piston pumps. Piston pumps are located both above and below the linkage points. The pumps can act both pneumatically as well as hydraulically. The pressure vessels accept the working medium, which may be air, water or a hydraulic fluid, and they may contain turbines or generators.
A selective grid cover is arranged about a capillary absorber in an e.m. resonant circuit. The collector is coupled to an e.m. part via tubes and electric connections.    The photothermic energy penetrates through the cover into the collector, by which thee.m. part is automatically switched on, and the absorption of the energy occurs within the e.m. circuit. At the same time energy loss to the outside is reduced.
Moored seaward of the breaker zone the system serves the function of beach sand accretion by extracting energy from the waves prior to their breaking is lessening turbulence responsible for tossing sand into suspension to then be swept away by currents. Two pontoons support a series of pyramidal frameworks from which is suspended a strong, flexible, weighted pendulum which is the drive shaft of a large electric generator.    The pendulum is caused to swing by the undulations of the ocean waves. The pendulum is caused to rotate as it swings by loops of cable and ratcheted pulleys thus becoming a drive shaft to turn a large generator. By applying the force of the pendulum to turn an electric generator, electricity is produced as a by-product of erosion reversal.
The heliostat has a mirror with central opening, placed by means of a cylindrical hinge on a turning shaft, mirror orientation drives and two coordinate light sensitive detector electrically connected to the drives. The construction is simplified since the heliostat is provided with a reflector (7) placed in the mirror (1) central opening (2) perpendicular to its surface and the hinge (3) symmetry plane. The detector (6) is placed on the shaft (4) and is orientated parallel to the shaft on the hinge axle level.    ADVANTAGE -   The heliostat construction is simplified by changing its mirror and light sensitive detector kinematic and optical connection. Bul.43/23.11.87.
The device comprises an assembly made up of a platform (So) provided with grooves. These accept the foot of the alternator (AL), the bearings (Pal, Pa2), and the access ramps (R1, R2) to the rollers (RL 1, RL 2). The rollers drive the alternator by using a belt (Co) and pulleys (PL 1, PL2 ).    A complementary support for the second wheel of the vehicle drive train comprises two rollers mounted on a plate connected to drive by using a shaft which can be attached by male and female clips to one of the axles of the rollers of the first unit, each part being held in position by safety fasteners.
The adjustable wind sensor device includes a sliding bar (21) or a clamping flange (27) on the side of the installation. The device comprises a bearing structure (22) with a switch (25) which is activated by a spring pushbutton (24) which, in turn, is activated by an adjustable cam (23') which can be moved by longitudinal adjustment on an axis (23) to which a vane is fixed which is freely self-positioning in vertical towards the bottom. The vane, depending on the wind force, rotates against the force of gravity which keeps it horizontal, greater rotation will corresp. to greater wind force.    Upon adjustment of the cam position (23') the switch (25-25) will be eventually activated and the closure of the circuit will work at least on the motor which determines the horizontal positioning to command the horizontal rotation of the respective solar panels. The panel carrier uses a four photo-cell device to control orientation of the panels in the sun direction.    ADVANTAGE -   Simplifies autodirectioning to sun.
The cell correction method comprises the steps of providing an elongated, continuous web or photovoltaic cell material, said continuous web comprising a continuous substrate upon which several continuous thin film layers of semiconductor alloy material are disposed. The photovoltaic cell material is continuously moved to a take-up station. Several n slits are then formed, where n is an integer equal to or greater than 1. Photovoltaic cell material divides the material into n + 1 smaller area cells. Each slit extends through the semiconductor alloy material and the substrate and is of a length selected to include a non-slitted connector between each terminus of the slit and the edge of the cell. The connectors are adapted to maintain the structural integrity of the elongated web.    Electrical series communication is established between adjacent smaller area cells disposed on opposite sides of the slit. The connectors are severed so that the continuous web of photovoltaic cell material is converted into an array of discrete photovoltaic cells electrically interconnected in series.
Photovoltaic cell stack comprises: bottom and top heat spreaders electrically insulated but thermally connected to each other, the top spreader having a space for passage of solar radiation; a bottom cell thermally bonded to the bottom heat spreader; contacts to the anode and cathode of the bottom cell; a top cell thermally bonded to the top heat spreader and having a band gap energy responsive to solar radiation of shorter wavelengths than that of the bottom cell; and contacts to the anode and cathode of the top cell.    ADVANTAGE -   Deleterious effects of solar heating on the package, e.g. high temps. and thermal expansion, are minimised.
An array of thirty photovoltaic cells, each giving approximately 0.5 Volt and having a power capability of 1.2 Watt maximum, are connected in series. The cells are grouped so as to be capable of supplying either 6 volts or 12 volts to suit the equipment being driven.    The panel is mounted on a pedestal and is pivoted along a central axis to allow the panel to be tilted to face the sun in order to obtain maximum power. A rechargeable battery pack may be incorporated in the base of the unit to provide supplementary power during darkness or bad weather.    ADVANTAGE -   Overcomes inconvenience of limited life of simple cells.
The unit has an object oriented on to the sun, fitted on a shaft with the possibility of rotation, radiation receiving thermo-drive with moving screen, connected by a kinematic mechanism to the object. The efficiency is increased by reducing the object disorientation during short cloudy periods since the thermo-drive is made as a cylinder with working cavity filled with volumetrically expanding material when it is heated. A piston with a sprung shaft is placed in the cylinder. The object shaft is hollow and is filled with thermo accumulation medium and its cavity is connected to working cavity by a valve with drive lever. The screen is V-shaped. The kinematic mechanism is made as a curved element with pins and interacting catches and two sprung wedges placed in mirror image about curved element. The object centre of gravity is displaced w.r.t. its shaft.    USE -   Solar power plants for orientation on to the sun. Bul.40/30.10.87.
The activated sludge in a shaft-type reactor (1) is aerated by oxygen produced by an electrolyser (2) mounted at the bottom of the shaft. The effluents enter through the inlet pipe (5) and leave through the outlet pipe (6). The developed hydrogen is pumped to the surface where a hydrogen engine (8) drives a d.c. generator (4) to feed both the electrolyser (7) and produce surplus electricity.    ADVANTAGE -   This is a much more economical method than the supply of the necessary oxygen through air compressors.
The module (56) comprises laterally alternating N-on-P (26) and P-on-N (10) GaAs cells. The cells (10,26) have a parallelogram or other configuration giving an acute angle at the top surface edge so that the cells are in substantial contact at those edges. The top surfaces of adjacent contacting cells are electrically connected by a grid of electrical conductors (58) and all are covered with a transparent cover. Metallic connections (60) join the base those adjacent solar cells (10,26) which are not in contact at the top edge.    Two grids of electrical connectors are on the tops of n-and p-type solar cells using a corresponding grid on the bottom surface of the transparent cover. A solar cell array (48) is made up of modules (50) each module incorporating two solar cells (10,26).    ADVANTAGE -   Eliminates need for bus bar connections between top and bottom surfaces of adjacent cells, avoids shading of solar cell surface which reduces efficiency and allows closer packing and suffers less from thermal expansion problems.
The collector assembly comprises a fixed position base (2) having one end securely fixed to the ground (8) and the second end attached to the azimuth and elevation drive mechanism (3) supporting tracking assembly components. The moving structure (4) having a number of energy reflecting elements (5) is translatable attached to the azimuth and elevation gears for free gimboling movement by the drive mechanism (3) in order that the reflecting elements (5) are fully exposed to the sun for collection of the incident solar energy.    Spoilers (6,7) are attached to the leading trailing edges, respectively, of the moving structure (4) for collecting radiant solar energy. Together these spoilers disrupt the flow of air passing over the structure frame (4) to reduce the aerodynamic lift given to the frame.    ADVANTAGE -   Torque loading on solar energy transfer structure due to wind, and size and power of drive mechanism, are reduced.
The sample flow is condensed and supplied in a tube which conditions the sample flow to consist of a series of segments of condensate and segments of uncondensed gases. The sensor detects the relative volume of the condensate and the uncondensed gases. The data processor receives the output of the sensor and calculates the proportion of non-condensable gases in the flow of mixed gases. Pref. the sensor optically detects the ratio of the volume of the condensate to the volume of uncondensed gases.    The appts. may supply the continuous measurement of the proportion of non-condensable gases in a flow of mixed gases for use in the monitoring of geothermal steam supplied to an end user.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For geothermal reservoirs generating energy. Accurate measurement over wide range of gas mixtures.
The plant comprises a floating hull containing an electricity generator and a rotor connected to it, with vertical axis of rotation, located under the hull and having supports and aerofoil-section blades. The rotor has two coaxial horizontal rings (4,5). The supports are in the form of horizontal shafts with rollers contacting the rings. The blades are between the rings and fixed on them. The generator is connected to one of the horizontal shafts. The rollers and transmission are rubberised to increase the fiction coefft.    ADVANTAGE -   More efficient. Bul.39/23.10.87.
Effects of shorts and shunts are removed from a thin film semiconductor device having at least one pair of exposed contacts with a semiconductor film between them, by coating the contact surfaces with an ionic soln. having etching rate that increases with temp.; and applying a reverse bias voltage between the electrodes to render the shorts and shunts non-conductive. Pref. the contacts are al and the soln. is a dil. acid, or alternatively may be tap water.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp.with large-area photovoltaic devices. Method is simple and non-damaging.
The solar reflector achieves a concentration of the suns rays with a factor of 13.5. With still higher temperatures being used, the reflector can be shortened and a further mirroring surface again in the shape of a truncated cone can be fitted above the plate.    With this arrangement the concn. of the suns rays with a factor of 25 can be attained.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Solar power by heating water or other materials by concn. of suns rays. With large reflectors steam engines can be driven to produce current. Cheaper and easier to use than present paraboloid or complicated and expensive optical systems.
The energy retrieval appts. converts the captured energy to a usable form of power and uses a large array of flotation devices, each connected to one of several energy conversion devices such as piston pumps. The conversion devices are all secured to a common frame structure which is supported by the buoyancy of the flotation devices. The apparatus floats with a draft which is a function of the average wave height in the area covered by the array.    The lateral dimensions of the apparatus are greater than the expected wavelength to maintain a horizontal disposition. The apparatus may be moored at virtually any marine location, and the energy produced is transferred to storage facilities by a submerged conduit. The moorings may include winching devices to submerge the apparatus during storms and high seas.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Harbour ar beach protection. Compensates for wavelength and wave propagation direction.
Solar power concentrator, including a prim. reflector with linear focus shaped as rotational body based on e.g. parabol section whose focal axis is parallel to the symmetry axis of the reflector for wider operational range by creating concentrated flux perpendicular to the symmetry axis, now incorporates sec. reflector having body of rotation based on second order curve section the focal axis of which is perpendicular to the symmetry axis of the sec. reflector. Said reflector is located coaxially and co-focally w.r.t. that first reflector.    USE -   In solar engineering for solar energy concentration. Bul.39/23.10.87.
Energy converter, e.g. using the difference in temp. of water under ice and the outside atmosphere, consists of working chambers filled with a thermally-sensitive substance, set on the opposite ends of a rocking arm, a liquid-filled pump chamber, and a system for heating and cooling the chambers. It is equipped with an hydraulic accumulator (19), and an hydraulic motor connected to an electrical generator (20,23). It also has an additional pump chamber (14), and the heating system is in the form of containers (24,25) with heat conducting walls, located beneath the chambers (6,7) and filled with a non-freezing liquid. The chambers are cooled by the air above the ice. The inlets of both pump chambers are connected to the water beneath the ice and their outlets to the hydraulic accumulator.    ADVANTAGE -   Makes use of difference in winter temp. between water and ambient air. Bul.37/7.10.87.
The sensor is located in the hollow centre of the lense. Light enters at the surface AD and is refracted. Internal reflections subsequently occur on AB and AD and BC. The ray is then refracted at CD. The angle that is made at B is no less than the complement of the critical angle for internal reflection. The angle at C is 90 - lambda deg. In order to enhance the acceptance angle of the wing lens, a reflecting/refracting prism is added.    If the critical angle for internal reflection is less than 45 deg, lambda = 45 deg. - (the critical angle for internal reflection). Otherwise, lambda equals 0 deg. Also it is important to ensure that the reflected ray from AD cannot be reflected, should it strike DC instead of BC.
A free floating carrier grid has, coils provided on it perpendicular to the wave motion, in which are similarly free floating armatures with a specific gravity of about one half. The armatures are moved by the wave motion through the coils so as to generate electric current.    The size of the carrier extends such as to bridge over the predominant wavelengths, so as to, in spite of wave movements, to remain stationary on the sea surface. The current production occurs without mechanical aids such as shafts, gears, levers or ropes and the material components, namely armature and carrier, are all that is needed.
The power generating system uses treadle plates, upon which a vehicle overpasses, and which are pivotally fitted to the top of the vertical shafts. Resilient, compressible bladders are each fitted with an inlet and an exhaust, pressure plates for compressing the bladders. A series of connecting links, fulcrums, E levers and arms, are directly or indirectly attached to the lower portion of the vertical shafts and also to the pressure plates and a generator converts the compressed fluid into electricity.    As the vehicle overpasses the treadle plates, the vertical shafts are forced downwardly, and accordingly, force is applied to the upper and lower plates via the linking system, thus compressing the bladder and the working fluid in it. The compressed fluid is then driven through pipelines into the generator, causing the production of power.
A platform (1) is provided having upstanding side walls (2-5) which converge rearwardly from an open mouth (6). The walls are part submerged in the water so that waves entering the mouth (6) pass between the walls where the magnitude and duration of the waves increases. The waves then travel up a ramp (7) to lift a hinged flap (8) which is coupled to a water pump (13) mounted beneath the rear of the platform (1a). The pump discharges into a chamber (12) to compress air and a continuous flow of water may be supplied from the chamber by the compressed air to drive power appts. e.g a turbine.    In non-tidal waters the machine may be rigidly mounted off the sea bed, e.g on pillars, and the machine would be arranged so that the mouth of the passage is always directed into the oncoming waves. In rough seas the walls (4,5) may be pivotally moved apart to reduce the volume and force of the waves passing between walls (2,3). A ramp could also be pivoted at the front edge so that it can be moved towards a horizontal position.    ADVANTAGE -   Machine efficiency is improved.
The gas monitoring apparatus comprises a sample meter in gas flow communication with the flow of mixed gases for supplying a sample flow of the mixed gases. The sample flow is delivered to a conditioner for conditioning the sample flow for efficient detection of the proportion of non-condensable gases in the flow of mixed gases by a sensor for sensing the condition of the sample flow. The sensor generates an output continuously indicating the condition of the sample flow as it flows through the sensor. The output of the sensor is provided to a data processor for processing the output to generate a measurement signal indicating the proportion of non-condensable gases in the flow of mixed gases.    The conditioner includes a condenser for the relatively condensable gases in the sample flow to generate a resultant flow of a mixture of condensate and uncondensed gases. Preferably the sensor optically senses the ratio of the volume of uncondensed gases to the volume of condensate flowing through the sample flow tube and supplies an output signal to the data processor.    USE -   Geothermal steam power generation.
The solar concentrator has light reflected with an increasing distance from an incidence place of a tapering glass so long as the light is totally reflected at its inner wall, until the angle of the light beam compared to the inner wall, has become so great that the light rays leave the body.    The element can be wedge shaped, pyramid or conical. The element, due to the reflection at the inner wall in the vicinity of the angle of emergence, has a steepening taper with increasing distance from the point of incidence.    USE/ADVANTAGES -   Complements mirrors and lenses to give improved concentration of diffused sunlight.
The appts. comprises an annular upper housing rotatably mounted on a central support shaft and an annular lower housing rotatably mounted on the central support shaft and disposed in spaced relationship below the upper housing. Coil windings mourted on the bottom of the upper rotating housing and on the top of the lower rotating housing are disposed adjacent to each other for rotation with the respective upper and lower housings in opposite directions for generating electrical power.    A number of irdividual storage compartments are provided in the upper and lower housings for holding a movable material. The material in the compartments is removed as energy is used ard the compartments are filled as energy is stored. An auxiliary power assembly initially rotates the upper and lower housings to a predetermined speed and periodically maintains the predetermined speed as the need is required.
Device for concentrating incident radiant energy (5) is a cylindrical optical wave guide having diffuser means (2) coaxially located inside it which converts the incident radiant energy and effects its capture in guided modes of the guide. By cumulative propagation of the trapped energy along the length of the wave guide, energy is thus concentrated at its end.    The wave guide is circularly cylindrical and the diffuser is a coaxial region of the wave guide core aligned along its centre line contg. microspheres and/or microparticles of material with the ability to reflect and/or refract the incident radiation energy within the core. The wave guide core is encased by an outer cladding (4) of material with a lower refractive index than the core material. The radiation is received through the external surface of the optical fibre along its length and emitted at at least one of its ends.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Device enables radiation energy to be utilised more efficiently by concentrating it using the phenomenon of total reflection at the interface between materials of different refractive indices. Device is esp. suitable for concentrating solar energy or the luminescence from photo-phosphoresence.
The horizontal openings (10) in the blades (7) are connected to high pressure medium channels (9) made in the vertical and the radial rods (6,2). The blades (7) fitted on each of the vertical rods (6) have variable height and the blades stiffening elements (8) have variable stiffness, decreasing from top to bottom. This ensures optimum angle of attack of each blade, which matches degreasing energy of the wave from the top towards the bottom. The auxiliary control of the blade stiffness is achieved by supplying high pressure medium into the openings (10).    ADVANTAGE -   This is a modification of a Parent Cert. increases the overall efficiency of the drive. Bul.34/15.9.87
The heater has identical thermally and electrically insulating prismatic pressure plates (1) held in place . by memory wire (12) that is wound in a coil-like manner under relatively low tension, and at a temperature below the memory wire transition temperature. A block of several electroactive piezoelectric, ferroelectric, or composite electroactive material laminated plates (13) and a mechanical impedance matching pressure transmitting spring material plate (14) are also included. Smooth surfaces recesses (15) in the bases of the plates are also included (11) match the surfaces of the electroactive plates (13) and the spring material plate (14).    The continuous strand of memory wire (12) is held in tension, amounting to a few hundred pounds per square inch of wire cross sectional area, by tie-down screws (16) and electrically conductive electrode-washers (17) at both the upper front surface and at the lower rear surface of the identical pressure plates (11). Grooves (18) in the pressure plates (11) facilitate a smooth transition from the coil-like winding to termination of the memory wire (12) at the tie-down screws (16).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For solid-state inverter, particle accelerator, automatic hot-cold strain cycling motor. Robust construction. High power capability.
The motor is equipped with means of changing and fixing the mutual inclination of the axes of the discs (3,4), the angle of turn of the plane of these axes and the distance between the discs (3,4). The means of heating and cooling the working elements (5) is provided by sources (7,8) connected to switch (6) and reservoir (10) with drain (9). A source of power (11) is connected to the elements (5) through a collector (12). These ensure a uniform change of temperature and voltage throughout the volume.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Suitable for thermal motors, using the deformation of martensitic elements, and the advantage is an improvement in efficiency. Bul.32/30.8.87
The turning support, mounted on base (1) includes the central, hollow ball-hinge (7) and the bearing assembly which limits the movement. The hydraulic ram chamber (2) with elastic walls (3) is mounted on this support and the pipe (5) connected with accumulator (6) communicates with the chamber (2) through the ball-hinge (7). The water inlets (8) pass to receiver (4) and the chamber (2) is stabilised by rudders (9,10). The wind and the breakers rotate the chamber (2) so that its walls (3) and channels (8) lie parallel to the wave front and water is driven through the ball-hinge (7) into pipe (5) and accumulator (6).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Suitable for hydraulic installations, especially those connected with wave energy, and the advantage is an improvement in efficiency. Bul.32/30.8.87
The body (1) contains an accumulator of wave energy in the form of a cylinder (4), filled with a fluid of high thermal capacity and equipped with an electric heater (5) which is connected with a generator (3). As the inductor of the generator (3) is moved, electrical energy is produced and passes to heater (5), increasing the temperature of the fluid in cylinder (4). The inductor is moved by the float (6) and there can be as many of these as desired. When required, the hot fluid can be removed and sent to a consumer or to a heat exchanger (8) to make electrical energy.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Suitable for hydraulic installations, especially in connection with wave power generators, and the advantage are an improvement in reliability and an increase in power.    Bul.32/30.8.87
The external surface of the body (1) is provided with ribs (3) while there is an axle with inertial masses in the form of rotating bodies (4). Waves, in acting on the ribs (3) cause the body (1) to rotate, owing the non-uniformity of the wave motion. There is a variant design with screw-shaped ribs (3) and these cause te body (1) to rotate also, since there is a vertical oscillation of the water. The rotation of the body (1) rotates the stator of the electrical generator (2) relative to the rotor, the rotation of which is prevented by the inertial masses.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Suitable for hydraulic installations, especially in connection with wave power, and the advantage is an improvement in the stability. Bul.32/30.8.87
A coating soln. comprises a mixt. of (a) a soln. of Cd cpd., (b) a soln. of Sn cpd., (c) a beta-diketone complexing agent (I), and (d) ammonia and/or amine, and their reaction prods. Prodn. of a cadmium stannate (Cd2SnO4) coating on a substrate comprises (i) applying the coating soln. to the substrate in a moisture-free atmos., (ii) hydrolysing the hydrolysable components of the compsn., and (iii) heating the coating to a temp. sufficient to form the Cd2SnO2 coating.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Cd2SnO4 layers have high electrical conductivity, high infra-red reflecting properties and low absorption within the visible spectrum, and are useful e.g. as layers in heated windows, windows for buildings, doors for microwave ovens or solar collector panels. The presence ofNH3 or amines stabilises the coating soln., and soln. stability is unaffected by dilution or the relative amts. of Cd and Sn. The soln. can be applied to silicon and may be applied to photovoltaic cells or amorphous silica solar cells. Photovoltaic devices obtd. have consistent improvement in both open circuit voltage and short circuit degradation, c.f. uncoated devices.
The wall (7) of the diaphragm opening (2) is provided with screening arched projections (8) and flat sections (10), whose centres of curvature (9) are located over the photodetectors (4) centres. The opening and projections radii are related as: r=R/0.92 sin(1.965 - sin power -1 0.92.l/R, where l is the distance from the transducer optical axis to the photodetector (4) centre. In the course of the radiation source displacements the transducer sensitivity is equalised in the displacements direction, thus reducing the drives utilisation and saving power.    ADVANTAGE -   Raised orientation precision by equalising the transducer sensitivity in the direction of the light source displacements. Bul.31/23.8.87.
The converter, e.g. for a wave-powered generator or for charging a vehicle's batteries, consists of a converter and an electrical generator, connected to a source of vibration. The converter is in the form of a housing (3) containing a rotating platform (4) which is connected via a toothed transmission unit (5) to the generator (2). It also has two discs (6,7) which are linked by flexible elements spaced evenly in a circle and set at an acute angle to the discs. One disc is capable of performing a reciprocating motion and is connected to the vibration source, and the other is fixed to the rotating platform. The housing is sealed, and at least one of the discs can be made sectional.    ADVANTAGE -   Gives higher efficiency. Bul.31/23.8.87
The photovoltaic device includees several power generation regions arranged in alignment with one another on one side of an insulative substrate. The power generation region is composed of an amorphous semiconductor layer, an electrode formed below the amorphous semiconductor layer and a second electrode formed above the amorphous semiconductor layer. The first electrode of one of two adjacent power generation regions is electrically connected to the second electrode of the other adjacent power generation region. The photovoltaic device is characterised by connection sections, facing each other with the amorphous semiconductor layer sandwiched between them. The connection sections are provided on the first electrode of one of two adjacent power generation regions and the second electrode of the other adjacent power generation region. A straight groove in the amorphous semiconductor layer is sandwiched between the connection sections along the arrangement direction of the power generation regions to thereby electrically connect the first electrode of one of two adjacent power generation regions to the second electrode of the other adjacent power generation region.    ADVANTAGE -   Improved production efficiency. (First major country equivalent to J63037674)
A polymer, e.g., PVA, PVC, polyacrylonitrile, polymethyl methacrylate, etc., is mixed with 0.01-5 mol.% an oxidant, e.g., ferric chloride, hydrogen peroxide, nitric acid, etc., and the mixt. is exposed to the pyrrole vapour such as to form a film of a conductive composite. Amt. of the oxidant added to the polymer is 0.01-5 mole.% to the amt. of PVA monomer unit when using PVA.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Simple and effective prodn. of transparent conductive films of large areas, having good electric conductivity and light transmissivity. The conductive composite film is used liq. crystal displays, electrochromic displays, solar cells, electromagnetic waves shields, etc.
A parabolic roof is provided into which is built a system of solar heat collectors through which a liquid is circulated. The collector consists of a concave parabolic monolith roof with a tubular circular concentrator in the focal area of the parabola. The heat producing areas of the roof consist of sectors covering the longest duration of the solar day, about 240 deg. which are aligned to the south. The axes of the parabolas are inclined about 20 deg. to the horizontal.    The heat producing part of the roof has a reflecting covering and has its lowest point a circular gutter to collect and disperse rainwater. The roof may be constructed from a preformed marine wood shell or a composite moulded material with reflecting elements. The parabolic shell is formed from a high thermal resistance reinforced concrete and is covered with solar reflecting tiles.    ADVANTAGE -   Does not require solar collectors to follow path of the sun.
A glass compsn. contains by wt. 60-78% SiO2, 10-25% B2O3, 3.5-6% of Na2O/K2O/Li2O, 2-6.5% CeO2, and 0.25-8% Sb2O3 and/or As2O3. It may also contain up to 3% Al2O3 and/or ZrO2, and/or up to 2% TiO2, and/or up to 5% ZnO, and/or up to 2.5% MgO/CaO/BaO/SrO. It may form the protective cover for a solar cell.    ADVANTAGE -   Inclusion of Sb2O3/As2O3 enables the addn. of over 2% CeO2 to provide high UV absorption without causing discolourlation or phase sepn.. Good white light transmission and radiation stability. Coefft. of thermal expansion close to that of silicon. Suitable for production of microsheet of thickness 50-300 microns.
The solar radiation concentration device includes an arrangement (10) for collecting the solar rays comprising an optical lens (11) and a fibre-optic cable, and which is mounted e.g. on the roof of a building (P). It reflecting device (20) is installed on the roof of e.g. a building (Q) opposite another building (R) and includes a light-reflecting plate (21) driven by a motor (23) to reflect the sun rays (L1 and L2) and focus them onto the solar radiation concentration device (10).    The building (e.g. Q and R) are of greater height than a third building (P), and built on either side of it, so that the shadows of one building (R) falls below one zone (L1 or L2) when the solar radiation extends in direction S1 or S2. To overcome this problem, the reflecting plate (21) is turned slightly (see dotted line) as the sun moves from position S1 to position S2.    ADVANTAGE -   Continuous focussing of solar radiation onto concentrate.
Pump jack assembly comprises two concentrically mounted tubular units with upper and lower ends with inner unit stationary and outer unit reciprocatable relative to inner unit. First discrete hydraulic system is between inner and outer units connected to lower end of outer unit and second system connects upper end of unit to reciprocate the outer unit. Both units are supported in tubular housing and moving air piston defines upper and lower air chambers in housing that surround inner and outer units and air reservoir supplies pressured to air to lower chamber to reciprocate outer unit.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Pumping unit for use with oil or oil and water mixt from underground source. The method of pumping generates a power source during the down stroke sufficient for the up stroke.
Thermionic energy conversion system comprises a heat source (20) surrounding emitter electrodes (14) which surround corresponding collector electrodes (16) which in turn surround a heat sink (22). The heat source (20) is pref. fissionable nuclear fuel. The heat sink may be a container (22) for heat sink material (24), pref. an Li salt such as LiH. A heat pipe (30) is pref. enclosed in the heat sink material for transferring heat out of the heat sink.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. used as a pulsed power supply system for space-based beam or kinetic energy weapons. The heat sink efficiently absorbs the waste heat of the conversion process and the need for an intermediate heat exchanger is eliminated.
The generator comprises an evaporator and a condenser and a tube. The sea water flows onto the tube inlet which is connected to the evaporator, the water being at a temp. providing the heat to evaporate a working fluid. A second inlet with sea water flowing unit is connected to the condenser the water being at temp. 10 degs celcius 1 over than the first by an amount sufficient to condense the evaporated and turbine expanded fluid. An outlet connects the evaporator and condenser together.    A well located in solid land mass forms the second inlet and extends below a surface to a depth at which an open end of the well is located with the sea water. A reservoir retains sea water and marine life with the outlet passing sea water to the reservoir replenishing it.    ADVANTAGE -   Unaffected by environmental conditions e.g. wave, current and wind conditions, pollutant-free and cause no navigation hazard.
A sea water/fresh water multi-cell electric battery system uses reverse electrodialysis with sea water as the electrolyte. The cells comprise rubber sheets with large rectangular apertures framing anion exchange and cation exchange membranes alternately and each group of cells is clamped together between wooden panels by threaded tie rods and nuts. In the top of each cell are inlet tubes and outlet tubes to provide a counter-current flow of salt and fresh water, respectively, through each pair of cells. The sea water is delivered to the cells by a rotary valve arrangement that prevents power being cross-connected by the conductive electrolyte from cell to cell. Positive and negative electrode plates are mounted on the panels at the ends of each cell group.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   As a "free energy" concept using natural resources. Improvements over prior art are claimed such as electrical insulation between electrolyte inlets, utilisation of waste heat, and counter-current flow through each pair of cells, which all increase overall power generation efficiency.
The heating may use oil, gas, geothermal source, a heat pump solar collectors, or direct heating, individually or combined ina complex system. The heating energy is supplied to the system stored, and transmitted to the heated rooms. If a solar collector is used, it converts the solar radiation into electric power for transfer to the room floors or ceilings.    A pipe, through which flows the heating medium, contains an electric heating cable for surface heating, either alone or in combination with the heat medium. A distributor may be provided for both the heating medium and the cable'    ADVANTAGE -   Full or partial heat insulation in addition to heating output.
Mine heat is decentrally cooled via heat exchangers. The coolant is conveyed via the liquid to the shaft area and is once more exhanged so as to form a gas formed carrier medium. This rises under its own buoyancy to the surface to re-exchange to liquid and operate a liquid turbine.    Increased energy saving is produced by the exchanged heat falling in the subsurface cooling system being regenerated underground in a heating circuit. Without additional energy consumption it is brought to the surface via a damped carrier medium.
The solar collector system includes a matrix of lenses, for focusing solar radiation onto a focal plane to form a set of solar images. A set of optical fibres are provided each having an open end. A positioning plate holds the open ends of the fibres within a common plane which is coincident with the focal plane. A positioning member moves the plate laterally relative to the matrix of lenses. The optical fibres are equal in number to the number of lenses in the matrix and positioned within the plate with the open ends being in the same pattern or configuration as the lenses in the matrix and such that each open end is at the focal point of a corresp. lens in the matrix.    The positioning member moves the plate laterally relative to the matrix of lenses in such a way that the pattern of open ends of the fibres can always be made to coincide with the pattern of solar images as the sun traverses the solar collector.    USE -   Power generation, spaceheating. No conduction loss to surrounding air, high temp. heat delivery, no orientation system required.
The generator has working chamber (4) which communicates with atmosphere and formed by plates (5-8) hinging on the side floats (2,3), the pontoon (1) and between themselves and the end walls attached to the plates. The plates mounted between the floats and pontoon are in two sections hinging together.    ADVANTAGE -   Power output is increased. Bul.27/23.7.87
The contacts between a connecting strip (8), pref. Ag, Mo or an alloy containing Ag, and the metallisation layers (7), pref. with the uppermost layer of Ag, of a solar cell (1,2) are made via an intermediate layer (9) which is pref. porous.    The material is pref. applied by silk screen printing, is conductive and pref. consists of or contains silver, e.g. Ag-filled epoxy resin. The contacting strip contains pref. perforations or openings and is welded to the intermediate layer or embedded in it.    One process claimed consists of placing the connector on the contact and then applying, pref. by screen printing, a paste of the intermediate material, which penetrates the perforations. In the other process a screen printed layer of the material is applied to the metallisation layer first. Then the connector is placed on top. Finally another layer of the material is screen printed on top of this. Then the connection is heated.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The intermediate layer is able to absorb the expansion and contraction of the metal caused by temp. variations during operation. This avoids or reduces the separation of connector and metallisation layer, giving the solar cell a longer useful life. The construction is used in the mfr. of solar cells for space applications.
Atmospheric electricity can be used to create a flow of electrons between metallic elements which have a different conductivity. If connected to a thin-film accumulator, this electricity can be stored.    In an embodiment, a thin metal carrier layer consists of copper and aluminium and is placed in the electric field of the atmosphere which has an average potential gradient of 130 V/cm and results in a power density of 0.02 to 0.1 W per sq.cm. From this carrier, the electrons flow to an accumulator with copper foils (positive) arranged in an aluminium container (negative); the casing is filled with insulating cast resin.    ADVANTAGE -   This creates regenerable energy similar to solar cells but requires no photoeffect radiation energy.
The screen includes transmitters (6) which are connected to register (4) and monitor intermediate positions of the rack (2) which is rotated on shaft (1)' Rack carries radiation transmitters (3) which are also connected to the register. Rack has position fixer (5) and is rotated by motor (7), through speed variator (8) and roller (9) which runs on a ring form guide (10). Rack is turned to a required position dependent on the duration of the experiment and is fixed (5). Transmitters (3) signals are measured according to the time the focal spot (12) passes through the rack. The latter is moved to new intermediate position corresponding to the sun location and the measurements are repeated. When heliostat follows the sun and focal spot is stationary, rack is turned by motor. Transmitters (3) sent signals to register (4) which also receives signals from transmitters (6). This allows to evaluate the mean values of the radiation flows falling on the ring form areas (11) of the focal spot (12) and to register statical dispersion.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For solar power engineering research, permits scanning focal zone at heliostat various modes of operation. Bul.25/7.7.87.
Heliostat orientation system transmitter (1) case (2) has cover (4) with an opening (3). Case contains photo-receivers (5) arranged in pairs, diametrically opposite and symmetrically relative to the optical axis (7) of the transmitter. Signals former (8) is made in the form of a multi discharge register (9) with memory cells according to the number of the receivers (5). It also includes cyclic impulses generator (10) and signals coordinating block (11) connected to memory cells. When receivers (5) are lighted, they produce signals which go via block (11) to the corresponding memory cells of the register (9) and are recorded in cells according to the generator (10) impulses.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Heliostat orientation system is more accurate. Photoreceiver thermal sensitivity and characteristics temporary drift on the formed signal magnitude are eliminated. Bul.25/7.7.87
Heliostat automatic controls include two coordinates sensor (1) which monitors heliostat (2) position according to the reflected ray, having additional disorientation channel (3) connected to logic AND-gate (5) which is connected by first input to commutator (4) via trigger (8). Level transmitter (9) is connected to element (5) second input. In case of the crossed connections signals from channel (3) and transmitter (9) goes to logic element and trigger (8) changes the commutator. This results in azimuthal signal sent from transmitter (1) to heliostat zenithal driver (7) and the zenithal signal sent to azimuthal driver (6). Commutator is reversed automatically to normal operation when crossed connections are terminated.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Heliostat automatic controls eliminate crossed connection effect. Bul.25/7.7.87
The generator consists of a near-vertical pipe set e.g. in a river bank and made with a U-shaped lower intake end equipped with a source of heat, such as the river water. The intake end of the pipe is equipped with an air turbine and generator. The generator is used especially during the autumn and winter, when cover (13) is removed, and the pipe (1), warmed during the summer, and the relatively warm river water, create a rising air flow in the pipe. The air flow creates a rarefaction at the intake end, drawing in outside air to turn the turbine (10) and drive the generator.    ADVANTAGE -   Generates energy from difference in water and air temperatures. Bul.25/7.7.87
The generator consists of a container of a working fluid set on side floats and housing a hydraulic turbine linked to an electrical generator. The generator is additionally equipped with two side pontoons (6,7) which are connected to the floats (1,2) and the floats have cams (8,9) which interact with the base of the container (3), while rods (10,11) are pivoted to the middle of the container and the floats. The oscillation of the side pontoons, created by the motion of the waves, causes the cams (8,9) to turn and periodically lift the sides of the container, increasing the flow through the turbine.    ADVANTAGE -   Higher efficiency. Bul.25/7.7.87
The primary linkage (2,2bis) has it's first link (2) pivoting on the frame hinged to the second link (2bis) whose other end is connected to a roller (3) running in a guide (4). The common pivot (5) of the two links is attached to the piston rod of a pneumatic cylinder (6).    A second similar linkage has it's first link (7) pivoting on the frame (1) and the opposite extremity of it's second link attached to the roller (3). A link rod (9) interconnects the common point of the second linkage to a crank (10). The crank is actuated by the pneumatic cylinder.    USE -   Force intensifier e.g. electricity generator.
The installation comprises a carcase with a twin-arm lever on it, and strip reflectors in an arc of circle, linear receivers of concentrated radiation on the lever, and an aligning system with electrically linked phototransducer and drive, the drive being kinematically linked to the lever.    The phototransducer and drive are also connected by a kinematic link (9-11) and the transducer can turn about an axis parallel to the strip reflectors. The ratio of the transmission ratios of the two kinematic links is less than two.    ADVANTAGE -   More stable operation. Bul.24/30.6.87
The plant consists of an air turbine with its shaft connected to a consumer, and four wave-receiving chambers which are partially submerged in the water. The chambers are set in line with the water flow and have upper air compartments. The first and third compartments in line with the wave flow are connected by pipes to the turbine inlet, and the second and fourth to its outlet.    The plant incorporates a second air turbine which is fixed to the shaft of the first turbine and located in a mirror image position relative to it in relation to a plane perpendicular to the shaft. The compartments of the first (4) and third (6) chambers are connected to the outlet of the second turbine (9), and the compartments of the second (5) and fourth (7) chambers to the second turbine's inlet. The connecting pipes are equipped with stopcocks (10).    ADVANTAGE -   Gives more reliable operation. Bul.24/30.6.87
The plant consists of one or more floats, a pto shaft, and a mechanism to convert the reciprocating motion of the float into rotary motion of the shaft. This mechanism comprises a toothed rack mounted on the float, and a gear and overrun clutch which interacts with the rack.    The plant has a second shaft (6) set parallel to the first one and linked to it kinematically. The converter mechanism has a second toothed gear (7) and overrun clutch (8), mounted on the second pto shaft, and with the two gears meshing, while the toothed rack is inclined relative to the vertical plane.    As the rack moves up and down with the float and tide its motion is transmitted to te shafts through the gears and overrun clutches, so that one shaft rotates while the other idles, and vice versa.    ADVANTAGE -   Simplicity and higher efficiency. Bul.24/30.6.87
A solar collector has several transverse curved rib members (3) which are separated by elongated members. A sheet of thin reflective material is disposed between the curved rib members (3) for reflecting and concentrating direct incident solar energy to a line of focus. An elongated receiver is arranged at the line of focus for converting concentrated radiant energy into electrical energy. The receiver is connected with the curved rib members (3).    The line of focus can be relocated to several transverse locations on the elongated receiver.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Lightweight, parabolic trough solar collector that is readily transportable into space and is readily deployable in low earth orbit. The collector has a variable aperture so that its collecting power capability and its aerodynamic drag can be changed.
Thermal storage material comprises a hollow shell contg. heat sink material, the shell comprising an inner layer of metal, a middle layer of ceramic and an outer layer of metal. Pref. both metal layers are Mo and the ceramic layer is SiC. The heat sink material is pref. LiH.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. as very high capacity heat sink material for storing waste heat from a space-based burst power supply e.g. a space-based nuclear reactor. Material is lightweight and transfers heat to the heat sink material at a very high rate.
The device for converting wave energy into electricity comprises a U-shaped tube having a base and two arms, the base being filled with a liquid and the arms being filled with hydrogen gas. A support holds the U-shaped tube and a gas concentration cell containing a protonically conducting membrane has two electrocatalytical electrodes, the cell being in communication with the hydrogen gas in the arms of the U-shaped tube.    The device is floated on the surface of the ocean thereby imparting a rocking motion to it, the rocking motion varying the pressure of the hydrogen gas in communication with the gas concentration cell. An electric voltage is thus generated across the electrodes in accordance with the Nernst equation.    USE -   Converts oceanic wave energy into electricity either on moored buoys or in small vessels.
The apparatus includes a long chain having a number of hollow buoyant elements attached to it. The chain extends around a pair of sprockets and the buoyant elements are immersed in a fluid along the portion of the chain moving against gravity and the buoyant elements pass through an airspace along the portion of the chain moving with gravity.    The combination of buoyancy and gravitational forces cause movement of the chain to thereby rotate the sprocket gears which are used to drive an electrical power generator. There is a housing including a hatch assembly for the apparatus and a valve unit and an insulator for use with the apparatus.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides insulator which allows passage of electrical wiring while maintaining integrity of generator housing.
The assembly comprises an elongated float member which floats on the surface of a body of water having waves moving along it. A support arm freely pivotally connects to the float member for maintaining the float member parallel to the surface of the water. The support arm member is effective to maintain the float member with its longest dimension disposed in a direction parallel to the length of the waves moving along the surface of the body of water.    A transmission assembly is responsive to the support arm member as the float member moves up and down with the movement of the waves to produce a rotational movement in a transmission shaft from which energy may be derived.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Ocean waves to generate electric power. Operates 24 hours day with no fuel consumption and no sea and air contamination.
The system uses a cylinder, a piston pump, a pair of vacuum tanks, cylinders and compressors. A quantity of fluid is used, as is a crankshaft, a piston connecting rod, compressor pistons, valves, pipes for fluid inlet and outlet between the piston pump and the vacuum tanks, extendable pipes inside the vacuum tanks, and a flywheel.    A gas motor/turbine is connected to the crankshaft, the movement of which is activated by the connecting rod driven by the piston pump which presses fluid into the vacuum tanks through the inlet. The fluid produces a weight which is at least equal to the drive force of the gas motor/turbine. The volume of one vacuum tank is half that of the piston pump, and that of the compressors is at least equal to the quantity of gas required for driving the gas motor/turbine.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   To produce energy system which by natural process can accumulate small weights of fluid, combined weight of which provides force which is at least equal to force of system, including effect losses. (Provisional basic advised week 87/50)
Two tubes are coupled to one another. Around the tubes, there is the iron core of a magnetic winding. Within the tubes are washed small iron parts by the water current flow. The iron parts are coupled to one another via nylon filaments, and are fed through the feed tube.    By the motion of the iron parts, a voltage is picked up from a further winding after a dc current is caused to flow through the magnetic winding. For deflecting the flow, valve segments areused which can be opened or closed, according to requirements.    USE -   Generating electricity for transmission to land, or for desalination.
Photovoltaic cells are produced by applying layers of chemical elements or cpds. to a substrate. The novelty is that the substrate is a light-transmitting glass roof tile.    The glass roof tile consists of mineral glass or organic acrylic glass. The photovoltaic layers are applied to one or both sides of the tile, provided with electrodes, fixed firmly to the substrate and opt. subjected to thermal treatment. One or more tiles are placed on or in brickwork or buildings and interconnected electrically.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   These solar cells can be made more cheaply than usual and made more resistant to mechanical and/or corrosive stresses, thus extending their field of application.
The hermetically sealed cylindrical body (3) of the converter is filled with liquid metal (6) and the additional permanent magnets (4) are uniformly arranged in the body (3) and parallel to one another. There are ring-like covers (7) making contact with body (3) and circular shaped covers (8) with a gap between them and the body. Both covers are of insulating material. The oscillation of the pontoon is transmitted to the body and a radially directed EMF is excited in the liquid metal (6), causing a current to flow. In order to increase the moment of inertia of the metal (6) and body (3), the latter are made in ring form and the magnetic yoke is on the outside along with the windings, as shown in the figure.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Suitable for water power plants and the advantages are the high power and the reliability. Bul.21/ 7.6.87.
The body (1) has a case (6) inside it and this communicates with the atmosphere. The case (6) holds two bellows chambers, fastened together, one (7) for low and the other (8) for high pressure. Chamber (7) communicates with the inside of body (1) and chamber (8) with the lower container (4) of the power generator (2) which has a conducting fluid (5), such as mercury. As the waves act on the flexible walls (9) of the body (1), the pressure in chamber (8) and container (4) increases. The liquid (5) flows into the upper evacuated container (3) of the generator (2) along a formed channel. When the waves subside, the liquid (5) returns to container (4), again generating power just as in the previous motion.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Suitable for wave power generating plants and the advantage is an improvement in the efficiency of the process. Bul.20/30.5.87.
The movement of a floating bladder (73) caused by the waves is transmitted to a sprocket system (85, 99, 100) via a rope (74) and chain (75) tensioned by a weight (78). The sprocket system is used to drive an electrical generator or a pump for delivering liquid to a high-level reservoir. The sprocket system is mounted on a buoyant platform (71) maintained at a fixed depth below the surface.    Alternatively, the movement of the floating bladder is instead transmitted to a pulley which is mounted on an immersed buoyant platform or is mounted to a framework fixed to the sea bed. The buoyant force of four air pockets per compartment amounts to 1.2 time the total underwater weight of one compartment.    ADVANTAGE -   Efficient inshore and in deep sea.
The radiant energy concentrating collector comprises reflective sheet material formed as a module and having stamped louvers in it with open spaces between them and connected by common-borderareas. The common-border-areas include ribs supporting a photovoltaic cell assembly. The louvers are positioned to reflect sunlight falling on the module to the photovoltaic cell assembly. The sheet material is also formed with heat sink louvers that further support and cool the photovoltaic cell assembly.    The sheet material is also formed as a secondary reflector that further supports and concentrates ligh upon the photovoltaic cell assembly. The common-border-area or ribs in it is formed to provide a securing device to further support the photovoltaic cell assembly. assembly.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Solar collectors that track sun. Increases efficiency of collector.
The foundation pile (1) used simultaneously for thermal energy extraction incorporates a circulation loop (4) over at least part of its depth coupled at its free ends to a further heat transfer circuit. This is incorporated in cross members (7) at the top of the pile. The circulation loop is pref. U-shaped and lies adjacent the outer surface of the foundation pile for good heat transfer from the ground.    Pref. the heat transfer circuit allows the extracted geothermal energy to be transferred to a heat pump system. Each pile may have a number of circulation loops spaced in a horizontal plane, for max. geothermal energy extraction.
The marine energy generation plant allows simultaneous utilisation of 4 natural forces at the sea surface by using a carousel and a float, which allow the wave motion and the wind and water motion to be converted into rotational energy via a central spiral shaft. The float is coupled directly to the carousel drive and to the carousel shaft which is used to drive an electrical generator. The coupling system allows the axial movement of the central spiral shaft to be transferred to the generator drive shaft via the carousel shaft.    The outrigger of the carousel lie around an inclined circle and support vertical drive plates rotated by the wind and water flow. Each plate has a semicircular surface facing the wind and water flow.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides regular current output.
The energy generation plant uses a float (1) with at least one container (2) which is open at the bottom and which has an air inlet (7) for communicating with the atmosphere at the top, fitted with a non-return valve (8). A further air outlet (9) at the top of each container is coupled to a common pressurised air line (3) and is fitted with a second non-return valve (10).    Pref. the float (1) has two symmetrical containers (2) linked to a central pressurised air line (3) which in turn is coupled to a pipeline (11) via a flexible coupling (12). The pressurised air line (3) acts as a rigid coupling rod between the float (1) and the pipeline coupling (12).    USE -   For supplying pressurised air supply due to wave movement.
The drive units are composed of capture modules incorporating e.m. fields, fixed to the extreme ends of arms extending from the drive shafts. The capture modules are designed to hold rigid-walled buoyant capsules injected through a pressurised airlock. When operating, drive units have capture modules moving upward, due to the buoyancy of the capsules, and empty capture modules moving downward.    As a capture module containing a capsule reaches the top of its lifting arc, its field switches off and allows the capsule to be released into the next subsequent drive unit's lowermost capture module. As empty modules of the initial drive unit reach the bottom of their downward arc, the computer, programmed with the rotational speed of the drive unit, knows when the module is in position for capsule acquisition, and injects a capsule into the module, which then begins its ascent.    ADVANTAGE -   Produces more power than that used for appts. operation.
The window of the solar cell module supports in a tight manner the opto-electric transducer. The window (30) is a hollow structure with transparent layers (32,33), spaced by reinforcing members (31), coupled to the individual layers. The window is fitted on the solar radiation facing side of the transducer (20).    The reinforcing members are pref. fitted parallel to each other over suitable distances, defining channel-shaped, hollow cells (34) between the transparent layers, with the cells open towards ambient air. The transducer may contain an insulating, flexible polymer foil, on which are fitted several, electrically interconnected solar cell units with amorphous semiconductor material.    ADVANTAGE -   Lightweight design.
The electrical supply system uses an energy converter (8) to convert part of the energy of the hydraulic pressure medium fed along the hydraulic pressure line (P) into electrical energy used to charge an electrical energy store (18). Pref. the energy converter (8) uses a piezoelectric element (9) and a piston and cylinder hydraulic vibrator (10) supplying electrical energy pulses to an energy store (18).    The store is used to operate a control device (4) for the mining machine (4). The latter pref. comprises two switches each with two contacts, controlling a pair of 3/2 way valves (2,3).    ADVANTAGE -   Eliminates need for separate electrical supply lines.
A first adjustment is made of the output current delivered from the fuel cell; the output current produced in the feul cell is made. A predetermined relationship between the charged amount of the battery and the control signal for controlling the output current form the fuel cell is stored in a memory.    The energy stored in the battery is detected using a Hall sensor, such that looking up the predetermined relationship in relation to the detected signal representative of the energy stored in said battery a control signal is formed for the output current from the fuel cell. The two adjustments are controlled in response to the control signal, so that the output current generated by the fuel cell is increased when stored in the battery is decreased.    ADVANTAGE -   Stable power supply. (First major country equivalent to J63276877)
New alkali ion conductor is formed by a single crystal cpd. The cpd. has uni dimensional tunnel structure of orthorhombic system and is of formula: A1-xTi2+xM5-O12. A is Na, K, Rb or Cs; M is Ga, Al, Cr or Fe; x is 0.1-0.5 (0.3-0.4).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The conductor serves as solid electrolyte. Used as a material for a solid cell or a fuel cell used in an electric car or for storing surplus power. The alkali ion conductor uses Na, K, Rbor Ca as a conductive ion seed. This eliminates the need for using active and dangerous gas when the onductor is used as a solid cell. The conductor has specific large aperture tunnel structure. The structure provides crystal withhe singe fibrous or columnar shape which is in parallel with the tunnel axis, uni dimensionally arranging ion conductive orientation. The conductivity of the single crystal at hf is incrased to 10-100 times higher than that of beta-aumina at room temp.
Ionic electroconductor material comprises Y substd. solid soln. of Ca hydroxy apatite of formula, YxCa1-x(PO4)6(OH)2-xOx, where x = 2 to 1.5 (not 1.5).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for steam or oxygen sensor or for fuel cells. Electroconductivity of the material is improved and is stable.    In an example Ca(NO3)2, Y(NO3)3, and (NH4)2HPO4 were used for hydroxy apatite of formula, YxCa10-x(PO4)6(OH)2-xOx, was synthesised by the method described in the Journal of Japan Ceramic Association, 94(8)1986, p.837. Then the powder was calcined at 800 deg. C for 1 hr. in air. The calcined powder was pelletised and sintered at 1250 deg. C for 1 hr. in a steam flow. Electroconductivity of the obtd. sintered material was at higher value when the value of x was set between 0.5 and 1, and at the highest value when the value of x was set at 0.7.
Lithium aluminate powders are hydrated and then hydrated water removed. Raw lithium aluminate powders are immersed in water and hydrated by heating at above 30 deg.C. Water is removed from the hydrated lithium aluminate by heating.    ADVANTAGE -   Lithium aluminate powders having a larger specific surface area, e.g., 87.3 m2/g, can be obtd. Thus prepd. powders provided a tough supporting matrix for molten carbonate electrolyte.    In an example, Gamma lithium aluminate powders having 0.1 micron average dia. and 20 m2/g specific surface area were immersed in 30 deg.C water for 2 hrs. and dried to form lithium aluminate hydrate, Li2Al2O4.yH2O. The hydrate was heated at 500 deg.C for 2 hrs. to form anhydrous lithium aluminate having 52.8 m2/g specific surface area.
A serpentine coolant flow passage (10) connects the inlet (6) and outlet (8) of a cooling plate (4) in the stack (2). Water is received at the inlet and a water-steam mixture is discharged from the outlet to an electric heater (12) and then to a water-steam separating drum (14). Water is transferred from the separator to a heat exchanger (22) which reduces the water temperature to a target sub-cooled temperature which is at a predetermined temperature difference below the autothermal boiling temperature of water at the pressure obtaining in the fuel cell stack.    A control microprocessor (20) adjusts a valve (26) in the supply conduit to the cooling plate inlet (6) to increase the proportion of water flowing through the heat exchanger, in response to increased water temperature detected by a separator outlet temperature sensor (T). A decrease in sensed water temperature results in the valve being actuated to increase the proportion of water flowing through an exchanger by-pass conduit (30).    ADVANTAGE -   Effective life of electrolyte in stack in increased by action of sub-cooled water.
The force-heat coupling system uses a fuel cell for partial conversion of heating fuel energy into electrical energy and consists of a combined heating heat supply system in which the fuel cell is connected before the normal heating boiler. The latter then uses the waste heat from the cell for heating.    Electrical energy is supplied at the same time as heat and passes via the existing electrical supply network.    ADVANTAGE -   Saves energy and needs no extension to electrical supply network nor extra power plant and even reduces power station peak powers.
Electrochemical cell comprises: a gas diffusion electrode; a gas passage having first section(s) which are isolation sections in relation to the electrode and second section(s) which are in communication with the electrode; and a hydrocarbon reforming catalyst in at least the first of the first sections adjacent the gas inlet.    Catalyst may be disposed in all the first sections; it is pref. absent from the second sections.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   As an internal reforming hydrocarbon fuel cell. Simple arrangement allows reformed gas to be made immediately available to the cell electrode while avoiding electrolyte contamination of the catalyst by vapour condensation and film creepage.
(JP2649673-B2)      A matrix for fuel batteries is manufactured by mixing 90-99 wt.% beta-crystalline silicon carbide fine particles and 1-10 wt.% PTFE resin powder with a hydrocarbon lubricant, with a boiling point of 100-250 degrees C. The mixture is then kneaded and formed into a sheet, and the sheet is heated to remove the lubricant.    ADVANTAGE -   The matrix can be precisely filled. The matrix can be made thin, and is formed without cracks, increasing strength and reducing the change of battery rupture or leakage due to gas production in the cell. a higher degree of PTFE fibrillation can be achieved, increasing the matrix water resistance, and electrolyte retention. The matrix is easily produced.
Ionic electroconductor material comprises lanthanum substd. solid soln. calcium hydroxyapatite of formula LaxCa10-X(P04)6(0H)2-X0X, where X=0.2-1.5.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The material is used for a steam sensor, or oxygen sensor, or for fuel cells. Electroconductity of the material is large and stable.    In an example, Ca(N03)2, La(N03)3, and (NH4)2HP04 were used as starting materials, and using these materials, powder of the lanthanum substd. solid soln. calcium hydroxyapatite of formula, LaXCa10-X(P04)6(0H)2-X0X, was synthesised by wet method. Then, the powder was calcined at approx. 800 deg.C for 1 hr. The calcined powder was then pelletised, and sintered at 1250 deg.C for 1 hr. in steam flow. Electroconductivity of the obtd. sintered material was at higher value when the value of X was set between approx 0.5 and 1, and at the highest value when the value of X was set at approx. 0.8.
Fuel for cell is new. The fuel comprises hydrocarbon to be converted with steam. Water to be added to the hydrocarbon is at least partially supplied in the form of aerosol.    Aerosol is generated with the ultrasonic moistening device installed directly before a fuel converter. Fine mist of water is produced using an ultrasonic oscillator, then conveyed with the hydrocarbon gas flow as aerosol.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Moistening of the hydrocarbon can be done with simple system in compliance with change of output power of the fuel cell. Compact device can be designed.
The connector has an inner plastics body with axial channels spaced angularly around the periphery to receive individual conductors, and for mounting resilicat elongated split tubular contacts which have a D-shaped cross-section and which are crimped to respective conductors. A plastic cap fits over the inner body which is received in an outer plastics tube. The cap is latched onto the inner body by two latches.    Pref. the inner body, outer body, cap and latches are made of modified polycarbonate known as XENON (RTM).    ADVANTAGE -   A firm positive clamping is achieved without damaging the cable or creating short circuits between the conductors.
An electrically insulated joint is provided between two fluid conduits, one of which is connected to a fuel cell stack and the other of which is connected to a source of the fluid being circulated through the stack. The two conduits are both pref. formed from stainless steel. One being larger than the other. An intermediate dielectric insulating sleeve is fitted onto the outside of the smaller conduit and extends beyond a free end.    The free end of the smaller conduit and a portion of the dielectric sleeve are expanded to the size of the larger conduit's bore and telescoped into the larger conduit's bore. The free end of the larger conduit is then shrunk down onto the outside surface of the unexpanded part of the dielectric sleeve and the smaller conduit. The resultant point has terminal cylindrical portions and an intermediate tapered portion.    USE -   Insulated pipe joint esp. for electricity generating multi-stack power plant.
The battery includes a container and a U-shaped carrying handle. The container includes two spaced pairs of formations. Each pair of formations defines an upwardly open gap and each formation affords a downwardly directed shoulder below the gap. Each limb of the handle carries an elongate projection at its free end. The length of the projection at its free end. The length of the projections perpendicular to the plane of the handle is greater than the width of the gaps. The width of the projections in a direction parallel to the length of the limbs is such that they can pass through the gaps.    The spacing and arrangement of the gaps and projections are such that the projections may pass down through respective gaps. The handle is in an inoperative position and may be rotated into an operative position in which it may be used to carry the battery with the projections engaging the shoulders on the associated formations.    ADVANTAGE -   Simple and cheap handle which can be easily and rapidly applied to battery.
Storage cell comprises: positive and negative chambers sepd. by a microporous separator; a negative fluid contg. ions selected from Sn, Ti, V and Cr; and a positive fluid contg. hal gas and hal ions. The cell operates at 0-100 deg. C.    Pref. both fluids are continuously circulated through their respective chambers; hal gas is pref. Cl2, the concn. in the positive fluid being pref. 50-100% of satn.    Specifically, both fluids contain metal ions at a concn. of 0.25-4.0 M and the pressure in each chamber is 1-10 atoms.; the membrane has a pore size of 0.005-0.5 micron. The negative ions are Cr2+ and Cr3+ ions and the positive ions are Cr3+ ions, each at a concn. of 0.8-3.0 M. The cell temp. is pref. 60-100 deg. C.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   As a storage battery for vehicles, domestic systems, emergency systems, etc., providing long operational life and large depth of charge.
A ceramic coating agent of zirconium and yttrium dissolved in solvent of cyclohexane, is supplied to a substrate of glass and fired at 500 deg.C to form dense YSZ film of less than 0.1 micro.m thickness.    USE -   Formation of high efficiency fuel cell.
Oxygen ion conductive film is composed of solid soln. of ceria-yttria. Flame coating material composed of ceria-yttria and having 10-80 microns particle size, is applied to a permeable base to form the film.    Pref. the ratio of ceria and yttria is 70:30 to 96.5:3.5.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Oxygen ion conductivity can be significantly improved. by using the oxygen ion conductive film as solid electrolyte in a fuel cell, a power density of about 2.5 times at peak value is obtd. in comparison with zirconia-yttria sintered electrolyte.
Gas diffusion cathode for an O2-consuming cell is formed by: forming a porous body of conductive C; contacting it with an aq. alkaline electrolyte at its liq. contacting face and with H2 or an inert atmos. at its gas contacting face; and passing current through the body to effect an improvement in its O2 reduction polarisation behaviour. Pref. inert gases are N2 and Ar; pref. C is active C or C black.    ADVANTAGE -   Electrode exhibits superior voltage performance under O2 reduction polarisation conditions.
The cooling system includes a coolant stream continuously recirculatable through the device, with the coolant heated in it. A heat sink is disposed within the coolant stream and in fluid communication with it with the coolant passing through it. Ice is disposed within the heat sink and contactable with the coolant such that a desired coolant temperature is achieved.    In a burst power fuel cell, the coolant stream is directed to a heat sink containing ice with direct contact between the recirculating coolant (water) and the ice contained in the heat sink cooling the stream before return to the fuel cell.    ADVANTAGE -   Does not require external radiatons or involve external venting of gases vapours or liquids.
Appts. comprises a reforming reactor contg. pipes for uniform heating, in the fuel-flowing direction. The pipes may extend from a central reforming reactor zone of the reactor to its inlet or outlet.    USE -   Used for fuel gases for fuel cells.
The fuel reforming plant is for fuel batteries using methanol gas fuel. The unit has a combustion furnace provided at the outlet of the fuel battery, heat exchanger consisting of heater, evaporator, heat source evaporator or heat soruce heater, denitrification unit, air preheater for heat recovery, methanol heater and methanol evaporator using steam as heat source, methanol steam reforming reactor, and means for connecting the above.    ADVANTAGE -   Good temp. controll of the reforming reactor. The plant is highly efficient with low public hazard and high reliability.
(JP2621863-B2)      Melt carbonate fuel cell has a planar electrolyte layer containing a carbonate melt, and a porous fuel electrode. A fuel gas passage slot is formed in the electrolyte resistant layer of the fuel electrode. An oxidising agent porous electrode and a conductive separator are also present. The cell is sealed by a borate glass which contains Li oxide.    ADVANTAGE -   Heat resistance cycle is improved.
An electrical battery comprising a container (1) divided into cells with plates and separator (3) assemblies. Each cell has a fastening member (8) comprising four parallel columns (10) tapered towards each end connected by an intermediate transverse plate (16) at right angles to the column (10). The tapered columns (10) are between the packets of plates and separators (3) and the cell walls putting pressure on the package thus securing against vibration movement. Each cell also has anchorages (9), for the connecting bridges (4) joining plates of the same polarity, consisting of an 'L' shaped member on one arm (17) bearing on the bridge (4) with side walls (19) to grip the bridges (4) and the other arm (18) bearing on the inside battery container wall (1).    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents battery bridge fracture and gives better plate and separator vibration resistance.
In an arrangement for obtaining energy from wind, electrical energy from wind-powered generators is used to produce hydrogen which can be stored for subsequent use. The arrangement has automatic electronic and aerodynamic regulation to ensure constant rotational speed irrespective of the actual wind speed without using brakes, even at hurrican-force wind speeds.    The wind generators are pref. provided in great numbers on the sea so as to take advantage of the sea breezes without needing such high towers as are required for corresp. land-based generators for the same power.    ADVANTAGE -   Higher conversion efficiency than conventional oil, coal or uranium powered electricity generation.
A heat exchanger assembly for use in controlling fluid temps. in a fuel cell power plant, and a method of operating the heat exchanger are claimed.    The heat exchanger comprises a single housing through which reformed fuel from a reformer is passed from the housing inlet to the outlet in heat exchange relationship with (i) raw hydrocarbon fuel which is passed from the outlet to the inlet, (ii) coolant water,, from a power section of the power plant, which is passed from the outlet to a middle portion of the housing and (iii) steam from the power plant which is passed from the middle portion to the inlet, such that (a) the reformed fuel enters at reformer temps. and exits at power point power section temps., (b) raw hydrocarbon fuel enters at ambient temp. and exits at reformer temps., (c) coolant water enters at power station temps. and exits as a two phase water-steam mixt. and (d) steam enters at steam separator temps. and exits at reformer temps.    ADVANTAGE -   A single heat exchanger is used for cooling the reformer effluent fuel gas to temps. suitable for the shift converter operation which precedes fuel gas transfer to the stack, producing some of the steam used in the reformer, superheating the steam and preheating the raw hydrocarbon fuel prior to reforming. The heat exchanger is brought to operating temp. on start-up by coolant from the stack and by purging steam, thus avoiding the need for separate electric start-up heaters.
(JP2569540-B2)      A separator for fuel cells is claimed. The flow path aperture for feed of an oxidising gas (5) and a fuel gas (6) and the flow path aperture for ejection (7,8) are provided on the first side of a peripheral part. A separate gas passage is formed on the front and rear sides. The gas passage on the one side and the flow path aperture for supply and exhausting of the fuel gas are connected. Between the flow path aperture for the oxidising gas at the side of one of each peripheral part at the front and rear sides are the flow path aperture for the fuel gas. An internal leak inhibition slot (15) which is gas permeable is provided between the flow path aperture of the oxidising gas on the side which is non a peripheral one and the flow path aperture of the fuel gas respectively. The internal leak inhibition slots are connected to the outside. The slot is composed so that it is connected to the outside such that any internal gas leaking does not contact any other gases.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For fuel cells. Partial combustion caused by an internal leak is inhibited. Cell performance can be maintained high.
The battery enclosure comprises a horizontal tractor member having a lower surface which is immediately above a space, and an enclosure top wall affixed with respect to the lower surface of the horizontal member. A pair of opposed side walls depending from the top wall define a battery use space. A support floor having a top surface is opposed side edge portions adjacent to the opposed side walls, and a lead edge extends between the opposed side edge portions.    The floor is movably attached to the opposed side walls such that the floor is movable between a position beneath and a position at least partially offset from the battery use space. A door is hinged to the lead edge and is pivotable between a closed position and an open position with the door having an inside surface which is fully coplanar with the floor when in the open position.    ADVANTAGE -   Ready accessible for easy checking and servicing.
The Ni-system component comprises one or more of 0.4-5 wt% Si, and 0.1-10 wt% or 20-40 wt% A1, and balance Ni or Ni-Cr, and impurities. The Ni-system component is submitted to oxidising treatment.    USE -   The Ni-system component is used for electrode material and separator material of fused carbonate type fuel cells, having excellent corrosion resistance in fused carbonate environment.
The constitutional material comprises by wt.0.5-30% Cr, 0.5-10% A1, 0.5-7% Co and/or Ni, and balance Fe and impurities.    The material may contain 0.5-10% Si.    USE -   The material has good strength, corrosion resistance, workability and is cheap.
The material is made by coating A1 and Co and/or Ni as the single metal, alloy, oxide or their combination on the surface of a ferrous material, followed by diffusing the coating material in the surface layer of the ferrous material by heat treatment.    USE -   The material has excellent corrosion resistance, workability and economy.
Electrical conductive substrate is made by making woven fabric or knitted web using fibre strand of flame-proofing fibre, as a precursor fibre of C-fibre impregnating carbonisable substance in the woven fabric or knitted web; and heat treating it in non-oxidising atmos. to carbonising the flameproofing fibre and carbonisable substance.    USE -   The electrical conductive substrate is used for gas diffusion electrodes or separators of phosphoric acid type fuel cells, having excellent permeability of gas and electrical conductivity, and also shape retentiveness.
A terminal clamp of the type used on a motor vehicle battery located on the projecting circular pole of the battery. The clamp has a main block (1) with a slot in the radial direction from the central bore.    A clearance hole is located on the centre line and receives a threaded screw (6). The underside of the block has tapered surfaces and these locate against the angle surface of a threaded nut (11). When the screw is tightened the block is forced tightly against the pole. An alternative version has a single mating taper arrangement.    ADVANTAGE -   Ensures tight contact of clamp against pole.
The fuel electrode layer and the air electrode layer are overlapped through an electrolyte layer. A cloth made of fibre having heat-resisting properties, is placed in at least one of the electrolyte layer, the fuel electrode layer and the air electrode layer.    The porous air electrode layer is formed by the flame coating or slurry coating of the perovskite oxide such as LaCoO3, LaCrO3, LaMnO3, etc. The electrolyte layer is formed by the CVD method of YSZ, etc. The fuel electrode layer is a porous film formed by slurry coating of a mixt. of NiO and YSZ, etc. The cloth is composed of ceramic fibre such as alumina, zirconia, etc.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The distortion caused by the difference of the thermal expansion between the electrolyte layer and the electrode, is absorbed, so that the electrode itself can be prevented from breaking even when cracking is generated.
Nitrogen is led by a recycle blower to a reformer process part, a high/low temp. shift converter and pipings to raise temp. of these, and after the reformer process part side reaches a certain temp. steam is led to the part through a flow control velve. The steam is heated at the part, and heated steam is used for raising temp. of the pipings and the converter.    USE -   Time required for raising temp. of pipings is reduced. Start-up time of the plant is reduced.
Gas modified in a methanol-reforming device is used as main fuel for power generation, and flammable gas obtd. after reaction is burnt in a furnace from which the waste gas is used as heat source for the reforming device. Along the waste gas stream are the furnace, a superheater, a methanol reforming reactor, a fuel economiser, a denitrating means, and a means to circulate low temp. waste gas to the furnace.    USE -   The reforming reactor is heated directly by low 02 gas. Safety is improved.
The membrane is supported by 1st. frame. Porous resin thermoplastic component consisting of foamed material and forming elastic component by thermal expansion is contacted to the frame so as to cover the circumference edge of the membrane. 2nd. frame put in contact with them so as to close the porous component to a predetermined dimension. The porous component is heated in wet state to expand it, and the frame and the membrane are sealed.    USE -   The appts. is used for sealing ion exchange membrane in dialysis appts., pure water mfg. appts., or fuel cell. The sealing is performed without damaging the function of the membrane.
O2 pump for removing O2 from a gas comprises: a corrugated anode (15); a corrugated cathode (13); an intervening thin porous, flat or folded solid electrolyte (17) which forms channels (20,26) with the corrugations of each electrode; and a dc source applied between anode and cathode so that O2 is transferred from a gas introduced into the cathode channels through the solid electrolyte into the anode channels. Pref. each electrode is formed of porous LaMnO3 and the electrolyte is ZrO2: Y2O3.    ADVANTAGE -   Concd. O2 is formed without H2 generation using a low -cost, efficient, portable pump.
An appts. comprises an outer and inner tube to form a furnace body, catalyst pipes charged between the tubes, and tubular guide plates attached to the inner surface of the outer tube and/or outer surface of the inner tube.    USE -   For fuel cells.
In all alkali electrolyte fuel cell sepd. by an ion exchange membrane into an anode chamber contg. an alkali aq. electrolyte and a cathode chamber contg. a carbonate aq. electrolyte containing formaldehyde, the improvement is that the ion exchange membrane consists of fluorine series anion exchange membrane composed of the copolymer having formula (I). In (I) X is F or CF3, K is 0-5, m is 0 or 1, n is 1-5, p and q are positive integers and p/q is 2-16, Y is quat. ammonium-contg. gp).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The fuel cell can be used for a long period at a high efficiency without an undesirable decomposition of formaldehyde.
Metal and/or metal oxide is formed on at least one side of the F-base anionic exchange membrane comprising a copolymer composed of repeat unit (I); where X=F, CF3; 1=0, 1-5 integer; m=0.1; n=1-5 integer, p, q are positive numerals with p/q= 2-16; and Y= a gp. comprising quat. ammonium.    USE -   For fuel cells, electrolytic appts., electroconductive thin films for EL displays, touch panels; and sensor films.
Prodn. of unsatd. from satd. hydrocarbons comprises: (a) passing an O2-contg. gas through a fuel cell comprising an O2-ion-permeable solid electrolyte coated on one surface with an electrically conducting metal or metal oxide, or mixed metal/metal oxide coating catalytic for the redn. of free or combined O2 in the gas to oxygen ions, and on a 2nd surface with an electrically conducting metal or metal oxide, or mixed metal/metal oxide coating catalytic for the oxidative dehydrogenation of the satd. hydrocarbon feedstock to give an unsatd. hydrocarbon prod., the two electrically conducting coatings being connected together by an external circuit and the O2-contg. gas being passed through the cell in contact with the 1st coating; (b) simultaneously passing a gaseous satd. hydrocarbon feedstock through the fuel cell in contact with the 2nd coating; and (c) recovering the unsatd. hydrocarbon prod. from the cell effluent.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process is pref. used to convert 2-6C aliphatic and 5-6C cycloaliphatic hydrocarbons; and esp. for converting C2H6 to C2H4 and C2H2 and for converting C3H8. E.g. at 800 deg.C, there was 73.5% conversion of C2H6 with 92.4% selectivity to C2H4. The yield (67.91%) is increased from 65.55% as a result of connecting up the external circuit as claimed.
A separator for removing water from hydrogen in fuel cell prodn. and returning the hydrogen to the cell power system comprises a centrifugal separator from which water is fed to a holding discharge valve via a Pitot tube.    Pref. a bleed orifice in the Pitot tube carries entrained non-dissolved hydrogen back to the system via a rotary sump.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For use in space vehicle fuel cells with reduced gravity-free hydrogen entrainment problems.
An arrangement for the endothermic reaction of a gas includes a vertical cylindrical vessel (100) coaxial with which is a circular endothermic reaction chamber (818) with two cylindrical walls (822, 824). Other components include a gas-permeable cylindrical combustion-catalyser holding wall (300+400) which is coaxial with the vessel (100) and which has, on the side facing the reaction chamber (818), a catalyser holding bed (400). A mixt. of a fuel gas and an oxygen-contg. gas is burned by the catalyser to become a combustion gas and produce heat. An initial- or raw-material gas flows through the reaction chamber, where it reacts endothermically and becomes a prod. gas which gives up heat before it leaves the reactor.    The example shown is intended for converting hydrocarbons into a gaseous mixt. contg. large amts. of hydrogen and carbon monoxide as active constituents, by the transformation of the hydrocarbons with steam at high temps. in the presence of a steam re-forming catalyst. The cylindrical reaction vessel (100) includes a gas-permeable wall (170) surrounding a charging duct (160) for oxygen-contg. gas.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   A typical use is for steam re-forming. The reactor has high efficiency combined with min. bulk.
The battery is tensioned on its base with a clamp tong and - by using a chain lift with running rollers on rails, and after the acid has been extracted - is moved over a scrap pallet. There a vibrator is switched on to vibrate out the unusable battery cells. The housing remains undamaged and can be remanufactured.    USE -   Starter and vehicle batteries.
The battery cable (1) in a vehicle is fitted with a lead or lead alloy terminal by stripping the outer insulation (2) from the Al cable core (3) over a given length. The stripped end is fitted with a metal section (4) before attaching the terminal to the latter. The metal section (4) is made of metal which is compatible on the outside with the lead and compatible on the inside with the Al are (3).    The metal section (4) may be made of Al or an Al alloy with an external surface coating of nickel (5), in turn coated with a this layer of lead (6). Alternatively, the metal section (4) is made of tin with a lead or tin-lead outer coating.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents high resistivity problems.
Appts. for methanol prodn. includes means to receive hydrocarbon feed and produce synthesised feed gas contg. hydrogen, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. Fuel cell follows reformer means to receive synthesiser feed gas, and consumes as a fuel, a preset portion of hydrogen in the feed gas to reach desired value for stoichiometric number for synthesiser feed gas. Methanol synthesis means after fuel cell receives synthesiser feed gas from fuel cell and produces methanol gas.    Pref. the fuel cell is phosphoric acid type of molten carbonate fuel cell.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to produce methanol from hydrocarbon feed stock using synthesis gas. By accurate control of fuel cell output, the methnaol gas output concn. can be precisely controlled.
The cable mfg. method comprises the steps of providing a tubular member having two opposed elongate and extends. One end extend forms a barrel for accommodating an electrical cable end. A central extent of the tubular member intermediate the two ends is flattened without substantially flattening the end extends. The tubular member is then bent at the flattened central extent to dispose the first end extent at an angular disposition with respect to the second end extent.    The second end extent is formed into a terminal end for electrical connection to an electrical device. The angular disposition of the end extents is 90 deg.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For vehicle battery terminal post. Easily secured to stripped end of cable.
Non-aq. sec. element has positive and negative electrodes and a non-aq. electrolyte soln. The novelty is that the positive electrode consists of polyaniline (I) contg. 15-30 wt.% BF4 as active material. (I) gives an aq. extract with an equilibrium pH of 2.4-4 if 1 g (I) is extracted with 200 ml water. (I) is used in the form of a polyaniline film, which has been purified by passing water or an organic solvent through the film continuously in the thickness direction to remove impurities, opt. above or below atmos. pressure. (I) is deposited on a planar network of electroconductive material, pref. a stainless steel mesh. The negative electrode consists of Li-Al alloy contg. 25-65 atom-% Li as active material; and the electrolyte soln. of over 1 to 3 mole/1 LiBF4 dissolved in 35-65 vol.% propylene carbonate, the rest dimethoxyethane.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The cell has better self-discharge properties, a longer cycle time or lifetime and greater discharge capacity than usual. It is useful e.g. in automobiles, aircraft, portable electrical equipment and electric automobiles.
Fuel cell comprises: gas impervious separator (2) with a hole (9) for fuel gas; an oxide powder plate plate (5) with a hole in registry with the first; a gas impervious solid electrolyte plate with a hole also in registry; a tubular gasket (7) in the cathode hole which seals and protects the cathode from the fuel gas; and a powder anode plate (4) with a hole in registry with the other holes.    The plates pref. include a further hole (12) in registry with each other for O2 gas supply, a second tubular gasket (8) being provided to seal the anode and protect it from the O2 gas.    ADVANTAGE -   Cell has a simple, low cost design which is reliable and efficient.
This vehicle battery, warming and ventilating device has one air duct branch connected to the battery's delivery zone and the other - to the suction zone, in which the radiator sections are fixed.    When transferring a diesel engine to the winter regime, a ventilation hose (3) is covered by a baffle (8) and ventilation holes (9), by a gate valve (10). Air delivered by a fan (5) to a cooling device's (12) shaft, passes through the radiators. The air is then heated by the diesel's hot water and via the casing (4), is ejected to atmosphere. Part of this air gets into a cross-head's (1) heating system, and goes along the air duct (7) into the battery compartment.    ADVANTAGE -   More reliable battery operation is claimed. Bul.10.15.3.88
Solid electrolyte comprises Sr oxide and Ce oxide, as base, metal oxide in which the metal exhibits weaker ion bond strength with oxygen than Ce, e.g. Zr, Ti, Sn etc., and oxide(s) of Y, Sc, Yb, Nb, Mg, Pr and Zn.    ADVANTAGE -   Improved conductivity (almost the same as oxygen ion conductor).
Electricity is produced in a molten alkali carbonate fuel cell using S-contaminated fuel gas, anode polarisation being reduced by passing the fuel gas contg. up to 10 ppm H2S by vol. through a porous anode contg. 10-100 wt% Cu. The balance of the anode is pref. Ni and/or Co. A pref. gas contains 10-35 vol% CO and 1-10 ppm H2S, pref. 1-5 ppm H2S.    ADVANTAGE -   Use of the above anode enhances cell operation when the above fuel gas is used.
A gas diffusion electrode (72) comprises an electronically conductive and electrochemically active porous body having gas-(82) and electrolyte-(84) contacting surfaces. The electrolyte contacting surface (84) is covered by a gas impermeable layer (106) which comprises an electrolyte-insoluble ionomeric ionically conductive hydrophilic hydrogel formed by coprecipitation between two precursor polymers.    The hydrogel layer (106) is formed in sita on the surface (84) by reaction of solns. of a polymer contg. cationic gps., e.g. poly(dimethyl dialkyl ammonium chloride) (I) and a polymer containing anionic gps., e.g. poly(styrene sulphonic and as a perfluorosulhponic and polymer in equiv. ratio 3-100:1. The solns.-are of equal vol. and the hydrogel is insoluble in the solvents used.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The electrode (72) is used in gas generating as consuming electrochemical cells which have an aq. alkaline electrolyte. The cell (80) can operate at high gas (66) versus electrolyte differential pressure at high current density without significant voltage loss.
A gas diffusion electrode (12) comprises an electronically conductive and electrochemically active porous body having a gas impermeable electrolyte-insoluble ionomeric ionically conductive hydrophilic hydrogel filling at least par of the pore volume. The hydrogel is formed by coprecipitation between at least two precursor polymers.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The electrode (12) is used gas generating as consuming electrochemical cells (10) which have an aqs. alkaline electrolyte (18). The cell (10) can operate at high gas (16) versus electrolyte (18) differential pressure at high current density without significant voltage loss.
A gas diffusion electrode (12) comprises an electronically conductive and electrochemically active porous body having gas (16)- and electrolyte (18)- contacting surfaces (15, 17). The electrolyte-contacting surface (17) is covered with an ionomeric ionically conductive gas impermeable layed (106) which is a hydrophilic ionic polymer crosslinked on the surface (17) by exposure to high energy ionising radiation.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The electrode (12) is used in gas generating as consuming electrochemical cells (10) which have an aqs. alkaline electrolyte (18). The cell (10) can operate at high gas (16)versus electrolyte differential pressure at high current density without significant voltage loss.
An electrode (12) comprises an electromically conductive and electrochemically active porous body having gas (16)-and electrolyte (18) -contacting surfaces(15,17 esp.). The electrolyte- contacting surface (17) is covered with an ionomeric ionically conductive hydrophilic anionic exchange resin (1061) e.g. PTFE, etc. is impermeable to gas flow.    USES/ADVANTAGES -   The electrode (12) is used in gas generating asconsuming electrochemical cells (10) which have an aqs. alkaline electrolyte (18). The cell (10) can operate at high gas (16) versus electrolyte (18) differential pressure at high current density without significant voltage loss.
A gas diffusion electrode (12) comprises a electronically conductive and electrochemically active porous body having gas-(16) and electrolyte -(18) contacting surfaces (15,17 esp.) The electrolyte - contacting surface (17) is covered with an ionomeric ionically conductive gas impermeable layer (106) which comprises a hydrophilic ionic polymer applied directly to the surface (17) and an overlying membrane of a hydrophilic ion exchange resin.    The porous body is a laminate of a porous hydrophobic layer (102) and a porous electrochemically active material (104), e.g. carbon having a catalyst such as cobalt tetramethoxy-phenyl porphyrin (I) adsorbed thereon. The hydrophilic ionic polymer can be a cationicpolymer, or an anionic polymer, e.g. poly(styrenesulphonic acid). The ion exchange resin is a fluorinated polymer, e.g. PTFE, grafted with quaternised vinyl benzyl amine, ar a tetraalkylaminonium polymer, a perfluorosulphonic acid polymer.    USES/ADVANTAGES -   The electrode (12) is used in gas generating a consuming electrochemical cells (10) which have an aqs. alkaline electrolyte (18). The cell (10) can operate at high gas (16) versus electrolyte (18) differential pressure at high current density without significant voltage loss.
Polyalkylamines of formula (I), (II) and (III) are new    R1-(CH2)-NH-(CH2)3 -NR3-(CH2)o-NH-(CH2)-R2 (I)    R'1-(CH2)2-NH-(CH2-X -(CH2)-NH-(CH2)2-R'2 (II)    R''1-(CH2)m-NH- (CH2)n-X'-(CH2)q -NH-(CH2)p-R''2 (III)    (where R1 = R2 = 2-pyridyl; o = 2, 3 or 4; R3 = H for a o = 2 or 4; R3 = Me for o = 3; R'1, R'2 = 2-pyridyl or amino; X = 2,6-pyridyl; R''1, R''2 = organic gps. contg. N; m, n, q, p = 1-4; X' = 2,6-pyridyl, 2,6-piperidyl, 2,5-pyrrolyl, 2,5-imidazolyl, O, S, P or N-R'3; R'3 = H, lower alkyl or aralkyl; n and q are unequal).    Also claimed are metallic complexes of a polyalkylamine of formula (IV) (where R''1 and R''2 are organic gps. including a N coordinated to M, pref. M = Ti, Mn, Cr, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Ru, Rh, Pd, Os, Ir,V or Pt).    Also claimed is an electrochemical cell for extracting oxygen from a fluid mixt. feedstock including (a) an anode and a cathode connectible to a voltage or current source, where at least one of the anode and cathode have been oxidised to produce catalytic sites on its surface and (b) a carrier fluid including a carrier cpd. capable in a reduced state of binding oxygen and in an oxidised state of releasing oxygen.    USE -   The appts. and cpds. can be used in any application where it is desirable to remove oxygen from one location and concentrate it in a second location e.g. removal of oxygen from food prods. e.g. beer, wine and orange juice, increasing the concn. of oxygen for persons with lung disorders or supplying oxygen to free-swimming divers, to divers in submersible vehicles, to fuel cells which operate under water and to various energy consuming engines which require oxygen for combustion processes.The carrier cpds. (IV) can also reversibly bind other small moelcules e.g. CO, CO2, cyanide and hydroxide.
The battery starter apparatus includes a pair of conductors, with couplers for connecting the pair of conductors to a battery thereby causing one of the conductors to be at a higher relative potential and the other of the conductors of the pair to be at a lower relative potential due to the polarity of the battery. A control circuit is coupled to the pair of conductors and to the source of power. The control circuit includes a determiner for the polarity of the battery with after determination couples the conductor of the pair at the highest potential to higher relative voltage of the power source, and the conductor of the pair at the lower potential to lower relative voltage of the power source.    The control only couples the pair of conductors to the power source when a potential difference between the pair of conductors exceeds a preselected level.    ADVANTAGE -   Minimises possibility of explosion.
Solid polymer fuel cell stack power assembly has cells stacked one atop another. Each cell comprises a solid polymer electrolyte membrane on one face of which an anode is formed and on the opposite face of which a cathode is formed and porous anode and porous cathode flow field plates disposed adjacent anode and cathode respectively. The flow field plates have contoured surfaces facing their respective anodes and cathodes. Grooves in the contoured surface of each anode flow field plate form a hydrogen reactant flow field whereas grooves in the contoured surface of each cathode flow field plate form an oxygen reactant flow field. Projections between the grooves of each plate contact anode and cathode respectively. With the exception of the initial cell, each cell has its anode flow field plate disposed back-to-back with the cathode flow field plate of an adjacent cell but separated by a porous hydrophilic separator plate. Hydrogen is admitted into the hydrogen reactant flow fields after it has been entrained in water to moisten the anode flow field plates to the extent that cooling of the cells is accomplished by evaporating the water from them while leaving sufficient unevaporated water to saturate the anode faces of the electrolyte membranes. Oxygen reactant is admitted into the oxygen reactant flow fields and maintained at an operating pressure sufficiently greater than the operating pressure of the hydrogen reactant flow fields to force water absorbed by the cathode flow field plates from the cathode faces of the electrolyte membranes and flow through the porous separator plates into the anode flow field plates of adjacent cells.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Invention is water management system for a solid polymer fuel cell stack to ensure that water migrates through the stack and the electrolyte membranes do not dry out. y .
The display contains a device dividing the voltage being monitored, logic elements (4,7&10), adjustable oscillators (5&6), a peak detector (11) and a signalling element (8). It also has an extra ladder circuit connected to the input of oscillator (5) consisting of a resistor (13) and a buffer element (14) with an open collector, the input of which is designed for connection into the car starter circuit. When the engine is switched off the three-level voltage display will monitor the first level of accumulator voltage (10,8V). When the engine starts the second level is monitored (9V). When the engine is running the display monitors the third level (12 V). The display will provide a winking signal in a low-frequency light diode (1Hz) and a continuously burning light at high frequency (4Hz).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The car battery voltage can be monitored more reliably. Bul.9/7.3.88
The terminal clamp has a slit clamp ring fitted to the end of the battery lead cable. The clamp ring is pushed over the respective battery terminal and has an external conical thread for reception of a clamp cap with a corresp. internal conical thread.    Pref. the clamp cap has a six-sided outer surface to allow it to be tightened via a spanner after initial tightening via an integral lever handle.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   E.g. for vehicle battery. Simple reliable fixing of cable lead to respective battery terminal.
The battery cable terminal includes a metallic contact element having a ferrule for receiving an end of the cable and further has a contact portion for engaging the post. The terminal also includes a resilient, one-piece plastic clamp having a pair of arms defining an opening for receiving the post. The clamp holds the element so that the contact portion engages the post when the post is received by the clamp. The arms having facing distal ends defining a constricted throat for the opening with the facing end of each arm having a bearing surface so that the facing ends can be pried apart to increase the size of the opening.    The clamp is spreadable from an as-formed condition in which the opening with the clamp holding the element has a dimension less than a corresponding dimension of the post, to a spread condition where the dimension of the opening is greater than the corresponding dimension of the post. In the spread condition, the clamp can be inserted over the post without substantial interference. The clamp returns towards its as-formed condition to firmly hold the post upon release of the clamp from its spread condition.    ADVANTAGE -   provides long service life, low resistance and reliable connection.
H2 rich gas (4) is fed to the anode and air (5) to the cathode of a fuel cell (6) to obtain H2O (7), electrical energy (8) and a N2 rich exhaust gas depleted in O2. The exhaust gas is fed (11) to a liquifier (12) to produce a liq. O2/N2 mixt. for feeding (13) to a fractionator (14). N2 prod. (15) and byproduct O2 (16) streams are obtd. from the fractionator (14). Pref. the H2 rich gas (4) is obtd. from a fuel processor (3) supplied with hydrocarbons (1) and steam (2).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Process is energy efficient since unwanted O2 is removed prior to liquefaction. N2 prod. does not contain S or C contaminants. Electrical energy produced by the fuel cell can be used in liquefaction. N2 prod. is used e.g. in secondary oil recovery.
The Fe-base alloy comprises by wt. 0.15% or less C, 1% or less Si, 2% or less Mn, 15-35% Ni, 15-35% Cr, 0.1-0.9% Al, 0.5% or less Y, and balance Fe and impurities.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for separators and current correctors for fused carbonate type fuel cells, having good corrosion resistance.
Water is photocatalytically decomposed by: loading a semiconductor having a hexagonal crystal structure with a noble metal and a transition metal oxide; suspending it in an aq. soln. of Ru-O2 complex (I); irradiating light pref. solar light, under an inert atmos.; and separating the resulting H2 and O2.    (I) is pref. of (Ru(L)(OH)2)O2 type where L = EDTA, HEDTA, CDTA or PDTA. The semiconductor is pref. CdS, ZnS, CdxZnxS or CdS doped with Ag2S, TiO2 or BaTiO2.    ADVANTAGE -   H2 and O2 are simultaneously formed using solar energy without consuming fossil fuel, EDTA or electrical energy.
A system, pref. consists of a number of small convertors of equal power, for environmental reasons, and is used to produce electricity, i.e. to electrolyse water and produce hydrogen. The hydrogen in turn is used as fuel as required.    Each convertor has multiple individually excitable rotors on an axis with possible displaced poles.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Supplying energy for universal use. Enables efficiencies for higher than from conventional or nuclear power systems.
(JP2545821-B2)      In the mfr. of a fuel cell with a pressure resistant layer, a slurry is applied to a substrate to form a thin film of uniform thickness that is dried and peeled off to form a thin plate. The slurry comprises binder, dispersant and electroconductive metal powder. The thin plate is stored in a reducing or deoxidising atmos. and cold worked so that the coordination factor of the clearance of 2-3 microns of the dia. of a mean blow hole is 40%. The thin plate is impregnated with a colloid of a stable ceramics. Cold working of the dry porous thin plate is carried out and the clearance factor is reduced. The fuel cell comprises separator (1), fuel electrode (2), electrolyte layer (4) and air electrode (5).    ADVANTAGE -   Internal leakage does not occur due to pressure difference between air and fuel electrodes and on repeated heating-cooling cycles. Cell performance can be maintained for long periods.
A container (10) for electric storage batteries is a single piece of plastic material having a structure consisting of a thin compact high density outer coat (11) and a thicker inner core (12) made of the same material but of lower density.    The plastic material is pref. a propylene copolymer or ABS. The outer coat is 1-2.5 mm thick. The inner core has average thickness 4mm and density up to 20% lower than the outer coat.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The container is sued for batteries for trucks, earthmoving machines, railway coaches and tractors. It is lightweight, impact resistant and dimensionally rigid.
The base moulding (2) of plastics or elastomer material extends along both sides and across both ends of the battery casing (1) at different levels, with a higher level (H5) of 29mm at one end (5) and a lower level (H4) which is adjustable between 10.5 and 19.5 mm at the other end (4).    A recess (3) is provided in the top of the moulding for a clamp, and a catch (18) secures the end moulding (4) to the base (2). Different positions of the mouldings for Volkswagon, Volvo, Mazda ano Ford cars are disclosed, with arrangements for transporting positive and negative poles for short cables.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. in private cars and light vans. Simple shaping of base of battery makes it compatible with almost any make of vehicle.
Each battery plate has a lug projecting from it. Stacking of the plates is accomplished so that all the positive and negative plate lugs are aligned as separate sets along the side of the stack. A comb-like positioning jig, interdigitates with the lugs of each set and precisely aligns and spaces them from each other. With the lugs held firmly and accurately in place by the jig, a mould is positioned between and about the roots of the lugs of each polarity set and the insulating material injected into the mould under pressure.    The material fills the mould cavity and compressively engages the roots of the lugs. After cooling, the jig and mould are removed leaving the lugs firmly and immovably embedded within the plastic ribbon. The roots of the lugs preferably have a notch to receive the resin and thus more firmly secure the ribbon to the lugs.    ADVANTAGE -   Strip rigidises ribbon against vibration or handling damage.
(JP2610255-B2)      In a carbonate fuel cell, a conductive separator has a gas path running from one side to the other. A number of cells are laminated together. The multilayer body has a cooling plate between the unit cells with the coolant path. A manifold for supply/recovery of the reactant gas is supplied on each of the four sides of the multilayer body. A perforated panel between the reactant gas inlet and the multilayer body is provided upstream of the manifold. A cooling plate has a wedge shaped rectifying protrusion projecting towards the perforated plate.    ADVANTAGE -   The construction is simplified and the cooling plate does not have an adverse thermal effect, thus improving the fuel cell output.
In a hydrogen generation and storage process, the novelty is that the storage material is photo-electrochemically activated. The storage material may be surface coated with a gas-permeable photo-semiconductive layer or maybe in contact with a photo-semiconductive material. Pref. the photo-electrochemically active material is in the form of electrodes used alternatively or simultaneously as fuel cell electrodes.    ADVANTAGE -   The process allows a combined photo electrolysis, hydride storage and fuel cell to be obtd.
A molten carbonate fuel cell uses molten carbonate as an electrolyte, carbonate ions as conductor carriers, hydrogen-enriched gas as a reaction gas for the anode, and a mixt. of air and carbon dioxide gas as a reaction gas for the cathode. The novelty is that the fuel cell is eqipped with a control system that rejuvenates the fuel cell by reducing or shutting off the supply of at least one of the reaction gases below it, electrochemical equivalent feed rate on the basis of the current flowing through the fuel cell when the characteristic indicators of the fuel cell have fallen below specified limits.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   High-performance stable output charateristics are provided over an extruder period. (First major country equivalent to J63170866-A)
The post cap comprises an annular body with a corrugated wall defining a cavity for receiving the post. The wall has several inwardly-projecting accordion pleats defining several valleys between. The pleats each have a bendable ridge for engaging a post and permitting radial expansion of the body when the cap is positioned about the post. A tensioning member on one end of the body in part defines the cavity. The member includes a hub and several connectors extending radially from the hub. The connectors each engage a floor of one of the valleys and defines several openings between the connectors at the ends of the pleats at one end of the body.    An integral, flange extends radially outwardly from the other end of the body. The flange has an inboard edge joined to the floors at the other end of the body so as to define several second openings at the other ends of the pleats. The openings permit flexure of the pleats and expansion of the body to accommodate the small or large diameter posts.
A solid oxide fuel cell for electrochemically reacting fuel and oxidant gases at an elevated temp. to produce an electrical output includes, pref. a stacked array of, corrugated conductive sheets disposed between upper and lower flat sheets. Each thin conductive sheet comprises a thin layer of ion conductivity electrolyte disposed between thin layers of anode and cathode materials, with the corrugations forming one set of parallel flow channels on each side of the sheet surface. Facing edges of the sheet are generally V-shaped with one edge including both fuel and oxidant gas inlet means for respectively directing fuel gas into one set, and oxidant gas into the second set, of flow channels. The opposite edge of the sheet includes outlet means for directing unreacted gases out of the cell.    The upper and lower flat sheets are electron conducting interconnecting layers and are bonded to the corrugations of the conductive corrugated sheet to complete the gas flow channels. The DC output voltage of the cell is produced across these flat sheets, pref. in an external circuit.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Easily fabricated with high structural integrity. Compact design results in easy insulation and increased power density.
An electrolytic cell stack includes inactive electrolyte ing reservoirs at the upper and lower end portions. The reservoirs are separated from the stack of complete cells by impermeable, electrically conductive separators.    Pref. reservoirs at the negative and are initially low in electrolyte and those at the positive end are high in electrolytic fill. During stack operation electrolyte migration from the positive to negative end is offset by the inactive reservoir capacity. For combination with the inactive reservoirs a seating member of high points and low electrolyte retention is employed to limit electrolyte migration rate. This involves having a portion of increased cross-section and volume at the negative end portion of the stack relative to the mid portion of the stack.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Molten carbonate fuel cell stacks. Improved control over electrolytic migration and hence prolonged operation between service shut-down for redistribution of electrolyte.
The multiple heat sink cooling system comprises a coolant container, a number of heat sinks. Each heat sink has a frozen medium disposed in it and in mutual fluid communication with the heat generator. The coolant is directed from the containment device through the heat generator to a sink where the coolant is contacted with the frozen medium disposed in it. So that a desired coolant stream temperature is achieved.    The cooled coolant is directed from the heat sink through the heat generator to a second heat sink. The sequential progression of coolant flow through the heat generator is such that cooling is effected by the progressive consumption of the controlled frozen medium disposed within the heat sinks.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Spare vehicle. Capable of absorbing large quantities of energy in short periods while minimising space and eight requirements.
A device for reforming hydrocarbon into gas mixt. chiefly composed of hydrogen comprises a bed of catalyst to promote exothermic reaction, a device for introducing fuel gas and gas contg. oxygen to the bed, a device for delivering combustion gas formed in the bed, another bed for catalyst to promote gasification, a device for introducing hydrocarbon or mixt. of hydrocarbon and gasifying agent into the bed of gasification catalyst, a device for delivering gas mixt. formed in the bed of gasification catalyst, and a heatpipe. The vaporising portion of the heatpipe is located in the bed of combustion catalyst and the condensing portion of the heatpipe is located in the bed of the gasification catala catalyst.    ADVANTAGE -   Gas mixt. chiefly composed of hydrogen can be formed in the device of small size.
The body (2) of the terminal (1) is advantageously made from a brass stamped sheet, either pre-tinned or copper treated. An end-piece (3) of the body is shaped so as to clamp an electrical cable if the terminal is to be coupled to the negative terminal of a battery or two cables for the positive terminal. The other end has a slight frustum of a conical seat (6) for coupling with the battery terminal (7).    The central portion of the body (2) defines a cavity open to the seat (6) and restrained, at the other end, by a slanted abutment member. This cavity houses the clamp consisting of a small block with a shaped end flush fitting in the seat and adapted to contact the battery terminal. The block can be displaced in parallel to the battery terminal to change the clamping force exerted. The displacement is carried out by a bolt with an accessible head (21).    ADVANTAGE -   Rapid but accurate engagement and disengagement.
A catalytic reformer assembly for covnerting raw hydrocarbon fuel to a hydrogen-rich gaseous fuel, for use in a fuel cell power plant, comprises (a) a housing having a cylindrical side wall, a first dome-shaped wall, and a second wall opposite the first wall; (b) a burner in the housing positioned coaxially with the housing side wall, the burner opening through the housing second wall and including a hot gas tube which extends towards the first wall of the housing; (c) a number of catalyst tubes disposed in the housing, each with a first closed end and an opposite second end, and each provided with a ceramic heat-insulating cover having an annular free edge and overlying the top end of each catalyst tube, the covers extending a short distance toward the second ends of the catalyst tubes, the catalyst tubes being arranged in a number of circular arrays each of which is concentric with the burner, the arrays being disposed in tiers so that the first ends of all of the catalyst tubes in a first tier extend beyong the first ends of all the catalyst tubes in a second tier to the extend that a first imaginary horizontal plane containing the endmost point in each ceramic cover in the second tier is closer to the housing second wall than a second imaginary horizontal plane containing the annular free edges of each ceramic cover in the first tier; and (d) at least one optical temp. sensor mounted on the housing and focused onthe portions of the catalyst tubes in the first tier which lie between the imaginary planes to monitor the temp. of catalyst tubes in the first tier.    ADVANTAGE -   Improved fuel gas reformer having improved and more even catalyst heating capabilities and the temp. being capable of ore accurate monitoring.
The battery terminal assembly essentially comprises a pair of connectors for attachment to the ends of corresponding appliance cables and a clamp for releasably securing the connectors to the corresponding terminals of a storage battery. Each connector is defined by a conductive metal sleeve for snug engagement around a battery terminal and an insulating cap which encloses the sleeve. The cap includes a peripheral boot which sealingly engages against the surface of the battery for preventing oxidation or corrosion at the terminal connection. The sleeve further includes an attachment portion that is preferably integrally formed and extends laterally outwardly through the cap.    The attachment portion preferably includes a recess for receiving the end of an appliance cable which may be either permanently or detachably joined to the attachment portion. The clamp includes a pair of slidable brackets, with each bracket being provided with a knob which engages a correspondingly-shaped recess provided in the top of the insulating cap. The brackets are supported on an elongate beam which carries pair of adjustable linkages at its opposite ends for engaging the battery and applying pressure to the brackets for urging the knobs within their corresponding recesses to secure the connectors against the terminals. The linkages are each provided with an overcentre latch and a turnbuckle for varying the amount of force applied by the latch.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents corrosion at terminals, facilitates rapid connection and disconnection.
The junction box is cup shaped and has a flanged lip for mounting through body panel holes larger than the cup below the lip but smaller than the lip. Pull-in lugs on a screw actuated element are slidable along slots in the cup wall to approach the lip when the screw is actuated to secure the lip and, hence, the junction box to the body. The screw on each pull-in lug is accessible inside the junction box and access to the back side of the mounting area is not essential.    Jumper cables adapted to work with the junction box has polarity selective cooperating terminals to assure correct polarity of circuitry. The jumper cables have a spring clamp equipped extension cables to mate with the end of the jumper cables to serve vehicles not equipped with the junction box. The junction box is adapted for wiring permanently to the host vehicle battery.
The gas of a phosphoric acid-type fuel cell is sealed by: filling the pores in the porous material periphery of the cell components with SiC and/or Si3N4 particles which have undergone surface oxidn. treatment; and causing them to expand by reaction of the surface oxide with hot H3PO4, forming phosphates which clog the pores.    ADVANTAGE -   The gas remains sealed at all times irrespective of the amt. of H3PO4.
A mixt. of 5-12 mols LiOH and 1 mol of gamma-Al2O3 is heated at 400-800 deg.C for 15 min. to 50 hrs..    ADVANTAGE -   Lithium aluminate fibres 0.7-1 microsn dia., 10-20 microns long can be produced. No flux on gas like CO2 is required. These fibres are well entangled with one another and provide a porous sinter having a higher mechanical strength.    In an example LiOH.H2O and gamma-Al2O3 were mixed and compressed into a mould, which was then heated at 600 deg.C for 10 hrs. in an electric furnace. the heated mxit. was cooled and washed with water or acid soln. to give lithium aluminate fibres having 10-12 microns length, 0.7-1.0 microns dia. and 12-14 aspect ratio.
A mixt. of 1.5-10 mols. LiOH, 1-10 mols. NaOH and 1 mol. of gamma-Al2O3 is heated at 500-700 deg.C for 15 min. to 50 hrs.    ADVANTAGE -   Lithium aluminate fibres 0.7 micron dia., 15-20 microns long can be produced. No flux and gas-like CO2 is required. The fibres are entangled with one another and provide a porous sinter having a higher mechanical strength.    In an example, 2 mols. LiOH.H2O, 6 mols. NaOH and 1 mol. of gamma-Al2O3 were mixed and compressed into a mould, which was then heated at 650 deg.C for 10 hrs. in an electric furnace. The heated mixt. was cooled and washed with water or acid soln. to give lithium aluminate fibres having 12-18 microns length, 0.7-1.0 micron dia., and 17-18 aspect ratio. In another example, 8 mols. LiOH.H2O, 4 mols. NaOH and 1 mol. of gamma-Al2O3 were mixed and moulded, then heated at 550 deg.C for 10 hrs.; resultant fibres had 15-20 microns length, 0.7-1.0 micron dia. and 20-21 aspect ratio.
A fuel cell comprises (1) a matrix layer (pref. 10-50 microns thick, contg. 3-20 wt.% PTFE and 80-95 wt.% inorganic powder; integrally formed on one side of (2) an electrode layer of PTFE contg. a catalyst, pref. comprising 40-90 wt.% electrically conductive fine powder, pref. carbon on which the catalyst is supported and 10-60 wt.% PTFE.    ADVANTAGE -   Reduced usage of PTFE (and hence water repellency) in the matrix give greater stability against electrolyte, but the amt. of PTFE in the electrode is sufficiently increased to provide sufficient strength. Favourable contact between (A) and (B) is obtd. and handling characteristics are improved.
The negative terminals of the battery and of a DC power source are connected by a conductor cable. A pair of conductor cables are connected to the respective positive terminals, and have at each end a normally open jaw. Each jaw has a pair of elements contacting the terminals. A power transfer control circuitry is provided between the jaws and comprises a normally-open relay along one of the conductor cable pair. Connected to the other conductor is a sensor for the connections to the positive terminals and a disconnection detector.    Logic circuitry produces an activating signal to the normally open relay when the appropriate connections between the power source and the battery have been made, thus closing the relay and completion of the power transfer control circuit. An inactivating signal is produced upon sensing of disconnection of a cable connector from the positive terminal of either the power source or the battery, thus opening the relay and interrupting, in real-time, the transfer power from said source to the battery.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents arcing of positive terminals clamps due to disconnection once connection has been initiated.
A system for electrical power generation comprises an electrochemical cell which includes; a consumable metal anode, pref. a reactive alkali metal, e.g. Li; a cathode, pref. a conductive metal or metal oxide, typically AgO, which is separate from the anode in a defined electrochemical reaction zone; an electrolyte comprising an aqueous soln. of anhydrous or monohydrate hydroxide of the anode which is circulated through reaction zone to generate power and to form hydroxide; a means for converting a portion of hydroxide to water and at least one metal oxide, e.g. Li2O, and for separating the water and oxide; a means of adding water to electrolyte. The cathode material may comprise an oxygen consuming or air cathode, and the electrochemical cell additionally comprise a cathode reactant selected from O2, AgO, H2O2, H2O. The means for conversion of hydroxide to water and oxide may comprise reacting at least a portion with a reactant, pref. CO2, to yield a transformation product, i.e. carbonate, and water, and a means of reacting transformation product to yield consumable metal oxide and reactant. This may be accomplished by utilising a heat exchanger system whereby water is removed, condensed and returned to the electrochemical cell. The carbonate is retained for later processing if required.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Power generation system utilising improved performance electrochemical cell.
The battery has a case with an underside to which a pair of battery terminals are mounted so as to be exposed to ambience. A mount has a receptacle formed with an opening through which the battery is manually inserted and removed and with the receptacle having an interior floor to which a pair of electrodes is mounted upon which the battery terminals may be placed in direct contact with the battery located and held within the receptacle.    The terminals project downwardly from the case underside and have flat, bottom surfaces and the electrodes project upwardly from the receptacle interior floor and have flat, upper surfaces upon which the battery terminals are supported and electrically coupled. The pair of battery terminals is mounted asymmetrically to the case underside where the battery is set within the receptacle in either a position with the terminals in contact with or spaced from the electrodes.    ADVANTAGE -   Overcomes problems due to build up of corrosion impairing coupling between terminals and connections and does not require hand tools to clamp terminals.
Fuel cell using a liq. electrolyte, a matrix for retaining liq. electrolyte and a pair of gas diffusion electrodes each having a gas flow passage and gas supply and discharge means includes: a means for generating an electrolyte mist on the gas supply side; and a demister for trapping the mist in a gas flow passage of at least one of the electrodes and on an electrolyte passage communicating the gas flow passage with the matrix.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. with an H3PO4-type fuel cell. Cell generates a mist of appropriate mist size for supplying to the electrode gas flow passage, traps the mist with high efficiency in the gas flow passage, and smoothly supplements the matrix with the trapped electrolyte. (First major country equivalent to J63146365-A)
(US4767680-A)      The fuel cell has an electrolyte matrix layer and a pair of electrode layers each made of a catalyst layer, which face the matrix layer. Gas separators are disposed adjacent to outer faces of the electrode layers. Each of the gas separators comprises a gas impermeable dense layer and porous portions which are disposed on both faces of the dense layer for storing an electrolyte.    Gas channels are surrounded by the dense layer of each of the gas separators. The porous portions are disposed on the dense layer, and the electrode layers are adjacent to the porous portions, for supplying and exhausting a fuel gas or oxidant gas.    ADVANTAGE -   Reduced thickness of unit cell and improved space factor to output of cell.
In a fuel reforming system a H2 rich reformed gas is produced from alcohols by steam reforming reaction process. Prior to vaporisation of the alcohols a part of the produced process gas or air is introduced to the alcohols, so that a part of the alcohols are vaporised and supplied to the vaporisation equipment in gas/liq. two phase flow.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The reforming system is useful for steam reformation of alcohols e.g. methanol, for pure H2 prodn. equipment for fuel battery or semiconductor prodn. A low temp. heat source is used for varporisation of a raw material, or a fuel.
The fuel cell (10) comprises a core (14) defining a series of fuel passageways (20) and a series of oxidant passageways. The fuel and oxidant are directed through their respective passages. The core comprises an array of electrolyte and interconnect walls each wall including a layer of electrolyte material sandwiched between a of anode material on the other side.    Each interconnect wall includes a layer of interconnect material sandwiched between a layer of cathode material on one side and a layer of anode material on the other side. The electrolyte and interconnect walls are alternately stocked to define several fuel and oxidant passageways. The core is devoid of any composite inert material and is monlithic.    ADVANTAGE -   Increased efficiency.
Vessel for catalytically reforming raw hydrocarbon fuels comprises housing with cylindrical side wall and burner on housing axis to heat the interior incorporates tubular refractory heat shield which is heated by the burner with annular catalyst bed is in the housing. The bed surrounds the burner tubular heat shield between it and housing side wall and number of circumferentially spaced heat tubes extend through the catalyst bed to duct hot gases from the burner to heat the bed from the inside. Raw hydrocarbon fuel is admitted to the heated area adjacent to bed for vapourisation to form hydrogen rich fuel gas which is then collected.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Compact reaction vessel to produce hydrogen rich fuel for fuel cell power plant. The reaction vessel is compact and the reformed fuel is quickly and efficiently produced for the power plant.
A composite membrane/electrode structure comprises a substantially planar ion exchange membrane (I) having a plurality of islands of catalytically active particles (II) bonded to at least one planar surface of (I), wherein the islands have a dia. or width of 6 micron to 1 cm. (20 microns - 0.5cm) and wherein up to 75% (25-60%) of (I) surface is covered by (II). The structure may include a substantially planar electrically conductive, pref. electroformed metallic, screen having openings passing therethrough which occupy up to 75(25-60)% of the area. (I) being bonded to the screen leaving portions of (I) exposed through the openings which are coated with (II) such that (I) are in electrical and physical contact with (I). Prepn. of the structure is also claimed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Useful as e.g. chlor-alkali cells. They have improved efficiency and use less (I), as gaseous prods. can escape more easily through and around the islands of (II). This reduces the risk of the gaseous prods. (e.g. H2 and Cl2) permeating through the membrane and contaminating the other gas.
A composite membrane/electrode structure comprises a planar ion exchange membrane (I) having a plurality of interconnected roadways of catalytically active particles (II) bonded to at least one surface of (I). Pref. the roadways cover 25-75(45-55)% of (I), and (II) opt. includes electrically conductive metal particles. Prepn. of the structure is also claimed.    Specifically (II) are disposed on an electrically conductive, pref. electroformed metallic, screen having openings passing therethrough, which occupy up to 75% of the surface area of the screen. (I) is bonded such that (II) ard sandwiched between (I) and the screen.    ADVANTAGE -   Minimises most problems encountered using a woven screen type structure due to increased flatness of present screen. Less (II) are used without sacrificing catalytic activity and efficiency. The openings in the screen allow efficient escape of gases produced and reduce risk of contamination of the two gaseous prods. (e.g. H2 and Cl2) produced by each other.
The SOFC comprises an oxygen electrode (1) constituting the innermost layer of the fuel cell and having a thickness of 1mm or more. A solid electrolyte (2) covers the outer peripheral surface of the oxygen electrode. A fuel electrode (4) covers the outer peripheral surface of the solid electrolyte.    The fuel cell further comprises an intermediate connector attached to the outer peripheral surface of the oxygen electrode in an axial direction. The intermediate connector and the fuel electrode are spaced from each other.    Alternatively, oxygen electrodes are connected to each other with the interposition of an electrical insulator.
Solid electrolyte fuel cell has a solid electrolyte of stabilised ZrO2 or CeO2 contg. a conductivity enhancing additive on the anode side; and a solid electrolyte of CeO2 on the cathode side, forming a solid electrolyte member of two or more layers.    Stabilised ZrO2 is ZrO2:Y2O3 or ZrO2:CaO etc.; additive is CaO or SrO etc. The electrolyte may be formed by CVD, EVD or flame spraying etc. The additive is present also in the cathode side CeO2 electrolyte.    ADVANTAGE -   High cell performance is maintained without loss of output due to a drop in O2 ion transport number.
The connector pin (20) consists of a conductive member (24) with a spigot portion (26) and a blind socket (28) intersected by a threaded hole. The bared end of a high-tension cable (30) is inserted into the socket and retained there by a grub screw (32) threaded into the hole to bear upon the bared end.    The spigot portion consists of two prongs (34) which are part-circular in cross-section and have flat opposing surfaces. A pad (36) of rubber or other resilient material is located between the prongs and biases them apart. The dimensions of the spigot portion and the sockets are such that the former can be forced into a socket so as to form an interference fit.    ADVANTAGE -   Enables cables to be connected rapidly to, and disconnected rapidly from, battery or motor vehicle. (Provisional basic advised week 88/25)
Two battery cables (16,18) are connected to the terminals (12, 14) of the 12 v battery (10) of a motor vehicle. One cable (16) extends to earth (20) and the other (18) to the starter motor (22). Each cable is in two parts (16A,16B:18A,18B) coupled together by identical connectors (24).    Each cable part is not merely a straight length of conducting cable but is coiled flexibly. A jumper cable is provided by disconnecting the quick connectors (24) to extend the cable parts to serve in the manner of conventional jump leads.    ADVANTAGE -   Motorist does not have to remember to pack jump leads. (Provisional basic advised week 88/25)
The fuel cell system comprises an electrolyte matrix and a device forming an anode gas space on one side of the electrolyte matrix through which gas space the fuel gas flows from an inlet side of the and gas space, forming a cathode gas space on the opposite side of the electrolyte matrix. A porous anode substrate is interposed between the anode gas space and the electrolyte matrix, and a porous cathode substrate is interposed between the cathode gas space and the electrolyte matrix.    A catalyst layer is on the cathode substrate on a side of it facing the electrolyte matrix; and a catalyst layer is on the anode substrate on a side of it facing the electrolyte matrix. The catalyst layer on the anode substrate includes an extended strip of it which extends toward the anode gas space inlet side and which also extends beyond an edge of the catalyst layer on the cathode substrate closest to the anode gas space inlet side.
A compound plate is formed from thin press moulded component plates (2,4) of carbon in a resin binder. Each component plate (2) is bonded to an adjacent component plate (4) along a joint at edges (6,8) of the plates formed with tapered scarf cuts having matched included angles of about 15 deg.C and having a surface finish of 0.016-0.063 mil.    The tapered scarf cuts are coated with a fluoropolymer resin adhesive, overlapped in face to face mating contact and bonded under heat and pressure sufficient sufficient to melt the resin to form a bond.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The plate is a separator plate used in a high temp. acidic electrochemical cell, e.g. a fuel cell. The surface finish promotes adhesive bonding.
Operation of a molten carbonate fuel cell includes: supplying H2-contg. fuel to a fuel compartment sepd. from an anode reaction gas compartment by an H ion-porous, H2 molecule and electrolyte-non porous metallic foil; dissociating the H2 to H ions; and passing the H ions through the foil to the anode reaction gas compartment comprising a porous metal anode adjacent the molten carbonate electrolyte.    Hydrocarbons present in the fuel gas are pref. catalytically reformed to H2 in the fuel compartment.    ADVANTAGE -   Dual compartment anode structure permits use of fuel gas contaminated with e.g. sulphides, and chloride, and permits internal reforming without the reforming catalyst being poisoned by carbonate electrolyte.
An electrochemical cell comprises anode (15) and cathode (16) electrodes, at least one of which is a gas diffusion electrode, a cell separator (10) adjacent to the anode(15), an electrically non-conductive spacer (17) adjacent to the cathode (16) and a corrugated conductive sheet (13) which acts as means for electrically connecting the electrodes (15,16). The corrugated sheets (13) forms at least one channel (22) with the cathode (16) and at least one channel (24) with the anode (15).    The corrugated sheet (13) is of metal, graphite or metal graphite composite. The separators (10) is cation exchange permselective membrane. The spacer (17) is of PTFE or a fluorinated ethylene propylene copolymer.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The cell can be a fuel cell or a cell for electrolysis of alkali metal halide. The channels are used to feed gases or liqs. to the electrodes.
Feed system for feeding metal particles to a reaction bed of a hydrogen generator, without introducing oxygen, nitrogen, or other contaminants to the controlled environment of the generator, comprises (a) a receiving hopper for the metal particles; (b) means for introducing an inert gas to the hopper; (c) an injector connected to the hopper and including a particle outlet; (d) a particle receiving port in the injector; (e) means for transferring the particles from the hopper to the injector through the port; (f) means for flooding the injector with water; (g) means for displacing water in the injector with gas bled from a generator; (h) a reciprocating piston within the injector for forcing the particles from the injector through the particle outlet into the generator the piston being movable from a first position above the port to a second position below the port; and (i) vacuum means in fluid communication with the hopper for evacuating the hopper.    ADVANTAGE -   The solid fuel feed system is used with a closed-cycle closed-cycle hydrogen gas generator producing pure hydrogen gas for a hydrogen-chlorine fuel cell. The generator has a generator has a controlled environment tolerant of only small amounts of contaminants, hence the metal particles replenish the reactor beds without contamination.
Four elastic members (34) are connected between upright walls (24,32) one edge of each elastic member (34) is coupled to a fixed plate (20) using a nut-and-bolt passing through a cut-out (35) and another edge is bonded to a movable plate (28). The battery (A) is fixedly mounted on the movable plate (28) using a clamp (36) having two rods (38). A first side (A1) of the battery (A) rests on the movable plate (28). A second side (A2) is perpendicular to the first.    This structure allows the battery (A) along with the movable plate (28) to vibrate relative to the fixed plate through the elastic members so that the relatively large inertial mass of the battery suppresses vibration of the vehicle body, while the accidental separation of the battery and the movable plate (28) from the fixed plate (20) is prevented even if the elastic members should fail.    ADVANTAGE -   Other parts disposed in engine compartment near battery are protected from damage due to unrestrained movement of battery.
Adhesive sheet is prepd. by blending thermosetting resin with conductive material(s) of graphite powder, metal, carbon black, carbon fibre or metal fibre and moulding the blend into a prepreg sheet.    The thermosetting resin is pref. phenol resin, epoxy resin, alkyd resin, etc., most pref. nitrile-modified phenol resin. The powder has particle size up to 30 microns. The fibre has length up to 1.0 mm. When 100 pts. wt. nitrile-modified liquid phenol resin is blended with 50-150 pts. wt. mixt. comprising graphite of size up to 10 microns and graphitised carbon fibre of length up to 1.0 mm in wt. ratio 10:90, the formed prepreg sheet has high conductivity, strength and adhesion.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The adhesive sheet has high heat resistance and conducitivty. Use of the adhesive sheet provides a uniformly conductive adhesive layer. It is used for preparing composite separator-porous electrode in a fuel cell or composite bipolar sheet-porous electrode in a redox sec. battery.
In the bipolar plate of an electrolytic cell comprising an electrode, a bipolar plate, an ion exchanger, cable terminals, and a container, or in a bipolar plate of a sec. battery which converts the electric energy to the electrochemical energy of the electrolyte, a mixt. of carbon powder and a thermoplastic resin is shaped into a plate, on both surfaces of which is carbon fibre paper being melt-adhered under press. to give the bipolar plate.    USE -   To improve strength and deformation resistance.    In an example, a polyethylene composite contg. 50 vol.% of carbon powder was placed with a high-modulus carbon fibre paper between two steel plates, and pre-heated to 155 deg.C. 25 kgf/ cm2 of press. was applied for 1 hr to give a 1 mm thick bipolar plate with bending strength of 7.0 kgf/mm2 and bending modulus of 1460 kgf/mm2.
(JP2760982-B2)      The method involves adding iron on the surface of a base material of a structural member of the battery. Alumina and the liquid which at least contains zirconium oxide is sprayed on the surface of the base material and is made to impregnate in part at least.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides anticorrosive and insulated structural member. Prevents degradation of battery capability.
(JP2547752-B2)      Surface treatment of the structural member of a fusion carbonate fuel battery comprises immersing the structural member in a 30-80% concn. alkali aq. soln. The member may be pure gold or an alloy of iron, nickel or copper. The process occurs at 100-200C. The surface of the treated member was then plated with lithium and the article baked. The lithium cpd. used to plate the member is in an aq. or organic solvent.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For a fusion carbonate type fuel cell battery which has improved properties compared to phosphoric-acid type fuel battery. Control of dissolution of ion and chromium ions from a preform and retardation of oxidn. coating are possible in the current invention. A high degree of electrical conductivity is maintained.
(JP2601808-B2)      The battery comprises a unit cell which has a slit which contains an electrolyte flow shaping member between a reaction electrode and a frame.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used as an electrolyte circulation-type sec. battery. Electrolyte flow is uniform, and energy efficiency is improved.
The storage battery, comprises a battery container for housing the elements of the storage battery and a one piece cover attached to the top of the container, the cover having two sloping portions located at a cover longitudinal edge adjacent each front corner of the battery. A pair of upwardly protruding battery posts are located along a longitudinal centreline of the cover, each post adjacent opposite sides of the battery cover. A second pair of battery terminals, comprises a two terminals located on the respective sloping portions of the cover. Each terminals is internally threaded connectors parallel to the respective sloping portions of the cover. A pair of metal adapters are integral with htthe cover, each adapter electrically connected to one battery post and one battery terminal and capable of being electrically connected to the battery plate. A movable handle is rotatably snap-connected to the cover by a cylindrical shaft and is held in place by a retaining member.    ADVANTAGE -   Can be used in vehicle regardless of location of positive and negative battery cables.
Stabilised molten carbonate fuel cell anodes are obtd. by: impregnating a porous metallic anode made of particles of Cu, Co or Ni or alloys of these with an aq. soln. of a salt of a structure stabiliser; drying at 80-100 pref. 85-95 deg C; dehydrating at 110-160 pref. 120-140 deg. C; and heating in a reducing atmos. at 600-700 pref. 625-675 deg. C to form particles of stabiliser in reduced form on the surface of the metal particles.    ADVANTAGE -   Anodes have improved structural stability and creep resistance over long periods of high temp. operation; and method is low cost.
Cell with a permselective membrane between cathode and anode has a membrane-cathode gap of 0.001-0.1in. maintained by a spacer made of mineral fibres, synthetic organic polymers, ceramic or glass, and is hydrophilic, non-conductive and porous. Pref. mineral fibres are asbestos, vermiculate, mica, zeolite, silicate gel, phosphate gel, TiO2 fibre, ZrO2 fibre and mixts. of these; and pref. synthetic polymers are PVC, polyvinylidene fluoride, epoxy resins, vinyl ester resin and fluorocarbon polymer, or mixt. of mineral fibres and polymer.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. with alkali halide electro-chemical cells. (claimed). Cell has enhanced efficiency as a result of the avoidance of gas blinding at the cathode-membrane gap. (claimed)
An electrochemical cell assembly including a porous plate(18) has an edge seal (40) extending about the periphery of the plate (18) to block leakage of gas in the lateral direction. The assembly also includes means for blocking leakage of gas in a second direction normal to the lateral direction. The second blocking means includes a gas permeable hydrophobic liquid barrier (62). The seal region (60) extends as a portion of the porous plate (18), in the lateral direction. The seal region (60) has a pore size distribution having a capillary characteristic so that the seal region (60) forms a hydrophilic gas barrier which extends in the said second direction to the hydrophobic liquid barrier (62) and laterally to the edge seal. A liquid is disposed in the seal region (60) to block the flow of gas; the hydrophobic barrier (62) blocks the movement of the liquid from the seal region.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The cell is used in fuel cell power plants, esp. those using a base or a molten carbonate as electrolyte. Use of a separator plate is avoided and there is reduced electrolyte transfer.
Recovery of purified carbon dioxide gas from the anode exhaust of the stacks in a nonalkaline fuel cell power plant by a system which comprises (a) fuel cell stacks having anodes, cathodes, and fuel cell water cooling; (b) means for delivering a hydrogen-rich fuel gas which contains carbon dioxide to the anodes for consumption of hydrogen by the anodes in an electrochemical reaction in the stack; (c) carbon dioxide absorber including an absorbent for stripping carbon dioxide from gaseous mixts.; (d) means for delivering hydrogen-depleted exhaust gas contg. carbon dioxide from the anodes to the carbon dioxide absorber for absorption of carbon dioxide from the anodes to the carbon dioxide absorber for absorption of carbon dioxide from the exhaust gas; (e) an absorbent regenerator; (f) means for delivering carbon dioxide-enriched absorbent from the absorber to the regenerator for separation of carbon dioxide from the absorbent; (g) means for exhausting carbon dioxide gas from the regenerator, the means for exhausting further including means for cooling and compressing carbon dioxide exhausted from the regenerator; and (h) means for removing the compressed carbon dioxide from the power plant.    ADVANTAGE -   The system adds to the productivity and value of the power plant while, at the same time, providing a positive environmental aspect; since the carbon dioxide can be recovered at very low added plant installation and operating costs, so adding to the profitability of the plant.
G12
(JP93077150-B)      Method comprises setting preforms (made of a mixt. of graphite grains and resin) with spacings in a mould, and applying pressure and heat to fluidise the graphite grains.    USE -   Plate is used for phosphoric acid fuel cells. (J63119162-A)
H2O (18) and equimolar amts. of Cl2(14) plus H2 (12) are fed to a fuel cell (10) for conversion to HCl prod. (16) collected in an accumulator (48). DC power generated in the cell (10) is fed (22) to an inverter/generator (24) and an electrolysis reactor (26) where NaCl (28) and H2O (30) feeds are converted to NaOH prod. (32) plus H2 (12) and Cl2 (14) byprods. which are used as feed to the fuel cell (10) opt. after scrubbing (36,38).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   33% less energy is consumed compared to conventional mfg. processes. About 810 Kw.hr. energy per 2000 lbs HCl obtd. is captured. Concn. of HCl prod. is 17-43 wt.% and NaOH prod. concn. is 76%.
100 pts. wt. graphite powder of a grain size of 500 microns or less is mixed with 13-30 pts. wt benzylic ether-type phenol resin (nonvolatile), and the mixt. is cured at a given temp., e.g. 100 deg.C, for a given period and moulded into a desired form by injection moulding. The benzylic ether-type phenol resin is obtd. by reaction of phenol with an aldehyde of formula RCHO (where R is H or hydrocarbon gp) in a proportion of 1:1-3 in the presence of a metal salt catalyst, e.g, salt of Zn, Co,Mn or Sn.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The method provides plates to be used in fuel batteries, which are to excellent air tightness, mechanical strength, electric specific resistivity, chemical resistance, heat resistance, etc.
Solid useful as electrolyte for a fuel cell or sensor or as a catalyst having a poly- or mono-crystal structure comprises: AF3 where A= one or more of La, Ce, Nd, Pr and Se; Pb (1-x) MxF2-x where M= K or Ag and x= 0.0001-0.25; Pb (1-x) BixF (2+x) where x= 0.0001-0.25; AyB (1-y)F(2+y) where A= as above, B= Sr, Ca, Ba or Mg and y= 0.0001-1; AyB(1-y-2) LiF(2+y+2) where A, B and y are as above and z=0.001-0.10; N(1-m-n)UnCemF(2+zn+m) where N= Ca, Sr or Ba, n= 0.0001-0.05 and m= 0.0001-0.35; PbSnF4 (as fuel cell electrolyte only); KSn2F5; SrCl2 Kcl; LaO1-pF(1+2p) where p= 0.1-0.3; PbSnFq-pbSnOr where q and r are each 0.0001-1; (AO1.5)y(GF2)1-y where A is as above, G= Ca or Mg and y= 0.0001; or SmaNddFcOd where a and b are each 2.18-9.82, c= 12-29.45, d=3.25-12, a + b = about 12 and c + zd = about 36.    ADVANTAGE -   Materials all operate at low temps. e.g., 0-1000 deg C pref. 0-600 deg.C, e.g. AF3where A= La operates as a fuel cell electrolyte at 15-30 deg. C (claimed).
The jumper cable assembly includes a circuit comprised of a solenoid which, when energised, closes a current path between two cables to couple the batteries together. The solenoid is energised when a manual switch is closed and when the residual voltage of the dead battery provides a bias voltage for a circuit element in series relationship with the coil of the solenoid.    The component receiving the bias voltage includes a silicon-controlled rectifier xyz is a transistor, such as a Darlington transistor. The assembly includes a normally closed switch which is opened to interrupt the current flow through the coil of the solenoid when the cables are to be removed from the batteries after the engine associated with the dead battery has been started.
Anode comprises a substrate coated with an amorphous alloy NinEeFfGg where E = one or more of Mo, W and Cr; F = one or more of Pt, Pd, Rh and Ir; G = one or more of Al and Ga, n = 30-90%, e = 10-50%, f = 0-25% and g = 10-40%; when E = Mo, G = Ga; and when G = Al, E = W and/or Cr.    Alloy is at least 60%, (esp. 100%) amorphous. Specific alloys contain: Ni, Mo, Pd and Al esp. Ni50Mo20Pd10Al20; or Ni, Mo and Al esp. Ni60Mo20Al20; or Ni, Cr, Mo and Al esp. Ni50Cr10Mo20Al20. The alloys may be deposited by standard methods e.g. sputtering, ion beam evapn. etc.; the deposited thickness is typically about 3000 Angstrom.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For H2 formation and oxidn. Anode operates at lower potentials than prior art electrodes.
Fuel reformer for use with fuel cell power plants comprises five annular chambers. The first chamber communicates with a source of combustion products at its bottom end and at its top end with the top end of the second annular chamber which it surrounds. The second chamber, in turn, surrounds the third, fourth and fifth chambers and its bottom end communicates with the bottom end of the third chamber. The fourth chamber surrounds the third chamber and is itself surrounded by the fifth chamber. The bottom end of the latter chamber communicates with the bottom end of the fourth chamber.    ADVANTAGE -   The fuel reformer is compact and of relatively simple construction in which combustion products are efficiently utilised to promote vapourisation of the fuel to be reformed and reformation of the vapourised fuel within the unit.
The cell has unit cell formed by anode and cathode interleaved with electrolyte plate. The cells are laminated through separator to form cell stack. Anolyte is supplied to the anode by circulation and oxidising agent is supplied to the cathode. Exhaust gas from the oxidising gas is exhausted from outlet side of the cathode. Electrodialysis tank has dialysis chamber formed by condensing and desalting chambers, and dialysis is carried out by supplying treating dialysis water to the dialysis chamber. Dialysis plant comprises the fuel cell and the dialysis tank. Heat exchanger effects heat exchange between the exhaust gas and treating water supplied to the tank. Aq. vapour in the exhaust gas is condensed by heat exchange and the condensed water is supplied to anolyte supplier by reflux appts. Direct current generated by the cell is supplied for dialysis current.    USE -   Methanol fuel cell is utilised with improved rate of power.
The exhaust of a group of fuel cells, which includes unused fuel, has a portion directed back to that group of cells to utilise some of the unused fuel and also has another portion directed to a second group of fuel cells for the same reason. The ratio between the number of cells within the first group to the number in the second group is greater than 3:1 and is preferably 9:1.    Preferably both these groups of cells comprise a vent stack which is fed by the exhaust from a main fuel cell stack. To achieve the 9:1 ratio, ten fuel cells are connected electrically in series such that each cell of the ten utilises one tenth of the input fuel.
The construction comprising anode (1), cathode (2) and a CO2- permeable membrane (3) is shaped as a truncated cone with a small solid angle. Its shape enables several cells to be stacked together on a central cylinder (6) pref. made of plastic with longitudinal grooves. The centre of this cylinder (6) is hollow and provided with holes (6a) radiating to its outer surface, allowing methanol to be supplied through them.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The construction, using plastic based electrodes and supports, makes up a workable methanol/air fuel-cell which requires no secondary cell to generate electricity. It can also be operated at a much reduced temp. because of the use of catalysts. The shape allows batteries to be built for high voltages, e.g. 310-320 V, and of high power, e.g. 0.2-1 W/cm2, or up to 1 kW per litre of methanol.
Electrode/gas chamber combination comprises gas-permeable vertical electrode in contact with a gas supply chamber including at least inlet, intermediate and outlet compartments. At least some compartments open onto the electrode and at least part of the walls of the gas supply chamber are conductive to provide a current path from a power supply to the electrode.    A pref. device has several intermediate compartments, the compartments being interconnected via a permeable fritted structure, or an orifice.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used in fuel cells, O2 depolarised chlor-alkali cell etc. Structure minimises gas and electrolyte leakage, ensures uniform current distribution without interfering with gas flow, and provides support for tall electrodes without interfering with gas flow.
Appts. to reform fuel with catalyst charged in reactor tube comprises an air passage covering part or all of a combustion gas flow passage and flow passage formed between the air passage and combustion appts. to heat the tube.    USE -   Used for making reformed fuel gases.
InN a battery of methanol/air fuel cells formed of a cathode, an anode and a CO2-permeable anion exchange membrane as electrolyte, several cathodes and anodes are arranged parallel in common cathode and anode-chambers respectively.    ADVANTAGE -   Ohmic losses are minimised, the total voltage is high and the individual battery components are mass producible. (Additionally classified in section L - previously non-CPI)
A battery plate separator is a fibrous sheet consisting of two types of fibres inert to electrolyte. The first type of fibres (I) impart to the sheet an absorbency for the electrolyte greater than 90 vol.% and the second type of fibres (II) impart to the sheet an absorbency for the electrolyte of less than 80 vol.% (all measured surfactant-free). The fibrous sheet has an absorbency for the electrolyte of 75-95 vol.%.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The separator is used in a recombinant storage battery wherein oxygen is formed at the positive plates and is able to migrate the negative plates for electrolytic recombination. The battery shows an improved rate of recombination and less accumulation of hydrogen.
An oxygen distribution plate has a central recessed oxygen flow path portion surrounded by a peripheral raised boss. The boss has at least one inlet groove formed within it for transfer of oxygen across the boss and into the flow path portion. An electrode plate has a central cathode part surrounded by a peripheral frame formed from a fibreglass material which will corrode with continued exposure to high purity oxygen.    The distribution plate and the electrode plate are disposed in contiguous relationship with the boss abutting the frame and the oxygen flow path portion overlying the cathode part. An oxygen manifold is formed for distributing oxygen to the oxygen inlet groove. A corrosion resistant foil is sandwiched between the boss and the frame to prevent oxygen flowing through the oxygen inlet groove from contacting the material forming the frame.    ADVANTAGE -   Is protected from oxygen starvation, and has longer operational life.
The fuel cell power plant system comprises a power section comprising fuel cells forming a stack. The stack is cooled with a water collant. A turbogenerator is operated by steam from the steam separator for generating a portion of the electrical power produced by the power plant system. Water from the steam separator is recirculated back to the heat exchange. A reformer catalytically converts raw hydrocarbon fuel to a hydrogen rich fuel gas suitable for fueling the anode side of the fuel cells. A boiler produces steam having a temp. of about 40 degrees F. Steam from the boiler is transported at a pressure greater than about 200 psi to the reformer.    Raw hydrocarbon fuel is admitted to system. Hydrogen rich fuel gas is transferred from the reformer to the anode side of the fuel cells at a pressure of at least about 200 psi. An oxidant gas is supplied at a pressure of at least about 200 psi to the cathode side of the fuel cells.    ADVANTAGE -   Improves efficiency and power density.
A continuous length of lead wire is fed into the arc generated by an electrode at a rate commensurate with the rate at which the dispensing means traverses the trough so as to provide a continuous stream of superheated, oxide-free melt sufficient to ocver the lugs in the trough by the time the dispensing means reaches the end.    The arc itself is generated in an ionizable, non-oxidizing gas which supports the arc while at the same time prevents oxidation of the ultra-hot molten lead formed therin. The trough is blanketed with a non-oxizing gas so as to prevent oxidation of the cooler, vulnerable, melt.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Oxide free low resistance plate straps and on intermediate inter cell connector are formed in a single casting operation.
(JP2547743-B2)      Fuel cell consists of a molten carbonate electrolyte layer positioned between porous pair of electrodes. Gas is guided to the surface of the electrodes. An electrode support board of near uniform porosity is attached to one electrode. The board contains gas passage layers impregnated with hydrophobic organic matter forming a gas seal part, located between gas reservoir layers formed by heating.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Mfr. of electrode support board for carbonate melt fuel cells. The electrode support board provides improved gas sealing properties. Cracking and gas leakage problems of the cell are avoided.
(JP2513643-B2)      A fuel cell comprises a porous fuel anode (2b) and an oxidising agent cathode (2a) on both sides of an electrolyte layer (3) contg. a carbonate salt and a laminate with conductive separator. The layer in contact with the electrolyte of the side wall in the separator is covered with an aluminium layer in turn covered with a lithium aluminate layer.    ADVANTAGE -   The cell exhibits corrosion resistance and has excellent airtight seals.
(JP2601806-B2)      A tubular solid electrolyte fuel cell has a sintered perovskite type oxygen electrode layer 1 mm thick on the inside, an intermediate connection element in the axial direction outside of the oxygen electrode, a solid electrolyte covering the peripheral surface of the oxygen electrode on both sides of the middle connection element, and a fuel electrode with an intermediate connection element and intermediate space covering the peripheral surface of the solid electrolyte. Pref. the intermediate connection element is inserted in a slot in the axial direction.    ADVANTAGE -   Low electrical resistance of the oxygen electrode, so fuel cell performance is improved. The cell can be fabricated at lower cost using inexpensive materials. The strength of the oxygen electrode is increased.
Flat elements are tightly stacked in a rigid housing by (a) maintaining the elements as a stack but free to slide axially by means of tie-guides; (b) mounting on the stack a compression mechanism which is relieved temporarily during mounting of the stack in the housing; and (c) re-actuating the compression mechanism and freeing it after positioning the stack and contact stops for the compression mechanism in the housing.    Also claimed is a device with flat elements, esp. an electrolyser, comprising a rigid housing, closed by a base and fitted with a lid and several electrolysis cells comprising flat electrodes and diaphragms edged by flat rings assembled alternately in a stack and provided with a compression mechanism by means of the first process.    USE -   For assembling electrolysers having stacked cells.
Fuel evaporater is heated by a combustor, and evaporated fuel is changed into reformed gas. The combustor operates with liq. fuel, and the combustion part of the combustor is provided with catalyst for ignition under its flame generating part.    USE -   Need for a preheater is eliminated. Exposure of catalyst to flames is prevented, so its life is increased.
A fuel evaporater is heated by a combuster, and evaporated duel is changed into reformed gas. The combustion part of the combustor consists of a combustion pipe in which a wick is inserted. The pipe is connected with a pressure air mechanism to send back liquid fuel impregnated in the wick to the supply side.    USE -   The combustor can be extinguished immediately.
A fuel evaporator is heated by a combustion device, and evapd. fuel is changed into reformed gas. The combustion part of the combustion device consists of a porous structure of catalyst, in which liq. fuel jetting ports are disposed. A fuel jetting pipe having fuel jetting ports in it is connected to a fuel supply pump.    ADVANTAGE -   Initial ignition is improved. Stable flames can be obtd. during combustion.
A fuel evaporater is heated by a combustor. Evaporated fuel is changed into reformed gas. The casing enclosing the combustor is provided with a passage to guide combustion air surrounding the combustion part of the combustor.    ADVANTAGE -   Combustion air is preheated in the passage. Need of a preheater is eliminated.
Fuel evaporater is heated by a combustor, and evaporated fuel is changed into reformed gas. The combustor operates with liq. fuel, and combustion part includes catalyst for ignition provided with a heater.    USE -   Liq. fuel can be ignited at lower temp. than ignition pt..
Evaporated fuel is changed into reformed gas through a layer of catalyst in a reactor in a heated space. The layer of catalyst is formed as a circle, which is sepd. into parts by radially extending partitions.    USE -   Uneven distribution of catalyst can be prevented while transfer on a vehicle, etc.
Partially stabilised tetragonal ZrO2 is obtd. by forming a soln. of a hydroxycarboxylic acid Zr salt and a hydroxycarboxylic acid stabilising metal salt in the desired mol ratio; removing water to form a gel in particle form; and calcining in presence of O2 at a temp. of up to about 970 deg.C.    The acid of the Zr salt is pref. the alpha acid contg. 1-3 OH gps. and 1-3 -COOH gps., esp. citric, tartaric, malic, glycolic or lactic acid.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. as a reinforcing ceramic in the the partially stabilised tetragonal form; or as an O2 conductor for fuel cells in the fully stabilised cubic form. Prod. is recovered in high purity (e.g. above 95% tetragonal) and has a particle size of 80-300 Angstrom without milling or grinding.
The battery terminal connector comprises a body made of electrically conductive material, a device enabling the body to be connected electrically to a battery post, and at least two spaced apart sockets in the body. A connector pin is also included and comprises a member made of electrically conductive material and a device enabling the member to be connected electrically to the end of an electrically conductive cable.    A spigot portion of the member presents a number of prongs which are biased apart from one another. The spigot portion of the connector pin is receivable as an interference fit in a chosen socket of the terminal.    USE -   12 volt dc vehicle battery.
One or more batteries of cells sepd. by ion exchange membere are used and alternate cells are supPlied with water contg. electrolyte (salt water) and water contg. little or no electrolyte (fresh water). A device is incorporated for electrically isolating part of the supply to at least one salt water cell from that serving at least one other salt water cell to prevent or reduce loss of electrical power through the supply system.    A method for producing H2 by reverse dialysis is also claimed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Electrical energy is obtd. from salt water, together with a supply of water which contains little or no salt. Loss of electric power is minimised.
The life of a lead battery e.g. for motor cars can be extended from an average of 3-4 years to at least 10 years if the lead sludge (2) which accumulates at the bottom and causes short-circuits, is extracted. After the contents have been emptied, two holes (3) are drilled in the casing and a closed circuit (6) with a pump (5) and a filter (4) is connected.    ADVANTAGE -   This lengthens the life of such a battery and would result in a considerable redn. of the lead requirements.
A stack has cells with sidewalls through which gaseous reactants are admitted from manifolds with edge sealing flanges and mounted on the stack adjacent the sidewalls, and sealing gaskets between the flanges and stack. Each flange has openings and can be pressed against the gaskets to cause gasket material to extrude into the openings to form interlocks resisting lateral movement of manifolds w.r.t. gaskets.    The gaskets are pref. of adhesive-coated PTFE, and the openings are round or elongate and have chamfered edges which produce radiused corners on the necks of the extruded interlocks leading to expanded heads overlying the flanges adjacent to the openings.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides mechanical interlock for improved resistance to pressure-induced failure.
The fuel cell power plant uses stacks which are supplied with compressed air from tubocompressors. Product water is recovered from the cathode exhaust gases after passing through the turbines. Flow and/or pressure sensors are disposed downstream of the compressors to monitor the air exiting the compressor.    Should the sensor detect an abnormal condition, which could result from changes in power level, or ambient temperature then the sensors will open a normally closed valve to divert coolant steam to the turbines to provide the increased energy needed to bring the turbines up to speed.
A flat screen template which is perforated by a number of holes occupying up to 75 (pref. 45-55)% of its surface is coated on one face with catalytically active particles. The coated face is then contacted with an ion-exchange membrane so that the particles are transferred to the membrane. The screen is removed and the particles bonded to the membrane.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The improved membrane and electrode so obtd. is useful in a wide variety of electrochemical cells, including fuel and electrolytic cells and batteries. The active particles are distributed in a network of interconnecting pathways, providing spaces in between from which gaseous prods. can escape easily, thus minimising diffusion of gases through the membrane into the opposing side of the cell resulting in contamination, and providing increased efficiency.
(JP93069267-B)      Fused carbonate fuel cell comprises an electrolyte composed of an alkali metal carbonate and alkali tungstate e.g. K2W04, Li2W04 or Na2W04, which is present in amts. of 0.001-1 wt.% w.r.t. the alkali metal carbonate.    USE -   Used for portable power sources.
(JP93035547-B)      Electrode assembly for fused salt fuel cell comprises a Ni porous plate contg. W carbide. The W carbide may be electrodeposited on the plate from a KC1-LiCl bath.    USE -   For fuel cells. (J63066856-A)
(JP92040832-B)      Electrode for fused salt fuel cell comprises a Ni-contained porous plate and W deposited on the surfaces of Ni grains or of Ni fibres contained in the plate.    USE -   For making fuel cells. (J63066855-A)
A lower atomic valent oxide, e.g. Y2O3, CaO, MgO etc. and a fluorite type cubic crystal oxide, e.g. CeO2 etc. are incorporated in ZrO2 to lower m.p. and to introduce oxygen pores.    USE -   Gives higher ion electroconductivity under lower temps., and is used in fuel cell or oxygen sensor etc. under lower temps. by 100-200 deg.C than in conventional art.
System comprises: a cell with anode and cathode compartments and an ion-permeable separator; H ion reacting anode and cathode; a Bronsted acid catholyte and a Bronsted base analyte, the acid and base combining to from a salt which can be thermally decomposed at below 250 deg. C back to the acid and base, at least one of the acid and base being organic; means for transferring the salt from the anode or cathode compartment to a thermal regenerator operating at below 250 deg. C; and a recycle system for the regenerated acid and base to provide continuous operation.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In e.g. generation of electricity using the waste heat from an i.c. engine or an oil well head; the generator is esp. suited for well heads located on the sea bed. Electricity is generated using a thermal source of relatively low temp. at high efficiency and high power density.
The reformer is housed in a cylindrical container and provided with a burner. The burner is shielded from the sidewall of the housing by an insulating refractory sleeve and forms an annular heating chamber. Within the heating chamber is located a helical catalyst tube. The tube is packed with catalyst pellets and the tube has a raw fuel inlet at one end with a reformed fuel outlet at the other. A flame swirler and hot gas deflector are provided inside the refractory sleeve to create turbulence and ensure an even flow of heated gas.    ADVANTAGE -   The provision of a restricted heating chamber and the helical catalyst tube allows the reformer to be operated at significantly lower temperatures thus extending catalyst life. The reformer is compact and suitable for use with small mobile fuel cell power plants.
The reformer includes a combustor to heat a fuel evaporator to change evaporated gas into reformed gas in the catalyst layer. The combustion part of the combustor consists of a wick, with a feed adjustable pump connected to the liq. fuel supply tube to the wick.    USE -   Initial ignition property is good. Combustion energy can be controlled easily.
Combusting appts. for fuel reformer comprises numerous liquid fuel combusting pipes erected as combusting section and fixed by lateral member at the upper end gas combusting pipe in parallel with a lateral member and crossing upper end portions of combusting pipes, and catalyst carried between combusting pipesand lateral member.    ADVANTAGE -   The lateral member protects combusting pipes from vibrations.
Combustion appts. comprises combustion section of wick-inserted combusting pipes, and a fuel pump to which combustion pipes are connected through a fuel reservior. The fuel reservoir is located under combusting section.
The negative pole of the sec. battery is composed of the lithium metal or alloy of the same, the positive pole of the sec. battery is composed of reduction-type polyaniline cpd. including not less than 50 mol.% of aromatic amide of formula (I), and the solvent of the electrolyte is composed of the mixture solvent of propylene carbonate and 1,2-dimethoxyethane. The sec. battery is operated by not more than 4.5 V charging end voltage, and not less than 1.5 V discharging end voltage. In (I) R1-R4 may be same or different from each other, and are respectively H, Cl-10 alkyl gp. or Cl-10 alkoxy gp.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The battery property of high energy density, high charging and discharging efficiency, the long cycle life, small self discharging property, and high flatness of voltage at discharging, can be obtd. The secondary battery of light weight and small size can be suitably used in the electric car, gasoline car, portable device, etc.
Compsn. comprises (A) crosslinked resin prepd. by reacting (A1) trifunctional polyoxyalkylene glycerin of formula (I): (in (I), N is a number so that the number ave. mol.wt. is lower than 4,000) and (A2) alkylene diisocyanate and (B) an inorganic ionic salt.    (A2) is pref. hexamethylene-, trimethylene-, tetramethylene-or pentamethylene-diisocyanate and used in a mol. ratio of OH/NCO=1:3-1:7. Too low amt. of the diisocyanate results in insufficient crosslinking making filming difficult. Too large amt. of the diisocyanate degrades the conductivity. (B) is pref. LiClO4, LiSCN, LiBF4, LiAsF6, LiCF3SO3, LiPF6, NaI, NaSCN, NaBr, KI, CsSCN, AgNO3 or Mg(ClO4)2 and used in a mol. ratio of (B)/(ethylene oxide)=0.005-0.5.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Compsn. has high ionic conduction and moulding workability. It is usable as solid electrolytes for primary batteries, sec. batteries, fuel cells, electrochromic display elements.
The internal electrolyte supply system in a fuel cell stack uses an arrangement of grooves and passages in the bipolar plates of successive cells to route gravity-assisted flowing electrolyte through the stack. The grooves route electrolyte along a series of first paths which extend horizontally through the cells between the plates. The passages route electrolyte flow along second paths which extend vertically through the stack so as to supply electrolyte to the first paths where it contacts the cell matrices. Some of the passages bypass some of the grooves.    ADVANTAGE -   Reliable electrolyte flow is ensured to all cells in the stack regardless of their position in the stack, and without causing flooding.
The diaphragm comprises a cation exchange membrane of which at least one surface contains 6-30C aliphatic chain cpd. and a polymer of a pyrrole cpd.    The surface of the diaphragm contains the 6-30C aliphatic chain cpd and the pyrrole polymer in an amt of 0.0005 to 0.05 mg/cm2 respectively.
(JP94038340-B2)      The sepn. membrane comprises ion exchange film coated with polymer of pyrrole cpd. The flow of ions in cells is in the order of 1x10power-6 to 0.5 mg/cm2. The ion exchange film comprises inorganic system e.g. phosphoric acid- zirconium and an organic system.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The membrane is used for redox flow battery. The amt. of penetration of metal ion is small, and high sepn. membrane provides voltage and coulomb efficiency.
In a device for reforming raw gas composed of methanol and steam into gas rich in hydrogen suitable for use in fuel cell, the raw gas flowing through reaction tube filled with catalyst is heated by heat medium flowing in the same direction. Outlet of the reaction tube is cooled by cooling medium.    ADVANTAGE -   Since temp. of catalyst is high at inlet and low at outlet of the reaction tube, high concn. of CO and high methanol conversion rate are obtd. when water/methanol mol. ratio is low.
Cylindrical methanol reformer comprises a burner (7), a vapouriser (8) placed in a combustion chamber (8a), and a reactor (10) with catalyst placed in a heating chamber (8b). A first damper (26) is placed at an exhaust pipe (21) and a second damper (29) is placed at the lower part of the reformer between the combustion chamber and heating chamber. The temp. is controlled by a first temp. detector (32) to detect the temp. of vaporised gas at the exit of the vaporiser, a second temp. detector (33) to detect the temp. of reforming catalyst at the inlet of the reactor, and a control means to control degrees of openings of both dampers, comparing outputs of both temp. detectors with set values.    USE -   Used to control temps. of reforming catalyst in a methanol reformer to produce H2 from methanol.
A fuel cell has unit cells each consisting of (i) a fuel electrode (2) having flow passes (6) through which a fuel gas (A) flows, (ii) an oxidising electrode (1) having flow passes (5) through which an oxidising gas (B) flows in a direction at right angles to the flowing direction of the fuel gas (A), and (iii) an electrolyte layer (3) between the fuel electrode (2) and the oxidising electrode (1). The improvement is that the edges (7) of the electrodes (1,2) parallel to the flow passes (5,6) are impregnated with mixt. (7b) of powder and polyethersulphone.    Powder in the mixt. e.g. comprises Si carbide or heat-treated carbon etc..    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Leak of the flowing gases through the edges of the electrodes can be effectively prevented.
The process comprises forming porous electrode material on porous substrate by painting or sputtering, forming the solid electrolyte layer by sputtering the solid electrolyte material powder onto the electrode material, sealing the pores by chemical vapour deposition of the solid electrolyte material on the solid electrolyte layer to make the thickness of it to meet the planned thickness, and forming porous electrode material on the pore sealed solid electrolyte layer by painting or sputtering.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The solid electrolyte is used for high temp. fuel cells, electrodes of high temp. electrolytic equipments. Solid electrolyte thin layer can be prepd..
The appts. comprises an enclosed electrolysis chamber with electrodes for decomposing electrolyte having fuel gas as a substantial constituent, a separator and collector for the gas, and an electromagnetic current generator including a stator with conductors in, or on, the chamber wall and operatively connected to the electrodes.    A rotor or other carrier is movable w.r.t. the stator and carries magnetic poles, and there is a drive for the rotor. The conductors are pref. located equi-angularly about the wall, and the carrier is an annular rotor coaxial with the stator. The electrolyte is pref. water to produce hydrogen as fuel gas, which is collected to maintain a chamber pressure substantially above atmos. The applied current is pref. regulated to optimise efficiency.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used in remote locations using wind, wave or tidal power, appts. is compact, lightweight, economical to mfr. and capable of high efficiency.
A method for forming a perfluoro-sulphonate ionomer (I) film is claimed comprising: (a) forming a soln. of (I) in its salt form pref. having a concn. of 0.01-- (partic. 0.5-3) wt./vol.; (b) coating a substrate with this soln.; and (c) heating the coated substrate at at least 120 deg. C for a time sufficient to deposit a solvent-resistant film of (I) on the substrate. Opt. water may be present in the solvent in step (a) to enhance dissolution of (I). Opt. the method may include the additional step, between steps (b) and (c), of removing a part of the solvent at a temp. below 120 deg. C and a pressure below atmospheric.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For electrochemical cell separator, e.g. fuel cells. The film has similar properties to the original (I) polymer.
Appts. comprises a control unit to control the feed rate of the fuel to be fed to a burner unit according to a detected outlet temp. of a gasifier to gasify the liq.    USE -   For fuel cells power systems.
The generator control system comprises a sensor for detecting an abnormal condition in the fuel cell body or the fuel supply section and for outputting an abnormal condition signal. A secondary battery is charged by an output voltage of the fuel cell body, and a control section outputs a trouble signal in response to the application of the abnormal condition signal.    A current path controller connects the secondary battery to the fuel supply section and the air supply section and the air supply section through a first current path. In response to the trouble signal the controller disconnects the secondary battery from the first voltage path and then connectcts the secondary battery to the air supply section through a second current path.    ADVANTAGE -   Low power consumption. (First major country equivalent to J63048768)
Improved fuel cell electrolyte martix is produced by (a) mixing 6-60 pts.wt. polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) powder with 40-94 pts.wt. mixed powder comprising (i) 10-70 wt% inorg. powder capable of forming metal phospjate and (ii) 30-90 wt% phosphoric acid-resistant inorg. powder; (b) forming this mixt. into a porous sheet/film; (c) impregnating with phosphoric acid; and (d) heating so (i) is converted in situ to metal phosphate.    Pref. 13-40 wt% of compsn. is PTFE, opt. in granular/scrap state. (i) which increases hydrophilicity may opt. be actual powdered metal phosphate but this reduces binding characteristics. Pref. is a Zr, Ti or Al cpd., esp. ZrO2. (ii) is pref. Ta2O5, a carbonaceous powder or, most pref. SiC. This prevents deposition of (i) on film surface, stabilises structure and controls pore size (small particles provide film with high foam pressure; large provide high permeation rate). Pref. (i) and (ii) are powders with particles below 10 microns.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   This electrolyte-retaining matrix for fuel cells using phosphoric acid avoids problem of hydrophobic character of PTFE filler, so allowing increasing in amt. PTFE, used with consequent increased film strength, moulding characteristics and yield. Fuel cells with improved performance and increased life are provided. (First major country equivalent to J63048765-A)
Methanol reforming appts. comprises means for reducing reforming catalyst in oxidis state prior to reforming operation. Reducing means comprises lines for feeding hydrogen gas and carrier gas to reforming catalyst-filled reactor, respectively, and line for circulating carrier gas from inlet to outlet of reforming reaction tube.    ADVANTAGE -   Amt. of carrier gas can be largely used.
Steam is introduced into reforming reactor tube in which heated catalyst is placed, so that the catalyst layer is heated at a given temp. MeOH is introduced into the tube and decomposed to H2 with which the catalyst is preliminary reduced. Pref. the catalyst is 170-180 deg.C while it is reduced. The amt. of MeOH supplied is 0.5-1.0 mol.% w.r.t. that of steam.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for small-output fuel cell power plants which are mobile or placed in isolated islands. No additional appts. supplying N2 and H2 gas to the reformer is reqd.
Reformer temp. controller comprises a temp. detector of reforming catalyst layer, and a controller unit increasing the amt. of air fed to the burner when temp. of reforming catalyst layer rises.    ADVANTAGE -   Temp. of reformer can stably be controlled by simple controlling system.
The fuelling system comprises a power generating stage including one or more fuel cell stacks, a second stage incl. one or more fuel cell stacks and a system fuel supply arrangement providing sufficient fuel to all stages at a specified utilisation rate.    The fuelling system includes a device to supply all fuel to one stage for the operation of the latter and a device to deliver fuel exhausted from the first stage to the second stage to operate the same. The exhausted fuel from the first stage is in excess of the fuel required to operate that second stage for the specified fuel consumption.    ADVANTAGE -   Minimises or eliminates fuel stack failure caused by insufficient cell fuel supply without need for increasing fuel supply, relaxation of manufacturing tolerances, efficient.
Fuel cell includes an electrolyte matrix consisting of at least two layers of material, the first comprising a non-conducting material having a small void fraction and the second comprising non-conducting fibres having a large void-fraction. The matrix serves as an ionic conducting path between electrodes and as a means for supplying electrolyte to the electrodes.    The second layer is pref. formed of whisker material, pref. SiC and/or AlN, esp. SiC.    Specifically first layer has a void fraction 40-55% and second layer has a void fraction 75-90%. The first layer is made of SiC powder. The matrix assembly is 0.007-0.011 micron thick. The first layer has an average pore size of not more than 1.0 micron.    ADVANTAGE -   The matrix has only two layers, resulting in low internal resistance and superior cell performance.
Fuel cell includes: a barrier plate; an anode chamber with an anode contacting a polymer electrolyte membrane; a cathode contacting the other side of the membrane; a hydrophobic porous material contacting the cathode; and a cathode chamber bounded by a gas/water separator formed of porous hydrophilic material which is permeable to liq. but not to gas at a pressure below a value P where P = 2ST/R where ST = surface tension and R = pore radius of the material.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. with an H2/O2 fuel cell. The gas/water separator effectively removes liq. water from the cathode.
In a solid oxide fuel cell generator, partially spent fuel gas is reformed by : dividing it into two streams; burning the first stream with the partially spent oxidant stream in the cells' refractory container; dividing the resulting exhaust stream into two streams; venting the first and mixing the second with the second spent fuel stream to form a recycle stream; mixing this with a gaseous reformable fuel to form a fuel stream; and supplying this to the cells.    ADVANTAGE -   The fuel is reformed inside the generator; no heat is lost and the overall cell process if more efficient.
System comprises: an air line with a constant speed blower; a control valve between blower and cells; a branch line bypassing the control valve and contg. a fast-acting valve which is normally closed; air flow meters; all current monitors; and a microprocessor control receiving current and air flow data and controlling the control valve and, where necessary, the fast-acting valve, to respond rapidly load demand by the cells.    ADVANTAGE -   Automatic, rapid-response control ensures that the plant does not suffer O2 starvation during transient increases in load demand (claimed).
Appts. comprises a heater to burn fuel with air to produce a gas and heat a reactor to produce a reaction prodn. by an endothermic reaction, and heat transfer changer to change the flow passage of the gas.    USE -   For methyl alcohol reformers.
Hydrocarbon(HC) fraction is first produced, which is a fraction contd. originally in crude oil or is given by crude oil cracking and further catalytically hydrogenated, and contains more than 70 wt.% of 150-260 deg. C fractions and less than 1 ppm sulphur content. Straight chain HCs are sepd. and recovered from the fraction by adsorption using synthetic zeolite and/or by the urea-adduct method. Required amt. of H2O is added to the thus processed fraction, which is then cracked using steam cracking catalyst contg. more than 5 wt.% Ni to produced H2.    ADVANTAGE -   Fractions remaining after valuable straight chain HCs are recovered can be used as a raw material.
Appts. comprises an evaporator having an evaporating unit to gasify the fuel, and superheating part to superheat the gasified fuel.    Both parts are linked through an opening of a partition wall.    USE -   For fuel cells.
In the prodn. a matrix is formed with paste comprising powder of Si carbide, powder of polyetheretherketone and an agent to increase the viscosity mixed in a water based solvent.    Pref. the polyetheretherketone is used in amt. of 5-20 wt.%. The mean particle size of the polyetheretherketone is under 3 micro m.    ADVANTAGE -   The bubbling pressure and conductivity of hydrogen ions are high. The battery characteristic of the fuel cell is good.    In an example, 95 pt. SiC powder, 5 pt. polyetheretherketone, 60 pt. agent to increase viscosity (polyethyleneglycol or polyethyleneoxide of 60% water soln.) and 40 pt. solvent (isopropylalcohol/water = 1/1) are mixed to make the paste. It is painted on a C electrode, dried and sintered.
Appts. to reform fuel gas for fuel cell comprises reactor tubes put in a heating space formed above an evaporator. The tubes are connected end to end to form a structure allowing two or more passes of the fuel gas and spatial zones are left in connected lower ends of the tubes.    USE -   For reforming ethanol-water mixts. into H-rich gases.
Appts. comprises reactor tubes put in a heating space formed above an evaporator. One end of each tube is connected to those of the adjacent tubes through connecting pipes, and the other end of each tube is closed.    USE -   For reforming ethanol-water mixts. into H-rich gases.
Appts comprises reactor tubes put in a heating space formed above an evaportor. The tubes charged with a catalyst are connected end to end to form a synthesis path allowing 2 or more passes of the fuel gas.    USE -   For reforming ethanol-water mixts into H2-rich gases.
Appts. to reform fuel gas for fuel cell comprises a reactor tube put in a heating space, a heating gas dispersion plate put axially in the tube charged with a catalyst. A plurality of such tubes may be provided.    USE -   Used for reforming ethanol-water mixts. into H-rich gases.
Reformer of a fuel cell comprises a heating space, an evaporator and a burner. Reactors filled with catalysts are in parallel in the heating space and ends of neighbouring reactors are connected with connecting tubes. End(s) of each connected reactor(s) is connected to a circular connecting part.    USE -   To keep pressure in each reactor uniform even when clogging or extraordinary reaction occurs in some reactors.
In a reformer of a fuel cell comprising a heating space (7), an evaporator (1) and a burner (2), reactors (8,8a,8b,8c) filled with catalysts are arranged in parallel in the heating space and ends of neighbouring reactors are connected with lateral connecting tubes (11) so that fuel gas can pass two or more reactors.    USE -   To narrow spaces between neighbouring reactors and miniaturise the reformer.
In the reformer comprising a heating space, an evaporator and a burner, reactors filled with catalysts are vertically arranged in the heating space. The ends of reactors are connected so that fuel gas can pass through two or more reactors. The reactors are also connected with each other so that fuel gas flows from the centre of heating space to the outside or from the outside to the centre and heating gas flows in the flow direction of fuel gas.    USE -   Used to supply hot heating gas to fuel gas in the initial stages of the reaction.
In a reformer of a fuel cell comprising a heating space with a built-in reactor filled with catalyst, an evaporator and a burner, an exhaust path is provided at the outside wall of the heating space. The exhaust path and heating space are connected by connecting holes at the upper end of the heating space and an exhaust hole is provided at a part of the exhaust path lower than the connecting hole.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   To fill the heating space with heating gas to obtain uniform heat distribution along the whole length of the reactor.
The reformer comprises a heating space (7), an evaporator (1) and a burner (8). In the heating space a circular reactor (8) with a built-in catalyst layer (9) is provided and in the catalyst layer numerous penetrating tubes (16) penetrating from the inside of the catalyst layer to the outside to pass heating gas are provided.    USE -   To increase the thermal conductivity from the heating space to the catalyst layer and obtain uniform temp. distribution in the catalyst layer.
A reformer of a fuel cell comprises an evaporator, a circular distributing tube fitted with a fuel inlet and fuel supply tubes branched along the circumference at an equal distance and penetrated to the evaporator. The evaporator is placed in a casing and on the evaporator a heating space fitted with a circular reactor and a gas collecting chamber is provided. The distributing pipe is also placed in the casing.    ADVANTAGE -   The distributing pipe is used as a preheater and conventional preheaters are eliminated.
A battery plate is enveloped with a separator material by dipping the plate in an anhydrous liq., then dipping the plate in a suspension of a filler in a soln. of a polymer in a solvent/non-solvent mixt. The anhydrous liq. is a solvent for the polymer. The plate is removed from the suspension and the solvent and non-solvent are allowed to evaporate, forming an envelope of porous separator material around the plate.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The envelope of porous material acts as battery separator e.g. for a vehicle lead acid battery.
New organic F-contg. ethers have formula    Rf - CFX - (CF2)n - (CF2 - O - CF (CH3)-)mRf' (I)    , where Rf = F or 1-3 C perfluoroalkyl; X = H, F, Br, Cl; n = integer 1-10; m = integer 0-5 and Rf' = (a) -CF2-O-CFBr-CF2Br or (b) Rf"-CFX'-(CF2)n'-(CF2-O-CF(CF3)-)m'; Rf", X', n' and m' signify the same as Rf, X, n, m provided that if Rf' = (a) and X = F, then m = at least 1 and if Rf' = (b), then X and X' do not both signify F at the same time and m + m' is at least 1.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   (I) are used (claimed) as solvents for fluoropolymers, partic. polymers contg. the repeat units of formula CF(CF2) -(O-CF2-CF2(A'))u -Ov-(CF2)w- CDFB' (c), where u = 0,1 or 2; v = 0 or 1; w = 1-7; A',B' each = F or CF3 and D = H, Cl, -COOR; R = 1-10 C alkyl. The solns. can be used in prodn. or repair of membranes, e.g. for ultra-hyper-filtration, dialysis, reverse osmosis, electrolysis esp. of aq. NaCl solns., and in fuel cells, as well as membranes for ion-exchanger processes, mass transport and catalysts. (I) can also be used as intermediates and as heat-transfer liqs. (I) have a good dissolution capacity for the fluoropolymer and the solns. can be worked up well and are stable.
Sealing material, specially for use in fuel cells, is a fluorocarbon rubber such as Fluorel or Viton (RTM) and a chemical blowing agent which is activated in the range of the curing temperature of the fluorocarbon. This agent is pref. an azodicarbonamide, such as Celogen AZ- 130 (RTM). A promoter is recommended for this agent, e.g., B-I-K (RTM), also a filler such as carbon black, Thermax MT (RTM), also an acid acceptor such as Maglite (RTM).    ADVANTAGE -   This sealing material is physically and chemically stable at the normal working temp. of a fuel cell of 204 deg. C and is corrosion resistant in the electrolyte soln. (often H3PU4).
Fuel cell stack with combination end-pressure plates comprises (a) thin carbon fuel cell component plates stacked one on top of another providing a reaction portion of the stack; (b) a steel pressure plate mounted directly on the uppermost carbon plate, the steel pressure plate being laterally coextensive with the carbon plates at ambient temps; (c) at least one reactant manifold mounted on a side of the stack, the manifold having a peripheral sealing flange which faces side surfaces of the carbon plates and a corresponding side surface of the pressure plate; (d) a polymeric sealing gasket interposed between the manifold sealing flange and adjacent side surfaces of the carbon plates and the pressure plate to provide a seal between the manifold interior and ambient surroundings; and (e) a first adhesive layer sandwiched between the gasket and adjacent side surfaces to adhere the gasket to the surfaces, the first adhesive layer being operable to fill any discontinuity which may occur at adjacent corners of the pressure plate and the uppermost carbon plate due to differential thermal growth during stack operation so that the manifold interior remains sealed during periods of elevated temp stack operation.    ADVANTAGE -   The fuel cell stack has improved reactant manifold sealing in which the manifold seals are applied directly to the end steel pressure plates on the stack so resisting unseating due to relative thermal growth of the stack components during operation.
Electrochemical cell has segments consisting of: an annular conductive porous inner electrode (47); a solid electrolyte (45) surrounding the inner electrode; a conductive porous outer electrode (49) conductive interconnection member (51) connecting the inner electrodes of adjacent cell segments. The outer electrodes are physically segmented from each other. Pref. a number of cells are joined together by a ceramic sleeve connecting electrolyte and inner electrode portions.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. as a fuel cell generator assembly with a housing contg. an array of cells (claimed). Arrangement allows cells to be of large dia. for high gas flow and also self-supporting; they are easy to form and low-cost and provide more efficient and power-capable operation.
This vehicle battery mounting and attachment device has a tray in the form of a frame with In them are trays made of electrically-insulating material. On their bottom s bottoms are holes with bent edges. The batteries (10) are mounted on a pallet (1), (2) in trays. Clamping plates (8) are fixed on one of the upper sections of each pair of batteries and the plates' projection (9) enters the gap in the batteries. The plates (8) ends are between the batteries" filler plugs (11). One plate is fixed by a hole, on a connecting bar (5) and is secured by a self-locking washer with a nut (7). The threaded bar has an insulating tube.    ADVANTAGE -   Increased electrical safety in use and less labour-intensive servicing. Bul.31/23.8.87
Hydrogen gas is produced for dispersion type fuel battery where JIS No. 1 kerosene with 10-150 wt. ppm of sulphur content is let through a reactor where a nickel type adsorbent (having the surface area of more than 50 m2/g, supporting nickel as the metal component (the amt. of the nickel is more than 50 wt.%)) is filled, under the presence of 0-0.2 mol. of hydrogen (against 1 mol. of kerosene), at more than atmospheric pressure and less than 10 kg/cm2.G and at the temp. of 150-250 deg. C, so that the remaining sulphur content in the kerosene is reduced to less than 0.5 wt. ppm. Then a necessary amt. of water is added to the gas emitting from the reactor, and it is introduced to a steam reforming reactor (where a reforming catalyst with the nickel content of more than 5 wt.% is filled) to carry out a reforming reaction.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Hydrogen for dispersion type fuel battery can be produced economically from kerosene.
The carbon-black lead reservoir layer contains graphitised contorted ribbon fibre. The component has a density of 0.55 g/cm3 or less and a resistivity of 0.031 x 10 power(-2) mV/m or less.    USE -   The carbon-black lead reservoir layer is used for electrochemical cells for fuel cell power generating plants. Cell using the reservoir layer has high output.
Fuel cell has fuel cell units piled one over another.    Each of the fuel cell units comprises: (1) a solid, unitary, pre-formed integrated laminate including an electrolyte matrix layer and a pair of electrode catalyst layers sandwiching both faces of the electrolyte matrix layer, the electrode catalyst layers being integrally formed with the electrolyte matrix layer; (2) a pair of electrode substrates disposed on the outer faces of the electrode catalyst layers, and a pair of gas separators disposed on the outer faces of he electrode substrapes. Process for producing a fuel cell comprises (i) laminating an electrolyte matrix layer between a pair of electrode catalyst layers; (ii) locating electrode substrate layers on the outer faces of the electrode catalyst layers; and (iii) locating gas separators on the outer faces of electrode substrate layers.    ADVANTAGE -   The permeation of catalyst into the substrate canbe diminished, the amt. of catalyst used can be reduced, and electrodes having a uniform thickness and compsn.    is produced with high productivity.    (First major country equivalent to J63032858-A)
In an electrochemical conversion device comprising two systems of electrodes in contact with an electrolyte, the first electrode system (16,18) consists of balls comprising aluminium as active material, a mixt. of the balls and electrolyte being circulated through an electrochemical cell (1) contg. the second electrode system (14).    ADVANTAGE -   Compared with non-rechargeable cells contg. aluminium electrode plates, the new cell has low cost and long life since fresh aluminium balls can be added to compensate for aluminium consumption.
In the mfr. of a hydrogen gas sensor element, a heat-sensitive resistor wire of Pt is spirally coiled, a porous catalyst support of gamma-alumina etc., is formed around the spiral Pt coil by coating an active gamma-alumina paste with water on the Pt coil and then heating it in air at above 800 deg.C A pt. family catalyst is impregnated into the porous catalyst support by impregnating a chloroplatinate aq. soln. into the porous catalyst support and the heating it at 400 deg.C in a current of H2, The catalytic combustion type gas sensor element formed is subjected to Si vapour treatment at 200 - 400 deg.C.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The H2 gas sensor element is used for detecting H2 gas in the air in fuel cell power generating plants, H2 engines, etc. It has good selective sensitivity for H2 gas for long periods of time.
(JP2547737-B2)      An interval reforming type fusion carbonate fuel battery for reforming hydrocarbons, alcohols and coal gas has a catalyst in the gas flow path next to the anode. Electricity is generated by contact of the gas with the electrode. The carbonate comprises either B4C, HfN and/or ZrO2 vapour deposited on a porous nickel substrate to form a foil through which the gas passes from catalyst to anode. The foil has thickness 10-50m and mean hole dia. 10-1000.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For electricity generation in a carbonate fuel battery which is stable and highly efficient. A major structural alternation w.r.t. prior art acid-salt fuel battery is not required and conventional shape can be maintained even when using the very thin film.
Oxidn. redn. process is effected using an electrolysation cell sepd. by a membrane contg. semiconductor into an oxidn. chamber and a redn. chamber, by an irradiation with light onto the interface between the membrane and electrolyte to generate oxidn. reaction in the electrolyte contd. in the oxidn. chamber, and to generate redn. reaction in the electrolyte contd. in the redn. chamber.    Semiconductor in the membrane is n-type semiconductor such as TiO2. ZrO2, ZnO, WO3, Fe2O3, CdS, SnO2, GaAs or GaP, etc. or p-type semiconductor such as Cu2O, GaAs, GaP or InP, etc.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Light energy can be converted to and used as electrochemical energy efficiently, and this process is suitable for use in electroplating, electrolytic metal refining, electrolytic metal surface finishing or electrolytic hydrogen prodn., etc.
(JP93004786-B)      Fused salt-type fuel cell comprises a laminate of unit cells sealed with a sealant contg. a material which melts below the cell operating temp. and changes into the solid state during operation of the cell.    USE -   Used for portable power sources. (J63026960-A)
Appts. includes a reactant gas passage and a combustion gas passage that are independently constructed so that a reaction gas and combustion gas may flow independently through a heat transfer member which has a reforming catalyst on the reactant gas passage side and a combustion catalyst on the combustion gas passage side.
Diaphragm contains a vinyl cpd. having a quat. ammonium salt residue(s) and vinyl benzyl gp(s), or a polymer prepd. from the vinyl cpd. in an amt. of 2 x 10 power -6 - 2 x 10 power -4 mg/cm2.    Specifically the redox flow cell contains a cathodic soln. comprising Cr chloride/HCl and an anodic soln. comprising Fe chloride/HCl. The quat. ammonium salt residue includes an onium salt residue e.g. pyridinium salt residue, sulphonium salt residue and phosphonium salt residue. The vinyl cpd. has pref. 1-1,000, more pref. 1-100 of vinyl benzyl gp(s) and has pref. 1-1,000, more pref. 1-50, of quat. ammonium salt residue(s). The vinyl cpd. is pref. the reaction prod. prepd. from N,N,N',N'-tetramethyl l,6-hexanediamine and chloromethyl styrene.    ADVANTAGE -   The diaphragm has small transmission of metal ion, so the redox flow cell having the diaphragm has an improved voltage effect and Coulomb effect.
(JP92015990-B)      Electrolyte liq. circulation type stacked Zn-Br cell comprises framed electrodes and framed films laminated alternately. The frame of the electrode and/or film is made of an ionomer having a vol. resistivity of 10 power 14 ohms or more.    Used for d-c power sources. (J63021763-A)
Appts. comprises a catalyst bed in a reaction vessel to react the fuel evaporated by an evaporator charged with many aggregates of small pieces, e.g., stainless steel or ceramic pieces like fibres or wires to increase the evaporation surface area.    USE -   For fuel cells.
Appts. comprises a catalyst bed in a reaction vessel to react the fuel evaporated by an evaporator, and gas collector to collect the gas reformed in the vessel integrated with the evaporator.
Appts. comprises a catalyst bed in a vessel having a porous cover to block the granular catalyst from effluent from the gas outlet side of the bed. The cover is retained by fixtures toward the bed.    USE -   For fuel cells.
Appts. comprises a heater put in a lower part of an evaporator contg. reaction tubes, each charged with a catalyst to react the evapd. fuel so that the cross-section of the catalyst bed reduces away from the bottom.    USE -   For fuel cells.
Mfr. comprises cracking and reforming a preheated mixt. of hydrocarbon with water vapour, utilising the sensitive heat held in the material put in a 2nd zone adjacent to a 1st zone, in which the mixt. is preheated.    USE -   For making gas fuels. (Provisional Basic previously advised in week 8803)
A sea water/fresh water multi-cell electric battery system uses reverse electrodialysis with sea water as the electrolyte. The cells comprise rubber sheets with large rectangular apertures framing anion exchange and cation exchange membranes alternately and each group of cells is clamped together between wooden panels by threaded tie rods and nuts. In the top of each cell are inlet tubes and outlet tubes to provide a counter-current flow of salt and fresh water, respectively, through each pair of cells. The sea water is delivered to the cells by a rotary valve arrangement that prevents power being cross-connected by the conductive electrolyte from cell to cell. Positive and negative electrode plates are mounted on the panels at the ends of each cell group.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   As a "free energy" concept using natural resources. Improvements over prior art are claimed such as electrical insulation between electrolyte inlets, utilisation of waste heat, and counter-current flow through each pair of cells, which all increase overall power generation efficiency.
The starting aid cable has an electrically insulated flexible low-voltage line with two end sections each having an electrically insulated pole part. A second electrically insulated flexible low-voltage line has its two end sections provided with two pole parts.    At least one electrically conducting connection (20) between the first (10) and the second (11) LV line and/or between their first (12,14) and second (13,15) pole parts is provided. In this connection is at least one voltage-independent resistor through-voltage of which lies above the operating voltage of the vehicle start battery .
Bipolar plate-system for use in electrochemical cells comprises (a) a non-conducting separation plate and extending through it conducting elements making electrical contact with the working electrodes at both sides of the supporting plates; such that (b) the non-conducting separation plate is made of a thermosetting polymeric material.    ADVANTAGE -   Thermosetting materials exert a much more efficient and irreversible closure around the electrically connecting elements, thus limiting any undesirable leaks without special measures, so providing for the construction of cost-efficient electrolytic cells.
Corrosion resistant material to molten salts is made by pre-oxidising a metal substrate, followed by lithiuminising the surface. The metal substrate is of an alloy contg. Fe. The pre-oxidising is done in steam, or water, or in air, or by molten salt oxidn. or anodising or their combination. Lithiuminising is done in Li-cpd. or Li-cpd. gas.    USE -   The material made by the method is used for molten carbonate type fuel cells.
(JP2585225-B2)       A fused carbonate fuel battery comprises: (a) a main body with porous electrode plates (1a,b) divided by separating layers (3) and gas flows paths (3a,b); (b) manifolds (6a-d) around the main body to contain the gas flow; (c) seal bodies (5a-d), between the manifolds and main body, made of ceramic cloth. The cloth is a low fusion-point glass ceramic containing 40-80% wt. B2 O3 , 20-60% wt. ZnO and 5-20% wt. SiO2.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The device is used as a fused carbonate fuel battery. The ceramic cloth seals prevent corrosion of the battery and increase the efficiency of the gas seal, which prolongs battery life.
(JP2585226-B2)      Electrolyte matrix for fused-carbonate fuel cell comprises a mixt. of alkali carbonate powder and stabilised zirconia powder, denatured to lithium.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Material is used to improve the electrolyte matrix in fuel cells. Satisfactory electricity generation characteristics are achieved. Maintenance characteristics are not degraded.
Appts. to reform fuel comprises inner and outer tubes forming a space between them and catalyst charged in the space, so that the vapour of a thermal medium is contacted with the tubes.    USE -   For fuel cell power plants.
A reforming appts. includes a burner combustion chamber between an inner cylinder and an outer cylinder of a furnace body. Guide vanes are arranged near the bottom part of the inside of the furnace body, to cause combustion gas to whirl.
A sec. (electrically regeneratable) fuel cell has positive electrodes consisting of silver-indium alloys of compsn. 50-55 wt.% Ag and 50-45 wt.% In. Pref. compsn. is 55 wt.% Ag and 45 wt.% In. Other aspects of the fuel cell or fuel cell battery contg. the novel positive electrode are of conventional materials and conventional design.    Thus fuel cell (10) has a sandwich structure of the Ag-In positive electrode (12), a porous separator (16) of nonwoven novoloid fabric satd. with aq. KOH soln. as electrolyte, and a negative electrode (14) comprising a mixt. of Pd and Ru.    ADVANTAGE -   Fuel cell contg. Ag-In alloy positive electrode is chargeable to higher voltage at lower pressure, has substantially higher capacity and lower internal resistance, and is lighter in wt. than otherwise similar conventional electrically regeneratable fuel cells.
A solid oxide electrolyte plate for an electrochemical converter is obtd. by plasma-spraying particulate oxide onto a substrate to build up plate of thickness 50-750 microns. The plate is sepd. from the substrate and coated with a fuel electrode material on one face and an oxidiser electrode material on the other. Interconnector plates are formed from nickel alloy, silicon carbide or platinum alloy to have a thickness of 100-1000 microns, 50-300 microns, or 25-250 microns respectively, and of corrugated form to provide gas passages and ridges for contact with the electrolyte plates. A converter is assembled from a stack of alternating electrolyte and interconnector plates which are fused together at a temp. such that upon cooling the electrolyte plates ate maintained in in-plane compression.    There is also claimed an electricity generating system including a steam generating furnace having a combustion chamber within which the above converter is located. A fuel supply feeds both the converter and the combustion appts. A coal gasification system includes an electrochemical converter located within the gasifier chamber and supplied with the gasifier product.    ADVANTAGE -   Compact efficient converter having an improved power-volume ratio and sufficiently strong to be used in boilers and gasifiers. Easy manufacture of oxide plates having good flatness.
Fuel cell substrate comprises: a separator (1) sandwiched between two porous C electrodes (2) each provided with flow channel grooves, the grooves of one electrode being perpendicular to those of the other; and peripheral sealers (3) joined to the separator via a layer of fluorocarbon resin (4). The ratio of the cross section of the grooves on the fuel electrode side to that of the grooves on the air electrode side is 1-2:3.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. with fuel cells of the H3PO4 type. The flow channel areas ratio conforms to the conditions of the actual fuel used; the peripheral seal prevents leakage of reactant gas; and the structure has high resistance to H3PO4.
The supply system comprises a current generator, an accumulator battery, and at least one cyclically energised end stage. The battery and the end stage form an integral module. The end stage is pref. releasably coupled to the battery. Alternatively, the end stage may be an integral part of the battery casing.    Both the battery and the end stage may be surrounded by a casing, screening EM fields. The casing is typically a box accommodating the battery and the end stage. Current flows through the connecting lines between the battery and the end stage, or a consumer appliance.    ADVANTAGE -   Current pulses are rendered harmless at point of origin and cannot enter network, compact, avoids thermal problems since there are no temp. dependent components used, e.g. electrolytic capacitors.
The fuel cell appts. has a passage having entry and exit ends, the passage carrying a gas through the stack from the entry to the exit end, and a loop for recirculating a portion of the gas leaving the exit end back to the entry end. A blower within the loop drives the recirculation. A burner within the loop is disposed downstream of the blower.    The burner is adapted to receive a portion of the gas in the loop and further adapted to receive fuel from a fuel supply during start-up of the fuel cell stack. An entry port in the loop disposed upstream of the blower replenishes gas to the loop.    ADVANTAGE -   Decouples start-up time from blower characteristics, suppresses burner thermal signature, dampens blower noise, reduces energy consumption during start-up, blower has extended life.
(JP2511883-B2)      Fuel cell has mixing gas supply pipe for supplying oxidising agent, and exhaust tube for discharging combustion exhaust gas of mixing gas which is made to connect combustion catalyser filling layer. The fuel cell further has a electricity generation part (1), planar laminate (3), catalyser filling layer (3as), catalyser filling layer for combustion (3bs), fuel entrance (6bs), fuel exit (6bs), oxidising agent entrance (7as) and oxidising agent exit (7bs).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for power source. Provides quality impurity device for creating fuel.
A fuel cell has electrode with fringe sealed with wet seal comprising fibrous electrode base, coated material made from polyether sulphone which is formed on the fibrous electrode base, and filler comprising fine powder of silicon carbide or gel made from phosphate, which fills spaces in the fibrous material.    The polyether sulphone pref. has the repeating unit of formula (I), and pref. has mol. wt. of about 25,000. The fibrous electrode base is pref. made of carbon fibre. The gel is pref. made from zirconium phosphate.    ADVANTAGE -   Fibrous electrode base with coating is protected from corrosion by phosphoric acid, so the fuel cell keeps its properties for a long term.
(JP93065991-B)      Fuel cell comprises a thin metal sheet having a flange, separator sheets which hold the flange of the metal sheet covering the bottom and side part of an electrolyte plate through electric insulation members.    USE -   For portable power sources. (J62295359-A)
A fuel cell comprises a stack of cell units, each comprising an anode, and cathode opposite each other, and sepd. by a ceramic electrolyte plate, and a separator plate laminated on the back surface of the electrodes, pref. with a corrosion resistance surface, e.g. bonded to each electrode. The separator plate material consists of 25 to 60 wt.% Ni, Fe and has a similar coefft. of expansion to that of the electrolyte plate, pref. within +/- 4 X 10 power (-6) Ikg/PC. Prefd. the electrolyte plate is a porous ceramic comprising Li aluminate powder incorporated with an Al203 fibre.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   A fuel cell superior in durability to a heat cycle and capable of maintaining high power generation efficiency. (First major country equivalent to J62295356-A)
The separator material comprises Fe-base alloy contg. (by wt.) 0.15 % or less C, 1 % or less Si, 2 % or less Mn, 15-35 % Ni, 15-35 % Cr, and 1-2 % Al, etc.    USE -   The separator material is used for molten carbonate type fuel cells, having good corrosion resistance to molten carbonate.
Ceramic tube is mfd. using a paper tube or paper rod substrate, winding paper tape with a specific number of turnings on the surface of the substrate impregnated with water slurry of ceramics or while impregnating it into the surface of the substrate, drying it with air, and burning.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The ceramic tube is used for gases, partic. as battery substrate tubes for solid electrolyte type fuel cells. The ceramic tube has a thickness of 1 mm or less, and uniform porosity of 20-30%.
(JP2558636-B2)      Fuel battery comprises electrolyte layers (3) impregnated with phosphoric acid on both sides of electrode (2). The electrolyte layers have a catalyst layer (1). The fuel battery outputs electrical energy from between each electrode by an electrochemical reaction on circulating fluid fuel and fluid oxidising agent in circulation path. Temp. drop is performed on shutdown of fuel battery reducing density/concn. of the electrolyte. Temp. rise is performed on starting the fuel battery increasing density/concn. of the electrolyte.    ADVANTAGE -   Volume variation of electrolyte on starting the fuel battery is prevented.
Sealing material contains a thermoplastic fluoro-resin crosslinked and foamed. The foamed fluoro-resin has an average cell dia. below 90 micro.m., a closed cell ratio above 80%, and a hardness of 30-90. The crosslinked fluoro-resin has a ratio of dynamic shearing storage modulus to dynamic shearing loss modulus of 0.3-0.9.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For manifold sealing materials in fuel cells, liners of containers, gasket flanges of tubes, etc. The sealing material can be tightened by relatively low pressure, and has good heat and chemical resistance. The sealing performance is maintained for a long time.    In an example, vinylidenefluoride -hexafluoropropylene copolymer was heat pressed into a 1.2 mm thick sheet, and crosslinked with an electron radiator. The crosslinked fluoro-resin was impregnated with dichlorodifluoromethane in air-tight container heated and expanded.
CO2 and H2 gas are recovered by modifying the converter gas, absorbing CO2 contd. in the modified gas using absorption gas, gaining CO2 from the absorption liq. raising the pressure of off-gas from the tower, treating the pressurised gas in PSA (pressure system adsorption apparatus) for recovering these gases, where the off-gas form the PSA is treated by PSA disposed in series, supplying it to fuel cells, gaining electric power, allowing the off-gas from the cell to effect complete combustion for utilising the steam converted by the combustion heat.    USE -   CO2 and H2 gas are recovered from converter gas generating, having steel mfr., using LD converter for gaining thermal and electrical energy, and high content of H2 capable of utilisation as a fuel gas of fuel cells can be obtd..
CO2, and H2 gas are recovered from converter gas by modifying the converter gas, absorpting CO2 gas content in the modified gas using absorption tower, gaining CO2 from the absorption liquid, raising the pressure of off-gas of the tower. The pressurised gas is treated in PSA (pressure system adsorption apparatus) to recover CO2 and H2, where the off-gas is treated with PSA which was disposed in series and being operated in relatively low pressure.    USE -   With the method, CO2 and H2 can be recovered from converter gas generating upon steel making using LD converter with reduced utilities, reducing markedly the recovering cost.
The method involves passing steam at one side, and CO gas at the other side of oxygen ion electrically conductive solid electrolyte membrane with electrodes on both sides, connecting both electrodes to obtain electric power, together with obtg. high purity H2 gas from the exhaust opening at the side of the steam supply.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for lowering CO content to extremely low levels in ammonia synthesis, or removing it from town gas, or conditioning the ratio of H2/CO in starting gas in methanol or oxo synthesis. Reaction energy is recovered as electric energy. The shift reaction of CO is effected without supplying energy from outside, and sepn. refining.
The method involves passing mixed gas of CO and steam through the one side of a hydrogen ion (proton) electrically conductive solid electrolyte membrane having electrodes on the both sides. Both electrodes are connected to obtain electric powder, together obtaining high purity H2 gas from the other side opposite to the side to which the mixed gas was supplied, through the membrane.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The shift reaction is used for conditioning the ratio of H2/CO in starting gas in synthesising methanol or in oxo synthesis, or lowering the content of CO in ammonia synthesis, or removing it from town gas without supplying energy from outside, or sepn. refining. With the method, reaction energy can be recovered as electric energy.    In an example, the mixed gas having compsn. of water/CO = 1 (mol ratio) was supplied to the one side of solid electrolyte (25 cm2 electrode surface, 0.4 mm thickness) of SrCeO.94Yb0.06.03-a (a=over 0 to 0.5, and a denotes oxygen lack) of which parent material is SrCeO3 from the gas inlet, with flow rate of 45 Nm1/min, then the temp. of a reactor was held at 750 deg.C. The resulted terminal voltage was 0.7 V and the current was 2.5 A, and 12 Nm1/min H2 gas was obtd. at the outlet, having 99.99 % or over purity, and evolution of H2 was continued without supplying reaction heat from outside.
Rotary propellers are mounted on craft anchored at suitable windy locations in the sea. The power they generate is converted to electricity used to electrolyse sea-water, producing H2 which is then compressed or liquefied, and can be transported by tanker vessels for on-shore applications. The co-produced O2 can be separately stored.    Air may be directed by guide-vanes down onto a multisection rotor. An elevator reduces any tilting effect produced by the wind. H2 is stored in a spherical tank providing buoyancy, with heavy gas prodn. plant below the tank and to wind generator above. Energy from a number of generators can produce and store gas at a central station.    ADVANTAGE -   Fuel H2 can be cheaply produced whereever suitable wind and anchorage conditions are found together.
(A) In a fuel cell, divided by an ion permeable separator (2) into an anodic compartment (3) contg. an alkaline anolyte and a cathodic compartment (4) contg. an acidic catholyte, the novelty is that the fuel introduced into the anodic compartment is hydrogen peroxide.    Pref. the oxidant introduced into the cathodic compartment is also hydrogen peroxide.    (B) A process for electricity generation by the fuel cell is also claimed.    ADVANTAGE -   The cell does not produce toxic or polluting products.
A lead acid battery grid mfg. process comprises cladding lead-calcium alloy plate with lead alloy sheet or foil, having a compsn. different from and a thickness smaller that that of the plate, by cold rolling to form a sheet of thickness smaller than that of the plate, followed by expanding or punching to form a grid.    Pref. the lead alloy is a Pb/5 wt.% Sn alloy and the lead-calcium alloy is a Pb/0.07 wt.% Ca/0.25 wt.% Sn alloy. Pref. the cold rolling redn. ratio during cladding is at least 5:1.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For use in vehicles. The process results in increased surface concn. of tin to prevent formation of high resistance material at the interface between a positive grid and its active material filling. The grids have high strength, high bonding strength and high thickness dimensional accuracy, are inexpensive and are easy to produce.
Dimensionally stable electrode for a molten carbonate fuel cell is formed by: forming a porous plaque of Ni-Cr alloy contg. 5 wt. % max. Cr; and oxidising it by exposure to steam/H2 in a vol. ratio of 80-120:1 at 600-800 deg. C for at least 1 hr.    Pref. the porous plaque is formed by heat-treating a porous mixt. of Ni and Cr at1000-1100 deg. C for 5-90 mins., esp. 1050 deg. C for 15 mins.    ADVANTAGE -   Anode maintains structural stability in extended use.
Appts. comprises an evaporator to gasify raw fuel to be fed into a reforming reactor. The bottom face of the evaporator has many projections.    USE -   For fuel cells.
Appts. comprises an evaporator to gasify a raw fuel to be fed into a reforming reactor. The bottom face of the evaporator is sloped down to a flame of a burner to heat the evaporator.    USE -   For fuel cells.
Appts. to reform gasified fuel into gas rich in H2 comprises a reactor having inlets located symmetrically around a point and a fuel feed pipe having a fuel discharge pipe directed to the point.    USE -   For fuel cells.
The circuit includes an accumulator OR battery (101) with circuits (102, 104) providing current to loads (103,105). A control circuit (108) includes three elements (107,108,109). These include a control (108) which receives information regarding the state of charge of the battery by a link (111) with a detection circuit (109).    According to the information supplied the control circuit may operate a switch circuit (107). This operates in order to prevent the battery discharging below a certain threshold.    USE -   Limitation of battery discharge e.g. by vehicle lights in order to prevent battery condition falling to irreversible state as result of sulphation.
Heat shield for a reformer tube of an appts. for producing prod. gas from a hydrocarbon feed stock in which the heat shield is formed of individual segments which extend laterally and longitudinally about the reformer duct, which is a cylinder-like reformer tube. The heat shield is formed of rings, each ring being formed of segments, which may have slots or holes through the side of the ring to provide communication between the interior and the exterior of the ring. Pref. the support means for the ring minimises tensile stresses in the ring by supporting them through stacking the rings on a support, e.g. a platform extending from the reformer. Alignment of the gaps between circumferentially adjacent segments and the adjacent ring is such that the gaps are either opt. aligned to tailor the flow of gases axially along and through the shield while minimising radiation from the exterior of the shield to the reformer tube.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The reformer for fuel cell operates at elevated temps. with a heat shield that has good structural integrity in such an environment, whilst having a compact spacing of reformer tubes which results from reducing temp. gradients in the tubes due to the location of the tubes within the reformer.
The bicycle has a rechargeable battery (6) supplying electrical power to headlight and tail light. The battery is in a holder (5) provided with a chamber. The holder is pocket shaped and is attached to the frame of the bicycle by a clip (7).    The holder may carry several batteries and have plug contacts (8.9) for current lines (10-12). One such line may lead to a direction indicator (13) coupled to a switch (18).    ADVANTAGE -   Lights do not go out when bicycle stops. Electrical power supply is independent of bicycle for over 15 hours.
Gas sepn. process comprises: (a) contacting a feed gas mixt. under pressure with one side of s semipermeable membrane made from a polymer contg. a hydrocarbon backbone and pendant metal ionomer gps. comprised of alkali metal, alkaline earth metal or transition metal cation bound to pendant COO(-) gps.; (b) maintaining pressure differential across the membrane so that a component of the feed gas mixt. selectively permeates through the membrane from the high pressure side to the low pressure side; (c) removing permeated gas enriched in the faster permeating component(s) from the low pressure side; and (d) removing the non-permeated gas which is depleted in the faster permeating component(s) from the high pressure side.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   High gas selectivities for sepg. oxygen and nitrogen, CO2 and CH4, etc. are obtd. while maintaining reasonable gas permeabilites. The membrane may also have good mechanical properties.
Organic waste is composted in a closed tent of synthetic material, inside which an excess air pressure is maintained and promotes passage of air. Pref. heat is exchanged between the issuing air and the air used to maintain the excess pressure.    ADVANTAGE -   Tents expanded by air pressure are cheap and airtight, and not affected by rain or snow and the synthetic is not attacked by acid or basic vapours arising from the waste. Smells do not infiltrate into the outer atmos.. Extra ventilators are not needed.
Fermenting organic wastes comprises placing fermenting vessel in a fermenting tank shielded from the outside air leaving a space around the vessel and fermenting the organic wastes placed in the vessel.    USE -   For fermenting food waste, refuse and dirty sludges.
Bleaching agent contg. an inorganic peroxide, an enzyme and a perfume uses a mixed perfume consisting mainly of (A) one or more of monoterpene alcohols, sesquiterpene alcohols and 7-10C aromatic alcohols and (B) one or more of 8-17C formic and acetic esters, 10-15C hydrocarbons and 7-16C aromatic aldehydes and also contains 4-12 wt.% salicylic ester perfume.    Enzyme is serine protease, pepsin, trypsin, esterase etc. (A) is linalool, geraniol, dimethyl octanol, tetrahydrolinalool alpha-terpineol, farnesol, benzyl alcohol, beta-phenylethyl alcohol, dimethylphenyl carbinol etc. (B) is geranyl formate, benzyl formate, linalyl acetate, benzyl acetate, alpha-pinene, limonene, benzaldehyde, cinnamic aldehyde etc. Salycylic ester is methyl salicylate, n-hexyl salicylate, benzyl salicylate, cyclooctyl salicylate etc.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The compsn. undergoes no changes in perfume performance during prolonged storage (e.g. 30 days at 40 deg.C). The perfume controls the occurrence of fishy odour characteristic of inorganic peroxides.
Roasted homogeneous lignocellulosic material contains 27-30% fixed carbon and can be agglomerated without the addn. of a binder.    A method of making the material and appts. for carrying it out are also claimed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The material has a content of benzopyrene, which is carcinogenic and teratogenic, of only 1 microgram per kg.
A ballistic shattering grinder has a horizontal rotor driven by a motor and carrying hammers, a casing surrounding the rotor, an outlet grille beneath the rotor, a ballistic chamber above the rotor of height about twice its dia. with a downwardly narrowing trapezoidal cross-section, truncated corners to the upper end of the chamber, an inlet hopper to the chamber and an outlet spout for ungrindable material, and ribbed plates shielding the inner walls of the chamber against hard fragments thrown off by the hammers and shattering them.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for converting domestic rubbish or agricultural vegetable waste into compost.
City gas is produced from methanol by a process comprising (a) preparing a mixture (I) of methanol and water; (b) exchanging heat between a heat medium (II) and mixture (I) to produce heated (I); (c) reacting heated (I) in a reactor at a temp. less than 300 deg.C in presence of a catalyst comprising a nickel component supported on alumina, of reduced sulphur content and reduced specific surface area, to form a methane-rich gas mixture (III); (d) separating water from (III); (e) removing carbon dioxide gas from (III); and (f) adding butane gas to (III) to regulate the calorific content. A portion of the water separated in step (d) is used to prepare mixture (I). (II) is heated by heat generated in the reaction of step (c).    A novel catalyst compsn. comprises elemental nickel or a nickel cpd. and a carrier comprising alumina.    A novel method of producing a gas comprises reacting a mixture containing methanol at 280-305 deg.C in psence of a nickel catalyst based on an alumina carrier, to produce gas containing methane.    Specifically the city gas has at least one of the properties: heat value at least 11,000 Kcal/Nm3; Wobbe Index at least 13,340; Combustion Potential between 40.2 and 41.9 cm/sec.    ADVANTAGE -   City gas is produced in a one-step methanation process. As water is recycled, only a methane feed is required once the process is operating on-line. Required heat is supplied by the process.
The reactor for the low-temp. carbonisation of biomass is an extended trough in which a revolving fluidised bed is produced, with an axis of rotation in the longitudinal direction of the trough. The outer branch of the circulating carbonisation gas includes a blower and heat exchangers. The reactor itself can also contain a revolving nest of tubes for a heat carrier. Excess gases are extracted on top and pass through a de-duster and a condensation heat exchanger.    ADVANTAGE -   This combines the advantages of an indirectly heated reactor with those of a fluidised reactor.
Solid wastes, in the form of municipal refuse, and aq. organic effluent such as raw sewage, are processed by sepn. and co-digestion to recover resaleable materials and generate valuable by-products.    More specifically, the solid waste can be of commercial, industrial, or agricultural origin (e.g. crop, plant or forestry residue) and the aq. waste is e.g. waste activated sludge or prim. or sec. municipal sludge (digested or not).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The method can be applied to a very wide range of wastes and produces (1) CH4 fuel; (2) biomass for use as high N-content, slow-release fertiliser; fish or animal feed supplement; amino acid source; or medium for growing bacteria or worms; (3) C02 for use in e.g. hydroponics to increase crop respiration and (4) solid fuel.
Process for converting CH4 into higher hydrocarbons and H2O by contacting a CH3-contg. gas with a solid contg. reducible oxide(s) of metal(s), which oxide when contacted with CH4 without added gaseous oxidant at 500-1000 deg.C gives higher hydrocarbons, H2O and reduced metal oxide, is improved by conducting at least part of the contacting in the presence of added H2O.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   C2H4, C2H6 and other hydrocarbon prods. can be produced with improved efficiency, e.g. with increased selectivity. E.g. use of a feed contg. 50 mole % CH4 and 20 mole % H2O with a mixt. of Mg, B, Li and Mn oxides, compared with use of CH4 alone, increased the CH4 conversion from 20 to 22% and the 2C+ selectivity from 80 to 88%.
Proposed method comprises mixing wood shavings (e.g. pine) with Fe203 catalyst promoted with eutectic mixt. of potassium sodium and lithium carbonates, at iron to promoter ratio as 10:1 to 1:1, heating the mixt. to 500 deg. C. at 0.5-1.0 MPa and further heating to 850 deg. C. at atmos. pressure. First stage of pyrolysis takes up to 40 min. and the sec. stage approx. 25 min. The catalyst is prepd. by mixing at above ratio, Fe203 and eutectic mixt. of Li2CO3 (43.5 mol. %), Na2CO3 (31.5 mol. %) and K2CO3 (25 mol. %) of m. pt. 400 deg. C., and redn. with charcoal at 800 deg. C. Tests show that obtd. liq. fuel has low oxygen content (to 13%) and phenol content (to 4.5%). The coking tendency is reduced to 2.8% and the yield of liq. fuel is increased to 17.3%.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In forestry and wood processing industry. Improved quality and increased yield of produced liq. fuel. Bul.20/30.5.88.
Fuel is a moulded matter consisting of a combustible powder and a heat-melting high-calorie material, with coated layerf the heat-melting material on its surface. The powder is one or a mixt. of plant organic material, charcoal, and coal; and the plant organic materials are pref. sawdust, wooden powder, and powdered chaff.    Heat melting high-calorie materials pref. include paraffin waxes, combustible synthetic resins, combustible polymers, and the mixts. or solns. with fuel oils such as kerosene and light oil.    ADVANTAGE -   The fuel undergoes no deformation during transport or storage. It has a good waterproofing property. It is easy to produce.
Prodn. of feed protein from waste water sludges comprises (1) sepn. and concn. of a bacterial suspension from the sludge; (2) treating with acid in a solid-liq. sepn. step, and (3) opt. washing the sepd. solid phase with water, concn., supplementing with an S-contg. amino acid (pref. MEt), and vacuum-drying to give a high value, edible protein product.    Specifically the first step is with a sieve separator of mesh width 50-80 microns, and acid treatment is at pH 0.5-5 (2-3) and ambient temp. HCl is pref. used when the sludge contains metal ions which form soluble chlorides, but when it contains ions (e.g. Hg) which form insoluble chlorides, dil. HNO3 is used.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The sludges are formed by biological treatment of agricultural, industrial and domestic wastes, esp. liq. manure, and can now be processed to high-value feeds without any alteration to the waste treatment systems. Nutritionally unusable and toxic components are eliminated and vacuum drying causes cell lysis, reducing the no. of living cells in the final product.
Effluent containing organic pollutants is treated by stirring it to homogenise it, continuously fermenting it in a digester to make methane, screening it to remove solids, and passing it successively through an aerobic treatment tank, and an oxidation tank. An installation for carrying out the process is also claimed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For sewage, industrial waste, or animal excrete. Chemical and biological oxygen demands are reduced by more than 97%.
Trace impurity gases in an inert gas are detected by: passing through a gas chromatograph sepn. column (8); passing through an ionising discharge (12); and finally passing over a bed (15) of HgO.    The ionising discharge step pref. comprises passing the gas around an electrode at a positive or negative voltage of 150-1000V.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. in detection of non-reducing gases, esp. CO2 and CH4, in trace amts. in an inert gas.
A carrier for the growth of submersed compact biomass consists of parallel vertical support plates, held together top and bottom by connecting rings, leaving the cylindrical pack open on all sides. Frames carrying a stretched metal wire gauze element alternate with vertical partitions and the support plates to form vertical chambers.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For reactors used for sewage treatment and for the prodn. of enzymes. This is a simple design and is easy to assemble or dismantle.
Process for adsorptive removal of trace impurities from landfill gas before bulk sepn. of CO2 from CH4 is improved by: (A) passing the landfill gas at superatmospheric pressure via the feed end through a column contg. layers of adsorbent, in which hydrocarbons and halohydrocarbons boiling above CH4 are removed by selective adsorption in the 1st layer (I) and H2O and S cpds. by selective adsorption in the succeeding layer (II), to produce a column effluent of substantially purified CH4 and CO2; and then (B) regenerating layers (I) and (II) by successively (a) depressurising the column to near ambient pressure by withdrawing gas from its feed end, (b) passing hot regenerating gas, initially at the highest regeneration temp. (T), through the exit end and so first through layer (II), until part of layer (II) is heated to T, thereby driving off water and the other impurities sorbed previously, (c) reducing the inlet temp. of the hot regenerating gas, thereby thermally desorbing hydrocarbons from layer (I) without damage to the adsorbent in (I), (d) cooling the column to about ambient temp. by flowing unheated gas through it, and (e) restoring the column to the starting superatmospheric pressure level by introducing a stream of a purified dry mixt. of CH4 and CO2.    ADVANTAGE -   Energy is saved through the temp. swing desorption. Catalytic and polymerisation and other reactions of the impurities sorbed on layer (I) (e.g. activated carbon) are avoided by the lower regeneration temp. for (I). The hydrocarbons desorbed from (I) do not flow through the inorganic desiccant (e.g. zeolite) used in layer (II) at the high temp., so that the desiccant is not harmed by chemical reaction. Steam evolved during regeneration of layer (II) helps to desorb hydrocarbons from (I).
Selectivity of a membrane for a particular gas component in a mixt. is increased by applying a vapour phase polar activator cpd. in an inert gas carrier to ultra thin dense layers of the membrane followed by exposure to 2450 MHz microwave radiation for 5-300 secs. to compact the thin layers. In use one side of the treated membrane is exposed to a gas mixt. which diffuses through the membrane to give a mixt. with an increased concn. of one or more of its component gases for collection. Polar activators are e.g. H2O, amines and/or glycols.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Membranes are used in gas sepn. involving air, H2 recovery, oil recovery etc. Gases in the mixts. are e.g. H2, CH4, CO2, CO, H2S, N2 etc. Treatment with polar cpd. increases selectivity without lowering flux. Pin hole presence in membranes is reduced.
The process comprises homogenising of the bank by blowing, followed by further prolonged blowing until a moisture content of approximately 55 per cent is attained. The material is then sieved to trap the above approximately 10cm particles, for use in forestry. A hammer mill crushes the material to the 5-15mm particle size prior to further prolonged blowing until a moisture content of only approximately 40 per cent is reached.    USE -   In the forestry sector.
Appts. comprises a garbage crusher, a vessel to house crushed garbage, a fermenting unit to stir and ferment the garbage with fermenting agents and fermenting agent replacer.
Appts. comprises a garbage crusher, vessel to house crushed garbage and water, a fermenting unit to stir and ferment the garbage with fermenting agents and fermenting agent replacer.
Treatment of chaff comprises soaking and stirring natural chaff in an aq. soln. of NaOH to infuse xylan and soften the epidermis of the chaff, to make the chaff water-absorbent and dissolving, and removing at least part of the SiO2 in the chaff as Na silicate (Na2SiO3 and Na2Si2O5).    Treatment of chaff comprises pref. soaking and stirring chaff in a mixed soln. of NaOH and NaClO to infuse xylan and soften the epidermis, and make the chaff water-absorbent, removing at least part of the lignin in the chaff as chlorinated lignin by the NaClO, expediting removal of the SiO2, and efficiently removing the SiO2 as Na silicate. An non-flammable and water-absorbent fibrous matter is obtd. by sepg. the treating soln. contg. NaOH or NaOH and NaClO from the treated chaff.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The fibrous matter is used as fuel, manure materials, culture medium for mushrooms. When is is cut with edged tools in processing, they can be used for a long time because of the softened epidermis and reduced SiO2.
To separate one component from a gas mixt., a mixt. contg. first and second gas components, (which are different each other in chemical compsn.), in at least 50 vol.%, is contacted with carbonaceous porous body which contains at least 85 wt% carbon and has dimensional network open cells, to physically adsorb the second gas component.    First gas components may be nitrogen and oxygen; hydrogen and methane; hydrogen and carbon dioxide; or carbon monoxide and methane.    Average pore dia. of the three-dimensional network open cells of the carbonaceous porous body is 1 - 500 microns. The carbonaceous porous body, pref. contains at least 90 wt.% of carbon; obtd. from PVA, melamine resin and phenol resin, and has an apparent density of 0.1 - 0.8 g/cm3 and a percentage of voids of 50 - 95%.    ADVANTAGE -   The carbonaceous porous body has larger pores (macro-pore) which are located on the surface and introduce the raw gas, and smaller pores (macro-pore) which are located on the walls of the macro-pores and have function of molecular sieving. A large capacity of adsorption and a high velocity of adsorption/desorption is achieved.
Combustible pollutants or waste materials are efficiently converted into useful productsd, without dangerous emissions. The device and process consists of first totally decomposing waste material in an airless atmosphere by a thermic lance, followed by cooling the decomposition products and sepg. the inert products with water to generate steam, reacting the gases with coke, and recovering hydrogen, carbon monoxide and other useful products. The waste is converted into products that find use in a wide range of industries.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The device is intended to be used for the disposal of urban, industrial & agricultural waste aggregates of all types, particularly solid waste materials, black liquor sludge, and the process and machine offers advantages concerning i) energy production, ii) recovery of secondary materials, iii) pollution, iv) efficiency.
Liquid manure is processed for the recovery of material with such a high content of dry-stuff that liquid does not seep from it when stored in a heap under cover, and a liquid phase which is sterile. The degree of acidity of the slurry is adjusted so that when heated to about 200 deg.C the material does not give off ammonia vapour in amounts which are environmentally unacceptable. The slurry is heated to at least 75 deg.C to render it sterile and is separated into a clear liquid phase and a relatively liquid-free slurry layer. The two phases are separated for subsequent handling.    ADVANTAGE -   The dry phase can be stored under cover without harmful exudate and at a suitable time can be used as fertiliser. Similarly the liquid phase can be sprayed onto the fields. The ammonia content of both phases is high.
A fixed bed fermenter for the purificn. of industrial wastes from the mfr. with a high C.O. has several chambers on top of a bottom plate through which the biomass is introduced. This and a false bottom enclose a cavity, traversed by short pieces of piping with an open bottom end, Thin tubes are used to inject the liq. carrying the biomass. Larger tubes with a cock can be used to drain each chamber.    ADVANTAGE -   This fermenter combines an optimum digestion of the biomass input and an iptimum yield of biogas with an attractive cost ratio.
A multi-chamber fixed-bed fermenter for the anaerobic digestion of biomass in the shape of industrial wastes from the prodn. of alcohol, sugar and starch, has in its lower part several chambers which receive the biomass in parallel. A screen or perforated plate separates the lower from an upper part which has a fixed bed or porous material (activated carbcn) like the lower part but of smaller particle size. The biogas and the digested biomass are discharged from the upper part.    ADVANTAGE -   Such a fermenter combines an optimum digestion of the biomass input and an optimum yield of biogas with an attractive cost ratio.
A catalyst (I) comprises phosphoric acid and a silica catalyst support (II). (II) contains 96% wt.% min. silica and has 30-125 m2/g surface area, 100-5000 Angstrom average pore dia. and 0.3-0.6 g/cc bulk density. (II) is made by calcining a composite contg. predominantly pptd. amorphous silica powder having an average size of 10-50 millimicron. Pref. (I) contains 30-40 wt.% phosphoric acid.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   (I) is useful in the hydration of ethylene to ethyl alcohol or in the hydrogenation of ethylene. (II) provides intermediate ranges (w.r.t. silica gel and fused silica catalyst supports) of average pore dia. and surface area, which overcome certain limitations (due to these properties) inherent in the use of both these materials.
A mixt. of a hard to adsorb and an easy to adsorb gas is delivered to a pressure swing adsorbtion bed which adsorbs the easy component. During a subsequent step, the remaining gases are discharged by a purge gas which is introduced at the inlet end of the bed and flushes residue rich in the hard gas but contg. some of the easy gas. The residue is delivered to a separator which produces a concentrate stream rich in the easy gas. The concentrate stream is used as the purge gas to flush the bed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Pref. the easy gas is methane, carbon monoxide or oxygen. The hard gas is hydrogen or nitrogen. A higher purity of the easy component is produced.
An air intake is connected to the space between the perforated plate or grid and the bottom of the composting box, and a toilet is connected to the box via a pipe which issues centrally in the upper part of the box, in this pipe is connected a pump for intermittent movement of faecal matter into the box.    A suction unit aspirates fluid collected in the bottom of the air space, and comprises at least one pipe extending from the box bottom up to the level of the perforated plate, and is filled with compost material. Adjacent to the box bottom, the suction pipe has apertures. The end part of the pipe connecting the toilet to the compost box is pivotable for feed of faecal matter to either of the two box chambers.    USE -   To decompose to humus, using faecal matter, food scraps, leaves, garden waste etc.
Aerosol resin consists of an organic silicone resin comprising RnSiO(4-n)/2 unit (R = hydrocarbon or phenyl of 1-6C; and n = 1.0-1.8) and fluorinated hydrocarbon gas (e.g. freon 11, freon 12 or freon 21) and/or liq. petroleum gas (e.g. propane or isobutane).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The compsn. forms a thin silicone film on the skin and effectively protects it from roughness caused by kitchen work. The film is not easily washed away with water.
Compsn. contains one or more high mol. content silicone of formula (I) and fluorine gas and/or liquid petroleum gas. R1 = methyl gp. or phenyl gp.; R2 = methyl gp. or hydroxyl gp.; and n = 3,000-20,000.    USE -   The composition protects skin from roughness caused by kitchen work. It is not washed away by water.
Waste-water sludges are composted, by mixing them intensively with cellulosic substances pref. wood-flour or straw in 2-7:1 sludge to cellulose ratio. The sludges contain 10-25% solids. The mixt. is stacked and occasionally rotated. While being rested, the stack is aereated through pipes and moisture is kept at 50-65%. The quantity and distribution of microorganisms is regulated by mixing in thermophile and mesophile bacteria; Further, calcined lime is also blended in during the first admixture.    ADVANTAGE -   The advantage of this composting process is its controllability.
A gas mixt. of He, N2, CH4, etc. is passed through C molecular sieves, which adsorb N2, CH4, etc. cyclically using four parallel-connected adsorbers in each of which successive pressure build-up, adsorption and pressure relief phases are carried out.    The pressure build-up phase comprises (i) increase from a final vacuum pressure (P1) to a medium pressure (P3), (ii) increase from (P3) to a high pressure (P4) and (iii) increase from (P4) to the max. pressure (P5), i.e. the adsorption pressure. The pressure relief phase comprises (i) redn. from (P5) to (P4), (ii) redn. from (P4) to (P3), (iii) redn. from (P3) to atmos. pressure (P2) and (iv) redn. from (P2) to (P1). Pressure equalisation comprises (i) a first stage from the outlet of a first adsorber, carrying out pressure relief from P5 to P4, to the inlet of a second adsorber, carrying out pressure increase from P3 to P4, and (ii) a second stage from the outlet of the first adsorber, carrying out relief from P4 to P3, to the inlet of a third adsorber, carrying out increase from P1 to P3. Pressure reliefs from P3 to P2 and from P2 to P1 are carried out in countercurrent, producing a low He content off-gas, and pressure build-up from P4 to P5 is carried out with prod. gas.    ADVANTAGE -   Process allows the enrichment in natural gas with low He content to obtain high yields of crude He-contg. more than 50% He without intermediate cryogenic enrichments.
Introduction of noxious solid or sludge wastes and mixts. of solid, sludge or liq. wastes with binders into subterranean water- or brine- filled cavities is carried out by (a) upwardly displacing the water or brine with a more dense immiscible liq.; (b) feeding the waste (mixt.) by pipe into the immiscible liq., the waste (mixt.) being more dense than the liq.; and (c) withdrawing the water or brine displaced by the waste from the top of the cavity. Pref. the immiscible liq. comprises chlorofluorocarbons.    ADVANTAGE -   The waste is protected against interaction with the water or brine without the need for emptying the cavity before waste introduction.
Regular cuboid block for burning, is made of compressed chopped bio-mass, e.g. wood, leaves, cardboard, paper or other organic residues. Obtd. block is impregnated with liq. steam, liq. paraffin, or a mixed liq. formed of the two materials.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. for domestic fires. The block ignites readily, resists crumbling during prolonged storage and evolves min. smoke. Raw material with over 25% residual moisture can be used.
Biomethanation of an organic substrate to methane comprises; (a) treating the substrate in a first reactor to form a liquid contg. dissolved organic acid anions. (d) adsorbing the anions on an anion exchange material, (c) removing the organic acid anion-free residual liquid; (d) desorbing the organic acid anions from the anion exchanger to obtain an aqs. organic acid anion contg. prepn. and (e) transporting the prepn. to a second reactor contg. methanogenic bacteria which consume the organic acid anions and produce methane.    Also claimed is a biomethanation process comprising (a) hydrolysing an organic substrate to form a solid phase and an organic acid anion-contg. liquid phase, (b) passing the liquid phase into contact with an anion exchange material provided in the bicarbonate form to adsorb the organic acid anions and to desorb the bicarbonate and sepg. the resulting bicarbonate soln. (c) regenerating the anion exchanger with a second bicarbonate soln. which is of sufficient strength to effect the desorption and dissolution of the acid anions and the simultaneous adsorption of bicarbonate, (d) subjecting the desorbed acid anions to a methanogenesis stage to convert the organic acid anions into methane, CO2 and bicarbonate by the action of densely aggregated H2-producing acetogenic bacteria and H2-consuming and acetate-cleaving methanogenic bacteria and (e) utilising some of the bicarbonate produced in the methanogenesis stage as the second bicarbonate soln.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process can be used with a broad spectrum of waste substrates and enhances the specific volumetric reaction rates for the biomethanation of organic matter and removes toxicants inhibitory to biometharation. The anion exchanger concentrates the carbon source from the first reactor and separates toxicants.
Collecting alcohol and methane comprises incubating photosynthetic bacteria and fine algae with organic waste waters, adding crustaceae and rotatoria to the bacteria and algae and incubating lemnaceae with the bacterial/algae and fermenting the lemnaceae.    USE -   For utilising agricultural wastes. (J56078594-A)
The device comprises a prim. tank for an anaerobic process, a sec. tank for a sedimentation stage, a separator for sepg. the processed excrement into solids and liquid, and a facility for an evaporating the liquid.    USE -   Organic fertiliser can be produced at low cost.
Organic waste is converted into fermentable sludge by removing metal particles with a magnetic drum, shredding the waste and inert material, feeding it to a vessel where it is agitated with water, separating floating and heavy material from the mud formed, and mixing it with mud from a purification station.    A device for carrying out the process is also claimed.    USE -   For obtaining methane from domestic, agricultural, forestry, or animal waste, or from algae.
Removal of S cpds. and C2+ hydrocarbons from a CH4-rich gas contg. H2S, C2+ hydrocarbons and opt. inert gases, H2O, CO2, COS and/or mercaptans, where the gas is at an absolute pressure above 0.5 MPa, is effected by: scrubbing the gas at low temp. with a solvent that preferentially dissolves the H2S, COS and mercaptans and only part of the CO2, where the solvent has a b.pt. above 40 deg.C at atmospheric pressure and a viscosity below 0.1 Pa.se. at -40 deg.C, to give a treated gas with an H2S partial pressure below 65 Pa or a total partial pressure of S cpds. below 26 Pa, and a rich solvent contg. H2S other absorbed components and at least 80 mole.% of the C3+ hydrocarbons present in the raw gas; (b) demethanising the rich solvent; (c) cooling the rich solvent to a temp. low enough to form a lower rich solvent phase contg. acids (H2S and opt. CO2, COS and mercaptans), with a hydrocarbon content which is less than 5 mole.% of the acid content, calcd. as CH4 equiv., and an upper hydrocarbon hase; (d) seg. the hases formed in (c); (e) regenerating the rich solvent to form an acid gas stream with a hydrocarbon content below 5 mole.% and a regenerated solvent; and (f) recycling the solvent to the scrubber.    USE -   The process is esp. applicable to natural gas.
Treatment of carbonaceous, organic, (mainly) synthetic waste with H2 and/or gases contg. H2 and/or solvents transmitting H2 (I), opt. in presence of a catalyst (opt. on a zeolite support) involves (a) (partial) pretreatment with the agents (I) at 75-600 (120-500) deg.C, and/or in an inert atmos. at 75-600 (120-475) deg.C and 1-600 (1-350) bar, for 1 min.-6 h (1 min.-4 h), and (b) treatment at 200-600 (300-540) deg.C and 30-500 (50-350) bar, with the agents (I), for 1 min. - 8 h (0.25-4 h). (c) Before (a) and/or (b), wastes from specific prods. and/or processes are sepd. from other waste.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Claimed feed mixts. contain crude oil, coal (including lignite), oil-shale and -sand, bitumen, asphalt and asphaltenes, tar, biomass (including vegetables), house waste, peat, and components and prods. from these, pyrolysis oils and prods., and grinding oils from hydrogenation and/or heat-treatment of wastes or from other sources. The waste may come from cable, automobile, dye and lacquer, carpet, textile, rubber and tyre, synthetic, or chemical industries, or from treatment of garbage. Valuable prods. are obtd. from waste material. Pretreatment can be adjusted to yield materials of viscosity such that they can easily be handled, e.g. pumped, extruded or moved in a screw conveyor. The final hydrogenation more easily produces liq. hydrocarbons. Hetero-atoms, e.g. O, S, N or halogen, are converted to cpds. with H, which can easily be processed further, without risk to the environment. Metals in the waste remain in the residue or ash, which can be processed to recover pure metals.
In aeration of waste water and streams of material consuming O2, a stream, pre-loaded with fine, medium or coarse air bubbles, is forced into rotary movement at 0-500 (20-100) rpm, in such a way that the liq. is compressed to up to 100 kPa excess pressure in the interior of the rotary body, so that the air bubbles are compressed to micro-bubbles; expansion to 0-5 kPa excess pressure disperses the micro-bubbles at the circumference of the rotary body. Initially, the rotary movement is spiral, in such a way that the axis is directly opposed to the force of gravity, and after a certain length of passage is deflected horizontally; passage may partly be linear, flowing back onto vertical surfaces, inserts of hydraulic boundaries at the start of thepathway, giving a circulation in which the liq. medium with fine, medium or coarse air bubbles is fed in, and leaves as liq. medium with micro-bubbles of air.    The waste water or liq. stream may be communal or industrial waste water, water from fish rearing and feeding, liq. manure from intensive animal rearing, sulphite waste from the cellulose industry, or waste from yeast growth on sugar, molasses, diesel fuel or paraffin.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Contact time between air and liq. medium is raised, energy costs are reduced, and O2 utilisation is improved.
A component (I) of a gas mixt. is sepd. from the mixt. by passing it over a membrane selectively permeable to (I), comprising a thin film at a molten salt hydrate. The molten salt hydrate may be immobilised within the pores of a thin, porous, inert support, or encapsulated in a non-porous, gas permeable polymer or polymer blend.    A membrane suitable for the above sepn., comprising a molten salt hydrate immobilised or encapsulated in, or supported on, an inert support material is claimed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The membranes are partic. useful for sepg. CO2 from CH4 and H2, H2S from CH4 and H2, olefin gases from alkanes and water vapour from N2 and other permanent gases, and are also useful for sepn. of.
The tank comprises a container (1) having a fermenter chamber and a sediment compactor chamber (5), top neck (2), sediment pipes (6,11) and gas pipes (15,16). To reduce energy consumption, the fermenter chamber has a coaxial partition (8) forming methane (9) and acid fermentation (10) chambers and with top parts (13) and a sealing shell (14) supplementing a steam pipe (23) linked like the sediment pipe (11) to the bottom of chamber (10) in a specific arrangement. Preferably, gas distributors (21,22) for mixing the sediment, together with compressors (19,20), link the gas pipes to each other. Partition (4), sludge water pipe (7), and piping (17, 18,23), promote acid-forming bacteria generation in chamber (10). The fermentation prods. enter chamber (9), the methane leaving via pipe (15). The tank intensifies fermentation and decreases heat losses to the exterior.    ADVANTAGE -   The design increases fermentation activity and decreases heat losses to the exterior. Bul.15/23.4.88.
The fermenter comprises a cylinder (1), in an annular container (2) filled with water and a gas bell jar (3) raised by the biogas. To accelerate fermentation, part (3) has an axial loading-offloading tube (5) with blades (6) at 90 deg. to it and a heater (4) hydraulically linked to the container by closed circuit. The jar has rollers (7) and guide channels (8), a gas outlet tap (9) and a tap (10) on tube (5). The manure introduced via tube (5) undergoes anaerobic fermentation with regulated slow mixing, and the biogas is metered and stored in the jar.    ADVANTAGE -   The design gives regulator slow mixing and external heating. Bul.15/23.4.88.
Methane-fermenting organic material comprises squeezing the material to separate solids and liq., methane-fermenting the liq. to produce a digested sludge and adding an agglomerant to the sludge.    USE -   For treating cuttle fish droppings, etc.
Support comprises a porouspolyethylene body.    Specifically, the support is made by moulding a porous body obtd. by firing polyethylene powder. Bacteria are not strongly bonded with the support as a chemical bond but are captured in the pores on the surface of the support.    ADVANTAGE -   The support retains bacteria in high concn. improving efficiency of treatment. Recovery of CH4 gas is increased.    In an example, digested sludge of waste water from a piggery and s oln. obtd. by mixing meat extract and synthesised sewage contg. peptone in a ratio of 1:1, were added in reactor (A), in which cylindrical bodies with an inner dia. of 18mm and height of 20mm comprising PVC which was not porous, were packed and in reactor (B), in which cylindrical bodies with an inner dia. of 30mm and height of 10mm comprising porous polyethylene with a pore size of 10-100 micron m and void fraction of 38-40% were packed. Both reactors were left at 35 deg.C for 20 days to increase bacteria. After removing the soln. from both reactors, soln. prepd. by diluting synthesised sewage 80 times, was filled in reactor (A) and (B). Reactor (A) and (B) were left for 10 days. The processes were repeated using soln. II prepd. by diluting synthesised sewage 160 times and soln. (III) prepd. by diluting synthesised soln. 400 times. Continuous incubation in reactor (A) and (B) was carried out by flowing soln. (III) upwardly at a rate of 1.5 l/day. CH4 amt. in the gas generating in reactor (A) was 2.5% and in reactor B was 19.5% when measured after 8 weeks. TOC in reactor A was 20 mg/l and that in B was 14 mg/l.
Support for fixing anaerobic bacteria used for treatment of organic sewage comprises porous polyacrylnitrile body.    Pref. the support is made by moulding porous body obtd. by firing polyacrylnitrile powder. Bacteria are not strongly bonded with the support as chemical bond but captured in the pores on the surface of the support.    ADVANTAGE -   Support retains bacteria in high concn. and so efficiency of treatment is improved. Recovery of CH4 gas is promoted.    In an example, digested sludge of waste water from piggery and soln. obtd. by mixing meat extract and synthesised sewage contg. peptone in ratio of 1:1, were added to reactor A, in which cylindrical bodies with inner dia. of 18mm and height of 20mm comprising PVC which was notporous, were packed and in reactor B, in which cylindrical bodies with inner dia. of 30mm and height of 20mm comprising porous polyacrylonitrile with pore size of 10-100 micro m and void fraction of 33-36% were packed. Both reactors were left at 35 deg.C for 20 days to increase bacteria. After removing the soln. from both reactors, soln. I prepd. by diluting synthesised sewage by 80 times, was filled in reactors A and B. A and B were left for 10 days. Same procedures were repeated by using soln. II prepd. by diluting synthesised sewage by 160 times and soln. III prepd. by diluting synthesised soln. by 400 times. Continuous incubation in A and B was carried out by flowing III upward at the rate of 1.5 l/day. CH4 amt. in gas generating in A was 2.7% and that in B was 7.4% when measured after 9 weeks. TOC in A was 23 mg/l and that in B was 18 mg/l.
Fermentable organic substances charged in a 1st liquefying tank, by dividing a tank with a partition plate, are changed by hydrolysing bacteria and acid forming bacteria to lower mol. organic substances.Unreacted organic substances and lower mol. organic substances are sepd. and lower mol. organic substances are changed to lower mol. organic substances. The lower mol. formed are introduced to a gasifying tank and CH4 gas is generated using methane bacteria.    Amt. of CH4 gas generated increases. Specifically, protein, lipid, saccharide and hydrocarbon etc. are rapidly decomposed to lower mol. organic substances, e.g. valeric acid, butyric acid, propionic acid and acetic acid etc.. The temp. of the soln. is controlled to 35 deg.C as organic substances are rapidly decomposed at that temp. The concn. of acetic acid used for methane fermentation is increased by decomposition of lower mol. organic substances.    ADVANTAGE -   CH3COOH is formed in high concn. Foaming is prevented. Amt of CH4 gas generated increases.
The membrane contains polyvinyl acetate. Prodn. comprises treating hydrated cellulose acetate membrane (pref. flat or hollow fibre) with an alcohol soln. dissolving polyvinyl acetate, pref. in amt. 1-30 wt.%; and treating with a non-polar organic solvent.    ADVANTAGE -   The membrane has improved sepn. coeffts. of pCO2/pCH4 = 60 at 10 kg/cm2 and 276 at 30 kg/cm2 as opposed to 36 and 146 for a comparative membrane treated with MeOH contg. no polyvinyl acetate.    In an example, hydrated cellulose acetate membrane was immersed in 20 deg.C fresh MeOH for 5 min. twice; immersed in MeOH dissolving 5 wt.% of polyvinyl acetate for 10 min. while stirring; further immersed in fresh n-hexane for 30 min. twice while stirring; and then dried at 35 deg.C for 5 hrs. The resultant membrane has pCH4 = 0.0027 m3/m2.hr.atm and pCO2 = 0.163 at 10 kg/cm2.
Fermentation of organic materials (A) to produce methane comprises (1) oxygenation of a slurry for 1 day; (2) pre-fermenting the slurry, under aerobic and then anaerobic conditions for 1 day; (3) fermenting under anaerobic conditions for 20 days and opt. (4) complete anaerobic fermentation for 60 days.    The slurry in step (1) is a mixt. of (A) and recycled slurry which has been subjected to the first fermentation step. Also new is an appts. for this process. It consists of 4 tanks (A-D), one for each of the 4 steps, with tank (A), for step (1), being mounted above (B), for step (2), which in turn is mounted above (C), for step (3).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process is used to generate CH4 from e.g. seaweed or wastes from agriculture, forestry, etc. up to 97-98% degradation of organic material can be achieved, and the slurry left after fermentation can be used as fertiliser.
Liq. manure in basins is processed by a universal suction/pressure set which sucks it up, homogenises it and ejects it in jets from nozzles. Or it is mixed with air before ejection. In case of floating scum, the manure is sucked in near the floating cover, and in case of the sedimentation of solids it is ejected near the suction point and progressively farther away. Solid parts are sepd. before or during the suction process and are broken up mechanically.    ADVANTAGE -   Processing technique is based on modular appts. which can be combined to suit all possible basins and all possible types of liq. manure. It needs a min. of costly appts., reduces the energy consumption and is easy to automate.
Biogas produced from sewage sludge, liq. manure and effluents of digestion towers is used to drive an i.c. engine coupled to a pump. Most of the energy is converted to heat which is transmitted by a cooling water heat exchanger and an exhaust gas heat exchanger directly in the heating circuit of the biogas installation. A second exhaust gas heat exchanger preheats the organic waste for the biogas reactor.    ADVANTAGE -   This minimises the efficiency losses and saves extraneous energy. The installation is simple and requires no expensive appts. such as heat pumps, compressors or alternators.
Method for converting a gaseous mixt. comprising CO, H2 and N2, pref. obtd. by reacting a 1-3C alkane with air, to a hydrocarbon (I) of higher mol.wt. than the alkane, when used, comprises passing the gas through an elongated reactor packed with a bed of particles comprising a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst, maintained at 1-50 psig pressure and cooled to 160-240 deg.C, to form a gaseous prod. stream comprising (I), the catalyst in the bed having an increasing ave. activity for syngas conversion from the reactor inlet to outlet. The increasing ave. catalytic activity is attained by: (i) diluting catalyst particles with inert particles, the deg. of diln. decreasing towards the outlet; or (ii) maintaining an increasing particle temp. gradient from the inlet to the outlet; or (iii) increasing the concn. of catalytically active material in the particles from the inlet to the outlet.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Useful for treating natural gas and low mol.wt. alkanes produced during coal mining operations, in petroleum processes, and in above and below-ground gasification or liquefaction of coal, tar sands, oil shale and biomass. The process uses air as the source of O2 and diluent N2, reducing costs, and the exothermic syngas prodn. reaction can be used to heat incoming reactants to a temp. where syngas formation occurs. High syngas conversion and selectivity are achieved in a single-pass, single-stage operation at low pressure, and the inert diluent sweeps reactants and prods. through the reaction zone to avoid hot spot development and to control the rate of reaction. The activity gradient throughout the reactor avoids the need for separate stages to prevent methane, waxy hydrocarbon and alcohol prodn., hot spot and deposit formation, and catalyst deactivation.
Prodn. of high pressure methane gas comprises: (a) cooling a gaseous feed comprising CH4 and N2; (b) introducing the cooled feed into a single column cryogenic rectification plant to produce liq. CH4; (c) partially vaporising liq. CH4 and dividing the remaining liq. CH4 into 1st and 2nd portions; (d) expanding the 1st portion and heating by indirect heat exchange with the cooling gaseous feed to produce CH4 gas; and (e) pumping the 2nd portion to a high pressure and heating by indirect heat exchange with the cooling gaseous feed to produce high pressure CH4 gas.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for sepn. of N2 from natural gas. Prodn. of at least some of the CH4 gas at higher pressure reduces the amt. of compression necessary for introduction into a pipeline.
For prepn. of fuel and manure from sludges from drainage or septic tank for sewage or human wastes, an oil and a water-contg. sludge are put in a tank, stirred, mixed and conveyed the the outlet with heating, so that the water content in the sludge is evaporated and the oil is penetrated in and adsorbed on the sludge. The thus oil-containing sludge is used as a fuel or manure.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process does not use a cooker and is simple. By the process, the intended fuel or manure may be obtained continuously, efficiently and easily.
One gas in a mixt. of three is sepd. by pressure swing adsorption by staggering the operational cycles of two lines each with two adsorbers respectively preferentially adsorbing the second and first components, while in each line connecting the adsorbers in series, then disconnecting them, then desorbing the first in counter-current while purging the second in co-current, then recompressing the first while decompressing and desorbing the second and using part of the desorbed gas to purge another adsorber.    The adsorbers pref. contain zeolitic or carbon molecular sieve and/or activated carbon.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For making oxygen, carbon monoxide, or methane. The process is cheap and consumes little energy.
One gaseous component in a mixture of three is separated by pressure swing adsorption by staggering the operational cycles of two lines each with a first adsorber preferentially adsorbing the second component and a second adsorber preferentially adsorbing the first component, while in each line first connecting both adsorbers in series, then simultaneously decompressing them, then desorbing each in counter-current, and then recompressing them by equilibration with another line.    The adsorbers pref. respectively contain zeolite molecular sieve and activated carbon.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For making oxygen, carbon monoxide, or methane. The process is cheap and consumes little energy.
Thermal conversion of CH4 to C2+ hydrocarbons is effected by passing a CH4-contg. gas through a ceramic reaction zone comprising a series of axial channels arranged in non-adjacent rows, extending through a heating zone and extending through or discharging into a cooling zone.    The heating zone comprises a series of independent electrically heated sections perpendicular to the axis of the reactor, and the cooling zone is supplied with a coolant fluid.    ADVANTAGE -   A - The heat supplied to the heating sections can be controlled to maintain a practically constant gas temp. throughout the heating zone, thus improving conversion and selectivity.
A plant for the carbonisation or thermal comminution of organic wastes has a low-temp. carbonisation reactor in which the waste material is indirectly heated while air is excluded. The heat-exchanger surfaces are, at least parily, in the flow of a fluid heat-carrier such as thermal oil or fused salt.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The plant can treat large quantities of household or other organic waste in one or two installations (instead of, e.g., multiple installations of 6-10 pyrolysis drums). A narrow temp.- range can be maintained throughout the reactor, giving better control over the quality of the carbonisation prods. (gas, oil, coke, etc.).
In sepn. of ethane and propylene from fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) gas, by absorption with FCC gasoline at 1.5 MPa, in an absorption column, using indirect, external intermediate cooling of a partial stream of the FCC gasoline by means of cooling water, with recycling of a partial stream onto the plate below the withdrawal plate, and with the active plate surface of the plate above the withdrawal plate reduced by 20%, and the partial surface of the plate not contacted with the gas immediately at the overflow dam, the novelty is that the temp. of the partial gasoline stream subjected to intermediate cooling, serving as absorbent, and recycled into the absorption column, is adjusted to a level 3-6 deg.K above the temp. at which the FCC gasoline has previously been freed from water by gravity.    ADVANTAGE -   The process is simpler, efficient, and economical. Foaming in the column is avoided.
In the pyrolysis and dry distillation of materials (including scrap) contg. hydrocarbons, a fluidised bed reactor is operated with suitable heated gas and has a pyrolysis zone and a zone for the discharge of solids; the turbulent stream of gas/pyrolysis prods. leaving the reactor is washed in a dry solids separator, a dust-separator/cooler operating wet with suitable liquid, and a condenser which uses suitable condensate; the stream is scrubbed with a suitable cooled liq. in a column and is purified in stages in an aerosol separator and cooled. Part of the gas stream is heated up in a turbulent gas heater and then used; the liqs. obtd. charged with solids are fractionated, and the fraction with high solids content is fed back to the fluidised bed reactor. Part of the processing gas produced, however, is fed into the solids discharge zone without being heated, and part of the gas which is heated up in the fluidised bed heater is fed into the lower part of the solids separator.    ADVANTAGE -   The process is particularly suitable for use with used tyres, plastics scrap, and residues from coal and mineral oil processing. It produces economically useful high-value products and is therefore environmentally valuable.
Gas sensor uses the SnO2 monocrystal, and the monocrystal is heated after adjustment for ageing. The monocrystal is SnO2 whisker crystal. The ageing temp. is 200-850 deg.C, and ageing time is not less than one day.    Pref. ageing temp. is 400-700 deg.C, and ageing time is not less than five days. The metal Sn is sublimated in the air current including oxygen of pressure about 1 Torr, to obtain SnO2, monocrystal which is ribbon-shaped whisker of 1 cm length, 100 microns width and several microns thickness. The monocrystal is cut to 3 mm to form the gas sensor.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Gas sensitivity of the SnO2 monocrystal can be improved.
Simultaneous and selective prepn. of hydrocarbon(s) (I) contg. 2 or more C and CO (II) comprises oxidative coupling of CH4 (III) at 650 deg.C to 1000 deg.C under elevated pressure in presence of molecular oxygen without catalyst.    Molar ratio of (III) on molecular oxygen is above 5, pref. 10 or more to avoid CO2 formation. Oxidative coupling is carried out at 650-1000 deg.C, pref. 700-900 deg.C under 5-20 kg/sq.cm.    ADVANTAGE -   Mixt. of (I) and (II) is obtd. in reasonable yield and formation of CO2 is inhibited. Reaction prod. can be used as source of (II) also.
Cationic flocculant is introduced into fermentation liq. from a port which is located in the liq. in the tank and anaerobic sludge, which will not originally form flock, may be gradually coagulated to form flock. As a result the weight of the sludge is increased and the sludge settles to bottom of the tank, and density of the sludge is increased to 40000 ppm in dry amt. and high load operation of 5-7 kg-organic substance/m3/day becomes possible.    When carrier for fixing bacteria is arranged and when cationic flocculant is injected to the carrier methane bacteria may be coagulated. When methane fermentation is performed in this condition loss of anaerobic sludge can be reduced, and density is increased to 50000 ppm to enable operation of 8-10 kg-organic substance/m3/day.    ADVANTAGE -   By methane fermentation with the flocculant high load operation of waste liq. formed in dry distn. of B-type white liquor contg. organic substance of 100000 ppm can be provided.
Organic waste is composted by spreading it into thin layers in a building with a transparent wall or roof and periodically stirring it to move it around.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For animal excreta, e.g. from pigs. Granular, odourless compost is made cheaply.
A catalyst contains (wt.%): (a) 20-95 (pref. 30-85) of a matrix or matrices; (b) 1-60 (pref. 4-50) of zeolite(s) Y of the faujasite structure; and (c) 0.01-30 (pref. 0.05-20) of a dealuminised mordenite with atomic ratio Si/Al above 15, Na content below about 0.2 wt.%, unit cell volume V below about 2.760 cu. nm, and N2 adsorption capacity at 77 K and P/Ps = 0.19 of above 0.09 cc liq./g.    The matrix is pref. Al2O3, SiO2, MgO, clay, TiO2, ZrO2, combinations of these, or combinations of Al2O3 and B2O3. The zeolite Y is pref. an ultra stable variety, in the H form or at least partly rare earth exchanged. The dealuminised mordenite pref. has atomic ratio Si/Al about 25-1000, Na content below about 0.1 wt.%, unit cell volume V about 2.650-2.760 cu. nm, and N2 adsorption capacity at 77 K and P/Ps = 0.19 of above 0.11 cc liq./g. It is used in its H form or a form at least partly exchanged with rare earths.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The catalyst is useful in catalytic cracking, esp. where high yields of C3H6 and iso C4H10 are required, e.g. for increased total gasoline prodn. via alkylation. The coke yield is not significantly increased. The catalyst is also suitable for heavy feedstocks. Compared with prior art catalysts consisting of a conventional FCC catalyst and a non-dealuminised mordenite, there is a less rapid deactivation and a lower coke yield.
Removal of pyrite from finely ground coal is effected by (a) growing a culture of thiophilic bacteria in a nutrient medium, (b) mixing the culture with a slurry of ground coat or ground pure-pyrite from non-coal sources at a pH below 4, (c) stirring and aerating the mixt. for at least 1 week, (d) using the mixt. to precondition a coal slurry for less than 100 min., and (e) subjecting the coal to a sepn. process based on relative hydrophobicity.    ADVANTAGE -   Steps (b) and (c) adapt the bacteria to growth on pyrite, thus increasing their ability to decrease the relative hydrophobicity of the pyrite in the coal and reducing preconditioni preconditioning times from 3-15 days to less than 100 min.
Improved fuel compsn. consists of a dispersion of (1) about 20-70 wt.% of a dewatered sewage sludge, consisting of solids and about 50-85 wt.% H2O, which has been heat-treated so as to much reduce microorganism activity while maintaining the above H2O content, in (2) about 80-30% of a fuel oil contg. a biocide which is at least oil sol. or dispersible in an amt. which inhibits microorganism growth within the compsn.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The compsn. can be used as fuel in boilers for raising steam for industrial use of power generation, using the existing appts. for burning fuel oil. Landfills and expensive, sludge are dispensed with. Storage stability of the compsn. is highly acceptable, gas prodn. being eliminated or minimized. Combustion of the solids is largely complete, but NOx prodn. is less than with conventional oil firing.
The appts. has a body (1), lid (2), biogas collection container (3) with manure loading neck (4), biogas outlet neck (5), pipeline (6) with neck (7) for unloading fermented manure, mixing device (8) with drive (9) and manure crust breakdown device (10).    The crust breakdown device consists of a comb (11), pins (12) and a cone (13). The unloading pipeline has a neck (15) to alter the level of the suspension inside the body and an emergency neck (7). The appts. also has a heat exchanger (16). The level-altering neck has a valve and is below the level of the comb.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In biotechnology. Increased output of biogas. Bul.13/7.4.88
Accelerator is composed of 100 pts.wt. artificial lightweight gravel, e.g., baked perlite grains, contg. saccharides, protein-decomposing fungi, cellulose-decomposing fungi, and lignin-decomposing fungi, 2.2 - 2.8 pts.wt. dry fowl droppings, and 3.3 - 4.2 pts.wt. rice bran.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The use of the accelerator enables quick decomposition of all kinds of organic materials and to complete fermentation in a short time. Offensive odours are not emitted. The compost obtd. contains abundant nitrogen, phosphoric acid, and lime and restores acid soil to alkaline and also improves air permeability and water-holding properties.
100 Pts.wt. of an artificial lightweight gravel, e.g., vermiculite, etc., baked at 800-1300 deg.C, having saccharides, proteolytic enzyme, cellulose-decomposing fungi, and lignin-decomposing fungi, is mixed with 0.45-0.55 pts.wt. fungi-cultivated organics, 2.2-2.8 pts.wt. dried fowl droppings, 3.3-4.2 pts.wt. rice bran, 2.1-7.5 pts.wt. saccharide and 70-250 pts.wt. water.The mixt. is mixed with 90-810 pts.wt. garbage and fermented.    ADVANTAGE -   This method can effectively and simply produce composts from garbage contg. nitrogen, phosphoric acid, lime in abundance without emitting offensive odours by easily controlling temperatures, which serves to improve the air permeability, water-holding property, etc., of soil as well as to restore acid soil to alkaline soil.
The device comprises a rotary drum to rotate in the furnace, a roaster and a furnace wall in semi-oval form, sepd. furnace trunks to be assembled with each other and water seal means as a safety device.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   More clean gas can be supplied to the engine of a private power generater.
Bentonite (pref. 2.5-50 Kg/cm3) and Ca(OH)2 or CaO (pref. 0.5-10 Kg/m3) are added to the fermentation liq. In another method, metallic (oxide) salts of metallic elements except Gp. I, Gp. IIa, the 1st to 3rd period elements, Fe, and Mn are added, besides bentonite and Ca(OH)2 or CaO, to the fermentation liq., pref. in a total amt. of 0.1-20 g/m3. Pref. the salts are of Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Tc, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag, Cd, In, Sn, Hf, Ta, W, Re, Os, Ir, Pt, Au, Hg, Tl, Pb, and Bi. Clostridium is used as a methane-producing bacterium.    In an example, 30 Kg/m3 of bentonite, 10 Kg/m3 Ca(OH)2 and 12 g/m3 (as metal) metallic salt mixt. of NiCl2, CoCl2, ZrCl4, and sodium molybdate were added to a methane fermentation liq.    ADVANTAGE -   Methane fermentation can be promoted stably over a long time.
Metallic (oxide) salts of metallic elements except GI, Gp.IIa, the 1st to 3rd period elements, Fe, and Mn are added to fermentation liquid in a total amount of 0.1-20 g/m3. In another method, Ca(OH)2 or CaO (pref. 0.5-10 Kg/m3) and metallic (oxide) salts are added to the fermentation liquid.    In an example, 3 ppm ZrC14 as Zr were added to 30 ml of a methane fermentation liquid, which was fermented in batch process at 35 deg. C; over 50 m1 CH4 were accumulated for 1 day operation as opposed to about 20 m1 without ZrC14.    ADVANTAGE -   Methane fermentation can be promoted stably over a long time by specifying the amounts of the metallic (oxide) salts.
A composite membrane comprises: a porous supporting layer (A), siloxane cpd. layer (B) on the layer (A), substd. acetylene polymer layer (C) on the layer (B), siloxane cpd. layer (D) on the layer (C) and an organic cpd. layer (E) having highest separability in layers B, C, D, E.    The substd. acetylene polymer is e.g. poly-(1-trimethylsilyl propyne). The organic cpd. is e.g. poly-(phenylchloroacetylene).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The composite membrane is used for oxygen enrichment. The composite membrane is useful for sepn. of CO2/CH4 in bio gas, H2/N2 or H2/CO in chemical engineering process, condensn. of He from natural gas and sepn. of hydrocarbon from natural gas. The composite membrane has good gas permeability, e.g. more than 1.5 cubic m/square m hr of air permeability under 40 cmHg, in selective gas permeability, e.g. 32% enriched oxygen under 40 cmHg.
Prodn. of CH4-contg. gases by the gasification of carbonaceous materials with a hydrogenating gas within a bed of particulate material, maintained in suspension by the gases as a bed with a region of fluidisation in which the suspended material is caused to circulate by the density difference between a zone of descending particles and a zone of ascending particles or more dilute phase, is characterised in that the particles are inert w.r.t. the reactions and that carbonaceous material and at least a part of the hydrogenating gas are injected into the lower region of the zone of ascending particles.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process is pref. used to gasify coal and non-distillate oils, e.g. light crude oils and bottom fractions from cut crudes, to give gases suitable for upgrading to SNG. Heat transfer is good and gas throughput can be high. The process can accept feedstocks of a wider particle size distribution than entrained flow and fast fluidisation systems: fine coals would not require sepn.. Agglomeration problems are overcome.
Waste wood, esp. the discs of cable drums contg. many steel nails, is carbonised and converted into charcoal under displaceable metal cowls. Magnetic sepn. and screening completes the treatments.    The stacks of waste wood are covered by cowls and joined by a system of flues to a chimney. A conveyor takes the crude charcoal to a magnetic separator and by a belt to a crusher.    ADVANTAGE -   This converts material which has been useless into high-quality charcoal of the grill grade and the industrial grade.
Sludge with a moisture content of max. 80 wt.% from the treatment of industrial effluents is mixed with 10 to 20 vol.% of electrofilter ash from the combustion of brown coal. The mixt. is passed into a dewatering basin at a filling rate of max. 0.4 cu.m. of mixt. per sq.m. of dewatering surface area. Dewatering through a filter bed continues for at least 14 days, the surface is intensively ripped open, left to dry for 4 weeks and is transferred to a solid area for final drying to a moisture content of 25-30 wt.%. The final product is used as fuel for kilns or furnaces.    ADVANTAGE -   This creates a low-cost method of disposal of waste products which turns them to good use and prevents environmental pollution.
Organic waste is converted to compost by aerobic fermentative hydrolysis in a totally enclosed bin. Fresh air is injected in the organic waste and the outgoing air, laden with heat and moisture, is cooled to condense the moisture. It is thus emitted to atmos. at ambient temp. and dry.    The totally enclosed fermenter has a perforated plate on which the organic waste rests above an air chest, supplied with air by a blower. A fresh air inlet has a butterfly valve and passes the air through heat exchanger tubes. The laden outgoing air reaches the space of the heat exchanger, where the condensate is drained by a float controlled valve. A valve permits the waste air to be cooled by the unit.    ADVANTAGE -   This prevents the pollution of the environment by evil smells.
Fractionation process for sepg. isobutane from a mixt. with n-butane comprises; (a) feeding a hydrocarbon stream comprising iso- and n-butane to a fractionation zone (FZ); (b) supplying heat to the FZ to vaporise isobutane and provide an overhead stream comprising isobutane vapour; (c) compressing all of the overhead vapour stream to increase its condensing temp. to a temp. sufficiently above the FZ bottoms temp. to provide heat for the fractionation; (d) indirectly contacting all the compressed overheads with a portion of the FZ bottoms to increase the temp. of portion to vaporise it, to provide boil-up for the FZ and to condense all of the compressed overheads; (e) cooling a portion of the compressed overheads to a temp. between that at the top of the FZ and 20 deg. F above it; and (f) returning the cooled portion of the condensed overhead to the top of the FZ as reflux.    ADVANTAGE -   Cooling the reflux as in (e) reduces the amt. of reflux vaporised on the top tray and allows the column to be operated at higher throughputs (e.g. at 10% increased feed) and so at higher efficiency.
Appts. comprises (a) a source of gas; (b) a pipeline in fluid communication with the source of gas at one end and at the other end with an underground gas storage field, and with gas flowing in the pipeline toward the field; (c) a branch line leading from the pipeline to conduct gas from the pipeline to a fluid pump and the flow and pressure of the gas driving the pump; (d) a container of a tracer mixt. connected in fluid communication with the pump; (e) means forming a conduit from the pump to the pipeline for delivering the tracer mixt. to the pipeline, the location of the connection of the conduit with the pipeline being downstream from the location of the branch line connection with the pipeline; and (f) means for (1) detecting the flow of the tracer mixt. in the conduit, and (2) signalling when no mixt. is flowing.    ADVANTAGE -   Sulphur hexafluoride and chloropentafluoroethane (Freon-115) meet the requirements for tracer cpds. for use in tagging methane, both cpds. being readily detectable at concn. of a few parts per million or below by electron capture gas chromatography.
Propionate is added to culture soln. having high activity to decompose propionic acid bubbling with mixed gas of N2 and CO2 propionic acid decomposing bacteria and methane bacteria, in the culture soln. are cultured at 15-30 deg.C in anaerobic condition adding propionate according to the amt. of substrate reduced, to increase bacteria and cultured soln. contg. a large amt. of propionic acid decomposing bacteria and methane bacteria is added to fermentation tank to ferment at high speed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Organic treated water of sludge and excreta of domestic animals is fermented in the fermentation tank by adding culture soln. Storing of propionic acid in fermentation tank is prevented and methane fermentation proceeds with high speed.
Organic substances (I), esp. waste materials, are fermented anaerobically to produce hydrocarbon gas (''biogass''), e.g. methane, while using fatty acids or derivs. thereof (II) to accelerate the process. The method is characterised by the addn. of (II) as a component of a mixt. (III), the major component of which is a carrier mass in the form of one or more substance (IV) having a high surface area/vol. ratio, e.g. small particles, fibres or other elements; (II) is adsorbed on the surface of (IV).    (III) is esp. a mixt. (IIIa) that is the result of using (IV), e.g. bentonite or fuller's earth, for purifying vegetable or animal oils or fats by adsorbing unwanted fatty acids or derivs. thereof on the surface of (IV). (I) is esp. waste from animal stables, e.g. urine, manure and/or used litter.    ADVANTAGE -   It is known that very small amts. of (II) added to the waste accelerate the fermentation but larger amts. inhibit. By adding (II) on a carrier (IV), risk of producing too high a concn., esp. locally, is avoided. The process is economic when the addn. is (IIIa), as this is a waste material which is otherwise difficult to dispose of.
Biogas is produced by anaerobic fermentation at various temps. from heterogeneous organic waste in the agricultural, forestry and food industry, also the chemical industry and other branches producing organic waste. The process is based on a combination of acidified digestion, methanogenic mesophilic digestion and methanogenic thermophilic digestion.    ADVANTAGE -   This creates a compact reactor with a process energy demand of under 10% of that of the gas produced and with optimum retention times.
In a new prepn. of a liq. fuel, strained lees of plant seeds after oil extraction is mixed with kerosene to extract the remaining oil components in the lees into the kerosene; and the solid components are removed. The mixing ratio is 1 kg of the lees and 0.2-3.5 l of kerosene.    Available plant seeds include those of corn, sunflowers, jute, cotton, rape, sesames, etc. The lees are those obtd. typically by compression or pressure extraction. The fuel is prepd. by stirring-mixing the lees contg. typically 10-20% remaining oil (for sunflower) and kerosene, e.g., at 6,000 r.p.m. for about 10 min. standing for up to 72 hr., and compressing to obtain a mixt. of the oil and kerosene. It is filtered to obtain a transparent light-yellow prod.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The simple method utilises the usually discarded lees and inexpensive kerosene itself without recovering of solvent. The fuel obtd. is suitable for diesel engines.
Conversion of farmyard slurry and/or sewage sludge to granular prods. is effected by (a) mixing with sufficient CaO to raise the temp. to at least 70 deg.C, (b) reacting until the reaction between CaO and H2O is complete, (c) mixing with a binder, and (d) granulating the mixt.    Specifically, the CaO is used in an amt. of 0.1-1 pt.wt. per. pt.wt. of slurry or sludge. The temp. is maintained at at least 70 deg.C for at least 3 hrs. The binder is peat or sawdust and is added in an amt. sufficient to give a mixt. with a solids content of 40-80 wt.%. The granulated prod. is dried to a moisture content of 15 wt.% or less.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The prods. are useful as fertilisers. They have good handling properties and are pathogen-free.
(A) Process comprises: (a) introducing hot particulate solids at zero, positive or negative velocity into a reactor into contact with a hydrocarbon feed gas at much higher positive velocity; (b) so entraining the solids in the gas and transferring heat from the solids to the feed, by which the feed is cracked; and (c) allowing the solids to accelerate in passing through the reactor, but ending the reaction well before the solids reach the velocity of the prod. gas.    (B) Process for thermally converting organic substances in reaction times of the order sec. down to millisec. is otherwise as claimed for hydrocarbons in (A).    The solids pref. fall into the reactor by gravity, and are accelerated to no more than 80% of the velocity of the gas with which they are in contact. The solids are pref. sepd. from the prod. gas by means of an inertial separator, esp. an inertial tee separator forming part of an integral reactor/separator. After sepn. of the solids, the prod. gas may be quenched with an inert direct quench fluid, without substantial quenching of the solids. Or the sepd. gas may be quenched in an indirectly cooled fluid bed. The sepd. solids may be reheated and recycled to the reactor.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   By (A) e.g. naphtha, gas oil and residua may be converted to C2H4 etc. Embodiment (B) can be used e.g. for the pyrolysis of dichloroethane to vinyl chloride. Heat transfer is so rapid between gas and solid at their high relative velocity (heat up rates about 1,000,000 deg.F/sec.) that particle acceleration can be stopped before erosive velocities are reached. Reactor residence time is reduced, e.g. to 20-50 ms at reaction temp. Reactors may be made smaller and more compact, in a variety of possible shapes. Higher temps. can be used with the short residence times. C2H4 yields at equiv. CH4 make are higher than those of US4097363 (Gulf) using hot recirculating solids.
Reactor has a cylindrical housing contg. inert particulate solid material, a gas inlet to create a fluidised bed, and a gas outlet, with biomass continuously introduced the fluidised bed area of the reactor between a base of the bed and the gas outlet, along a longitudinal axis of the reactor. Heat is supplied to the reactor and the inert material and biomass are relatively sized, and the gas flow such that substantially all the char resulting from pyrolysis of the biomass is removed from the reactor through the gas outlet while all the inert material remains in the reactor.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In the conversion of an organic solid biomass such as poplar, aspen or maple sawdust, peat or coal into liquid, gas and a char residue. Process provides liq. yields in excess of 45% of the dry weight feed in one reactor, only without the need of recirculating the particulate solid to another reactor, and with an apparent gas residence time of 0.1 to 10 secs.
Process for purificn. and recovery of methane from landfill gas (LFG) by removing trace impurities followed by bulk sepn. of CO2 from CH4 by selective adsorption in multi column temp. swing and pressure swing units by selective adsorption of impurities in adsorbent bed at super ambient pressure whilst discharging unadsorbed effluent of CO2 and CH4. The bed is returned to ambient pressure and thermally regenerated with hot gas of CO2 followed by cooling the bed and then restoring bed to super ambient adsorption pressure when bulk sepn. is effected in pressure swing adsorption section.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Purificn. and recovery of pure methane from landfill gas. With adsorbent beds, treated with stream free of impurities there is no loss of methane.
The installation is intended for processing liquid or partly liquid animal manure to produce solid compost and bio-gas. It comprises a closed steel reactor vessel with annular heater and valved discharged outlet at its lower end and a manhole with cover and an inspection window at its upper end. A manure supply tank connects to the vessel via a supply line which contains a pump and a heat exchanger heated by the gas and water vapour discharge line from the top of the vessel. Downstream of the heat exchanger, this line connects to a water separator, with gas outlet connected to a normal-pressure gasometer    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Producing high-quality solid compost and gas with high calorific value (largely methane) from wet manure from pigs, poultry, cattle etc.. Also suitable for processing sewage, kitchen waste (swill), food rests, milk powder residue etc.. Relatively inexpensive installation permits continuous operation and, in addition to valuable gas, produces directly usable solid granular compost.
Fixed microbial group is prepd. by (a) adhering microbe to porous carrier, (b) culturing it further and (c) culturing it in the culture liquid of flock-forming microbe so that the carrier might be covered by polysaccharide flock. The microbe nitrifying bacteria used is (e.g. Nitrosomonas, Nitrobacter, etc.) and the bacteria which can decompose difficult decomposing substances (e.g. Pseudomonas, etc.) can be used from a practical view point. Pref. flock-forming microbe used is Pseudomonas atutzeri, Alkaligenes faecalis, Zooloea namigena, Comamonas terrigena, etc. The porous carrier porous ceramics used is porous alpha-alumina, formalised PVA foam, polyurethane foam, etc. of capillary size 50-200 micron.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The fixed microbial group can be prepd. cheaply and hardly suffers from blocking or detachment of microbial body. The fixed microbial group is used for treating the waste water of high total nitrogen content (ca. 140 mg/l). The total nitrogen content in treated waste water falls more rapidly than the controls.
Process for treating 2 wash soln. streams, coming from different gas washing zones after there physically absorbing at 10-100 bar CO2 and at least one of the valuable gases CO, H2 and CH4 comprises (i) expanding the 1st stream into a 1st expansion zone with a pressure redn. of at least 5 bar, so releasing a CO2-rich gas; (ii) partially expanding the 2nd wash soln. stream into a 2nd expansion zone contg. a mass transfer element; (iii) leading the expanded gas from the 1st expansion zone upwards through the 2nd expansion zone in countercurrent to the 2nd stream of wash soln.; (iv) withdrawing at the top of the 2nd expansion zone a gas mixt. contg. CO2 and valuable gas(es); and (v) regenerating both wash soln. streams from the expansion zones.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The gas fed to the 1st washing zone, with a higher CO2 content, can be e.g. a converted water gas, and the gas fed to the 2nd washing zone, with a lower CO2 content, can be e.g. an unconverted water gas. Synthesis gases and CH4-rich gases can also be processed. There is high recovery in the top gas withdrawn in step (iv) of the valuable gas(es) (usually the main component of the original gas streams), which have been removed incidentally during CO2 removal.
A catalyst for prepn. of 2C hydrocarbons from methane or gas mixts. contg. CH4, in presence of 02 or gas mixts. contg.02, contains Pbo on Al203. The catalyst is made by pptn. of Pb(OH)2 at pH 6-9.5, onto Al203 which has been obtd. by thermal treatment of A1(OH)3, e.g bayerite and/or norstrandite or hydrargillite and/or Al oxide-hydroxide, e.g. boehmite and/or pseudoboehmite, or et-and/or gamma- or chi-Al203 contg. these Al (hydr)oxides, at 900-1500 deg. K for 1-10 h, washing drying and calcining in air or an inert gas stream at 900-1100 deg.K.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The ethylene/ethane mixt. can be used, directly or after dehydrogenation of the ethane, in prodn. of petrochemical intermediates or prods. Ethylene/ethane mixts. with high ethylene content are obtd. in high space/time yield, with good selectivity, on highly active catalysts. reaction is at higher catalyst loading and lower temp., with reduced energy consumption.
Prodn. of hydrocarbons of 2C or more from CH4 comprises introducing CH4 and a source of O2 into a molten salt held at at least 660 deg.C, with the proviso that the CH4 and O2 source do not contact each other. The salt comprises alkali(ne earth) metal iodide(s) and contains a catalyst comprising Gp.IB and/or Gp.VIII metal(s). The melt may also comprise alkali(ne earth) metal hydroxide(s).    The O2 source is O2 or air. The metal iodide is NaI, KI, LiI, CaI2 and/or MgI2, esp. LiI. The catalyst metal is Cu, Ag, Pt, Pd or Ru, esp. Cu, Ru, or Ru oxide or iodide. The catalyst may be supported on Al2O3, TiO2 and/or ZrO2. The molar ratio of iodide to hydroxide is 5:1 - 80:1, esp. 10:1 - 20:1, the metal of the iodide and hydroxide pref. being the same. The temp. of the melt is pref. 660-800, esp. 675-750 deg.C. An inert gas may be introduced into the melt, pref. N2, CO2 or noble gas.    ADVANTAGE -   High per pass selectivities to higher hydrocarbons are obtd. with low carbon oxide/MeI prodn..
The fuel element comprises compacted cellulose waste, water and finely divided Al or Mg with the metal:water ratio 1.5:1 -2:1, the element generating hydrogen as part of the fuel when burned. The metal is pref. Al which forms a thin layer on the element surface and is covered by a protective layer of paraffin.    There may be a layer of matted cellulose fibres interposed between metal and paraffin layers. The waste is pref. paper pulp, wood fibres, comminuted banana bark, bamboo, melaluca, straw, wheat grain, coffee, cocoa beans, coconut fibre or palm wood, and the element may have a coating of waste petroleum, banana, coconut, olive, peanut, corn, wheat germ, straw grass or fish oil.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For commercial or domestic use, is made entirely from waste material and has an extremely high heat to wt. ratio.
The device comprises a cylindrical oven lower half of which is inserted to combustion chamber and including inlet of material ano an exhaust port, semispherical porous plates arranged horizontally and mounted to left and right in the oven alternately to forn stages, rotatable rakes arranged adjacent to upper surface of the porous plates, port for delivering the charcoal formed on bottom of the combustion chamber, and inlet of hot air formed in side wall of the combustion chamber.    ADVANTAGE -   Chips of wood are fed downwards and spirally by the porous plates and rotating rakes, crushed and released and are kept in contact with rising hot air, so that efficient carbonising can be provided in combustion chamber. Amt. of supplied hot air can be controlled easily.
A device for carbonising wood to form charcoal comprises (a) semispherical plates arranged alternately in left and right side in cylindrical oven and including inlet of material and exhaust port in its upper end; (b) rakes mounted on a rotatable shaft and located adjacent to upper surface of the porous plates; (c) port for delivering charcoal formed in bottom of the oven; (d) inlet of hot air including a burner arranged on lower portion of side wall of the oven; and (e) heat exchanger connected to air inlet and to the exhaust port.    ADVANTAGE -   Since chips of wood are transferred downwards along inner wall of the oven and crushed and released while kept in contact with rising hot air, effective carbonising can be provided. Acetic acid delivered from the wood chips is collected in the heat exchanger.
Isomerisation catalysts comprising at least one Gp.VIII metal on H-mordenite are regenerated by (a) burning off coke by combustion with an O2-contg. gas at a temp. below 550 deg.C and (b) contacting with a gaseous mixt. contg. O2, H2O and Cl2 or a Cl cpd. at 200-500 deg.C, the amt. of Cl supplied being 0.5-10 wt.% based on dry mordenite.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process is esp. applicable to catalysts used to convert 4-7C n-paraffins to isoparaffins in gasoline feedstocks. The regenerated catalysts have higher activity than catalysts regenerated by prior art processes (cf. US3986982).
CH4-contg. fuel gas is produced by (a) gasifying a liq. hydrocarbon or solid carbonaceous feed in the presence of air and opt. steam to produce a gas contg. H2, N2 and COx, (b) removing solids from the gas, (c) subjecting the gas to shift conversion with steam to convert at least part of its CO content to CO2 and generate H2, (d) removing at least part of the CO2 and other acid gases, (e) subjecting the gas to methanation, and (f) cryogenically separating the product gas into an N2-rich stream and a CH4-contg. fuel gas.    ADVANTAGE -   The process avoids use of pure O2.
Industrial wastes with an excessive concn. of ammonium ions, carbon chloride and/or hydrocarbons are treated with a base to suit the ammonium ion content and have the ammonia formed removed by a flushing gas for conversion by acid into ammonium salts. Carbon chloride and/or hydrocarbons are removed from the flushing gas by contact with activated carbon and/or porous clay.    Specifically the industrial wastes are passed by a pump from the pipe past a station for adding a metered amount of a base with a pump from a tank to a mixing chamber and a first stripping column with an outflow valve for the waste water, controlled by the level sensor. A backflushing pipe is fitted with a blower. The backflushing outflow leads to a second stripping column with an inlet for acid and an outflow with a pump; again with a control by a level sensor for the ammonium salt. A third stripping column receives through a distributor a suspension of porous clay and/or activated carbon. A pump recirculates a part of the suspension. Fresh suspension is also added.    ADVANTAGE -   This removes the named undesirable constituents without resulting in other environmental pollution implications.
Biogas is produced by the fermentation of viscous media (liq. manure) in a reactor in which mixing elements are in a continuous axial motion. The elements which effect the mixing, move along the entire reactor axis and are discs which extend across the entire reactor cross-section. The fermentation proceeds in at least two stages, i.e. an acid bacteria stage, and a methane bacteria stage.    A cylindrical vertical container is charged with liq. manure by an air compressor through pipe. The inner cylindrical preheating zone has a double wall filled with hot water to act as a heat exchanger. The annulus is a chamber for fermentation by acid bacteria; the gases released (CO2, H2, H2S) leave through pipe. An opening leads to the main fermentation space by methane bacteria. A sensor measures the pH-value. The biogas is extracted through pipe. Spent manure is discharged through overflow. A drum revolved by a motor carries mixing slabs of concrete and floating discs made of polyester on ropes which perform the axial mixing action.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   This maximises the biogas yield for a constant minimum time of retention of the charge in the reactor. For the fermentation of liq. manure, sewage sludge or whey.
Viscous fermentable media are passed to a biogas reactor by a pneumatic conveyor system. A first pipe leads to a pressure vessel until a given upper level is reached. Compressed air then is applied to empty the vessel via a second pipe until a given lower level is reached. The air pressure in the vessel is lowered to a given nominal figure before it is filled again with the medium.    ADVANTAGE -   This system supplies a steady controllable flow of viscous material, even with solids, without turbulence. It will operate trouble free and for long periods free from wear.
The conversion of organic waste into compost is accelerated by embedding a tunnel-shaped basic element with one or more risers. All parts have slots and the ends of the basic element have caps. One end can be fitted with a jointing strip for easy coupling of another set.    ADVANTAGE -   This is an uncomplicated device which requires no energy input and can be applied to all compost heaps.
Suspensions are homogenised by the immersed jet principle and without any sec. drive. A liq. jet of the suspension is injected into a guide tube in an open-ended reactor at a velocity of 2-16 m/s and the guide tube receives a sec. flow of the suspension together with entrained air, the ratio depending on the geometry. The mixt. is deflected at the bottom of the reactor and rises outside the guide tube. This is repeated until the desired homogeneity is achieved and the homogeneous suspension is discharged.    ADVANTAGE -   This eliminates curls and streamers, also clogging. It accelerates the break-up of cells by microorganisms and reduces the energy consumption.
Sepn. of an N2-rich hydrocarbon stream into a low-Btu gas and a CH4-rich gas (ca.1000 Btu) is effected by (a) cooling the feed stream by indirect heat exchange with a refrigerant having at least 3 components, (b) separating the cooled feed into a C2+-rich liq. stream and an N2- and CH4-rich vapour stream, (c) cooling the vapour stream by indirect heat exchange with cooled components of this stream, and (d) subjecting the cooled stream from (c) to multistage flashing.    The feed is cooled in a heat exchanger against the two product streams and the refrigerant, and then sepd. into a vapour stream rich in N2 and CH4, and a liq. stream rich in C2+. The vapour stream is further cooled and the resulting liq. is flashed and sepd. into a liq. stream and a vapour stream. The liq. stream is warmed in heat exchanger and flashed to produce a CH4-rich liq. stream and a low-Btu gas stream. The latter is combined with the vapour stream. The liq. stream is distd. to recover CH4, which is combined with the CH4-rich stream. The reboiler of the distn. column is heated by the refrigerant circuit.
Exhaust gas from a combustion turbine is directed across a moisture laden fuel in a dryer which includes a rotary drum dryer, driven by the exhaust gases, which moves the fuel in the same direction as the exhaust gas while tumbling the fuel to be processed so as to remove a portion of the moisture to produce a beneficiated fuel. A dust collector receives exhaust gas from the drum and removes particulate matter therefrom while the exhaust gas is fed to a fan to provide a balanced draft system.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Partic. treating low ranked fossil fuels, e.g. subbituminous lignite, brown coal and peat, vegetable culm, coal dust and slack exposed to the weather, precipitated solids from sewage treatment processes, animal waste, etc. Allows optimum usage of energy by generating electricity while producing benefic-iated fuel which is used to fire a steam generator.
Methane fermentation tank to produce digested sludge and gas comprises a permeation and vapourisation membrane to separate liq. and gas produced, a liq. circulation pump to recycle a part of fermented liq. in the fermentation tank through the membrane, a vacuum pump placed at an exit of the membrane to exhaust gas contg. CO2 from the membrane and a pH sensor to detect pH of the liq. in the fermentation tank to control pH of the liq. PH of the liq. is controlled by sepg. CO2 in the circulation liq. using the permeation and vapourisation membrane and controlling the liq. circulation pump and the vacuum pump according to previously set values.    USE -   To securely and widely control pH of liq. in the fermentation tank.
Device comprises (i) a crushing means contg. a crushing chamber and crushing blades to crush waste to form crushed chips and water, (ii) a storing means to separate crushed chips and water, discharge water and store the crushed chips, and (iii) a fermentation means contg. a fermentation chamber, a heater and a stirrer to stir the crushed chips and fermentation material.    USE -   To ferment, e.g. vegetable wastes, mixed with fermentation material.
Membrane type bioreactor comprises membranes permeable to a liq. of raw material, ultrasonic vibrator (6) to vibrate the membranes, and microbe flowing zone defined by the membranes adjacent to a raw material liq. flow passage.    USE -   For making foods and medicines.
Appts. comprises a pump to circulate a portion of incubating liq. fed into a space defined by a gas-sepn. membrane in an incubating tank.    USE -   Used for methane fermenting appts.
Method for the continuous anaerobic biological digestion of organic compounds in municipal and industrial effluents includes a pre-acidification stage and/or a methane stage, where the effluents come into contact with sludge in concurrent flow. The flow of directional is reversed from ascending to descending several times, with a biological filter in the bottom reversal zone and a microorganism swirling zone in the central and upper areas.    ADVANTAGE -   This eliminates any back mixing of purified effluent with the crude inflow and achieves an optimum contact with the microorganisms without any stirring mechanisms but within precise times for the biochemical purification.
A dry stain removal process comprises applying an absorbing or adsorbing powder on the stain, without adding liq., the improvement being that the powder is applied with force by being propelled by a compressed inert gas. An aerosol type container for effecting the process is also claimed.    The gas is N2, CFCl3 ("Freon 11"), CF2Cl2 ("Freon 12") butane or a mixt. of these gases. The powder is Mg silicate, pipe clay, colloidal silica, fuller's earth or lycopodium powder. It has a specific surface of 200-300 m2/g and its particle size is less than 20 microns.    ADVANTAGE -   The process is more efficient than by just sprinkling the powder.
Reaction appts. has an elongate encasement with a closed end and an elongate conduit arranged in the chamber formed by the encasement to convey heat exchange fluid toward the closed end. An elongate reaction vessel is arranged in the chamber, spaced from the conduit, and has first and second pipe portions defining first and second communicating flow passages which are in heat exchange relation with one another. A fluid containing at least two reactants is introduced into the reaction vessel. Heat exchange medium is cycled through the chamber via the conduit in heat exchange relation with the reaction vessel to control a chemical reaction therein.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Particularly in large scale, aqueous phase oxidation of municipal wastes. Provides a low profile subterranean reaction apparatus which can process a large quantity of reactants and in which precise control of reaction temperatures can be attained.
A C molecular sieve (I) contains at least 85 wt.% C and has a structure in which spherical carbonaceous particles of dia. 0.8-120 (pref. 2-80) micrometres overlap and coalesce 3-dimensionally at random, continuous pathways run communicating with the pathways.    A process for prodn. of (I) comprises (a) mixing 100 pts. wt. of a finely divided thermosetting phenol resin, 5-50 pts. wt. of a soln. of a thermosetting resin and 1-30 pts. wt. of a high polymer binder; (b) moulding the mixt. into a particulate substance; and (c) heat treating the prod. at 500-1100 deg.C under non-oxidising atmos. to form (I). Opt. additionally the prod. can then be heated at 500-1100 deg.C in an oxidising atmos. until the prod. is reduced in wt. by up to 15 wt.%. The use of (I) for separating either N2 and O2 or CH4 and H2 from mixts. of them is also claimed.    ADVANTAGE -   (I) is very adsorbent and has a good adsorption selectivity and diffusivity ratio.
Prodn. of a fuel contg. cellulose, pref. in the form of wood and/or straw, comprises steeping the cellulose-contg. material in a soln. contg. at least salt, and then dehydrating it.    The treatment soln. may contain sugar in addn. to salt, at a pref. ratio of sugar to salt of 1:2. The solvent is pref. water and the solvent to solute ratio is pref. 4:1.    ADVANTAGE -   The cellulose-contg. material burns for longer and the heat evolution is increased. Little soot is formed. The residue is useful as deicing salt. Very low quality material (e.g. quick-grown or rotten wood) or normally incombustible material (e.g. sweepings) can be burnt.
Prodn. of manure from N-contg. organic waste comprises (1) adding alkaline humidity absorbing material to waste in order to aojust water content and pH, followed by fermentation and ripening; and (2) prodn. of ammonium sulphate by reacting ammonia, generated in the fermentation process, with sulphuric acid.    Alkaline humidity adjusting material is pref. coal ash. The addition rate of coal ash to N-contg. org. waste is 7.5-80/100 by pts. wt..    USE/ADVANTAGE -   This method is useful for producing manure from excrement of domestic animals, sewage sludge, human waste sludge and kitchen waste with high humidity. N-Contg. organic waste with high percentage of water content is efficiently used for producing manure by adjusting water content with strongly alkaline humidity absorbing material for optimal fermentation by aerobic bacteria. Additionally, pH is adjusted to strong basic to produce a large quantity of NH3 gas, which is reacted with H2SO4 to give ammonium sulphate as a by-product. Malodour of NH3 is completely removed by the reaction with H2SO4.
Prodn. of compost comprises adding humidity-adjusting material with deodorant effectiveness to N-contg. organic waste, and fermenting and ripening to obtain compst.    Humidity adjusting material comprises water-absorbing material and pH adjusting agent, to adjust alkaline degree of water absorbing material. Water absorbing material is multiporous inorganic powder and pH adjusting agent is metal salt which would be acidic by hydrolysis. Water-absorbing material is e.g. coke ash, crude power of fly-ash or zeolite, and the content of the material is 10-90 pts. for fly ash and 10-120 pts. for zeolite per 100 pts. of fowl droppings by pts. wt. The pH adjusting agent is e.g., ferrous sulphate, aluminium sulphate, and the content of the agent per 100 pts. wt. of fowl droppings is 0.1-15 pts. wt.    ADVANTAGE -   Efficient fermentation by aerobic bacteria can be effected with inhibition of generation of bad smalls, and thoroughly fermented compost can be obtd. economically in a short time.
The process comprises circulating a gas produced in a fermenting tank to ferment the wastes after proteins have been removed from the wastes, so that the liq. in the tank is stirred with the gas.    USE -   For fishery processing facilities.
Appts. to treat garbage - comprises a crusher to crush the garbage, tank to house crushed garbage and its water content, and fermenting unit to stir the crushed garbage and water content with a fermenting agent.    USE -   For domestic garbage treating units.
The catalyst consists of alumina support which contains zinc and/or chromium oxides and is loaded with Pt and/or Pd.    ADVANTAGE -   Side reactions which form carbon, aldehyde, or ether are effectively prevented by the action of the oxides; so the catalyst has an improved activity, selectivity even at low temps. of 300-400 deg.C, working stably at higher temp. over a long time, e.g., 100% EtOH can be converted at 700 deg.C over 1000 hrs.    In an example, gamma-Al2O3 pellets 2-4mm dia. were immersed in Zn nitrate soln. and fired at 550 deg.C for 3 hrs. to deposit 10wt.% ZnO; then the pellets were immersed in platinum nitrate soln. and reduced with H2 to deposit 0.3wt.% Pt. With 10ml of the catalyst, EtOH was converted into 34 H2, 32 CO, and 32 mol.% CH4 under an atmospheric press. at 350 deg.C; 95% of EtOH were converted.
Catalyst consists of alumina support which contains rare earth metal oxides and is loaded with Pt and/or Pd.    ADVANTAGE -   Side reactions which form carbon, aldehyde, or ether are effectively prevented by the action of the reare earth metal oxides; so the catalyst has an improved activity, selectivity even at lower temps. of 300-400 deg. C, working stably at higher temp. over a long time, e.g., 100% EtOH can be converted at 700 deg. C over 1000 hrs.    In an example, gamma-Al2O3 pellets 2-4mm dia. were immersed in lanthanum nitrate soln. and fired at 550 deg. C for 3 hrs. to deposit 10 wt.% La2O3; then the pellets were immersed in platinum nitrate soln. and reduced with H2 to deposit 0.3 wt.% Ptd. With 10ml of the catalyst, EtOH was concerted into 33 H2, 32 CO, and 32 mol% CH4 under an atmospheric pressure at 350 deg. C; 96% of EtOH were converted.
A charcoal furnace has a vertical cylindrical body terminating in a frustoconical cap at each end, three legs supporting the body, a hatch closing the upper cap, a hatch closing the lower cap with an apertured frustoconical air distributor, a transverse support for the lower hatch with two cheeks pivoting on the body and two air inlet valves, and an apertured frustoconical baffle in the base of the furnace opening into a gas collector outside it fitted with a chimney.    ADVANTAGE -   The furnace is simple and robust, and is filled and emptied mechanically.
Organic constituents are extracted from solids by passing a gaseous solvent at high pressure vertically through an extractor filled with the solids. The solvent passes through the extractor at least partly in a downward direction and absorbs the organic constituents which are separated from it in a following separator.    ADVANTAGE -   This optimises the direction of the solvent through the solids and makes high-pressure extraction more economical.
Biogas is produced by a two-stage fermentation of viscous materials in a fermenter. In a first acid fermentation stage, oxygen is consumed with the aid of acid bacteria. Biogas is produced in the following second main fermentation stage. In both stages, the fermentation medium is mixed by a slow continuous movement of circular plates in the axial direction of the fermenter.    ADVANTAGE -   This effects a slow and uniform continuous mixing without irritating the bacteria by fast flow or turbulence, thus maximising the biogas yield and minimising the retention time in the fermenter.
Prodn. of combustible biogas of reduced H2S content comprises anaerobic decomposition of substrates (esp. liq. manure) contg. solids, with injection of a small amt. of air. The new feature is that the air is mixed with biogas at biogas:air ratio 5-20:1. Also new is an appts. for this process.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   This method has only low appts. and process control requirements; is safe from risk of expolsions, and produces a product of H2S content 20-200 ppm. The biogas:air mixt. prevents H2S formation without interfering with the viability of methane-forming bacteria.
Process for composting fibrous organic material such as straw, deposited as a bed and aerated, and heavily wetted with nutrient such as liq. animal manure at 4-5.5 times its own wt.    Pref. the organic material is dropped down a reservoir, into which the liq. is discharged as drops, and removed in wetted state by a conveyor to a composting chamber.    ADVANTAGE -   The heavily wetted straw and liq. manure mixt. generates enough heat to kill bacteria and parasites.
The carbide detains the tissue of a plant (e.g. rose) having at least branches and flowers. At least 90% of the carbide is composed of C. The carbide has a thermosetting resin carbide, 5-60 wt.%. The tissue of the plant is dried with a dessicating agent (e.g. silica gel powder). Heat treatment is applied to the tissue of the dried plant under non-oxidising atmos. to produce a plant carbonisation substance.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The plant carbonisation substance is generally used for a combusting raw material. Meanwhile, the plant carbonisation substance is used as a decoration (called Ohanazumi in Japanese) in tea ceremony. The method provides the plant having branches and leaves with a prototype of a petal or the shape close to the prototype, producing Ohanazumi worthy of real Ohanazumi.
Energy yielding compsns. consists of 70-95 M% prepd. or raw combustible waste, 0.5-10 M% thermoplastic material and 5-20 M% moisture. Wastes may be of agricultural, forestry industrial, minings or of communal origin.
Compost is prepd. from the compost producing materials (I) such as pig manure or chicken droppings and a filler (II) such as soil or lignin more efficiently when the min. moisture capacity of the components is determined before mixing.    The components are then mixed in proportions given by the formula Q(II)/Q(I)=(W(I)-MM(I) (1-0.01W(I))/(MM(II).    (1-0.01W(II))-W(II) where Q, W and MM denote the wt. in tons, moisture content in % and min. moisture capacity in % of the corresp. components.    ADVANTAGE -   More efficient composting, prevention of environment contamination with toxic liquid waste.    Bul.5/7.2.88
Trays (1) for the manure are distributed in stages on supports arranged as sections inside the working chamber, and fitted with loading attachment, under which is hopper and discharge conveyor. The trays are made of parts hinged to support elements, and arranged with a slope = 1-2 deg. from their junction in the direction of the end-wall; loading attachment can move along the trays, e.g. the screw (8). Solid manure fraction contg. 75-80% moisture is loaded into receiver (3), from where vertical screw (4) lifts it to container (7) of measuring device (5).    Using screws (12,8) the device (5) is moved to distribute the manure in the trays (1), by feeding it firstly from the right-hand side and then the left-hand side of trough contg. screw (12).    The loading is done daily (over six days) eight trays at a time in sections being filled; the eggs of flies are also added. On the 8th day, trays from section 1 with maggots in the manure are removed and tipped into receiving hopper (17) for further processing.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In agricultural prodn., particularly an installation to convert manure into fertilisers and proteinaceous animal feed by non-vertebrate animal saprophages (that feed on rotting material).    Productivity is increased by intensifying the conversion process, with simpler construction of the installation.    Bul.5/7.2.88
Method comprises extracting fibrous wastes rich in cellulose, lignin, hemicelluloses, etc. from the starting wastes once buried in ground to ferment them with aerobes.    Used for treating wastes. (J55061969-A)
An aerobic fermentation process involves the addn. of 3-10 w/w% of iron cpd. for the prodn. of Streptococcus rich compost, farmyard manure.    Organic wastes e.g. activated sludge, excreta of animals were used as raw materials and adjusted to contain 40-60 w/.w% of water at pH 9-11 by the addn. of fermented compost and lime, and iron cpd. e.g. FeSO4, FeCl2, Fe2O3, pref. FeSO4 was added as powder or soln. evenly at a rate of 3-10 w/w% pref. 5-8 w/w%. The mixt. was then fermented under aerobic condition by aeration from the bottom of fermentation tank or turning over the mixt. to obtain ideal fermentation conditions.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Accelerates and improves growth of farm prods. with compost contg. plenty of Streptococcus microorganisms and little mould produced by an aerobic fermentation in the presence of 3-10 w/w% of iron cpd. The compost recovers the productivity of farm soil damaged by chemical fertiliser or manure, and by the dominant growth of mould.
Polluted water is purified by treating it in a filter bed containing aerobic microbial flora, preventing the bed from becoming saturated, and periodically renewing the atmosphere in the filter bed by sequentially changing the pressure of the air in it.    A device for carrying out the process is also claimed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For sewage or industrial waste. Organic chemicals can be eliminated.
In a new process for the biological recultivation treatment of soil contaminated with xenolxiotics such as aliphatic, alicyclic and/or aromatic hydrocarbons, by application of microorganisms capable of degrading the respective xenobiotics, optionally together with nutrients for the microorganism, and producing more for curable living and multiplication conditions for the applied microorganisms in the soil to be treated, (1) the soil to be treated is removed from the contaminated site and, together with water and the microorganisms, placed ona substrate which pursuits access by liquids and gases from the contaminated rite and permeated with oxygen-contg. gas (pref. air) warmed to ea 15-40 def. C; (2) water percolating through the coil in continuously removed so that the soil moisture content is maintained at 15-25 (pref. 18-20) wt. % and the soil temp. is maintained at ca 25-50 (pref. 40) deg. C; (3) the relative humidity. above the soil is maintained at 70-100% and the air temperature is maintained at 30-45 deg. C; and (4) an interstitial volume (pore volume) of substantially 30% of the total volume and as finely granular a mechanical state as possible are generated and maintained by at least occasional mechanical treatment.    New plant for carrying out the above process comprises a floor plate which on its underside has a water-and gas-proof layer and an its upperside has longitudinal channels filled aith porous bodies but leaving at least one deg, pipe-like longitudinal passage per channel, the longitudinal channels being arranged so as to slope downwards one edge of the floor plate, N the floor plate being movable so as to give such a slope.    USE -   Recultivation treatment of soil contaminated with materials such as mineral oil hydrocarbons and their derivatives, e.g. petroleum, lubricant oils, mineral oils, benzene derivs., phenols, cyanides, kerosene, ceesolo, paraffins, naphlhalenes, amines and alcohots.
Recovery of CH4 from a fuel gas also contg. N2 and CO2 is effected by (a) passing the fuel gas at superatmospheric pressure through a bed of adsorbent to effect selective adsorption of CO2; (b) subjecting the (H4/N2 effluent to cryogenic distn. to separate the N2, and recovering high-purity CH4 as prod.; (c) rinsing the adsorbent bed with a cocurrent stream of CO2; (d) recycling at least part of the rinse effluent to step (a); (e) reducing the pressure in the adsorbent bed; (f) using part of the N2 from step (b) to purge CO2 from the bed; and (g) repressurising the bed with recycled CH4/N2 effluent.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process may be applied, e.g., to gases produced by enhanced oil recovery operations. The process is simpler and less expensive to operate than prior art solvent absorption processes in that no steam generation or refrigeration/-drying systems are required.
Sludge or deposited solids produced in the BOD/COD treating or the final of processes of waters of dehydrating, washing, boiling and steaming animals, kitchens, fish bones, internal organs, hides and feathers are used. The sludge is immersed in one of animal, fish and plant oils preliminary heated at about 60-90 deg.C. With the oil temp. controlled, the pressure in the closed vessel reduced, and the oil as heat medium, the sludge is heated with mixing, initially under a pressure reduced by 10-20 mmHG and then by 740-750 mmHg, in order to dehydrate the sludge. The dehydrated sludge is taken out from the closed vessel to obtain a fuel.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The two-stage pressure redn. accelerates the dehydration, resulting in a dry fuel rich in organic contents. The fuel also contains appropriate amts. of oil components. The fuel is mouldable into any shape.
Methane fermenting appts. comprises porous microbe nests to fix microbes for making methane fermentation, with many soft and flexible carriers of the nets oscillably placed in a fermenting tank, and aerator-stirrer attached to the tank.    USE -   For treating organic wastes.
Organic waste comprising solid and liq. components is treated as follows: (a) the waste is weighted with ash to accelerate sedimentation; (b) the liq. component (I) is sepd. from solid (II); (c) (II) is chemically reacted to lower O2 demand and to produce a liq. effluent (III) and an ash (portion used in step (a)); (d) (I) is de-ammoniated to give a liq. stream (IV); (e) (III) is combined with (IV); and (f) the combined (III)/(IV) stream is contacted with biologically active microbes to lower its O2 demand.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The integrated waste water treatment system is partic. suited for the processing of animal wastes when it solves many of the problems associated with conventional waste processing systems (e.g. non-removal of harmful chlorides etc. at the same time as reducing O2 demand).
A process for simultaneous chemical and biological treatment of solid and liq. organic waste in which the biologically non-degradable prods. are rendered biodisposable by oxidn. and the biodisposable prods. are simultaneously biologically degraded, while maintaining (a) a high microorganism density in the reactor, (b) a high concn. of the prods. to be decomposed, which are present as a soln. or suspensionn in water; and (c) intensive aeration with air or air-oxygen mixts. with simultaneous addn. of an oxidising agent, while intensive mixing of the substrate with air or air/O2 is necessary with a short circuit time with the oxidising agent.. The effluent water from the process is pref. subjected to an active sludge treatment in the usual way except that aeration is carried out with CO2-contg. effluent air from the first stage treatment reactor, opt. after addn. of supplementary CO2.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process allows treatment of waters contg. high concns. of dissolved or suspended organic wastes which are biodegradable or which are biodisposable after oxidn.; minimum amts.. of water are involved, thus limiting the size of treatment plant required.
A cylindrical reactor receiving organic material stirred while producing useful fermentation gas receives heat via a conductive partition from the waste water in a surrounding clarifying tank with approx. equal vol. to the reactor. A filler column for the organic solids descends the outer tank to a sand trap which opens into a sand trap for the tank; the connection between the two traps is controlled by a slider.    To maintain the forced flow of sewage, subject to a thermal control unit, an overflow from the discharge side is at the same level or lower than an overflow (8) from the feed side. Evolved gas collects in an upper bell.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For small scale prodn. of gas from household/ agricultural/gardening waste. Energy consumption is low, and maintenance simple.
New rapid composting agent for household and garden waste contains (in water as carrier material) an active substance mixt. of (A) 30-70 wt.% sulphite waste liquor with 2-10 wt.% lignin, (B) 3-10 wt.% pentaerythritol, (C) 2-5 wt.% polyperntaerythritol, and optionally (C) 0.2-4 wt.% calcium sulphate, 5-17 wt.% formaldehyde condensate and 0.2-2 wt.% formic acid.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Rapid conversion of household, garden, agricultural and forestry waste products such as leaves, wood, bark or kitchen waste into a compost suitable for garden use. Waste prod. from the chemical industry are used to give a prod. which accelerates microbial growth and promotes carbon enrichment in compost materials.
Rapid composting agent for household and garden waste contains (in addn. to water as carrier material) an active substance mixt. of (a) 40-75 wt.% active charcoal, (b) 10-45 wt.% hexahydroxyhexane and (c) 4-20 wt.% conventional nitrogenous fertiliser.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Rapid conversion of household, garden, agricultural and forestry waste prod. such as wood, leaves, straw or kitchen waste into a compost suitable for garden use. Waste prod. from the chemical industry are used to give a prod. which accelerates microbial growth and promotes carbon enrichment in compost materials.
In a new process for heating rottable biomass by a combination of rotting and classification processes, both the rotting and classification are carried out in a closed plant in which, simultaneously but separately, the biomass is fed into a reactor and non- or poorly rottable waste water flows through a classification chamber which surrounds and is of approximately the same cubic capacity as the reactor.    ADVANTAGE -   Energy requirements, materials consumption and costs are reduced, and maintenance is simplified.
A bacterial suspension of an aq. mineral salt (e.g. 10% soln of K or Na phosphate and microelements), and methane-oxidising bacteria is prepd and fed by a pump to a system of nozzles located around the contour of the mine working.    A sprayed screen section is formed. Methane entering this section is oxidised by the bacteria, reducing its general body content. Excess soln is collected, purified and recirculated.    ADVANTAGE -   An effective treatment is achieved by the suspended bacteria.    Bul.3/23.1.88
Drainage sludge, raw sewage, dung and organic substance-contg. industrial waste are placed in a tank without adjusting the water content. The completely matured and fermented manure is added in a proportion of 20-40 wt.% together with aerobic decomposing bacteria (mutant) having a high decomposing property. The resulting mixt. is fully blended and stirred, and a hot water is introduced into the mixt. so that bacteria inclusive of the aerobic decomposing bacteria (mutant) are propagated at ultra-high speed whereby sludge manure is produced at ultra-high speed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Fermented sludge manure may be produced extremely rapidly within 15-24 hrs. because of the addn. of completely matured and fermented manure together with decomposing mutant.
Tank comprises a horizontal rotary shaft near the bottom of the tank and spiral feed blades mounted on the shaft so that their feed directions are mutually opposite.S    USE -   For making compost from cattle droppings.
Combustible wastes including scraps of vegetables, flowers, leaves and branches of trees, paper and fibre are dehydrated and dried and then grinded or cut. The grinded prod. is pressed into an appropriate shape to obtain a solid matter. The matter is compressed with heating to sinter its surface.    The drying is pref. performed to a moisture content of 18% or lower. The grinded prod. is pref. 3 mm smaller in size. If necessary to increase the calorific value and improve the ignitability, powdered coal, quick lime or aluminium powder may be added to the moulded prod. The heat compression is carried out after drying to a moisture content of 15-5% so as not to destroy its shape. Available plant wastes additionally includes chaff and straw.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The method utilises all kinds of combustible wastes, whose treatments are often troublesome. It helps to solve problems of environmental pollution caused by their discard.
The fuel is prepd. by dehydrating and drying plant wastes and grinding or cutting into granules.    Plant wastes include rubbish, flowers, leaves and branches of trees, vegetable scraps in the field, etc. The drying is pref. performed to a moisture content of 18% or lower. The grinded prod. is pref. 3 mm or smaller in size. If necessary to increase the calorific value, about 10 wt.% of powdered coal may be added to the granules.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Using everyday plant wastes as the major raw material, the method solves problems w.r.t. its disposal (e.g. location for discarding, waste treatment, etc.) and contributes to solve problems of environmental pollution.
Plant wastes including vegetable scraps, flowers, leaves and branches of trees, chaff and straw of cereals, are dehydrated and dried and then ground or cut into granules. The granules are shaped into a solid matter, and this is heated.    Drying is pref. to a moisture content of 18% or lower. The ground prod. is pref. 3mm or smaller. To increase calorific value and improve ignitability, powdered coal, quicklime or aluminium powder may be added. Shaping is by adding certain water to the granules and drying to such an extent that no deterioration of shape occurs (moisture content 15-5%) and heat-compressing.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Method helps solve problems of environmental pollution caused by discarding all sorts of combustible wastes.
4C hydrocarbons, especially butanes, are obtd. by thermal destruction of polyethylene more efficiently when NaCl.BiCl3 (I) double salt is used as catalyst in amounts of 0.7-1 mmoles/g. The process is carried out at 280-330 deg. A 87.9% conversion and 85.8% selectivity is achieved.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Butanes can be used in polymerisation, alkylation etc., in petrochemical industry. Increased yield. Bul.2/15.1.88
Compost and bio-gas are produced from available agricultural by-prods. and/or wastes, opt. added chemicals, milled peat and other additives. Required proportions are established by preliminary sampling chemical analysis, and composting requirements. In prepn., plant components are cut to 4-6mm length, all ingredients are homogenised and compacted. The solids content of the raw mix is adjusted to approx. 50% and its temp. is slowly raised to 60-62 deg.C. the operating temp. of a gastight fermenter to which it is fed. The fermentation is due to bacterial action. An inert atmos. is used during start up, but this changes to a fermentation gas cover during continuous operation.    The speed of the mix's propression in the fermentor is set to ensure 4-10 days fermentation time. The mix moves on an inclined plane, dilute manure, compost and opt. chemicals are added. The bacterial fermentation yields bio-gas, solid and liq. compost, which leave the fermentor respectively under gas tight conditions, or with the maintenance of a required internal pressure.
Compositing material comprises stirring a gas-permeable material in a fermenting chamber to deposit the material on a floor of the chamber, and feeding the organic material onto that material and fermenting the organic material.    Used for organic wastes treating plants. (J55154388-A)
Prodn. comprises feeding a fresh air contg. soil bacteria into a fermenting tank contg. wastes and compressing the air to increase the temp. up to 30-40 deg. C in the tank.    USE -   For treating organic wastes.
Treating combustible wastes comprises drying the wastes to reduce the water content by a drier, without adding any additives, and pulverising the wastes to produce a fuel, using a crusher.    USE -   For wastes treating plants.
Ethanol (I) is produced by contacting synthesis gas (II) with catalyst soln. contg. (a) Ru cpd(s) and halogen cpd(s) or (b) Ru cpd(s), Co cpd(s) and halogen cpd(s) in presence of methane (III).    ADVANTAGE -   Formation of (III) is inhibited and accumulated (III) is removed selectively from (II), so (I) is prepd. more economically than prior art.
Process for converting CH4 to higher hydrocarbons includes passing a mixt. of a cH4-contg. gas and O2 over a catalyst consisting of molten metal inorganic cpd(s) in the pores of a solid inorganic support or in the channels of a monolith of refractory material.    The molten metal inorg. cpd. is pref. a salt or (hydr)oxide of a metal, esp. from Gp. Ia, IIa, IIIa, IIb, IVb or Vb; or mixts. of these cpds. Esp. pref. are LiOH, NaOH, or KOH; and eutectic mixts. of salts. The proportion of the inorganic cpd. to the support or monolith is pref. 0.1-200 wt.%.    ADVANTAGE -   There is e.g. 5.8-7.5% conversion of CH4, with molar selectivity of e.g. 48-52% to C2H4, 8-14% to C2H6, 3-4% to 3-5C hydrocabron, 6-18% to benzene, 4-12% to CO and 12-14% to CO2. The use of the support or monolith increases the surface area and therefore effectiveness of the molten salt catalyst. Pref. molar ratio O2/CH4 is 1-10%; the temp. is 300-1000 (esp. 500-800) deg.C; the pressure is 1-100 bar, and the contact time 0.001-10 sec.
A bridge crane comprises an elevator conveyor having an upper discharge opening with a hydraulic operated apron gate feeding a chain of conveyors, an intermediate discharge opening for turning up of stockpiles and a transverse conveyor and distributor for deposition of stockpiles.    The appts. is mounted on a rail system and in turn mounts its individual features on articulated joints and is capable of turning up one stockpile onto an adj. one for the purpose of moving a closed progressive cycle of daily stockpiles.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For storage, turning up and evacuation of mixed organics sepd. from solid urban waste to be bioprocessed into fertilisers. The continuous daily movement of stockpiles from one position to the next allows only a quantity of material equivalents to the fresh material added to be and that evacuated such that longer bioconversion times are available.
Gasification unit has the reactor to generate gas by making fluidising bed of biomass fuel and heated fluid media by gasification agent and gasifying biomass fuel, combustion furnace to heat fluidised media unburnt portion taken out with fluidised media from the reactor by fluidising bed, and solid-gas separator to separate and catch heated fluidised media drawn out with combustion exhaust gas from the top of combustion furnace.    A boiler utilising combustion exhaust gas as heat source is provided at the top of the combustion furnace in a body and auxiliary fuel supply unit to supply aux. fuel to the fluidising bed is provided.    ADVANTAGE -   When load is increased the auxiliary feed quantity is controlled to increase producing quantity of high pressure steam and can follow the need by increasing the power generation quantity of the steam turbine power plant.
Gas purificn. agent in which lithium is deposited on a solid support made of a metal or ceramic.    Pref. the solid support is pref. porous titanium or zirconium.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The agent has a large reaction surface area and a large amt. of impurities can be removed. Those impurities such as N2 that have so far required to be removed under a high temp., can be treated at a relatively low temp. such as 150-300 deg.C, i.e. the process becomes economical. As the reaction between Li and water is moderate, handling becomes safer and easier. Esp. useful for easily removing impurities from a rare gas or methane.
Organic solids are formed into a pile, pure oxygen or oxygen enriched air is passed into the pile and when the temp. of the pile reaches a predetermined value, a gas of reduced oxygen content is fed into the pile. Specifically, the pile can be mined by bulking material such as wood chips, peat or straw. Oxygen or O2 rich air is introduced intermittently until temp. measured (at 18) is 40 to 65 deg.C.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used in composting sewage sludge, animal slurries, or vegetable refuse. Allows rapid composting even in relatively cold climates where startup of composting can be considerably delayed due to difficulty in attaining a temp. at which thermophilic bateria flourish.
A vertical biogas reactor for the fermentation of organic waste in the agricultural, forestry, food, municipal and chemical industry is based on sinking a well in suitable ground followed by uniting with concrete and an admixture of a sealant.    The biogas reactor is completed by a conventional well sinking technique. A prefabricated ring with connections for the discharge of floating sludge is anchored to the gas collection zone and covered by a reinforced concrete cover with the supply inlet for the fresh substrate and the gas outlet pipe.    ADVANTAGE -   This requires a prefabricated ring with cover plate only for the gas collection zone.
Concrete wall elements for horizontal biogas reactors, and for the fermentation of organic waste in the agriculture, forestry, food, municipal and chemical industry, are prefabricated, ready for assembly with sealing elements along the joints. These elements have large horizontal channels for the inflow of fresh substrate as well as for the outflow of digested substrate for preheating the former.    ADVANTAGE -   This combines a preheating of the fresh substrate with a good insulation of the biogas reactor.
A vertical biogas reactor is assembled on site from prefabricated reinforced concrete shell elements for the fermentation of organic waste in the agricultural, forestry, food, municipal and chemical industry. The modular system permits the assembly to be matched to the local requirements.    ADVANTAGE -   The prefabrication of standard modules in the cement works and their assembly on site permits an optimisation of the time required for the installation.
A horizontal biogas reactor for the anaerobic fermentation of organic waste in the agricultural, forestry, municipal and food industry is installed without any elaborate homogenising system. The products of sedimentation of the substrate are removed in a period of reduced biogas demand.    ADVANTAGE -   The installation is simplified and capital and operating costs are reduced.
A vertical biogas reactor for the anaerobic fermentation of organic waste in the agricultural, forestry, food, municipal and chemical industry, is surrounded in its cylindrical part by an annulus. This is subdivided in alternate sections for the acid phase and for an insulating material.    ADVANTAGE -   This increases the insulation of the reactor and facilitates the repair of the acid reactor chambers.
In anaerobic treatment of liq. chicken manure or other waste water loaded with organic matter, in one or more reactors in the mesophilic temp. range, liq. cattle manure contg. active cellulose-splitting bacteria is added, continuously or in single does, as inoculating material.    Pref. the process is at 35-37 deg. C, using a min. of 5% (20-30%) of liq. cattle manure, w.r.t. the organic dry matter (OTS) in the waste water. Single addns. of liq. cattle manure are sepd. by not more than 30 days, and the bacteria which are rinsed out are retained in a later clarification plant and recycled to the process as residue slurry.    ADVANTAGE -   Waste with a high cellulose content gives a high yield of biogas, without use of cellulases,, and the productivity of CH4 fermentation is raised. The process is cheap and uses easily available material.
The bulkhead elements subdividing horizontal bioreactors are designed to permit access e.g. for the purpose of clearing the deposits. These elements are therefore designed sectional and fitted with lifting eyes. They are guided in rectangular grooves in the side walls and bottom and sealed at the joints.    ADVANTAGE -   These elements are easy to lift by lifting gear which can also be used to clear away the deposits.
10-22C monocarboxylic acids (I) are neutralised by treating finely divided acid particles, in aq. medium, with an equimolar amt. of neutralising agent at 4-43 deg.C (below the m.pt. of (I)) so as to form a pumpable liq. soap free of (I) particles and contg. 0.3-40 wt.% water-sol. soap. The particles of (I) have size below 2000 microns.    (I) contains 12-18C and 99 wt.% of it is as particles with largest dimension below 420 microns, and 92 wt.% as particles below 177 microns. The resulting aq. dispersion contains 4-25 wt.% (I) and is neutralised at 21-32 deg.C.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The soap soln. formed can be used to make cosmetics, esp. shaving creams. This method eliminates the need to melt (I) and pref. also the need for any external heating or cooling. The prepn. of the soap soln. can be carried out in the presence of other cosmetic components.
A bio-gas purifying method consists of the adsorption of carbon dioxide and hydrogen-sulphide in a column contg. thermally activated zeolite.
Granular compost prepd. by fermentation of a crushed and sieved mixt. of peat, rice, barley or wheat straw, and bark, with the addn. of chicken or pig manure and water content modifier, e.g. husk, then granulation with zeolite or bentonite and drying.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Improvement of productivity and maintenance of soil fertility with reduced cost and easy handling. Low cost prodn. is obtd. using low cost raw materials, peat, zeolite and bentonite in a continuous prodn. system and transportation with reduced vol. and wt. Packaging costs are also reduced. Scattering is easy to improve productivity and maintenance of soil fertility. The prod. has a constant compsn.    In an example, peat, rice, barley or wheat straw, or bark was crushed and sieved and raw chicken or pig manure and water content modifier e.g. crushed hull was added to give correct fermentation condition. A small amt. of granulating agent e.g. zeolite bentonite was added to the fermented mixt., pressed, granulated and dried to give a water content of 10%. The composition of the prod.(%) was as follows N 0.07-1.07, P 0.03-0.57, K 0.09-2.22, lime 0.08-149, Mg 0.02-0.49, Na 0.01-0.45, silicic acid 0.01-16.4, water 39.6-9302, pH 5.9-9.4, C 1.4-13.3 and carbon ratio 4.7-46.0.
Waste wood pieces produced by demolition of building are treated by crushing the pieces, removing metals, using magnets, crushing the pieces, and dry distilling the pieces into a fuel.    USE -   Used for making carbonaceous fuels.
Glucosifying cellulosic agricultural waste comprises exposing cellulosic agricultural waste opt. treated with alkali to ionising radiation of 5x10 power 5 - 5x10 oower 6 rads for sterilisation, inoculating cellulose degrading filamentous fungus to the waste aseptically, and culturing the fungus aerobically.    USE -   The prod. is used as forage and the glucosides used for industrial materials. The lees after removal of glucosides from processed wastes are also used as forage.
When drying faeces of animal by fermentation of the faeces, raw faeces is sprinkled uniformly on base faeces which is fermenting. Both are mixed uniformly using agitator and mixt. is slitted and smashed to continue fermentation.    ADVANTAGE -   Drying is promoted by efficient fermentation.
A shredder for organic waste, including bulky material such as bushes and branches, for composting purposes isbuilt into a wheeled trailer with a conical bottom. One screw conveyor runs along the bottom and two more revolve on a higher level; all three are chain driven by the same motor. The bottom conveyor shaft has in addition a set of backward curved shredding tools and the adjacent screw turns have shredder plates which mesh with shredder plates welded to the bottom.    ADVANTAGE -   This minimises the wear and is simple in construction. It can process even bulky waste to compost.
A complex gas sensor is equipped with a metal oxide semiconductor gas sensor having sensitivity to alcohol gas and alcohol gas sensor consists of lead chromate (PbCrO4) having sensitivity to alcohol gas one also.    Misalarm of gas leakage from the sensitivity to alcohol used for cooking, etc. in home is avoided by combining a gas sensor consisting of lead chromate exhibiting high sensitivity to alcohol gas alone with the metal oxide semiconductor gas sensor sensitive to city gas, natural gas, LPG, etc. and also to alcohol. In the complex sensor, when the sensor sensitive to alcohol gas alone exhibits electric response, the electric response by the metal oxide semiconductor gas sensor is cancelled to prevent the misalarm by alcohol.    ADVANTAGE -   The influence of alcohol can be eliminated without impairing the sharp gas sensitivity of a metal oxide semiconductor gas sensor according to the invention.
Determn. of the concn. of methanol in methane fermentation liq. comprises sampling a fermentation liq. contg. sludge comprising methane fermentation bacteria, etc. directly from the outlet of a methane fermentation tank, contacting the fermentation liq. simultaneously with two different micro-organism electrodes, measuring the decrease of each electrode current, and determining the concn. of methanol in the liq. by using a relationship between the difference in the decrements in the electrode current and the concn. of methanol.    ADVANTAGE -   Concn. of methanol in methane fermentation liq. can be more accurately determined by the method than by previous microorganism electrode method. Complex operation as that fore.g. gas chromatography is not necessary and the determn. can be simply carried out.
Method comprises adsorption and removal of nitrogen in methane gas using mordenite type zeolite.    The mordenite type zeolite is e.g. in Na salt form. A part of or all of cation of mordenite type zeolite exchanges with bivalent cation, and the bivalent cation is e.g. Ca, Ba or Fe N2 concn. in methane gas is less than 1 vol.%. Adsorption temp. is at e.g. -20 to -150 deg. C.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The mordenite type zeolite adsorbs nitrogen selectively without adsorption of methane gas.
Prepn. comprises (a) culturing a microbe in a liq. culture medium, (b) opt. concentrating the culture liq., (c) filtering the culture liq. through membrane filters and (d) recovering the microbial membrane, on which the microbes are fixed.    ADVANTAGE -   Uniform microbial membrane is prepd. using a simple process without reducing the activity of the microbes. The thickness of the membrane and the density of microbes is easily regulated by controlling the amt. of culture liq. and having a low moisture content. The microbial membrane is stored stably.    In an example, a microbial membrane was prepd. using methane-forming bacteria and tested to form methane gas from H2 gas and CO2 gas. The forming velocity of methane gas was increased by raising the partial pressure of H2 in the starting gas mixt.
Appts. for detecting halogen cpds (I) consists of a decomposition reactor unit, which decomposes (I) into their components, esp. halogens, and an analysis unit for detecting the components.    Pref. the sensor unit can contain one or more reactors for coverting one or more components. The reactor(s) has constant function or occasional, e.g. periodic, function effected by additional activation, e.g. heating, supplying material, supplying energy, and combination of gas supplY (with and/or before the component(s)). The reactors can be exchange easily and/or regenerated. The sensor contains devices for contacting the components with the reactor and this contact can be periodic or aperiodic. Conversion can be carried out with chemical reagents and/or catalysts, opt on a support, and/or thin and/or thick film activation units. The activation unit may be a heating element (Peltier element, transistor, resistor, inductive load or heat exchanger); and spark and/or arc of any type and system, e.g. d.c. or a.c. current under normal pressure or in vacuo.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The appts. is suitable for quantiative determn of individual (I).
Conversion of MeOH feed to hydrocarbons uses a catalyst comprising Co or Co and ThO2 in catalytically active amt. composited with an inorganic oxide support, to which is added sufficient Re to improve activity.    The feed pref. comprises MeOH and H2 in 4:1-60:1 ratio and reaction conditions are: space velocity 0.1-10/hr. temp. 150-350 deg.C and MeOH partial pressure 100-1000 psia. The catalyst is: (1) Re and Co in wt. ratio over 0.010:1, the Co content being 2-25, pref. 5-15 wt% of total compsn.; or (2) Re, Co and ThO2 in Re:Co wt. ratio 0.025:1-0.10:1 and Co:ThO2 wt. ratio 20:1-1:1, the Co content being 2-25, pref. 5-15% and the ThO2 content being 0.1-10, pref. 0.5-5 wt% of total compsn.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for prodn. of high quality distillate fuels comprising C10+ linear paraffins and olefins which can be further refined to premium middle distillate fules, diesel fuels, jet fuel, tubes, solvents, etc. The addn. of a small amt. of Re maintains the Co in a highly dispersed state and stabilise. The catalyst during high temp. air treatment to burn off coke. The catalyst has high activity and excessive prodn. of CO2 is avoided.
A manure digester and power generating system includes a mixing tank for receiving the manure and a separate closed anaerobic digester tank of fixed volume. This is elongated in length, has an inlet at one end and an outlet at the other, contains anaerobic organisms and is heat insulated. A series of pipes and pumps transfer the content of the mixing tank to the digester tank on a periodic,batch basis.    The temp. and volume of the mixing tank are monitored and controlled. Generated methane is used to fuel an engine which is coupled to an electrical generator. The engine is cooled and the coolant is circulated to preheat the manure in the mixing tank. A separate heat exchanger takes waste heat from the engine's high temp. exhaust and uses it to boost the temp. of the coolant before circulation to the mixing tank.    USE -   The system is used on a farm to generate power from cattle or poultry manure. The slurry is heated sufficiently, prior to introduction to the digester tank, to prevent temp, shock of already digesting slurry.
Method for continuous drying of sludges of suspended and dissolved solids in a volatile liq., in rotary screw type indirect heat exchangers, comprises (a) adding scouring particles to sludge to create a mixt., the scouring particles having a dimension substantially larger than dia. of suspended and dissolved solids; (b) passing mixt. across a rotary screw type indirect heat exchanger having hollow flights, to evaporate volatile liq. from mixt. and create a substantially dry particle prod. while scouring particles continuously remove dry particle prod. from surface of flights; (c) discharging evaporated mixt. of dry particle prod. and scouring particles from heat exchanger; (d) sepg. scoured particles from dry particle prod.; and (e) recycling sepd. scouring particles for reuse.    ADVANTAGE -   The large particles not only act to physically scour surface of screws, but also as a heat transfer intermediary between screws and sludge.
An aq. waste stream contg. organic and inorganic material, e.g. liq. manure, is treated by (a) sepg. a fraction (I) with increased content of dry matter, and a fraction (II) with decreased content of dry matter, (b) heating fraction (II) to at least 80 deg. C, opt. with addn. of a flocculant and/or precipitant,, and then sepg. the solids from the aq. liq. Opt., the aq. waste stream may be heated to at least 80 deg. C, flocculant and/or precipitant may opt. be added, and the solids sepd. from the aq. liq.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Water is (largely) removed from fraction (I) and the organic matter in the dehydrated fraction is burned. The combustion ash can be used as fertiliser, or a fertiliser is obtd. by mixing this combination ash with a dehydrated sludge obtd. from the pre-heated fraction (II) by cooling, settling to give a liq. phase (IIa) and a slurry phase (IIb) and dehydrating (IIb). Liq. manure, which cannot be applied assuch to the land, can be converted to a fertiliser. The time-consuming fermentation is avoided. Heat generated in burning fraction (I) can be used to dry fraction (I) or pref. to heat fraction (II) to at least 80 deg. C, when pathogenic microorganisms are killed and coagulation occurs. The aq. phase (IIa) can be released into the surface water, opt. after removal of harmful (heavy) metal ions by electrolysis (claimed), and opt. after decolourisation. The heat treatment, opt. with addn. of flocculant and/or precipitant, gives almost complete removal of N and P cpds.
Producing rice hull pellets comprises forcibly compressing crushed rice hulls contg. water and feeding the hulls into a granulating chamber contg. dies and rolls to squeeze the hulls and extrude pellets.    USE -   For fuel and feed mfr.
Wood charcoal is made by heating wood in two retorts in a furnace, and passing distillate from the top of one retort to the base of the other so that it burns and pyrolises the distillate in the second retort. A device for carrying out the process is also claimed.    ADVANTAGE -   The process needs little supervision, and atmospheric pollution is eliminated.
When organic waste from forestry operations, graveyard rubbish etc. has been allowed to rot in lines of dumps, valuable compost soil is sorted from inorganic material (plastic, tins) by a wheeled trailer with four belt conveyors and a revolving screen drum. The last belt conveyor discharges the compost soil in a dump alongside the trailer.    The trailer receives power from the hydraulic system of a tractor to which it is coupled by the coupling. A first belt conveyor takes the waste from the funnel in the revolving screen drum which is kept clean by a revolving wire brush. The screen underflow is taken by a second conveyor to a third (cross) conveyor which discharges the compost earth by an ascending fourth conveyor in a dump alongside the trailer.    ADVANTAGE -   This causes less environmental pollution than burning the rubbish and creates valuable compost soil.
Biological waste is converted to compost in a long concrete channel in which the entire contents are continuously moved along by pulling the air-permeable bottom along on rollers. The channel is divided into several climatic zones in which the vital parameters are monitored by sensors so that optimum conditions (air input from below, vapour suction from the covered top) can be set for each zone.    ADVANTAGE -   This optimises the growth of microorganisms and of fungi and eliminates any evil smell for the environment.
Biodegradable sludge is converted to a gaseous fuel by (a) hydrolysing the sludge with hydrolytic enzymes (b) further hydrolysing the sludge by alkaline hydrolysis to solubilise the biodegradable content, (c) removing non-solubilised solids (d) neutralising the prod., and (e) anaerobically digesting the neutralised prod. to form gaseous fuel. The sludge may have been aerobically treated prior to the conversion process.    USE -   The restructuring process for conventional municipal and industrial waste increases on site conversion of biodegradable matter into fuel gas esp. methane and substantially reduces the volume, biodegradability, moisture content and pathogen content of the residue sludge. This residue is useful as an intermediate biofeedstock, which is metabolised in a digester at a rate approd. 8 times faster than for metabolisation of typical feedstocks comprising primary or secondary treatment sludges.
For better efficiency, the design includes cylindrical horizontal shell (1) divided by partitions (2) into four section, and mechanical mixer (3) with lattice vanes (4) in each section revolved by electric driving mechanism (5) in bearings fixed in semicircular lids and in partitions (4). Hot water, circulated in pipelines (6) mounted in two first sections, heats the content of the tank and is pumped by pump (8). Manure is supplied through valve (12) by pump (11) from pit (10). Chamber (16) fixed by welding to partition (15) in the fourth section contains ventilation pipe (17) fixed to its lid, and six discharge pipes (18-23) fixed on side walls with gate-valves (24-29) at such level as to discharge correspondingly 5,10,15,20 and 25% of the volume of fermented mass (pipe (18) is fixed above the manure level). Biogas discharge pipes (30,31) transfer the methane to gasholder. Valved discharge nozzles from all sections are connected to outlet pipe (37) with pump (40) which can recirculate the content of each section.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The humus tank can be used for fermenting dung in stockbreeding farms. Secures production of organic fertilisers of predetermined degree of decomposition of organic substances by anaerobic fermentation.
Recovery of methane gas comprises treating a natural organic material in anaerobic methane fermentation, and contacting the material with a gas contg. O2 at 150-300 deg.C and 20-200 kg/sq.cm. Method is used in waste water treating plants. (J55081794-A)
Organic sludge from e.g. sanitary waste water, etc. is sepd. into a liquid fraction and a solid fraction after acid forming fermentation. The liquid fraction is then fermented so as to produce methane gas by methane forming bacteria by means with upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASS). The solid fraction is dried with the gas produced at fermentation by burning after de-watering into cake. The gas generated during drying directly contacts the liquid fraction under fermentation.    ADVANTAGE -   Organic sludge can be digested quicker with retention time of 2-4 days. De-watered cake is dried with energy source of digestion gas so that no fuel from outside be needed. Less bad smell is generated from the sludge after fermentation. Exhaust gas available during drying operation is fed into fermentation tank so that tank be heated to warm and methane gas is prevented from being lost, due to which no heat exchanger is needed.
Process comprises (a) contacting the gas with a gas sensor; in which (b) the gas sensor includes an optical device having a coating of a material the electrical permittivity of which is capable of undergoing a change when the material is contacted with the gas; and (c) measuring the effect of the change of electrical permittivity upon light passing through the optical device.    The optical device is an integrated optical device or an optical fibre. The method is suitable for the detection of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, methane, ammonia, ethylene, propane, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide or hydrogen sulphide in air.    ADVANTAGE -   The sensor may be used to detect a gas at low concentration, in such as air.
A fuel briquette is produced, preferably in the shape of a wooden log, by compressing shredded wood and bark. The wood percentage (1) can vary from 10 to 90% and that of the bark (2) from 90 to 10%. Its moisture content should be less than 10%. In addition, plastic particles are admixed, preferably polyethylene to an amount of 10-50 wt.%.    ADVANTAGE -   Such an artificial log has a high calorific value and causes no environmental pollution.
In this method of low-temp. carbonisation of waste material and separation of the resulting gas from the pyrolysis residues in an indirectly heated cyclone, the heating gas is fed directly into the carbonisation drum while the cyclone is heated by some of the sepd. gas produced, in a gas converter, from the carbonisation gas.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The system can be used, without detriment to the environment, for the disposal of domestic waste and similar waste from induatry, sewage sludge, and various other wastes. Construction is simplified, equipment costs are reduced, and energy is saved by heating the cyclone with gas sepd. from the carbonisation gas, instead of by the usual method of heating the cyclone with the carbonisation gas. Temp. regulation is simplified.
Catalyst compsn. comprises a catalytic metal and an alkoxide modified support, the support comprising a core support material of surface area greater than about 5 sq.m/g. with on its outer surface a metal oxide produced from a precursor metal alkoxide.    The catalytic metal is a Gp.VIII metal. The core support is a metal oxide, esp. an oxide of a metal of Gp.IIIA, IVA, IVB or VB (e.g. Al2O3, SiO2, TiO2 or Ta2O5). The alkoxide anion of the metal alkoxide has 1-10C (esp. 2-4C); and its metal belongs to Gp.IIIA, IVA, IVB or VB. Esp. pref. is a catalytic compsn. in which the Gp.VIII metal is Ru and the metal of the alkoxide is Al, TA or Ti.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The catalysts are useful e.g. in prodn. of CH4 from CO and H2, carbonylation, the selective hydrogenation of C2H2 and olefin metathesis. They outperform e.g. w.r.t. activity, catalysts using conventional supports.
A method and appts. are claimed for collection and sepn. of natural gas, wherein a sour natural gas from a well head is passed through a knock-out separator to remove free liquids, the gas expanded through a choke into a low temp. separator (A) to cool the gas sufficiently to condense water and/or hydrocarbon condensate, and dry natural gas is removed overhead from (A) continuously for transfer to a sales gas flow line.    The process comprises (a) providing an injector-valve sealed in the wall of one of the flow lines in the system, the valve comprises a valve body with an atomiser nozzle extending into the stream of flowing dry natural gas, a check valve to prevent back flow, a shut off valve and an inlet; (b) providing a pump having an inlet, and an outlet connected to the valve inlet; (c) providing a storage tank connected to pump inlet; (d) providing a sweetening soln. in the tank, consisting essentially of 10-50 wt.% low mol. wt. aldehyde or ketone; 20-80% water, 10-50% methanol, 1-25% amine inhibitor, 0-5% sodium or potassium hydroxide, 2-5% isopropanol. The percentages total 100. pH is 6.0-14, (e) operating the pump to supply the soln. at a rate sufficient to react continuously with hydrogen sulphide to sweeten the natural gas.    ADVANTAGE -   The gas is sweetened under flowing conditions using simple and inexpensive equipment, problems of disposal of sepd. hydrogen sulphide or sulphur dioxide under field conditions are avoided. The method may be used at the well head or a collection point in the field.
Feed gas stream (I) contg. carbon dioxide, methane and heavier hydrocarbons (H) is treated to produce a methane-rich overhead prod. (II) and a CO2-rich bottom prod. (III) by (a) introducing (I) to an absorptive distn. zone at elevated pressure, (b) introducing a physical solvent (S) in amt. ca. 0.5-5 moles (S)/mole (I) into the upper part of the zone to absorb CO2 and (H) from (I); (c) withdrawing stream (II) overhead without subjecting it to any overhead condenser/reflux duty; (d) removing heat from the zone in at least one intermediate stage between the points of entry of (S) and (I); (e) removing and heating (S) contg. CO2 and (H) at approximately the elevated pressure of the feed, to separately recover at least regenerated (S) for recycle to step (b) and CO2-rich bottom prod. (III).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The method is used in treating gases obtd. in enhanced oil recovery using CO2 flooding. The gas may contain H2S, which may be sepd. with CO2 in stage (e). Compared with prior processes, energy requirements are more in form of heat-than mechanical-energy (for refrigeration and CO2 compression) and capital cost of appts. is reduced.
Natural gas or ethylene is contacted with water, to which CCl4 has been introduced in an amt. of 7-12 wt. %. One chamber, fitted with sighting windows, is filled with 200g water, and another with 200g of a water/CCl4 mixt. in different ratios (for carrying out comparisons). With continuous mixing and predetd. press. and temp., the gas being studied is admitted until the liq. phase is completely converted to the solid hydrate state. The gas content per unit wt. of hydrate is determined as the amount of gas liberated when 1g of hydrate decomposes at standard press.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   To make gaseous hydrates, as in the gas and similar inds. during storage and transport of gases as hydrates. The gas-satn. of the hydrates is increased. Bul.43/23.11.87.
Mixed refrigerant comprises mono chlorodifluoromethane as a major ingredient, 1,1,1-trifluoroethane, and propane, mixed together. Pref. the condensed refrigerant is stored in a liq. acceptor. After the pressure is controlled with a pressure -reducing expansion valve, the refrigerant is introducd into a brine tank as endothermic source, is vapourised. Through an accumulator, the refrigerant is sucked into a compressor. Pref. mole fractions of 1,1,1-trifluoroethane and propane are 0.25-0.45 (based on R22 and 1,1,1-trifluoroethane) and 0.05-0.25 (based on the three components).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used as a working medium for steam compression type refrigeration cycles, i.e. air conditioners, refrigerators, hot water supply systems, etc. The mixed refrigerant is superior to conventional R22 (mono chlorodifluoro methane) in condensn. efficiency and coefft. of performance. Highly efficient, compact heat-pump refrigerators are obtd. (inlet and outlet temps. of condenser: 45.66, 50.00 deg.C, coefft. of performance: 3.07 compared to 45.50, 50.00 deg.C and 2.87 using R22 only).
Gas sensor uses gas-sensitive material formed by adding Pt to Sn oxide fine granular film formed by arc discharge.    Specifically addn of Pt to the Sn oxide fine granular film is carried out by contacting the tin oxide fine granular film with platinum (IV) chloride or chloroplatinic (IV) acid and heating.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The gas sensor has high sensitivity to combustion gases, esp isobutane gas, and is suitable for leakage alarm of domestic propane gas.
A polymer is of formula (I), where R1 = H or 1-2C alkyl gp., (pref. methyl) R2,R3 = linear or branched 1-6C alkyl (pref. methyl), R4 = linear or branched 1-12C alkyl or aryl (pref. methyl); X = 1-3C alkyl, phenyl, m = at least 100, n = 0 (pref.) 1; and opt. one or more different copolymerisable monomers in a random, block or alternating configuration; is pref. cast in membrane form (pref. subsequently treated to ultraviolet or electromagnetic treatment, or treated in a plasma field) and employed in gas sepn., liq. sepn. pervaporation or ultrafiltration operations.    A treated, semi-permeable, polymeric membrane having improved selectivity for use in sepg. components og a gas feed mixt. comprises above polymer cast into membrane form, which has been treated (pref. at ambient temp. and pressure) with a reactive source of fluorine (pref. a gas stream contg. 0.01-25% (pref. 0.1-2%) fluorine gas) for a time sufficient to modify the membrane such that the O2/N2 selectivity ratio of the membrane is increased by at least 50% over that of the membrane prior to treatment with the reactive fluorine source (pref. 10 seconds-24 hours, more pref. 0.5-120 minutes).    ADVANTAGE -   These membranes exhibit hioh permeability for a wide range of gases, increased selectivity of the membrane can be achieved for a wide variety of gas streams which contain at least 2 components having different permeability rates through the membrane.
Fluidised bed catalytic process for converting a light olefinic gas feedstock comprising at least 2 mole % C2H4 and up to 40 wt.% 2-3C alkenes to hydrocarbon rich in 4C+ aliphatics and aromatics, comprises (a) maintaining a turbulent fluidised bed in a reactor operating at about 410 to 2500 kPa and 315-510 deg. C, the catalyst being a particulate zeolite of SiO2:Al2O3 mole ratio about 20:1 to 200:1, apparent particle density about 0.9-1.6 g/cc, size range and average catalyst particle size of about 20-100 microns, contg. about 10-25 wt.% of fine particles of size less than 32 microns; (b) passing hot light olefinic gas feedstock in the absence of added C3H8 up through the fluidised bed in a single pass under turbulent flow conditions, providing severity sufficient to convert at least about 70% of feedstock C2H4; (c) maintaining turbulent fluidised flow condition at a superficial feedstock velocity of about 0.3 to 2 m/s, the reactor bed having an average fluidised density at the bottom of the reaction zone of 300-500 kg/cu. m; and (d) recovering hydrocarbon prod. contg. a major amt. of 4C+ hydrocarbons, at least 6% isobutane, and C3H8 and C3H6 in ratio about 0.2:1 to 5:1.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. useful for upgrading FCC light gas, so increasing the gasoline yield of FCC units. Compared with a fixed bed reactor, the fluidised bed reactor has the advantage of continuous catalyst regeneration, and so will not be harmed by O-, S- and N-contg. contaminants in FCC fuel gas. The high isobutane yield is a significant advantage in isobutane-short refineries. The reaction temp. can be controlled by adjusting the feed temp.
The plant is based on a continuous reactor capable of mounting in batteries with similar units, with storage facilities for raw material, and means for loading the reactor, which consists of a cylindrical body in three sections. The upper section is for drying the wood, the intermediate section for pyrolysing, and a truncated cone lower section for cooling the charcoal from.
Organic material is fermented by continuously circulating it through a narrow path in a reactor where it is contacted with microorganisms, and controlling reaction conditions in discrete zones along the path between an inlet at one end of the reactor and an outlet at the other. A fermenter is also claimed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For making methane from urban, agricultural or industrial waste. The process is cheap, effective, and adaptable.
Multi-step for composting organic waste comprises (1) collecting waste where it is generated; (2) sorting and comminuting; (3) if needed, adjusting the moisture content and porosity by adding dry structure material; (4) adding a bacterial starter; (5) sec. sorting of the mixt. and/or farther processing of interfering impurities; (6) opt. sec. regulation of the moisture content; (7) filling the mixt. into a 50l to 5 m3 closed, thermally-insulated compost container which can be aerated and subjecting it to composting.    Specifically before processing, the C:N ratio of the collected waste is adjusted and the moisture content is controlled by adding e.g. crushed stone, sawdust or waste paper.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The method allows small amts. of, esp. garden and kitchen, waste to be converted to high quality compost, and can be carried out in garages, cellars, etc. By insulating the container, efficient rotting right up to the edge of the container is achieved, eliminating any unpleasant odour.
Coprodn. of a 1st gas stream usable as fuel and a S-contg. 2nd gas stream usable as H2SO4 feedstock comprises: (a) heating coal in an O2-lean atmos. under partial gasifying conditions to give a solid char and a crude gas stream contg. S cpds.; (b) sepg. the gaseous S cpd. from the crude gas stream to produce a combustible 1st gas stream and converting the sepd. S cpds. to a solid S-contg. material; (c) forming a feed mixt. by combining the solid carbonaceous char from step (a) and the solid S-contg. material from step (b) with gypsum in such proportions that the non-gypsum part of the feed mixt. contains enough reducing potential to reduce S in the gypsum to the +4 or lower oxidn. state; and (d) heating the feed mixt. from step (c) under reducing conditions to produce a S-contg. 2nd gas stream.    The coal is pref. lignite or (sub)bituminous.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Low-value prods., e.g. high-s,low-BTU coal and phosphogypsum (an environmental pollutant available in large amts. from the prodn. of H3PO4 from phosphate rock) can be employed usefully, to produce a clean fuel gas etc., with a net export of energy.
The mixt. of low mol. wt. hydrocarbons from the catalytic reforming of oil, as starting material, is supplied to middle part of de-ethanising column (5), while part of this starting material is passed to be mixed with vapour (7) collected from the top of column (5), condensed in condenser (8) and separated into condensate and ethane-contg. gas.    Condensate is supplied as reflux from the top of column (5).    Vat residue from column (5) is passed to next fractionation column (de-propaniser) (13), where the propane fraction is collected as vapour on the top of column and butane fraction is collected from the bottom through line (15).    The amt. of starting material mixed with vapours from the top of de-ethaniser (5) is 0.35-1.0 kmol per 1 kmol of vapours (pref. 0.5-0.65 kmol/kmol). Tests show that proposed method, at the de-ethanisation degree in column (5) 1.24%, produces propane gas (from the top of column (13)) of required purity and characteristics according to GOST20448-80.    The energy consumption is reduced by 12.8%, compared to the known method.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In oil processing and petrochemical industry, as the method of sepn. of low mol. wt. satd. hydrocarbons mixt., obtd. in the process of stabilising of non-stable benzine fractions from atmos. distn. of crude oil. Reduced energy losses. Bul.40/30.10.87
Addn. of P2O5 (I) to the catalyst for incomplete oxidation of propane, improves its selectivity.    The catalyst contains (in wt.%): (I) 0.23-0.27 and SiO2 the rest, and is used at 590-600 deg. and vol. rate of 2000/hour.    ADVANTAGE -   Selectivity w.r.t. acrolein increased from 82 to 92%. Bul.40/30.10.87
Appts. to measure temp. in fermenting tank of compostiser comprises a stopper to be put on the surface of a raw material to be compostised in the tank and temp. measuring element mounted on the stopper so as to project into the material.    USE -   For compositisers.
Raw material comprising barnacles, starfishes, ascidians, sea algae and the like found adhered to water ducts of coastal factories or marine culture farm appts. as well as fish and shellfish wastes from sea food factories is, after desalting, triturated with a milling machine, and the resulting material is blended with bark, sawdust etc. The resulting mixt. is blended with seed microorganisms for fermentation, which have been incubated separately, and fermented and matured.    Seed microorganisms are e.g. Bacillus, Streptomyces, Aspergillus and similar aerobic bacteria.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Fertiliser is useful in plant gardens (e.g., radish, tomato).
One catalyst (a) consists of silica-alumina supports having less than 350 m2/g surface area loaded with Ni catalyst. Another catalyst (b) is prepd. by immersing the Ni-loaded silica-alumina catalyst in water; drying and stabilising it in O2-contg. gas atmos.    ADVANTAGE -   The catalysts have qood heat resistance and higher activity at lower temps. The catalyst (b) is well stabilised in a simple manner. Preliminary H2 redn. in a conversion reactor is not required.
In prepn. of a caking agent, the crude wax oil produced in the dewaxing purificn. of rice bran oil, is subjected to further sepn. of the wax with a solvent to obtain crude rice bran wax. Caking agent contains crude bran oil as the major component. Solvents include xylene and hexane. The amt. of agent added is usually 10%.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The agent is pollution-free. The wax undergoes solid-liq. phase transition to make it suitable as a caking agent. It has good moisture resistance and a calorific value as high as 10,000 kcal/kg. It also has a good lubricating property. The method makes it possible to effectively use the discarded rice bran, esp. in Asia. Large amts. of unused rice chaff can be used as a solid fuel.
Industrial organic waste is oxidised by placing it in a perforated drum mounted to rotate in a vessel with an outlet, and introducing oxidising agent to tdhe vessel. An organic waste oxidiser is also claimed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For composted urban rubbish analysis. The process is automatic and reliable.
Prepn. of a polyol comprises reacting polyhydric initiator(s) with alkylene oxide(s), using a catalytically effective amt. of urea as catalyst. Also claimed is rigid polyurethane foam prepd. by reacting excess aromatic polyisocyanate with the obtd. polyol, in the presence of catalyst and blowing agent.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Useful in prodn. of cellular polyurethanes with good strength and dimensional stability. The polyols obtd. have lower colour (ca. 1 Gardner) than corresp. prods. with known catalysts.
The fuel cell power plant system comprises a power section comprising fuel cells forming a stack. The stack is cooled with a water collant. A turbogenerator is operated by steam from the steam separator for generating a portion of the electrical power produced by the power plant system. Water from the steam separator is recirculated back to the heat exchange. A reformer catalytically converts raw hydrocarbon fuel to a hydrogen rich fuel gas suitable for fueling the anode side of the fuel cells. A boiler produces steam having a temp. of about 40 degrees F. Steam from the boiler is transported at a pressure greater than about 200 psi to the reformer.    Raw hydrocarbon fuel is admitted to system. Hydrogen rich fuel gas is transferred from the reformer to the anode side of the fuel cells at a pressure of at least about 200 psi. An oxidant gas is supplied at a pressure of at least about 200 psi to the cathode side of the fuel cells.    ADVANTAGE -   Improves efficiency and power density.
A reducing atmos. contg. (in %): H2 20-30, CO 13-17, CO2 2.5-3.6, methane less than 1 and no C black, is prepd. by burning a hydrocarbon gas, e.g. methane, in air over a catalyst, in a closed system. A portion of the combustion products is taken off, heated to 1100-1600 deg. and injected into the burned 2-10 times and the final product cooled to 20-30 deg.    ADVANTAGE -   Reduced final hydrocarbon and C black content. Bul.39/23.10.87
Organic waste water is anaerobically reduced and the gas generated is desulphurised. Part of the gas is used for stirring waste water in the anaerobic treatment tank and the treated waste water is fed to a methane fermentation process.    Specifically an organic waste water is heated or cooled by using a heat exchanger so that the temp. is 36-55 deg.C. The pH of the waste water is adjusted to 4.5-5.5 to generate CO2 and H2S contg. gas. A part of gas is used to stir waste water in an anaerobic treatment tank. Before introducing to the waste water, free S in the gas is removed by washing with water. By introducing gas, SO4(2) is rapidly reduced to H2S etc.. Gas which is not used for stirring is treated with alkaline soln., e.g. NaOH or Ca(OH)2 soln., to deodorise and to desulphurise it. The treatment is carried out for 12-24 hours to reduce the H2S concn. in the pretreated waste water to 20-30 ppm..    ADVANTAGE -   Waste water contg. conc. SO4(2-), is effectively methane fermented.
Method comprises (1) dehydration of sludge after addn. and stirring with natural polymer dehydrating adjunct; (2) addn. and mixing with fermentation adjunct; (3) applying the mixt. over the fermenting sludge; and (4) conveying successively to aerobic ferment.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   dehydrated sludge can economically be utilised as a mature. Natural polymer used as adjunct for dehydration of sludge is harmless. Fermentation adjunct (e.g. fowl dropping) helps to sterilise sludge and improve the content of active fertilising component.
Method comprises proliferation of useful bacteria where raw material of organic fertiliser obtd. from excretion lump of domestic fowl and animal (e.g., fowl droppings) are heated to 60-80 deg.C with continuous stirring and aeration; (2) maturing the material spontaneously with stirring and aeration at intervals of a few hrs.; (3) crushing and piling up the zymogenic organic fertiliser and heating for drying and (4) filtering the dried fertiliser and forming it to a granules fertiliser.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   By critically dividing the producing steps (e.g. heating and spontaneous maturing) of organic fertiliser, the environment of the micro-organisms can be controlled and producing efficiency and product uniformity can be improved. Equipment area for a certain production can be reduced to 1/6 compared to the conventional method.
Recording material has heat transfer ink layer comprising (A) thermo-fusible layer not contg. colourant, (B) intermediate layer not contg. colourant and (C) thermo-softening colourant layer which shows tackiness by heating but does not become low viscosity liquid, on a base material in this order. Pref. thermo-fusible layer contains oil comprising (a) methane group hydrocarbon and (b) naphthene, with viscosity at 40 deg.C being at most 100 cst and viscosity at 100 deg.C being at most 20 cst. Melt viscosity at 150 deg.C of thermo-fusible layer, intermediate layer and thermo-softening colourant layer are at most 600 cps, at most 1000 cps and 1000 - 200,000 cps, respectively. Oil content in the thermo-fusible layer is 10 - 50 wt.%. Methane group hydrocarbon content in the oil is at least 50 wt.%. Needle penetration degree of the thermo-fusible layer is lower than the intermediate layer.    ADVANTAGE -   The recording material provides high contrast of image onto acceptance sheet even if the acceptance sheet has rather rough surface. The recording material prevents colouring fog of recorded image due to abrasion.
Appts. for removing hydrogen sulphide from gas streams comprises (a) a first column having an upper and lower end with a liquid inlet and a vapour outlet adjacent it s upper end and a first vapour inlet and a liquid outlet adjacent its lower end and a second vapour inlet between its upper and lower end, the second vapour inlet being positioned between the first vapour inlet and the vapour outlet; (b) a second column having an upper and lower end with a vapour outlet adjacent its upper end, a liquid outlet adjacent it slower end, and a liquid inlet between its upper and lower end; (c) a first conduit connecting the liquid outlet adjacent the lower end of the first column with the liquid inlet between the upper and lower end of the second column; (d) a third column having an upper and lower end with a vapour outlet adjacent its upper end, a liquid outlet adjacent its lower end, and a liquid inlet between its upper and lower end; (e) a second conduit connecting the liquid outlet adjacent the lower end of the second column with the liquid inlet between the upper and lower end of the third column; (f) a third conduit connecting the liquid outlet adjacent the lower end of the third column with the liquid inlet adjacent the upper end of the first column; and (g) a fourth conduit connecting the vapour outlet adjacent the upper end of the second column with the second vapour intlet of the first column.
Feed gas mixt. under pressure is supplied to one side of a semi-permeable membrane and conditions maintained such that a component of the feed gas selectively permeates through the membrane to the other lower pressure side. The permeated enriched gas, and the non-permeated depleted gas are separately removed. The membrane is fabricated from a polymer (I) have a perfluorinated backbone and pendant hydrated metal ionomer gps. comprising hydrated alkali, alkaline earth or transition metal (Tm) bound to -SO3-.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The membranes possess high gas permeability and selectivity, e.g. with sepn. of CO2 from methane (sepn. factor at least 10) as well as various components from other gas mixts. The feed gas mixt. contains at least one of H2, He, O2, N2, CO2, H2S, CH4 and other light hydrocarbons (LHC). The membranes have good tensile strength, resistance to crazing and cracking and to creep in use, as well as good temp. and chemical resistance.
Use of sulphite yeast liquor (I) in amts. of 0.5-2 wt.%, as fuel in the mixt. for pyrometallurgical conversion of the PbS and PbO crudes increases the efficiency of the process.    The crude contains a mixt. of PbS concentrates, cakes and dust, granulated Pb slag, quartz flux and limestone.    It is mixed with recirculated Pb agglomerate and granulated using (I) to yield a mixt. ready for roasting.    ADVANTAGE -   Increased efficiency of process, utilisation of industrial waste.    Bul.37/7.10.87
The promoter is N-acyl lactam family cpds. of the formula (I) or their salts, where n is 1 or 2.    ADVANTAGE -   Methane gas evolution can be promoted, e.g., producing 65 ml/litre methane gas for 20 days fermentation as opposed to 40 ml/litre without the promoter. Amt. of the promoter added to fermentation soln. or raw organic matters is 0.01-0.1 pt. wt. w.r.t. 100 pts. wt. of the raw organic matters.
The method comprises 1) drying the water content by infiltrating the sludge with oil, and 2) removing the oil by discharging the sludge. 1) is accomplished by evacuation the content sludge to the vertical press.-reduced heating oil bath and stirring the sludge to evaporate the contd. water. (2) is accomplished by continually taking out pptd. and dried oil-contd. sludge from the bottom of the bath, and filling the bath with water-contg. sludge and oil.    Oil in sealed vertical oil bath is heated and the air over the oil is aspirated to form a press.-reduced heating oil bath. Water content sludge is evacuated by pump to the bath, and stirred with oil to evaporate the water inside the oil bath by replacing the water with oil. Waster is vaporised and evaporated by reduced pressure and by heating. Floating dried sludge is gradually pptd. to the bottom of the bath by re-contg. the oil. PPtd. sludge is continuously discharged from the outlet . Reduced amt. of sludge and oil were resupplied from the upper part of the bath, thus, press., temp. and the amt. of evaporating water and sludge are kept uniform.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Continuous and uniform prod. of a fuel and a fertiliser from water-content sludge is possible with this method.
Ripe compost produced by rotting of kitchen waste and gardening refuse stored in a rectangular box can be extd. in a sliding tray from the fort of the box when a side panel is removed. During such removal. The stack of material above is kept from falling by curved tines movable through holes in the box walls and anchored on frames pivotally mounted at the foot of the box. A detachable cover has lateral slots fitting on studs projecting from the box, which is pref. made of insulating foamed plastic.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Only fully ready compost is removed, without interference from material still rotting.
Sewage sludge is dewatered by adding flocculants ahead of a pre-watering stage using endless screen belts to achieve a 20% content of dry matter. The following filter press raises this to 50% dry matter. The pieces of filter cake are air dried in the open to reach a dry matter content of 90-95%. Pref. the sewage sludge with e.g. 5-6% dry matter is conditioned by an addn. of formaldehyde and flocculants and passed through inlet in a conditioner vessel. A cell wheel feeds the sludge to four screen belts for a pre-watering. From a silo it reaches a filter press via the openings and enters the filter chamber. The membrane, inflated by compressed air, removes the filtrate by pressing the sludge against the perforations; the filtrate is discharged through the hose. Turning the feed screw will move the seals allowing the sludge to drop in the comminution machine for transfer of the pieces to a belt conveyor.    ADVANTAGE -   The obtd. high percentage of dry matter makes the sludge suitable for use as fuel for combustion, pyrolysis, oil recovery or as scattered fertiliser.
Proposed method comprises cracking of heavy gasoline fractions of different origins at 230-300 deg. C and in presence of NaCl.BiCl3 as catalyst, taken in amt. (0.5-0.8) x 10 power -3 mol. per 1g of raw material.    Tests show that proposed method produces gases contg. 99-99.79 wt. % 3-4C hydrocarbons, at 78.92-97.11% yield per wt. of starting material.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Proposed method can be used in oil refining and petrochemical ind. for prodn. of high octane additives to engine fuel and in synthesis of corresp. oligomers and polymers. Increased yield of 3-4C hydrocarbons owing to the use of new catalyst. Bul.37/7.10.87.
The generator comprises an electric compressor, for compressing the biogas and simultaneous reduction of the fermentor pressure. The system, for rural or agricultural use, gives continuous fermentation through continuous residence in the fermenter of a proportion of the fermented mixt. rich in methanogenic bateria. The fermentation temp. is main-tained by solar energy.    ADVANTAGE -   The design permits continuous methane generation.
Compost is produced by placing compost feed (3,5), e.g. rice straws, weeds, on an outdoor compost producing field (a) surrounded by dikes; covering them with soil. Then treated human waste in a septic tank (b) is sprayed on the compost feed and infiltrating it to the compost feed. The compost feed and soil, is laminated again, and spraying human waste on the soil. The lamination and spraying are repeated according to a degree of fermentation.    USE -   To economically produce compost and effectively use human waste discharged from a house.
Promotor comprises N-acyl lactam of formula (I). In (I), R = Cl, nitro gp. or mercapto gp., n = 1 or 2.    ADVANTAGE -   Using the promotor, gasifying rate becomes faster even at low temp. and CH4 amt. generated is increased.    An example prepn. of the promotor has 3.0 g of P-chlorocinnamic acid dissolved in 100 ml of CH3OH and the soln. was stirred in the presence of 5% palladium carbon as catalyst in H2 stream for 8 hrs. at room temp. After completing reaction, CH3OH was removed and 3-(4-chloro) phenylpropionic acid was obtd. 1.3 mole times as much thionyl chloride as 3-(4-chloro)phenylpropionic acid was added and mixt. was heated at 80 deg.C for 3 hrs. Thionyl chloride, Cl2 gas and SO2 gas were then removed and 2 mole times as much pyridine anhydride soln. dissolving 2-piperidone was added and then the mixt. was heated at 80 deg.C for 5 hrs. After washing with ether, HCl, NaOH and water, 1-(3-(4-chlorophenyl)- propanoyl)-2-piperidone was obtd.
Hydrogenation of CO2 is effected by contacting a mixt. of CO2 and H2 with a catalyst comprising a microcrystalline or amorphous Zr alloy of formula Cu70Zr30, Ni64Zr36 or Pd25Zr75. The reaction is effected at 200-350 deg.C and 0.1-1 MPa using a CO2:H2 vol. ratio of 1:1-4. The catalyst is activated in situ under the reaction conditions, or pre-activated in an H2 stream at 200-350 deg.C. The catalyst may be used in the form of thin strips produced by melt spinning.    ADVANTAGE -   The Cu alloy has high selectivity (e.g. 80%) for MeOH and Me2O, and the Ni and Pd alloys have high selectivity (90-95%) for CH4.
A compost bin for lawn cuttings, made of metal, wood or plastic, is based on the same principle as the bag described in the parent patent. The new bin has perforations in two of its side walls and has feet on one of them. After filling through the opening, the cover is applied and the bin is laid on its feet so that the chimney effect accelerates the composting process.    ADVANTAGE -   The bag described in the parent patent was difficult to re-use but the new bin uses the same novel principle.
Process for sepg. CH4 and lighter components from substantial amts. of naturally-occurring 2C+ hydrocarbons in a mixed gas comprises: (A) cooling the feed gas in an indirect heat exchanger with a single mixed refrigerant contg. at least 3 component with b. pts. corresp. to the condensing points of the 2C+ hydrocarbons of the feed gas to produce cryogenic temps.; (B) sepg. the CH4 and lighter components from the remainder of the feed gas in a distn. column, using such refrigerant to provide heat energy for the distn.; and (C) exchanging energy between a controlled quantity of a slip stream of the feed gas with a 1st. side stream of the distn. column, using the slip stream to provide heat energy, for the distn.    USE -   The process can be used economically for the sepn. of 2C+ hydrocarbons from natural gas.
Waste paper pulping appts., comprises processing tank contg. baffles sepg. it into an inlet zone supplied with water, a middle zone contg. a basket-type disintegrating and mulching rotor drum, and a bottom outlet zone contg. a double frustoconical solid dispersing drum rotor having slotted radial external lengthwise ribs.    The appts. supplies slurry for processing into usable solid form, pref. as particles combined with coal particles, oil and solvents, coil-oil mixt., or waste gas extn. material, as fuel, fertiliser, soil erosion retardant.    ADVANTAGE -   Compact appts. has high output rate.
Methane gas is removed via a gas self-feeding port of flotation chamber of the system. The methane gas is then led to gas compressor for mixing with pressurised water from pump. Methane sludge is sent to mixing chambers branched into several compartments through the water for cohesion and floatation. Cohered fungus body that sinks without floating is collected by a bottom scraper at discharge gutter and drawn out by pump. Sludge accumulated separator tank is cleaned by processing liq. circulating in the tank.    ADVANTAGE -   In the case of a large amt. of methane gas producing ''Shochu'' distilling waste liq., gas of 5-6 Nm3 per 1 m3 flow vol. is preserved in closed upper cover on floatation chamber. Sludge accumulated at the bottom of floatation chamber is removed by bottom scraper so that the liq. in the chamber is kept clean all the time.
Process comprises passing a gas contg. CH4 and O2 in contact with a catalyst consisting of metal inorganic cpd.(s) in the molten state.    Pref. cpds. are salts, (hydr)oxides or mixts. of these The metal is pref. from Gps. Ia, IIa, IIIa, IIb, IIIb, IVb and Vb. Specifically pref. are LiOH, NaOH, KOH and the eutectics KCl/LiCl and KBr.LiBr.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   C2H4, C2H6 etc. are formed. Natural gas could be converted to liq. CH4 homologues more readily transported. Compared with solid heterogeneous catalysts for these reactions, activity and selectivity are much increased, temp. control is facilitated through the easier removal of the heat of reaction, and the coke formed as by-prod. is less troublesome and easily removed.
Appts. comprises a heat-radiating heat exchanger put in a metal-fermenting tank, and heat-receiving heat exchanger put in the tank and connected to the former exchanger to circulate warm water in it.    For compositing cattle dropping. (J61152796-A)
Carbonisation furnace consists of shell part comprising the lower shell on the ground or lower half embedded in the ground facing upward, upper shell connected on the lower shell top and lower parts symmetrically making a vertically long furnace interior space, front and rear covers fitted in inside edge of openings at both ends of horizontal direction of the shell providing internal space and closed the space from outside, and chimney connected near the lower end of either the front or rear cover. The ventilation port and fuel materials loading port are provided to the other front or rear cover.    ADVANTAGE -   Used for making charcoal. The furnace is easy to move and erect at the place where wooden materials are available, and can use various raw materials, e.g. cut wood, plants, agricultural wastes, e.g. straws, corns and bean shells, etc.
Prepn. of 2C or more hydrocarbon(s)(I) is affected by contacting methane (II) with catalyst in presence of oxygen. Catalyst contains (1) one or more cpds selected from oxide(s) or carbonate(s) of alkali(neearth) metal(s) and one or more metal may be added, and, (2) specific surface area of catalyst is 50 sq.m/g or less.    Oxide(s) or carbonate(s) of alkali(ne earth) metal(s), pref. Mg oxide, is used as catalyst, and one or more metal(s) selected from alkali metal(s), alkaline earth metal(s). Gp. IB metal(s) (pref. Cu, Ag), Grp. IIB metal(s)(pref.Zn), Gp. IIIA metal(s) (pref. Al, In), Gp. IIIB metal(s) (Pref. lanthanoids,) Gp. IVA metal(s) (pref. Pb), Gp. IVB metal(s) (pref. Zr), Grp. VA metal(s) (pref. Bi), Gp. VB metal(s) (pref. V), Gp. VIB metal(s) (pref. Cr), Gp. VIIB metal(s) (pref. Mn) or gp. VIII metal(s) (pref. Co, Fe, Ni) may be added to raise yield of 2C hydrocarbons. Ratio of metal(s) on oxide(s) or carbonate(s) of alkali(ne earth) metal(s) is 0.20 mol%. Catalyst is roasted at 800-1200 deg.C under air or helium atmos.    ADVANTAGE -   (I), pref. 2C hydrocarbon, is prepd. from (II) in higher conversion and yield.
Appts. for etching material through mask apertures comprises: a reactive feed gas supply; an inert, re-usable mask; and a heater for heating the gas so that it dissociates to form the etching reactive species.    The heater is pref. a tube connected at one end to the gas supply and directed at the other end to the apertures. The tube is pref. of Re or Ir and is resistively heated to 900-3000 deg. K.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In mfr. of e.g. IC devices. Anisotropic dry etching can be achieved at fast rates without ions or plasma.
Enzyme producing bacteria belonging to anaerobic bacteria is cultivated using organic waste as substrate or a part of substrate anaerobically, organic acid and enzyme are accumulated in cultivation zone, and enzyme is recovered from cultivation product. Methane producing bacteria is injected in the remaining cultivation liquor sepd. of enzyme and cultivated to recover methane from cultivated products. The plant consists of the storage tank of protein raw material of subterranean stems, raw material grinder, raw material slurry solid liquid spearator, enzyme producing bacteria cultivation tank, solid liquid separator to separate cultivation liquor, enzyme sepn., and recovery unit to separate enzyme from either from fungus body removal cultivation liquor or fungus body fraction or both, drier for sepd. enzyme, storage tank of fraction not contg. enzyme, gasification fermentation tank to ferment fraction not contg. enzyme by methane producing bacteria, and moving pipes connecting each equipment.    ADVANTAGE -   Enzyme, e.g. alpha amidase can be produced by anaerobic bacteria using raw material of organic waste and methane fermentation can be done also without using expensive material which can reduce enzyme prodn., cost and disposal of organic waste as well.
Sanitary wastewater, excrement water, industrial waste water etc. is treated by photosynthesis in which hydrogen sulphide is coverted to sulphuric acid after having been methane fermented. The photosynthesis is effected by bacteria obtd. by preferential cultivation of one or more of pink sulphur bacteria and green sulphur bacteria. The methane fermentation is carried out and the decomposition ratio of the organic matter is high.    ADVANTAGE -   Organic matter is recovered as methane and hydrogen sulphide, which is converted to sulphuric acid.
Concentration of heavy carbon methane through the steps comprising (a) distilling LNG in the methane stripper (2) to separate LNG into a gas (m) with a high concn. of methane and a liquified gas (n) with a low concn. of methane and to recover them, (b) flashing the liquified gas (n) running out of (2) by using the first expansion valve (7) and recovering a cooled liquified gas (l), (c) cooling and condensing the gas (m) with a high concn. of methane running out of (2) in the first condenser (12) with the cooled liquified gas (l) coming from (7) to obtain a reflux to (2), (d) distilling a high purity methane gas running out of (12) in the heavy isotope carbon contg. methane separator (15) to recover a liquified high purity methane with a high concn. of heavy isotope carbon contg. methane, and concurrently recovering a high purity methane gas with a low concn. of heavy isotope carbon contg. methane (p), while (e) flashing the gas with a low concn. of methane, which has been used as the coolant in (12) by using the second expansion valve (22) to recover a cooled liquified gas (q), and (f) cooling and condensing (p) in the second condenser (26) with (q) to obtain a reflux to (15).    ADVANTAGE -   The concn. cost of heavy isotope carbon contg. methane can be reduced because the cooling energy is supplied by LNG itself as the raw material. The present process has improved maintenance and safety of the facilities, compared with the conventional process using carbon monoxide as a raw material and liquified nitrogen as a coolant.
The system, for use in heating poultry houses consists of a buried or half-buried digester of circular plan, made with reinforced concrete walls covered with thermal insulation, and fed with an aq. manure soln. contg. specific bacteria; the digester is closed by a bell with safety valve, and fitted through basin; heating coil supplied with solar energy; a device for homogenisation and extraction of the sludge formed, through feed inlet, outlet and pump; and a collector for the bio-gas with meter, pressure gauge and distribution pipe.
Process for converting wastes contg. organic materials, giving a combustible fluid of increased gross calorific value (pref. 8,500-9,500 kcal/kg), comprises heating at atmospheric pressure and 200-280 deg.C in presence of an aromatic hydrocarbon solvent, followed by removal of the insol. components and the solvent.    Pref. solvents are tetralin, naphthalene, methylnaphthalene, creosote, anthracene, chrysene and their oils and mixts.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The pref. wastes for treatment are sludge from sewage treatment plants or refuse treatment installations, and fat and meat waste from slaughterhouses and butcher's shops. The process conditions are mild, and they give yields of 40-60%.
Dephlegmator process for nitrogen rejection from a natural gas with high recoveryof methane by cryogenic distillation in which the feed stream is cooled and optionally expanded to partially condense the feed stream which is then fed to a phase separator. The gaseous phase from the separator is further cooled in a dephlegmator in which the gaseous phase is partially condensed and rectified to provide a non-condensed portion enriched in nitrogen and condensed liquids enriched in methane; in which gravity separates the partially condensed gaseous phase into the condensed and non-condensed portions. The methane enriched condensed portion is returned to the separator in which it becomes part of the liquid phase. The nitrogen enriched non-condensed portion of the gaseous phase is then further cooled, condensed, optionallysubcooled, expanded and fed to a low pressure distillation column as reflux.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process is of low capital cost, and energy efficient rejection of nitrogen from natural gas, partic. if a relativelysmall plant size is required and where high pressure nitrogen prod. is not required and the rejected nitrogen can be vented to the atmos.
Adsorbent (I) comprising dehydrated chabazite with a residual H2O content below 1.5 wt. % and with 50% at least of its ion exchange capacity exchanged with polyvalent metal ions (II) is contacted with the bulk gas (III). Process conditions are such that the minor constituent (IV) has a partial pressure in the linear low pressure region of its isotherm. (IV) also has a heat of adsorption larger than gas (III) or (III) is of a size which is excluded from the pore structure of (I). Pref. ions (II) are Ca++ or Sr++, bulk gas (III) is Ar, H2, He, Kr, Xe, Ne and/or CF4 and (IV) is CO, N2 and/or CH4.
Prepn. of organic fertiliser comprises aerobically fermenting the cut paper and water-contg. organic sludge.    ADVANTAGE -   It is not necessary to dehydrate the water-contg. organic sludge by pressure filtration or addn. of wood flour. Smooth aerobic fermentation can be conducted by addn. of a small amt. of cut paper.    In an example, 1 Tonne of sludge with water content of 85% derived from food mfg. factory was mixed with cut newspaper 45 kg. 520 Kg. of mixt. was put in a concrete vessel with depth of 20 cm provided by a ventilation mechanism on the floor and a stirrer. Fermentation was conducted while stirring and introducing air from the bottom. Fermentation was completed in 21 days, and the water content of the prod. decreased to 37.2%.
Organic waste of domestic and industrial origin is converted to compost, together with an admixture of 20-50% (30%) of waste paper. The mixt. is allowed to rot in an exothermic process. Pref. the collected organic waste is taken by belt conveyors, a vibrating trough and a sorting belt with a sepg. magnet to a chute. Waste paper can be added to the disintegrator or to the belt conveyor ahead of the inclined revolving drum. After a retention of 24-36 h, another vibrating trough sorts out particles unfit for compost. The raw compost is finally distributed in parallel rows, unless used immediately.    ADVANTAGE -   This produces a compost with a lower percentage of heavy metals, an improved C to N ratio and improved pore ratio. The moisture can be controlled better for the composting process.
Indirect liq. to solids heat exchanger comprises (a) a liq. pool within a reservoir; (b) means for heating or cooling the liq. pool; (c) at least one wall having side walls, the wall having a top and bottom surface, the wall with the side walls being immersed in the liq. pool such that the bottom surface but not the top surface is in contact with the liq. pool; and (d) means for imparting an oscillatory motion to the wall relative to the reservoir thereby causing any solids present on the top surface to be conveyed along the top surface while exchanging heat with the liq. pool.    ADVANTAGE -   Solids are conveyed by an oscillating motion on a continuous conveying path while exchanging heat with suitable heat transfer media such as liquid metals. The conveying path preferably includes a retorting zone and a cooling zone in which heat is recovered from cooling of the oil shale and utilised for its retorting for substantial fuel savings.
Incubating wolffia/spirodela comprises mixing with organic sludge, at least, one of fine weeds, photosynthetic bacteria aerobic bacteria, etc. and adding clean water to the sludge to produce CO2, NH4 and O2 due to the microbic activity.    Used for utilising organic sludges. (J55048332-A)
Catalyst (I) contains Ti plus V in the wt. ratio 99.9:0.1-92.0:8.0 (calculated w.r.t. oxides). V is conc. in the surface layer of (I) to a depth of 200 microns in an amt. of at least 1.5 times its concn. throughout (I). Ti and V are pref. present in (I) as TiO2 and V2O5 but can also be present e.g. as nitrates or sulphates. (I) is contacted with waste gas (II) contg. nitrogen oxides, SO2, dust, As or its cpds. in the presence of a reducing gas e.g. NH3 at 100-550 deg.C to reduce nitrogen oxides to innoxious cpds.
The rate of which a gas phase reactant (A) reacts in presence of an electrically conductive catalyst to form a desired prod. (B) is increased by applying a negative electrical potential to the catalyst in the presence of (A), at a potential and for a time sufficient to increase the rate of formation of (B), and to maintain an increase in rate after the potential is removed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   An inexpensive and rapid ethod is provided for the direct in situ activation of a catalyst, or re-activation of a surface-poisoned catalyst. The method is of esp. use with metallic e.g. nickel catalysts; it may also be of use with non-metallic catalysts, e.g. if used on a conducting support. Specific nickel-catalysed reactions mentioned are the hydrogenolysis of ethane or ethylene to methane, steam reforming of 1-4C hydrocarbons, hydrogenation of carbon monoxide to methane, hydrogenation of fats and oils and cracking of ammonia to H2 and N2. Iron-catalysed ammonia synthesis, a variety of precious metal catalysed reactions, and catalytic converters for treatment of automobile exhausts are also mentioned.
A sequence of three stage anaerobic fermentation has substrate moving in longitudinal direction, so that it passes through hydrolytic and acetogenic stages, with separation of the bio-gas formed. First the wastes are treated with stack gases, alternate cycles of compression and suction at relative press. differences of 0.2-0.8 atmos., with frequency of 5-20 pulses/hr., achieving an oxidn. concn. in the final gases of 0.1-0.5%.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In treatment of animal wastes by anaerobic fermentation, in agriculture to create bio-power installations, where the wastes are converted into sterile fertiliser and bio-gas. Treatment time is reduced and bio-gas yield is increased when the wastes are processed on animal-rearing farms.
For the uniform aeration of sludges and/or organic materials during composting a crust is developed on the surface of the stack. Prior to an undue increase of its resistance, the crust is provided with holes and slits.
Carbon supply to denitrification bacteria present during composting of previously conc sludges and/or organic materials is ensured by dosing organic reducing agents pref methanol.
Thermographic material of the image transfer type has a laminated structure and a double printing ink layer for thermal transfer. The double printing ink layer consists of (1) a first layer of thermally fusible material (I) and an oil component (II), which melts to a liq. with low viscosity when heated to a predetermined temp., in which (II) is based on hydrocarbons of the methane series and cycloparaffins and has a viscosity of 100 mm2/s or less at 40 deg.C and 20 mm2/s or less at 100 deg.C: and (2) a second layer of thermoplastic resin (III) and colorant (IV), which softens, without melting, at or above the predetermined temp.    (II) is used in an amt. of 10-50 wt.% w.r.t. the total of layer (I) and 0.1-1 pt/pt. (I). (II) pref. is a waxy material, esp. natural or synthetic waxes, higher fatty acids, higher alcohols, fatty acid esters and amides. (III) is in the form of particles and has a melt viscosity of 10 power 3 mPa.s or more at 180 deg.C. It can be EVA, ethylene-ethyl acrylate copolymer, polyester, polyamide, epoxy, polyurethane, acrylic, vinyl chloride, cellulose, etc.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The material gives clear prints on rough surfaces and excellent durability.
Method of processing a fuel gas or syngas obtd. by gasification of coal or oil, which gas is required in amts. varying with time, in which in times of low demand a part of the gas stream is diverted and after converting to a liq. fuel is stored in order to cover peak demands, is characterised in that CO and/or CH4 is sepd. from the part stream and stored in liq. form.    The CO and/or CH4 in the diverted part of the gas stream is pref. sepd. by partial condensation and liquefied; or sepd. by adsorption (esp. pressure swing adsorption) or membrane diffusion and then liquefied. The whole gas stream may be desulphurised before a part of it is diverted; and the diverted part may be further purified, e.g. by low-temp. MeOH washing to remove CO2 and H2O, before liquefaction.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The gas can be used e.g. for prodn. of MeOH or NH3, for the oxo synthesis or for the prod. of power from a gas turbine and steam turbine in a power station. The gasification plant need not now be sized to cover peak gas demand. The process does not suffer from the disadvantages of the alternative in which a part stream of syngas is converted into MeOH and stored, i.e. that only 60% of the energy of the syngas remains in the MeOH, that the syngas must be expensively purified before conversion, and that special equipment is needed to burn MeOH at times of peak fuel need.
An extrude has a flighted screw which can rotate but cannot move axially. The downstream end of the screw has a conical nose which is received within a die whose upstream face is complementary to that of the nose. The die can be moved axially to alter the extrusion aperture. On the downstream side of the die is a poppet with a conical profile which can rotate inside the die. The poppet can be moved axially inside the die to alter the cross-sectional area of the discharge region of the die.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The extruder is used for the acid hydrolysis of cellulose for conversion to a liquid fuel by fermentation. Surging and blowing of the cellulose during extrusion is eliminated by controlling the upstream and downstream apertures of the extrusion die.
The circuitry contg. a methane sensor (1) with supply (2), measuring bridge (3), thermo catalytic cell (4), lower (5) and upper (6) thresholds, time relay (7) and a thyristor opto-electronic device (9), signalling appts. (11), with stabiliser (12) and relays (15,16) with relay-followers (17,18) and mining equipments (19,20) has control circuit (8) and another thyristor optoelectronic device (10) in the sensor and the half-wave (13) and full-wave (14) current detectors in the signalling appts. The methane content of the mine atmosphere is monitored locally and centrally for automatic tripout of mine equipment when a max permissible level is reached.    Depending on the sensed methane content, one or the other optoelectronic device is turned on. When the first is turned on, the relays (17,18) close for supply to both equipments.    When the other optoelectronic device is turned on, only the second equipment is supplied.    Both equipments are disconnected when both optoelectronic devices are turned off.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   As coal mine gas protection, effectiveness is increased by selective tripout of the mining equipments. Bul.32/30.8.87
Appts comprises tank for coagulating sulphide in fermentation liq with coagulant; mixing chamber with three to five divided sections for mixing coagulated fermentation liq with gas-bubbled water; bottom scraper; anaerobic gas self-feeding type sealed germ-coagulating pressure floating separator; and fine filter consisting of polyether sulphone membrane at operation pressure of 3 kg/square cm and synthetic polymer osmosis membrane at operation pressure of 30 kg/square cm for discharged water of BOD of about 300 ppm and SS of about 100 ppm.    ADVANTAGE -   Colourless and odourless discharge water can be obtd.
Organic waste from toilets and kitchen refuse e.g. of holiday homes with cellars is converted to compost in a tank which is made of concrete, plastic material or rustless steel segments. The composting process is controlled and accelerated by adding vegetable or animal compost activators.    ADVANTAGE -   This ensures that adequate numbers of organisms are present from the start and that the process is independent of the random results of adding already rotted substances so that reproducible results are obtd.
Prodn. of a solid fuel from cellulosic materials and waxes in wt. ratio 50:50 to 95:5 by forming under pressure and possibly heat, with subsequent cooling, is characterised by the addn. to the mixt. before forming of 0.1-15 (pref. 0.5-8) wt. % of inorganic and/or organic blowing agents, which give gaseous breakdown prods. at elevated temps.    Pref. blowing agents are carbonates and hydrogen carbonates, esp. NH4HCO3; and sulphohydrazides, nitroso cpds. and azo cpds., esp. azodiisobutyronitrile.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The fuel is useful for lighting and heating, esp. in open fires in fireplaces. The burning time is lengthened, but the ignition time remains short. The fuel crackles as it burns, like wood.
Prodn. of a solid fuel from cellulosic materials and waxes in wt. ratio 50:50 to 95:5 by forming under pressure and possibly heat, with subsequent cooling, is characterised by the addn. to the mixt. before forming of mono- and/or oligosaccharides, pref. mono- and/or disaccharides, at concns. of 1-30 (pref. 3-20) wt.%.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The fuel is useful for lighting and heating, esp. in open fires in fireplaces. The saccharides increase the mechanical strength (e.g. breaking strength and abrasion resistance) at constant ratio of the main components; and increase the proportion of cellulosic material which can be incorporated without loss of strength.
Process for hydrogasifying biomass for producing high CH4 yields comprises: (i) introducing biomass particles, H2, particles of a suitable cracking and hydrogenation catalyst, and heat to a reactor suitable for rapid pyrolysis; (ii) mixing biomass and catalyst particles in the reactor in a H2-rich atmos. at about 450-600 deg.C, at least about 1 atmos. pressure, gas residence time not above about 5 sec., biomass particle residence time at least as long as that of the gas, and biomass particle size not above about 2 mm, and (iii) recovering a CH4-rich prod. gas.    The biomass contains a max. of 30 (esp. a max. 20) wt.% H2O. The gas residence time is not above about 2 sec.; the temp is about 500-550 deg.C; and the pressure is about 1 atmos. A fluidised bed reactor may be used. The catalyst may comprise a moderately acidic support and a Gp.VIII metal, e.g. it may comprise gamma-Al2O3 contg. at least 8% Ni.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   E.g. wood can be gasified. Conversions of C to CH4 of e.g. up to 69% are obtd., with gas selectivity of 83-95%. The process can be carried out at atmospheric pressure and low temp., compared with prior art temps., of 700-1100 deg.C. If the prod. is reacted with steam, there is flexibility w.r.t choice of prod., which may be a CH4-rich gas, a synthesis gas of a H2-rich gas. Water contents required are usually lower than previously.
Prepn. of low density polyphenylene ether resin (I) compsn. which may include up to 98 wt.% alkenyl aromatic resin (II), based on (I)+(II) comprises (1) incorporating a blowing agent which is a volatile liq. or gaseous 4-7C aliphatic hydrocarbon or 1-2C fluorocarbon absorbable by the resin compsn. and vaporisable at below the resin compsn. glass transition temp. and (2) heating at 100-210 deg.C to expand the resin compsn. to a bulk density of less than 20 lbs/ft3.    ADVANTAGE -   Prods. with bulk density 2-15 lbs/ft.3. and even less than 2 lbs/ft.3 can be obtd. (claimed), using conventional appts. Ratios of (I) and (II) can be chosen for desired mechanical, flame retardant and processing properties.
Treatment comprises selecting and sepg. waste into two groups. The first group is dehydrated (by dipping it into a heated oil under reduced pressure) to give a feed stuff. The second qroup is treated by methane fermentation under anaerobic conditions, the resulting methane being used as energy and the mud being processed into compost.
In impregnation of thermoplastic resin particles with foaming agent effected by adding foaming agent into an aq. suspension contg. thermoplastic resin particles, the improvement is that a mixt. contg. volatile anticorrosion agent and organic solvent is added into the aq. suspension before the addn. of the foaming agent.    Pref. foaming agent is e.g. aliphatic hydrocarbon such as propane, butane or pentane, alicyclic hydrocarbon such as cyclobutane or cyclopentane, or halogenated hydrocarbon such as methyl-chloride or dichlorodifluoro methane. The volatile anticorrosion agent is e.g. organic amine salt.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Foamed plastics container having a corrosion prevention property can be produced from the thermoplastic resin particles, and the container is used in the storage of metallic particles, and the metallic particles can be stored without rusting for a long period.
A gas mixt. of high methane content is obtd. from coal by (a) grinding coal to not larger than 5mm; (b) adding alkali or alkaline earth cpd(s), 4-20 wt.% of the dry ash-free coal; (c) opt. drying the additive/coal mixt. (A); which are characterised by: (d) gasification of (A) and methanation of the prod. gases in one single step, with a bed of countercurrently descending coal with steam, in presence of either air, not more than 35 wt.% of the dry ash-free coal, or oxygen, 1-25 wt.% of the dry ash-free coal, at a pressure above 25 stmos. absolute, temp. 400-850 deg. C; (e) removing unreacted steam and condensible copds. from the gas produced in step (d); and (f) removing acid gases from the high methane content gas mixt. obtd.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The prod. gas (normally designated "SNG", substitute natural gas) can replace or be mixed with natural gas. The method, in which gasification and methanation are combined in a single step, is simpler and of lower fixed operating cost than prior processes, e.g. the Great Plains (U.S.A.) process and the Exxon process.
Compost is produced and energy is recovered from the manure of horse stables and the humified soil of riding tracks consisting of peat, sawdust, straw and earth, soaked with droppings and urine. In a first stage, the horse manure from the stables is piled up around a water-filled pipe acting as a heat exchanger. In a second stage the soil removed from the riding tracks is used to cover this pile in steps. The heat generated warms up this soil and assits the growth of any plants or seedlings on it; it can also be used for other purposes.    ADVANTAGE -   This makes good use of by-products from stables and riding tracks of riding schools for fertiliser and for heat recovery.
Organic waste, esp. domestic refuse, is converted to humus concentrate by mixing crude waste with finished compost at a rate of 3:1 to 1:1, followed by a comminution and pressing station. The final composting takes place in special bunkers.    ADVANTAGE -   This is a low-cost method of producing humus concentrate without demanding an excessive amount of floor space and without the need for inoculation with soil bacteria.
New, semi-permeable gas sepn. membranes are fabricated from a polymer contg. a hydrocarbon backbone and pendant (hydrocarbyl-amide)alkyl ester moieties. Pref. the backbone units have the formula (I): where R and R' = H, or inertly substd. or unsubstd. 1-18C alkyl; 7-30C arylalkyl or 6-14C aryl; R" = R or a pendant moiety of formula: -(CR'2)nCOOH or -(CR'2)nCOO(CH2)mNHCOR" (where R"' = H or inertly (un)substd. 1-18C alkyl or 7-30C arylalkyl); x = 10-40; y = 1-10; m = 2-7; and n = 0-6.    A method of sepn. gases using this membrane is also claimed. Pref. the feed gas in this process contains at least one of the gases selected from O2, N2, CH4 and CO2. Pref. the sepn. factor for O2/N2 is at least 3.0. Pref. the process is carried out at 0-150 deg. C using a pressure differential across the membrane of 50-850 psi.    ADVANTAGE -   The membranes have high gas selectivities combined with reasonable gas permeabilities. They have good mechanical properties and are readily fabricated.
Prepn. of methane (I) from methanol (II) comprises one step reaction in presence of catalyst contg. Co as major component.    One or more of Co metal, CoO or Co3O4 is used pref. as active component. These are prepared by pyrolysis of hydroxides or organic acid salt(s) of Co. Co (cpd.(s)) is mixed with suitable carrier, moulded and roasted at 300-800 deg.C to prepare catalyst.    (II) is fed to catalyst bed (usually fluid catalyst bed) with LHSV 0.1-3L/hr to convert (I) at 250-400 deg.C, pref. about 300 deg.C under 0.5-20 atmos.    ADVANTAGE -   (II) is converted to (I) more efficiently than prior arts under mild conditions. Catalytic activity is quite high, selective and steady, and (II) is converted to (I) near completaly for a long time.
Sedimentation tank comprises upper and lower chambers, rectifier tube passing through a central part of the lower chamber from the upper chamber, and stop valves inserted in piping connecting the upper chamber to the lower one.    USE -   Used for treating waste liq. drained from sake prodn. factories.
Process comprises fermenting the sewage mixed with sawdust and rice hull (35-45 wt.%) with water in a fermenting tank and feeding air into the tank through its bottom at 35-40 deg.C.
Appts. to quickly compost organic wastes comprises a horizontal treating tank to ferment the wastes, and air chambers formed at a lower half-tubular bottom of the tank. The bottom is made of stainless punched plates having many small holes.    USE -   For making compost from organic dirty sludges and cattle droppings.
Lignocelluloses soln. prepn. comprises dissolving the halogen-pretreated lignocelluloses in a treating liq., which contains more than one dissolving agent selected from phenol cpd., benzylalcohol, dioxan, cyclohexanone and polyethylene-glycol, at 120-300 deg. C.    Pref. the lignocelluloses is wood chips, wood fibres, wood powder, broken wood pieces, straw, chaff, vegetable fibre contg. agricultural waste. Halogen pretreatment is applied by contacting the lignocellulose with liq. contg. more than one of Cl, Br and I, esp. 0.1-0.5 wt.% aq. chlorine soln. The phenol cpd. is selected from phenol, o-, m- or p-cresol, 3,5-xylenol, 2,3-xylenol, alpha-naphthol, resorcinol, bisphenol A, bisphenol F, and halogenated bisphenol A. The polyethylene glycol has mol. wt. 200-2000. Pref. the dissolving agent, more than one of water, lower alcohol, acetone and ethyl acetate, wt. ratio of halogen-pretreated lignocelluloses to the treating liq. is 5:100-1000:100.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The dissolved lignocelluloses can be used as a raw material, as the dissolved soln., for a resin forming reaction. It may be used as liq. fuel. The process enables prepn. of lignocellulose solns. at relatively low temp. of 180-200 deg. C.
Method for converting MeOH comprises contacting MeOH and He cofeed with a catalytically effective amt. of a crystalline aluminosilicate compsn. under conditions, including a temp. of 325-500 deg.C and a pressure of 50-1000 pisg, producing hydrocarbons at a selectivity of at least 50%, the compsn. having been prepd. by: (a) contacting ZSM-5, zeolite Y or mordenite with a soln. of a salt of Pt, Pd or Ru, so as to incorporate about 0.2-5 wt.% of Pt. or Ru; (b) calcining the compsn. thus obtd. at 300-600 deg.C for at least 4h; (c) heating the calcined compsn. in the presence of H2 from ambient temp. to about 300-500 deg.C at about 0.5-2 deg.C/min.; (d) keeping the calcined compsn. at the final temp. for about 0.75-1.25 hr; and (e) cooling the compsn. to ambient temp. in presence of H2.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The MeOH is converted to a mixt. of 2-6C alkanes and alkenes, CO2, water and ethers. Catalytic activity is high.
Appts. comprises a vapour pressure kiln to heat and stabilise a raw material contg. cattle droppings, sewage sludge and celluloses, and temp. adjusting tank to cool the material heated in that tank.    USE -   For agricultural fields.
Prepn. comprises mixing coral reef powder having particle size of 10-200 mesh, excrements of domestic animals, waste derived from disposal of sewage, cellulose powder, and organic or inorganic acid salt, inoculating into this mixt., nitrogen fixing bacteria such as Azotobacter Vinelandii and Rhizobium Leguminosarum, cellulose-decomposing Trichoderma Virde, Candida Utilis and Chlorella, and fermenting the mixt.    Pref. fermentation is conducted under aerobic conditions whilst supplying air. Fermentation pH is 5.5-7.5, pref. 6-7. Coral reef powder is porous, and contains as major component calcium carbonate. Fermentation temp. is 25-35 deg.C. As inorganic salt, ammonium sulphate, ammonia, calcium superphosphate, magnesium sulphate, potassium nitrate, etc. are used. Chlorella produces the carbohydrate which is used as nourishment for nitrogen fixing bacteria, and contains protein 40-50%, fat 10-30%, carbohydrate 10-25% and ash 6-10%. The fertiliser has the following features. (1) Prevention of soil oxidn. due to the action of coral reef. (2) Reinforcement of the soil activity due to nitrogen-fixing bacteria. (3) Adsorption to heavy metals due to the action of coral reef. (4) Affording the resistance to phytopathogenic fungi, to plants, by use of Trichoderma Virde.    ADVANTAGE -   The method can produce an organic fertiliser having large scale effect.
Method comprises retaining the garbage in a storage tank for a fixed period, dewatering the garbage crushed by a disposer at 0.5-20kg/sq.cm, and compostising sepd. solids.    USE -   For making compost.
Stirrer comprises a speed-variable motor coupled with rotary paddles and fermenting bed height control unit to set the rotation speed of the motor and output the set rotation speed to the motor.    USE -   For making composts.
Prepn. of organic fertiliser comprises adding to organic material, a culture of live cells of soil microorganisms, and subjecting the mixt. to prim. fermentation.    Soil microorganisms are Actinomyces, bacteria and fungi, sepd. from soil. These are easily sepd. and cultured, since the surface of the soil contains 10 power (6) to 10 power (8) bacteria, 10 power (5) to 10 power (6) Actinomyces and 10 power (4) to 10 power (5) fungi, to 1 g of soil. Organic material used includes fish meal, saw dust, soybean dregs, bone powder, blood powder, rice straw, wheat straw, vegetable waste, rice bran, etc. Addn. amt. of live cells are 10 power (9) to 10 power (10) cells per 1 ton of organic material, and this can be varied depending on the type of organic material. When the organic material contains larger amts. of animal material, the addn. amt. of Actinomyces and bacteria is increased. Good result is obtd. at the ratio of Actinomyces cells:bacteria cells: fungi cells=50:8:1.5. The prim. fermentation refers to state where a part of the organic material is aminated and most of the organic material remains under non-fermented state. Prim. fermentation is conducted by piling a mixt. to suitable height and stirring several times at the intervals of 2-3 days. Fermentation is pref. conducted while shielding the sunshine. Prim. fermentation is generally completed after 13-14 days.    ADVANTAGE -   Organic fertiliser has immediate effect and long-lasting effect. It can be prepd. by fermentation for a short period (15-20 days).
Organic waste material (I) is destroyed as follows: (a) (I) is reduced with a gaseous reducing agent (II) at not less than 600 deg.C; then (b) the hot reaction mixt. is oxidised with a gaseous oxidising agent (III) at not less than 1000 deg.C.    Reduction is pref. at 600-1100 esp. 700-900 partic. 800-900 deg.C, with contact time above 5, pref. 15-45 sec.; the redn. is pref. effected over a metal catalyst, pref. Fe (e.g. as filings), or Zn, Ni or Sn (e.g. all powdered). The redn. zone is pref. purged of O2-contg. gases. (II) is pref. NH3, natural gas, CH4, C3H8, or H2O vapour, esp. H2. Oxidn. is pref. at 1000-1500 esp. 1200-1400 deg.C (temp. of hot mixt. before oxidn. pref. 600-1000 esp. 800-900 deg.C), with residence time 1-4 sec. Pref. (III) is O2.
In the adsorptive sepn. at high pressure of a gas mixt. comprising a prim. component (P) and a sec. component (S), the adsorbent has selectivity for (S) greater than 20 over the entire range of pressure and temp. used, and adsorbent beds are used. The process comprises (a) passing a feed gas mixt. at 30-500 psig into one of the beds and producing (P) as pure component and adsorbing (S); (b) discontinuing the adsorption, and rinsing the bed with a stream of (S) at approximately the feed pressure, to remove any (P) in an effluent which is recycled to the feed; (c) depressurising the rinsed bed to an intermediate pressure, countercurrent to the adsorption, to at least partially remove (S) from the bed; and (d) after step (c) and without further rinsing, evacuating the bed countercurrently to a sub-atmospheric pressure to remove further (S); and (e) repressurising the bed to superatmospheric pressure to prepare for another adsorption step (a).    (P) and (S) are, respectively:hydrogen and carbon dioxides; methane and carbon dioxides; nitrogen and methane; nitrogen and carbon dioxide; or hydrogen and nitrogen. The adsorbent is e.g. a zeolite or active carbon.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Both components (P) and (S) are obtd. with high recovery and high purity. The method requires fewer steps, less capital cost and a lower amt. of gaseous materials. It is esp. of use in sepn. of methane and/or carbon dioxide-contg. gas mixts. obtd. e.g. in enhanced oil recovery, landfill gas recovery, natural gas processing and petrochemical processes. The cabron dioxide obtd. can be taken as a prod. or utilised for pressure enhancement of a petroleum reservoir.
Continuously desulphurising natural gas and continuously regenerating a reaction soln. comprises (a) contacting (I) in a substantially closed tower with a metallic oxide soln. (II) to oxidise sulphurous cpds. in (I); (b) degassing used (II) by transporting it through a colloid mill and venting gas; (c) continuously regenerating the degassed (II) by treatment with an oxidising agent to reduce sulphur in (II) and cause it to precipitate for collection; and (d) recycling (II) to step (a). Apparatus for such a process is claimed.    ADVANTAGE -   The process runs simply, safely, economically and with low maintenance. Ferric oxide has been used to desulphurise natural gas, but labour intensive methods of reoxidising the spent oxide have been required; in present process the oxidant, e.g. ferric oxide, is regenerated and recycled continuously, without plant shut-down.
Prodn. of CH4-rich gas is effected by (a) anaerobically digesting an organic feed at atmospheric pressure to form a liq. compsn. contg. low-mol.-wt. acids, (b) desorbing free CO2 from the liq. compsn. and (c) anaerobically digesting the liq. compsn. at elevated pressure to form a CH4-rich gas.    The feed may be, e.g., sorghum, cattle manure or grass. Step (a) is effected at pH 5.0-6.5 with a total organic C concn. of less than 20 g/l, in a leaching bed digester. The residence time is 10-30 days. Step (6) is effected by purging with air to reduce the CO2 content below 0.5 g/l. Step (c) is effected at 15-75 psig gas pressure and pH 5.7-8 for a residence time of less than 5 days.    ADVANTAGE -   Gas contg. more than 90 vol/.% CH4 can be produced.
Appts. to treat garbage produced in kitchens comprises an openable cover attached to a drain port of housing, garbage box removable attached to the housing, garbage bag set in the box and bag opener to open and close the bag.    USE -   For kitchens.
Reactive substrate contacted with oxygen, by forming electrode metal film on both sides of a solid electrolyte base plate, bringing the reacting substrate into contact with the exposed surface of a homogeneous catalyst film of laminated film obtd. by laminating homogeneous catalyst film on one side of the electrode metal film; and also bringing oxygen into contact with the other side, which has no homogeneous catalyst film. At the same time, a voltage is applied between the electrode metal films, and the activation of the catalyst film is raised by oxygen permeating through the solid electrolyte base plate, to bring the oxygen into contact with the reactive substrate, giving reaction products contg. no molecular oxygen.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The method is used for making ethane and ethylene from methane by oxidn.. Oxidn. reaction can be accelerated to high reaction rate and with good selectiveness.
Appts. comprises horizontal perforated pipes arranged on the floor of a compost-making cabin and vertical perforated pipes connected to the horizontal pipes, one end of each of which is opened outside.    USE -   For making compost.
Ni- and/or Co-based catalyst for prodn. of CH4 from a gas mixt. contg. carbon oxide(s) and H2 is characterised by the use of CeO2 as the support for the Ni and/or Co. Pref. the catalyst contains 1-50 (esp. 1-20)wt.% Co and/or Ni relative to CeO2. Its surface area is at least 10 (esp. at least 80, more esp. 80-200) sq.m/g. The total pore vol. is 0.15-0.50 cc/g. The metal particle size is about 10-50 A.    Prepn. pref. comprises: (i) deposition of Ni and/or Co on CeO2 by (a) impregnation with aq. soln. of salt or (b) pptn.; and (ii) heating. Impregnation may use the formate, acetate or esp. the nitrate, and is pref. a dry impregnation. Pptn. pref. uses Ni and/or Co hydroxide, pptd. by ammonia at pH 8-11 from a salt soln. at 50-70 deg.C. Step (ii) may comprise drying at 100-150 deg.C for 1-24 hrs., and then calcination at 400-800 deg.C for 1-24 hrs. The catalyst is reduced before use by H2 or the H2/CO mixt. used in CH4 synthesis, at 250-600 deg.C for 2-20 hrs.    ADVANTAGE -   The catalyst provides a high conversion of CO and an excellent selectivity to CH4, e.g. 98.6 conversion of CO with 97.1% selectivity to CH4 from a mixt. contg. H2 and 5.6 vol.% CO at 300 deg.C, 1 bar and 3.6 l/hr. over 16 mg catalyst. The results are superior to those obtd. using Al2O3 or SiO2 as catalyst support.
Catalyst for isomerising a hydrocarbon fraction rich in n-paraffins is the prod. of oxychlorination of a solid comprising metal(s) of Gp. VIII supported on a mordenite in the acid form with alkali(ne earth) cation content below 0.2 wt.% (Na equivalent), adsorbing mols. of kinetic dia. above about 6.6 A, with a unit cell vol. of 2.73-.278 cu. nm, and benzene adsorption capacity above 5 wt.%; the oxychlorination being effected at about 200-500 deg.C, with a gas mixt. contg. O2, H2O, and Cl2 and/or Cl cpd.(s), using a total of 0.5-10 wt.% of free or combined Cl in relation to the mordenite.    The mordenite has a pref. Si/Al ratio about 5-50; and the Gp. VIII metal is Pt, Pd or Ni. The solid catalyst may also contain a matrix, esp. Al2O3.    Oxychlorination may be effected with moist air with added Cl2 or Cl cpd.(s). The process may comprise: (i) contacting the solid with a gas contg. O2 and 0.01-5 wt. % H2O; (ii) heating to about 300-480 deg. C; and (iii) adding Cl or a Cl cpd. to the gas in an amt. of 1-5 wt.% (Cl relative to mordenite). The Cl cpd. may be HCl, CCl4, dichloropropane, dichloroethane or CHCl3.    The catalyst pref. contains 0.05-1 wt.% Pt or Pd, or 0.1-10 wt.% Ni. The amt. of matrix is pref. such that the mordenite constitutes at least 40 wt.% of the mordenite and matrix.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The catalyst is esp. useful for hydroisomerisation of a fraction rich in 4-7C n-paraffins to give a prod. useful as high-octane gasoline component. The oxychlorination increases the dispersion of the Gp. VIII metal, and with that the catalyst activity. Thus the octane number of the prod. and esp. the degree of approach to equilibrium in isomerisation are increased.
Purificn. of a gas stream (I) at elevated pressure involved scrubbing with N2 by cooling (I) and N2 to low temp., scrubbing (I) with liquid N2 and mixing the purified (I) with more cold N2 at elevated pressure to form a mixt. in which the N2 is partly in liquid form before reheating the mixt. by heat exchange with (I) and N2 to be cooled. The novel features are that the liquid N2 in the mixt. is vapourised by heat exchange with the (I) and N2 to be cooled, so that either the N2 stream to be cooled or a side stream of this or another process gas stream under a lower pressure than the N2 scrubber operating pressure is (partly) condensed and then pumped to a higher pressure.    The low pressure N2 stream is pref. pumped to the scrubber operating pressure and then used for scrubbing, opt. after mixing with another high pressure N2 stream. The low pressure N2 stream is produced by relieving the pressure of a side stream of the high pressure N2 stream, with performance of work, pref. after partial cooling, then condensed by heat exchange with the gas mixt. and pumped to the operating pressure. It is pref. to use a circulating operating medium, which is vapourised at high pressure, relieved with performance of work, condensed at low pressure and pumped to high pressure again, vapourisation and condensation taking place during heat exchange with the process streams to be heated or cooled. With a closed cycle, the operating medium may be N2 or the residual gas mixt. from the sump of the scrubber. With an open cycle, the residual gas is used and excess residual gas is discharged after relieving the pressure.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process is esp. useful for removing CO, CH4, Ar and other harmfull or undesirable ballast substances from the crude H2 stream of ammonia synthesis gas. The temp. difference in the cold zone of the heat exchange and hence energy losses are reduced.
Optical density of a fermentation broth sample (1) is measured (at 6) to determine the total number of particles in the broth. The sample is mixed with excess labelled specific antibodies (20,10) directed against a prod. chosen from a gp. consisting of an inoculum, desired fermentation prod., and important contaminant. The number of particles bound to the specific antibodies is determined (at 15) with the aid of the label used and compared with the previously determined total number of particles to indicate if any particles contaminating the fermentation are present in the fermentation broth.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Monitoring fermentation in any effected fermentation procedure. Allows very rapid checking of fermentation procedure, without having to wait for culturing samples as in previous checking procedures, so that the appropriate action can be taken to modify the fermentation if it is not proceeding correctly.
Prodn. of max. liq. yields from the pyrolysis of biomass by using a reactor capable of rapid heat exchange and short gas residence time, comprises introducing a gas into the reactor, applying heat, and pyrolysing the biomass under the following conditions; (a) gas and vapour residence time below 10 sec; (b) solid particle residence time not less than gas and vapour residence time; (c) solid particle size is max. 5mm; (d) pyrolysis is at 400-650 deg.C; (e) the pressure is ca. 1 atmos; producing a pyrolysis liq. contg. 10-30 % water, the balance being organic cpds. including a majority of the lignin type material of the biomass together with carbohydrates derived from cellulose, the total liq. yield being 56-90%.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for commercial scale prodn. of e.g. fuel oil, hydroxyacetaldehyde, liq. smoke, etc. by rapid pyrolysis under controlled conditions that can be easily varied depending on the desired prod. The liq. prod. can be diluted with water to separate an aq. phase and a water-poor fraction, the aq. phase contg. organic acids, which can be readily removed, and carbohydrates useful as a feed for fermentation processes or for recovery of specific organic cpds.
Biologically pure culture comprises an isolate from natural sources of Clostridium thermosulphurogenes sp.n.    Preferred organism is Cl, thermosulphurogenes ATCC 33743 (or an enzyme prod. from this displaying hydrolytic activity).    Thermosulphurogenes was selectively enriched from the Octopus Spring algal bacterial mat. by serial dilution of the source inoculum in LPBB medium contg. 1% tryptone, 0.3% yeast extract, and 0.5% pectin. The last +ve tube that displayed growth and gas prodn. was repeatedly transferred on LPBB medium contg. 0.1% yeast extract and pectin. The organism was isolated by serial dilution in agar roll tubes with LPBB, 0.1% yeast extract and 0.5% glucose medium, followed by transfer of single colonies to homologous liq. medium.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The thermophilic organism Cl. thermosulphurogenes has excellent thermal stability (otp. growth temp. not less than 60 deg. C; max. ca 75 deg. C), and it possesses stable hydrolytic activity (pectin methylesterase and polygalacturonate hydrolase props.). In partic., the organism (or enzyme prepns. from it) is useful for converting thiosulphate into S, for clarifying fruit juice, and in food processing or agricultural food waste treatment.
Process to convert carbon monoxide (I) to methane (II) includes A (A first step reaction: Mixt. of (I)/hydrogen/steam 1/0.5-3/0.05-1.5(mol) is passed over catalyst composed of 5-50 wt.% of nickel, 1-10 wt.% one or more metal(s) selected from vanadium, lanthanum or manganese and 94-40 wt.% alumina at 600-700 deg.C under 1-10kg/sq.cm., and B (B) Second step reaction: Gas obtd. from first step reaction of which composition is adjusted to (I)/hydrogen/steam 1/0.5-3/0.05-1.5 (mol) is passed over catalyst composed of 10-50 wt.% nickel, 89-30 wt.% alumina and 1-20 wt.% one or more metal(s) selected from lanthanum, manganese or vanadium at 250-350 deg.C under 1-100 kg/sq.cm.    ADVANTAGE -   High calorie fuel gas contg. methane as major component is prepd. from carbon monoxide by simpler procedure than prior methods. Catalytic activity is kept high for a long time, (I) is converted into (II) in high and steady ratio.
Deodouring gas comprises sucking the produced gas into a compost or cattle droppings store chamber and dispersing the gas into a compost or cattle droppings to accelerate fermentation of the compost or droppings.    USE -   For cattle breeding plants.
Surface coating film contains diamond type carbon which contains an impurity element. The film has a surface resistance below 10 power 7 ohms/cm2.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For surface coating of tapes, discs, records, touch panels, etc. The coating film has a relatively low surface resistance, which prevents dust, adsorption thereto, and also formation of pinholes.    In an example, CH4/Ar/BF3 were mixed at the ratio of 2/1/0.002-0.2. The mixed gas was introduced in a vacuum chamber contg. base at 10 power(-2) Torr. The gas formed plasma at the biase voltage of 500-2000V and the rF of 13.45 MHz, to give a diamond type carbon film on the base cooled with water. The carbon film had a reflective index of 2.2-2.4, and a surface resistance below 10 power 7 ohm/cm2 at relative humidity of 70%.
Waste water (1) exhausted from the process of spirit-distillation is clarified by treating water-diluted (1) for pptn. with the addition of a coagulant, and then treating the supernatant with an aerobic microorganism.    USE -   (1) can be clarified in a closed system, because (1) is diluted with the finally clarified water.
Hydrated membrane of cellulose acetate(1) is treated in a hot alcohol(2) bath and in a non-polar organic solvent(3)bath and dried.    Pref. a mixt. of cellulose di- and tri-acetate is used as (1). (2) is MeOH, EtOH, n-propanol, isopropanol, or butanol. (3) is (iso or cyclo) pentane, (n- or cyclo)hexane, or (n- or cyclo) heptane. Hydrated flat or hollow yarn membrane is used as the raw membrane. The hot alcohol bath treatment is for 5-300 sec. and the non-polar organic solvent bath treatment is for 40-120 min. The treated membrane is dried at 10-50 deg.C for several min. to several hrs. A raw membrane having over 50% of salt exclusion measured for 1500 ppm NaCl soln. at 30kg/cm2 is used.    USE/ADVANTAGES -   Used to prepare membranes sepg. lower mol.wt. gas e.g. H2 or He from CO2, O2, CH4, N2. It has improved gas selectivity and permeability of over 5 m3/m2.hr.atm He permeability and over 2.0 H2/N2 sepn. coefficient.
Biogas is obtained from waste penetrated by a well casing terminating in a head by removing the head, raising the casing, inserting a hopper in the casing, adding a section to a collection probe in the casing, corresp. to the height it was raised by packing the space around the hopper, removing the hopper, and replacing the head. A device for carrying out the process is also claimed.    USE -   For a rubbish tip.
Compost is prepared in a revolving horizontal drum with a perforated shell which is charged by a shredder via a bucket wheel; the latter empties the shreds in a funnel for a distributor screw conveyor. Water is sprayed inside and the undersize drops between guide plates on a belt conveyor, a second bucket wheel, and a funnel with feeder belt on a spreading belt conveyor. This runs in a semicircle around a pivot and piles the compost in several stockpiles, using scraper blades on the belt. The shredder can be activated by a slot machine.    ADVANTAGE -   A coin operated communal self-service compost facility for refuse disposal is obtd.
Compost is prepared from domestic and garden rubbish in a revolving horizontal drum with a shell of perforated metal sheets which is fed by a shredder, loaded by dip buckets. A bucket wheel raises the shredded material to a funnel where it drops into a screw conveyor. This has a gradually increasing bottom slot and is driven by a motor. Water is sprinkled from nozzles in the pipe. A belt conveyor takes the undersize to a similar bucket wheel which charges the bunker and extraction lock chamber. For communal use, both the charging and discharging can be controlled by slot machines.    ADVANTAGE -   Apparatus is used for coin operated communal refuse disposal and compost procurement.
Compost is prepared from domestic and garden rubbish in a revolving drum with a perforated shell enclosing a water pipe with spray nozzles and charged from a shredder. Side plates below the drum direct the undersize to a belt conveyor which feeds a bucket wheel for a compost bunker. The shredder is loaded by a tiltable tray and discharged in a bucket wheel for a screw conveyor to distribute the shreds over the drum. Slot machines permit individuals both to discard their rubbish and to extract garden compost.    ADVANTAGE -   A coin operated rubbish disposal and compost procurement plant is mfd..
Process comprises (i) cooling so far as to condense a small amt. of the 2C+ or 3C+ hydrocarbons; (ii) feeding the mixt. to the lower part of a rectifying column; (iii) withdrawing a gaseous fraction from the top part of the column; (iv) further cooling the withdrawn fraction in another heat exchanger, with partial condensation; (v) feeding the partially condensed component to the top of the rectifying column, as reflux; and (vi) withdrawing 2C+ or 3C+ hydrocarbons as prod. stream from the bottom of the column.    The feed is pref. cooled only so far in step (i) as to give a condensate in which the concn. of undesired lighter components does not exceed the permitted value in the prod. This implies a condensate vol. of below 40% (esp. below 20%) of the desired prod. vol. The condensate is pref. warmed before stage (ii). The temp. difference between upper and lower regions of the column is pref. less than (esp. than 20) deg.C. The column may contain e.g. 3-6 trays or an equivalent amt. of packing. The amt. of cooling in step (iv) is pref. such that the amt. of 2C+ or 3C+ hydrocarbons in the uncondensed gas does not exceed the acceptable loss of yield. The 2C+ or 3C+ concn. in the uncondensed gas is pref. then below 15% (more esp. below 5%).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   E.g. residual fuel gas streams can be upgraded. The concn. of hydrocarbons lighter than the desired 2C+ or 3C+ in the prod. condensate is pref. less than 20%, more esp, less than 5%. 2C+ or 3C+ yields exceeding 80%, esp. above 95% , can be obtained.
Sepn. of 4C hydrocarbons from a gas mixt. contg. more than 50 mol.% 4C hydrocarbons, with lighter components comprising CH4, N2, H2, smaller amts. of 2C and 3C hydrocarbons etc. comprises: (i) cooling, so as to condense a part of the mixt.; (ii) feeding to the lower part of a rectifying column; (iii) withdrawing 4C hydrocarbons as prod. from the bottom of the column; (iv) withdrawing a gaseous fraction from the top of the column; (v) cooling this fraction with partial condensation; and (vi) feeding the condensate as reflux to the top of the column.    The yield of condensate in step (i) is pref. less than 40 (more esp. less than 20%) of the amt. of 4C hydrocarbons. The amt. of cooling is pref. a max. of 20 (esp. a max. of 10) deg.C below the dewpoint.    The temp. difference between top and bottom of the column is pref. below 25 (esp. below 20) deg.C. The column should be simple, with at least 2 equilibrium stages and e.g. 3-6 trays.    In step (v), the vapour is pref. cooled by at least 30, pref. more than 40 deg.C. The vapour remaining uncondensed is pref. heated again in heat exchange with the feed to this step and then with the original mixt. to be sepd.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The pref. feedstock for sepn. contains (mole.%) 50-70C hydrocarbons, 15-40 CH4, and 0-25 2-3C hydrocarbons, and is produced e.g. in C4H10 dehydrogenation. The process adapts the thermodynamically favourable reflux condenser principle to this system by dividing the process into precooling (heat exchange), rectification (mass exchange) and reflux formation (heat exchange) stages. The principle is applied as economically as possible.
Excavated basins, specially for the storage of liq manure in agricultural establishments and for the possible utilisation as biogas reactors are bounded by a dam of excavated material around the sides which has been compacted. The floor and the banks are sealed by layers of clay which are also compacted, followed by a layer of broken stones.    ADVANTAGE -   This replaces the imported plastic sealing foil by locally available material.
In the methanation of oxides of C in a gas stream rich in H2 and contg. less than 2.5 vols% of the oxides of C, the gas stream is preheated to above 130 deg.C and passed through a bed of methanation catalyst in which at least the initial 10 volume % of the bed comprises a catalyst consisting of Ni and/or Co on a difficultly reducing metal oxide, with Ni and/or Co forming 60-98% of the total atoms, other than 0 and C (if any) in the catalyst.    The gas stream is pre-heated by heat-exchange with the gas stream emerging from the catalyst bed.    The Gp.VIII metal atoms form 80-95% of the total atoms in the catalyst, other than O or C. The whole bed, or only the inlet portion, forming 10-30% of the total bed vol., may consist of the catalsyt. The support is Al2O3 and a rare earth, esp.in atomic ratio of Al:rare earth of 1-10. The atomic ratio of Ni:Co is above 3. The gas stream contains less than 2 vols. % total C oxides, and less than 0.75 vols.% CO, and has inlet temp. below 270 (200-250) deg.C.    ADVANTAGE -   The catalysts have high activity, and allow of lower inlet and outlet temperatures.
A compost bin, consists of a stack of frames, each consisting of four rectangular beams which are mitred at the corners and screwed together. The compost can be extracted from the bottom where a grate is arranged above a pit in the ground. The gate can be rattled by turning the hand lever. A hydraulic pump is actuated by operating the lever so that four hydraulic power cylinders can move the stack up to the dotted position. Additional holes improve the air access.    ADVANTAGE -   This processes all domestic and garden refuse to compost with less pollution or smell for the environment.
Raw liquid is supplied to a boiling chamber at a predetermined level with a connecting conduit which directs vapours and/or gases from the boiling chamber to a prim. condensn. stage. The prim. condensn. stage has a closed prim. condensn. chamber above the predetermined level which receives, cools and condenses the vapour, and one or more prim. bubble tubes sealingly connected to the lower portion of the condensation chamber (11) and extending down into and sealed to a primary collection chamber, for carrying vapour and/or gas and condensed distillate to the collection chamber. A prim. distillate conduit extends from the bottom of the primary collection chamber to a final distributor in a final condensation chamber of a final condensn. stage with a pump to assist flow, and a primary gas carrier tube connecting the upper portion of the primary collection chamber at a level above the lower ends of the primary bubble tubes to the final condensation chamber.    USE -   In intermediate-scale distillation apparatus for deriving potable water from saline or otherwise non-potable source, purifying and reclaiming industrial solvents, or deriving alcohol of tractor fuel grade, as a byproduct of agricultural operations.
Use of Ti silicate with wt. ratio TiO2:SiO2=0.05-0.25:1 (I) instead of silicagel as support for the catalyst of selective hydrogenation of butadiene impurities in the butane-butylene fraction, improves its properties.    The catalyst contains (in wt.%): Cu 8-12 and (I) 88-92.    ADVANTAGE -   Working life of the catalyst increased from 50 to 500 hours with the corresp. loss of activity reduced from 60% to 10%, mech. strength increased from 90 to 250 kg/cm2. Bul.22/15.6.87
The catalyst consists of a support made of alumina and/or silica loaded with catalyst materials of Fe and/or Co, manganese oxides, and Pt-gp. metals.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to produce a high calorie 1-4C hydrocarbon fuel gas from a mixed gas contg. H2 and CO or CO2.    In an example, alumina support having 170 m2/g specific surface area was impregnated with RuCl3 3H2O which was then thermally decomposed in the air at 850 deg C to form corresp metallic oxide after it was treated with ammonia-water vapour, dired, and reduced to deposit Ru on the support; further Co and Mn were deposited in the same manner using Co(NO3)2 6H2O and Mn(NO3)3 6H2O aq solns; a catalyst loaded with 5% Co, 0.9% Mn2O3 and 0.35% Ru was obtd.
Cellulose acetate hydrate membrane is treated by first step substit. at 10-60 deg.C with non-polar organic solvent contg. surfactant. Next, it is treated by second step substit. with non-polar organic solven, and then dried to produce gas sepn. membrane.    Pref. the cellulose acetate is a mixt. of cellulose diacetate and cellulose triacetate. The surfactant is nonionic surfactant. The non-polar organic solvent is pentane, isopentane, cyclopentane, n-hexane,cyclohexane, n-heptane, or cycloheptane. Pref. the non-polar organic solvent contg. surfactant contains water. The cellulose acetate hydrate membrane is flat membrane, or hollow yarn membrane.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The membrane is useful for sepn. of carbon dioxide gas and methane. It is also used to remove carbon dioxide in natural gas, sepn. of oxygen and nitrogen in air, and sepn. of hydrogen and carbon monoxide. Membrane is obtd. having good gas sepn. ability esp. good gas permeable velocity and selectivity. By using surfactant, substitution time can be shortened, and number of substitution treatments is reduced.
Appts. for confining and aerobically biodegrading organic cpds. contaminating mass of particulate solids comprises container with sides and bottom impermeable to water and contaminating organic cpds. plus a cover to exclude solids and liquids. Minimum of two treatment courses are disposed in horizontal attitude in container. Treatment course comprises contaminated solids distributed as a horizontal layer which is adjusted to permit diffusion of gas contg. oxygen into the layer to maintain the layer aerobic. Moisture content is adjusted to 2-90% field satn. and nutrient content is adjusted to provide phosphorus and nitrogen nutrients to stimulate biodegradation of organic cpds.    USE -   To confine soil contaminated with hydrocarbons such as diesel or petrol.
In a new process for fermenting residues contg. a high proportion of organic components, the fermentation is carried out in a sealed container and is terminated after the readily readily fermentable components have been broken down. New appts. for carrying out the above process comprises a mobile containers to which an air supply and/or an exit for waste air is/are attached, and which is fitted with a device to measure the fermentation temp..    USE/ADVANTAGE -   A prod. suitable for use as a soil-improving agent is produced within a very short time (2-20 days) under strictly aerobic conditions. Regardless of the moistness of the raw material, the end-product has a uniform water content, no seepage water or undesirable odour is produced, and infestation by pests (flies, rats etc.) does not occur. Ground space required by the appts. is minimal, and mobile equipment can be used for all stages of pre- and post-processing.
Method of environmentally harmless use of liq. manure from agricultural operations comprises feeding it to a furnace which has a basic fuel supply of coal or the like. The neutralisation of SO2 emissions and smells is effected in the (pref. fluidised bed type) furnace itself by the fuel ash and by added varieties of lime, and also in a cloth filter downstream, which is precoated with hydrated lime and filter ash.    ADVANTAGE -   Pollution of the earth and ground water by the liq. manure is avoided. The liq. manure addition reduces the NOx emission from the furnace's basic fuel.
Prodn. of high-grade compost comprises mixing sieved wet refuse (domestic or industrial) of size 0-60mm in which only components over 300mm have been subjected to size redn. with (a) fermentation residue from a biogas reactor, clarified sludge and/or liq. manure and (b) straw or other organic, natural materials.    The mixt. is adjusted to 55-65% moisture content then filled into a mould (capacity 1-2 cu.m) mounted on a movable palette, itself placed on a shaking (vibrating table. During filling the mixt. is compacted (shaking/vibrating)) then the mould is removed to form, on the palette, a large mass of shaped material in which vertical, conical channels (angled or round) are arranged. None of the horizontal walls of the mass are thicker than 250 mm and an aeration zone of at most 125mm is present.    The mass is transferred to an enclosure and stored, opt. on a high shelf, for 3-4 weeks. During the first few days the temp. increases to about 80 deg.C and a partly-dried, fungus-infested compost mass is formed. This is removed by rotating brushes, passed to a device for removal of hard components, then fine-milled to final compost and packaged for dispatch.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The compost is useful as minimal or complete fertiliser, and the 'straw peat' as a replacement for ordinary peat (but having much better nutritional content). Because fine milling is carried out after composting, removal of foreign materials (such as glass) is facilitated.
A system for the regeneration or amelioration of soil esp. for use in agriculture and forestry, is based on adding to the soil a finely distributed sludge from the fermentation of leavened bread in water. The recommended rate for the sprayed additive is a share of 0.1-10% of fermentation sludge referred to the volume of sprayed water.    ADVANTAGE -   Tests have shown the beneficial effect of the lactic acid bacteria contained in the fermentation sludge. No energy consumption is needed for drying.
A multi-stage bioreactor for the clarification of industrial and municipal wastes is subdivided by several curved partitions with inclined or domes bottom into several compartments. The latter communicate by overflows or through holes, enforcing a meandering flow. Drainage cocks are provided to discharge sediments.    ADVANTAGE -   This reactor facilitates a high concentration of the sediments and an easy separation of the settled particles.
In a new process for converting liquid slurry single-cell protein by aerobic fermentation in the mesophilic temperature range of 27-43 deg. C for a fermentation time of 3-10 hrs. (corresponding to a dilution rate of 0.33-0.1/he in the case of continuous fermentation), copper (in the form of the EDTA complex salt) is added before or during the fermentation in an amount of 0.01-1mg per litre slurry liquid.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The fermentation process can serve to remove injurious substances from the slurry before its applied to agricultural surface wile at the same time producing single cell protein which can e.g. be used for fodder purposes in the animal rearing unit from which the slurry liquid originates. The addition of copper accelerates the fermentation to the point at which it can be carried out in modern high-speed fermenters without additional carbon sources. The biological oxygen requirement of the waste water is reduced to one-quarter, and the prodn. ofsingle-cell protein per volume unit slurry liquid is increased to 150%.
The moistening of goods for rotting with liquids such as water and/or materials with a high water content such as liquid manure, faeces, waste water of clarified slurry, at the beginning of rotting to set the moisture content at 40-60 wt. % and/or during rotting to maintain optimal moisture content of the rotting goods and to compensate for liquid losses, is improved by thoroughly aerating the liquids before it is used to moisten the goods, so that the max saturation value for the solubility of oxygen in water at that temp. is achieved and so that the amt. of O2 dissolved in water is at least 1 x 10 -4 mol/l.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process can be used in aerobic rotting in the prepn. from composts or organic natural and waste products in a stationary industrial composting plant as well as in a mobile classic stack composting process. The invention speeds up the rotting process by achieving optimal composting conditions, thus increasing the rate of prodn. of organic fertilisers by microbial degradation. The end prods. are effective fertilisers.
An implement for attachment to a domestic refuse truck compost separation handles the bulky refuse for disposal in lines of stacks. It consists of an upper hydraulic swivelled pusher blade and a lower hydraulically adjustable counterthrust blade.    ADVANTAGE -   This implement compacts the bulky refuse, separated from the compost, without requiring a crane for the disposal.
The residue, which is difficult to handle due to its pasty and acid nature, is separated into a liquid phase contg. the catalyst and a solid phase. The liquid phase after decanting and auto-oxidn., is re-used for furfural prodn.. The solid phase is broken up, mixed with part of already-treated residue, dried and milled to a fine powder contg. most of the lignin, and hence of the carbon, in the original bagasse.    This burns more rapidly than bagasse in a boiler, generating steam at 18-25 kg/sq.cm. in amount to make the furfural prodn. self sufficient, when used for agitation, heating and distn..
Raw sewage scum is fed to an oven for cooking at elevated temp. to render the scum separable into aq., solid and oily phases, gases escaping from the scum are removed and liquidified scum is fed to a separator where solids are sepd. from the aq. and oily phases of the scum. A vacuum drying device receives and separates the aq. and oily phases into a volatile phase and a non-volatile phase with the volatile phase being coupled to a condenser for condensing a portion of the volatile phase and discharging the condensate.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Processing the collected primary skimmings e.g. from waste water treatment plants. Separates the scum into a aq. fraction which can be returned to the sewage treatment plant for processing with the raw sewage, a solids fraction which is inert and can be used for landfill safely and inexpensively and a fat or oily fraction which can be used as fuel oil, distilled for disposition of specific fractions of the mixt.. The process is inexpensive and non-polluting.
The starting gaseous material is subjected to steam conversion at 300-400 deg. C and 3-10 MPa, over catalyst contg. (in wt.%): nickel oxide 45-64, chromium oxide 5-12, calcium oxide 5-10 and balance alumina.    Tests show that proposed method removes completely all methane homologues, at vol. low rate of material up to 1500/h, and produces methane of purity up to 95.76%.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Resulting high purity methane can be used as starting material in chlorine industry. The method ensures increased productivity and selectivity. Bul.21/7.6.87
The catalyst comprises a high-activity agent usable at 200-450 deg.C. It has a stable support made of easily-accessible materials.    ADVANTAGE -   The catalyst can be used in refined ammonia and hydrogen plants, and it is manufactured in conventional equipment.
Fermenting tank for rapidly producing compost - comprises gas-spraying pipe support plates and bottom plates of the main body of tank. The support plates are openably mounted on revolving shafts.    USE -   For making compost. (J55075987-A)
Method comprises (a) coating nitrogen-contg. organic cpd. with material for adjusting water content, (b) coating adsorption material onto the surface, and (c) fermenting resultant.    The nitrogen-contg. organic substance includes various kinds of waste liq., slurry, etc. The water-content adjusting material includes clinker ash. The adsorption material includes zeolite and is used in amt. 10 to 50 pts. wt. per 100 pts. wt. organic substance.    ADVANTAGE -   Compost is prepared without using expensive water-content adjusting material.
Sewage sludge filter cake is converted by pyrolysis to oil, gas and coke, using thermal dewatering, evaporation, waste heat input, carbonisation and cooling. The dewatering is effected in two stages. First, a partial vacuum is applied for a preliminary boil-down, followed by a residual boil-down at atmospheric pressure. The filter cake is forced to pass in prescribed side streams during the dewatering and conversion.    ADVANTAGE -   This process is advantageous from the energy balance angle and the exact procedure of the process. The plant is simple and of universal use.
Carbon dioxide is sepd. from mixts. with light hydrocarbons by selective permeation through a membrane contg. a thin dense discriminating layer of sulphonated polyether sulphone. Conditions are such that the sepn. factor is at least 50 (pref. at least 70). A pressure differential is maintained across the membrane with the higher pressure on the side in contact with the starting mixt. O2 and N2 can also be sepd. from mixts. contg. them using such membranes, which show good selectivity for O2 over N2, and for N2 over light hydrocarbons. The polymer has formula (I); R = alkyl or halogen; a, b, c = 0-4, providing in each ring a+b and a+c = 0-4, and b+c = at least 1; m = 0 or above; and n = at least 1. More pref. R = 1-10C alkyl (esp. (CH3) or Br; a, b = 0-4, and b+c = 1. Most pref. a = 0; b, c = 0 or 1. Mol.wt. = 160000-280000. Pref. 1-20 (esp. 10-15)% of the sulphone units contain pendant sulphonate moieties. Pressure across the membrane is 280-900 psi; and temp. is -10 to 120 deg.C. Suitable polymers are described in US4054707 and 3875096; AU8435743; and EP29633. The membrane may take the form of any described in the prior art, e.g. homogeneous, composite or asymmetric. Suitable membranes are described in the above US and AU patents.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The membranes show good sepn. of the gases whilst retaining good permeability for the CO2.
Enhanced efficiency of processing ore dumps is due to the lower losses of liq. target prods., and by increasing the rate of extn. of useful components from the dumps. After the isolation of the dump surface, a drain layer is formed at the base with a damp course by firing. This is followed by pumping a grouting soln. into the lower part of the layer, and after the gasification of the dump, leaching reagent is periodically forced into the mass of the dump, and the prods. soln. is pumped out from the drain layer.    ADVANTAGE -   The formation of the drain layer and the firing improve the gasification of the dump and increase useful components extn. Bul.20/30.5.87.
Appts. to ferment organic wastes to produce methane comprises a fermenting unit having an upper tank and lower tank partitioned into fermenting chambers, wastes feeding pipe connected to the 1st fermenting chamber.    USE -   For sewage treating plants. (J56168893-A)
Appts. to ferment organic wastes to produce methane comprises a waste feeding pipe connected to a lower tank of a fermenting unit, gas-extracting pipe connected to the lower tank, and transfer pipes connected between the lower and upper tanks of the unit.    Used for sewage treating plants. (J56168891-A)
Liq. in the acid producing reactor and/or processed water from it are returned to it in amt. of 1/2 to 50 times of waste liq. supplied to the reactor, and mixed with the supplied liq., while it is contacted with air or inert gas, with pH adjusted.    ADVANTAGE -   PH in the reactor can be adjusted rapidly and correctly using a very small quantity of alkali. Methane can be fermented effectively.
Substance liable to ionic reaction such as garbage and/or human waste is heated with water and air or oxygen in a pressure vessel.    When temp. in the vessel reaches a value where self-reaction occurs, heating is stopped to continue reaction by reaction heat, and when pressure in the vessel reaches predetermined value, steam generated is delivered from the vessel to drive a steam turbine to generate electric power.    ADVANTAGE -   Since heat is generated in self-reaction, energy consumption is significantly reduced.
ZrO2 type solid acid substance has a strong acid point with acid strength (Ho) of less than -8.2 and has formula ZrO2 ZFmS (Z and m are wt.% of F and S against the wt. of ZrO2 respectively Z is 0.1 - 10,m is 0.01-5).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The solid acid (ZrO2zFmS) has very high acid strength. Its super strong acid point is not easily decomposed even when contacted with water, and it has a wdie temp range for catalytic use. When 5-10C paraffin contg. hydrocarbons are reacted in the presence of the solid acid, lower aliphatic hydrocarbon contg. 3-4C paraffins as main components are obtd. in high yields.
While sludge is forcedly stirred in stirring vessel having stirring vanes at vessel bottom and baffle plate or no baffle plate at vessel wall, sludge is indirectly or directly heated to continuously dewater, granulate, and dry sludge.    ADVANTAGE -   Additive required for obtaining slurry is unnecessary.
Biomethane is collected from a rubbish dump by placing a metal cylinder at the bottom of the dump, placing a tube with a screen at its lower end in the cylinder, filling the cylinder with pebbles, banking rubbish around the cylinder, raising the cylinder, fixing another tube to the first tube, filling the cylinder with pebbles again, repeating the last three steps until the cylinder is at the top of the dump, and capping the cylinder with a cover including a flare burning the biomethane. A device for carrying out the process is also claimed.    ADVANTAGE -   The device is robust and readily permeable to gas.
Prodn. of methane comprises cultivating on a culture medium contg. a nitrogen source and assimilable salts the methane-producing bacteria Methanobacterium thermoautotropicum (I) or any other methane-producing bacteria having the same growth physiological properties, under forced feeding in H2/CO2 gas mixture, pref. at a gas transfer speed of at least 50l/l/hr.    ADVANTAGE -   The process gives high yield of methane. E.g. using a gas transfer speed of at least 60 l of CO2/H2 mixt./l/hr. at least 96% of gas entering the fermenter is converted into methane.
Rubbish is treated in a rotating accelerated fermentation drum with pressure compensating supports by using equipment on the drum directly to control the temp., moisture content and quality of the material in the drum. An accelerated fermentation drum is also claimed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For making compost. The quality of the compost is constant.
A catalyst compsn. (I) comprises (a) a reducible oxide of Mn, (b) lithium and/or cpd(s). of them, (c) boron and/or cpd(s). of them; and (d) alkaline earth metal(s) and/or cpd(s) of them. Atomic ratio Mn:B is from more than 1:1 to 5:1. A mixed oxide compsn. (II) contg. Mn, Na, B and Mg is characterised by (a) the presence of the crystalline cpd. NaB2mg4Mn2Ox (IIa); and (b) an amt. of Mn in (II) in excess of the stoichiometric amt. relative to B in (IIa). Methane is converted to higher hydrocarbons by contacting a gas contg. methane with a solid compsn. (III) comprising (a) a reducible oxide of Mn which is reduced on contact with methane under the reaction conditions to produce higher hydrocarbons and water and (b) a promoting amt. of boron and/or cpd(s) of them, in atomic ratio Mn:B from more than 1:1 to 5:1.    DEhydrogenatable hydrocarbons are dehydrogenated by contact under oxidative dehydrogenation conditions with a compsn. (III) as defined above which is substantially free of catalytically effective iron. A hydrocarbon conversion process comprises contacting a hydrocarbon feedstock with a solid compsn. (III) as above substantially free of catalytically effective iron, and characterised by the prodn. of hydrocarbon prod., co-product waster and reduced Mn oxide.
The installation comprises a long rectangular silo, along which is mobile an elevator-conveyor for removing material from the silo and depositing it rearwardly onto a cross-conveyor, opt. removable for transferring the elevator-conveyor between sole use as compost turner or joint use with cross-conveyor. Pref. the installation comprises several adjacent silos between which compost is transferred by the cross-conveyor. The silos are bottom aerated.    ADVANTAGE -   The silos can be of max. depth.
Contaminated soil, esp. from the site of coke oven batteries, can be reconditioned, decontaminated and restored after drying in a mill with hot gases. After a heat treatment at 800-1200 deg.C a cyclone stage separates the noxious gas phase which is passed to a burner. A side stream of the gases of combustion goes to the mill. The air to cool the cleaned soil is used as primary air for the burner.    ADVANTAGE -   This is a simple system of decontamination which removes all noxious components.
The microbial degradation of esp. organic contaminations by adding mineral oxygen carriers and nutrients for a microorganism present at the site of contamination comprises (a) determn. of the activity present at the contamination site due to microorganisms suitable for degradation; (b) repeatedly adding a mineral fertiliser and the mineral oxygen carrier in a large amt. corresp. to the activity determined in (a), to the surface of the contamination site, with an amt. of liq. suitable for percolating through the contamination site; (c) inspecting the degradation activity to fix the repeated addn. of the fertiliser and oxygen carrier.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process used to purify soils and ground water which has been contaminated with waste water or other effluent esp. contg. organic substances e.g. chlorohydrocarbons and aliphatic and aromatic cpds.. Such impurities are normally difficult to remove. This process degrades the organic substances using microorganisms which are naturally present, thus avoiding the risk of endangering the environment by using artificially cultured microorganisms. The need for expensive hydraulic precautions (methods) is avoided. The conditions for the microbes are improved so much that they multiply rapidly and in a short time have degraded the contaminants, even chlorohydrocarbons.
Charcoal is produced continuously in a shaft furnace in counterflow to the ascending low-temp. carbonisation (LTC) gas. Some of the gas is extracted at the boundary between the LTC zone and the preheating zone, and is either recycled to produce the heat for the red hot bed zone, or used for heating the air to be blown through the dryer for the timber to be processed. This dryer is an external device heated by hot air.    ADVANTAGE -   This results in a high throughput, a better thermal efficiency, a higher charcoal quality and less environmental pollution.
In producing compost preprocessing (i.e., mixing the starting organic sludge with a part of the compost produced), the method comprises determining the water content corresp. to the liquefication limit of the compost, and conducting the preprocessing so that the water content of the mixt. is less than the detd. water content. Alternatively the method comprises determining the water contents corresp. to the liquefication limit and the plasticity limit of the compost, and conducting the preprocessing so that the water content of the mixt. is between these detd. water contents.    ADVANTAGE -   Suitable for aerobic fermentation, and prodn. of the compost can be carried out constantly and stably for a long period.
Biogas produced from agricultural organic waste and sewage in several fermentation stages is desulphurised by passing by means of one or more dip pipes in water. The water is continuously topped up by fresh water and the sulphur laden water is discharged.    ADVANTAGE -   This requires no solid purifying material which presents a risk of spontaneous combustion when laden. It also replaces the pressure relief valves and effects an automatic pressure control.
Organic domestic waste and garden refuse is converted into compost by using the prods of metabolism generated. Aerobically fermenting biomass is composted by supplying it with oxygen in the lower part of a rectangular or round bin. In the upper part, plants grow in pots filled with the rotted compost and benefitting from the emitted carbon dioxide, nitrogen, heat and water vapour. Pref when a crank on the wheel is turned and the spring is compressed, the waste is fed into a bin which rests on a perforated carriage with wheels. The door gives access for the bin. A blower draws in the air though the grating and blows it into chambers with holes. A solar heat collector supplies the electricity for the blower. The bins are extracted through the door and their contents are filled as compost in the plant pots.    ADVANTAGE -   This uses the heat and vapour for the growth of the plants, also the prods emitted by microorganisms. Dust contg e.g. radioactive material or other toxic matter is thus kept away from the plants grown.
In a mechanical-chemical treatment of effluents and sludge, specially in the tanning industry by the side stream principle, the effluents which contain fat and albumin or sulphides are mixed with acid and air or other gases. The acid is to precipitate the dissolved fat and albumin, and the air or gas is to react with the dissolved sulphides. The albumin contained in the medium acts as dispensing agent with acid, air or gas to assist the flotation process so that it is discharged together with the sludge.    ADVANTAGE -   The separate elimination of the valuable by-products fat, albumin, sulphide or chrome permits their subsequent re-use for the benefit of the national economy. Environment pollution is reduced and the sludge used as animal fodder.
Carbothermic redn. of SiO2 to Si is carried out in a closed furnace at (super-)atmos. pressure by: recovering molten Si from the furnace; contacting Si-contg. furnace off-gases with a coolant gas to condense them; and recovering entrained Si-contg. solids. The coolant is either a vaporising liquefied hydrocarbon gas or a compressed hydrocarbon gas which is expanded to facilitate cooling. Pref. coolant is natural gas, (m)ethane, propane or butane, or a mixt. of these; (propane and natural gas). The proportions of coolant and off-gas are combined so that the resulting stream contg. solidified Si-contg. material is below 400 deg. C, (about 200 deg. C or less). Processes in which the remaining gas stream is then used as a chemical intermediate or as a fuel are claimed; in a pref. process, the gas is converted to methanol, pref. by contact with a solid catalyst of ZnO/Cu plus a minor amt. of stabilising oxide, so that the CO and H2 components are converted.    ADVANTAGE -   Si is recovered from the off-gases in an efficient manner; and the remaining gas stream is used as a chemical intermediate or as a fuel.
The generator comprises an inflatable container partly immersed in the mud in a tank. Circular stiffening elements are provided in the container. Weights are also suspended on the outside of the container.    ADVANTAGE -   The container has circular stiffening elements.
The number of methane bacteria and the activity of methane formation are measured by a method in which an additive liq., (e.g., a or mixed organic solvents such as 2-propanol, acetone, ethanol, and methanol, with or without water or alkali soln. such as NaOH soln., etc.), capable of extracting specific fluorescent substances peculiar to methane bacteria from methane bacteria, is added to the first test specimen for first extn. The extract obtd. is subjected to a solid-liq. sepn. to remove solids of more than a given grain size, contg. methane bacteria. An exciting light of a specific wavelength region is irradiated onto the extract subjected to the sepn., and, the first measured value obtd. by measuring the intensity of the fluorescence of the extract. A second test specimen taken from the test specimen is subjected to the same sepn. process, and the liq. so treated mixed with the same additive liq. and subjected to the same irradiation. The second measured value is obtd. as above. Data processing is applied to the first and second data to obtain the number of methane bacteria and the activity of methane formation.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Detects the number of methane bacteria and the activity of methane formation in digested sludge from sewage treatment system, etc., with high accuracy and high sensitivity even when using test specimens contg. many microorganisms and foreign matter.
Prepn. of hydrocarbon (I) contg. 2 or more C atoms comprises treating methane (II), with catalyst contg. at least one metal of calcium, barium and strontium, in presence of oxygen.    Catalyst is pref. one or more cpds. of barium carbonate, strontium carbonate, barium oxide, stronium oxide or calcium oxide. Alkali metal cpd(s). e.g. lithium carbonate, may be added to catalyst, in molar ratio to catalyst of 0.001-0.5, to improve selectivity of ethylene and/or ethane. Catalyst is roasted at 300-900 deg.C in air before use. Reaction temp. is pref. 500-1000 deg.C, pressure is 0.1-100 kg/sq.cmG. Molar ratio of (II)/oxygen is pref. 0.1-100, and SV of (II) is 30-40 x 10 power 4 per hr.    ADVANTAGE -   (I), esp. ethylene and ethane, is prepd. from (II) using catalyst more efficiently than in prior art.    In an example, barium carbonate was roasted at 500 deg.C for 1 hr. and at 800 deg.C for 2 hrs., then crushed to prepare catalyst. Catalyst (2g) was packed into quartz pipe to prepare catalyst bed. At 800 deg.C, (II) (1.5ml/min)-air (3.75ml/min)-He (50ml/min) (1atm) was fed to catalyst bed. Yield of ethylene was 12.3%, selectivity of ethylene was 32.7%.
Gas generated in methane fermentation tank is sepd. in a device having high polymer membrane into gas able to permeate the membrane and gas unable to permeate the membrane. Both kinds of gas are introduced to 3-way cock which is actuated by a controller connected to pH-sensor to introduce either kind of the gas to the fermentation tank.    ADVANTAGE -   Since supply of gas into the fermentation tank is controlled based on pH of the gas in the tank, a supply of water for washing the gas is not necessary to reduce running cost. Further, pH value of the gas can be lowered in this system.
The method includes (a) sterilising the waste water with strong acid, (b) neutralising with alkali, (c) regulating the water content by combining vegetable fibre with it and (d) treating it with enzyme to enzymatically decomposing starch and/or crude protein.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Waste water from alcoholic fermentation process and sugar factories can be treated inexpensively and can then be used to prepare e.g. feed, fertilizer, etc.
An adjustable flow head for a biogas well has an upper chamber communicating with the well casing, a lower chamber communicating with a collection grid, and a valve connecting the two chambers. The head is pref. of high density polyethylene.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For a rubbish dump. Water is prevented from entering the grid.
A process for cleaning up contaminated material comprises (i) collecting the material and converting it to a slurry; (ii) adding a first agent to desorb the contaminant from the soil and place it in the liq. phase of the slurry; (iii) exposing the resultant slurry to the action of a froth flotation cell; and (iv) disposing of the concentrate.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process can be used to remove toxic, organic substances from soils contaminated by industrial waste prods. Soils, sludges (partic. oil refinery sludges), sediments, clays, aq. streams and other non-hazardous materials which have been contaminated can be cleaned up on-site.
Prodn. of manure material comprises: supplying a slurry in a manure storage room with an odour-reducing and N-fixing material (I), the N being present as ammonium cpds., dewatering the slurry; and adding enriching materials composed of composite organic material, odour-reducing and further N-fixing material, as well as coal prods. and opt. lime prods.    Pref. the slurry is dewatered to 20-60% moisture content, and the final prod. is dried to 10-35% moisture. Appts. is also claimed, as are various manure prods.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Useful for prodn. of manures for specific applications, e.g. for manuring ornamental trees, fruit trees, maize and pasture land, hothouses for flowers, plants, fruits and vegetables, or various agricultural uses. The N-content of the slurry is retained and good manuring properties are obtd. without concn. of substances harmful to the soil, groundwater or vegetation. A prefd. (I), Carbomix (RTM), comprises weathered coal mine slag material which is enriched in K, Ca and Mg and contains further N from pptn., and prevents the formation of NH3, thus reducing odour.
Refuse in a composting hall is progressively turned over from dumps along the entry to the other end of the hall by two bucket wheels and an inclined belt conveyor which run on a crab along a bridge which can travel on wheels along rails the length of the hall. The two bucket wheels discharge the refuse on the belt between them and shift it to new dumps parallel to the first and 5m away. Both wheels and conveyor are adjustable in height.    ADVANTAGE -   This system has a high capacity and can be applied to more than one composting fields.
Extraction of nutrients from peat comprises: relatively mild acid hydrolysis at max. 130 deg.C for max. 2 hrs. of particles of high-moor, low-decomposed sphagnum-type peat having a lower proportion of humic acids, a higher concn. of hydrolysable N cpds. and a higher proportion of weakly-bound biologically active substances than low-moor peat, more than 50% of particles having a dia. of 250 microns or less, hydrolysis being in a metal-free or inert container; adjusting the reaction medium, pH to near neutral; and recovering liq. peat extract which is free from or contains very small concns. of metals, metal cpds. and metallic ions.    The solid residue after recovery of the liq. extract may also be recovered, and the liq. extract may be further fermented with Scytalidium acdophilum.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The liq. fertiliser improves the soil chemically, physically and bacteriologically, gives lasting benefits, can be additive-free except for pH-adjusting chemicals, and is produced under mild conditions which do not lead to undesirable concns. of metals. The solid residue obtd. can be dried more easily than the original peat and contains high levels of humic materials and cellulose. The liq. can be used as a nutrient solvent for solid (e.g. NPK) fertilisers, for spraying plant foliage, or in hydroponic processes.